The Integration of Libraries and Academic Computing at Columbia: New Opportunities for Internal and External Collaboration

ABSTRACT

Over the past decade, the libraries and academic computing units at Columbia have been brought together to form a new information services organization. This article will trace the history and current state of IT and library relationships at Columbia University. The expanding collaboration among academic computing services, their deeper partnership and integration with library programs, the working relationship with campus administrative computing, and participation in national and international projects will be described and evaluated.     

The Emerging Library: Structure,Culture, and Lessons Learned from the Dissolution of a Combined Libraries–IT Organization

ABSTRACT

In 1997 the University of Southern California merged campus technology operations and the libraries into the USC Information Services Division (ISD). When the university dissolved ISD in 2006, the USC Libraries became a stand-alone entity for the first time in a decade. This article describes the USC Libraries’ approach to rebuilding an identity as an active partner in teaching, learning, and research at USC. It outlines the planning process used to develop a new organizational structure, highlights practical and cultural challenges that followed the dissolution, and describes several significant lessons learned.     

Research Consultations: Enhancing Library Research Skills

SUMMARY

Libraries support a number of instructional programs, including the use of individualized instructional sessions. Research consultations offered by the Mississippi State University Libraries are individualized research sessions designed to meet the information needs of the user or client. Sessions may provide basic information for undergraduates, advanced searching techniques for pre-dissertation graduate students, or serve as an overview of related resources for new faculty. Information concerning the structure and performance expectations for the service is discussed. Data from a year's use of the service are analyzed to identify the client base and to explore successful marketing strategies for the service.     

The Library–Information Technology Partnership: Challenges and Solutions

ABSTRACT

The Klarchek Information Commons is a collaboration between Loyola University Libraries and Information Technology Services (ITS). The Information Commons has been open almost 2 years and was in the planning stages for almost 2 years before its grand opening in January 2008. During that period the library and ITS have learned how to work together to successfully operate this new service hub on campus. In this article, the authors look at the challenges faced by the two groups and how they resolved problems and faced the challenges inherent in running a large, complex, service-oriented organization.     

Developing E-Science and Research Services and Support at the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Libraries

ABSTRACT

This article describes the development and implementation of e-science and research support services in the Health Sciences Libraries (HSL) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). A review of the broader e-science initiatives within the UMN demonstrates the needs and opportunities that the University Libraries face while building knowledge, skills, and capacity to support e-research. These experiences are being used by the University Libraries administration and HSL to apply support for the growing needs of researchers in the health sciences. Several research areas that would benefit from enhanced e-science support are described. Plans to address the growing e-research needs of health sciences researchers are also discussed.     

Graduate student confidence following a for-credit systematic review course pilot

Background:In 2015, librarians at Purdue University began fielding requests from many disciplines to consult or collaborate on systematic review projects, and in 2016, health sciences librarians led the launch of a formal systematic review service. In 2019, Purdue University Libraries was reorganized as the Libraries and School of Information Studies (PULSIS) and assigned its own course designation, ILS. The increase in calls for systematic review services and the ability to teach ILS courses inspired the development of a credit-bearing ILS systematic review course.Case presentation:We designed, taught, and assessed a one-credit systematic review course for graduate students, using a backward-design course development model and applying self-determination theoretical concepts into lessons, assignments, and assessments. Using qualitative pre- and post-assessments, we discovered a variety of themes around student motivations, expectations, and preferences for the course. In quantitative post-class assessments, students reported improved confidence in all systematic review processes, with the highest confidence in their ability to choose and use citation management managers, describe the steps in the systematic review process, and understand the importance of a reproducible and systematic search strategy.Conclusions:We considered our pilot a success. Next steps include testing 2- and 3-credit- hour models and working to formally integrate the course into departmental and certificate curriculums. This case report provides a model for course design principles, learning outcomes, and assessments that librarians and library administrators can use to adjust their systematic review services.     

Distance Education and Virtual Reference

Abstract

Texas A&M University Libraries has been testing virtual reference services since February 2004, but during the fall semester 2005, the Libraries began implementing and actively promoting the services to various target groups. Distance education students were identified as a primary target group for virtual reference services, and as of the fall semester 2005, approximately 1,600 students were enrolled in 190 distance education classes. This paper presents the Libraries plan for promoting virtual reference services to distance education students and faculty and for evaluating the plan.     

The digital library of Iberoamerica and the Caribbean: humanizing technological resources

In the last two decades, the University of Colima has worked out a very interesting project for information technologies development through its Coordination for Information Technologies (CIT) program. This has provided years of experience in the application of technologies for the academic community. After its designation as a UNESCO Regional Center, our university developed a very ambitious education and research plan that was submitted to one of UNESCO's educational programs. This project was approved as the “UNESCO Chair on New Information Technologies,” and it started working successfully with the “Diploma Course on Digital Libraries” 2 years ago.

The Diploma Course is part of the action taken toward the creation of a Great Iberoamerican and the Caribbean Digital Library. Today 144 trainers from 36 national libraries in Latin America and the Caribbean state members are receiving training courses based on the UNESCO methodology, which is comprised of the registration of digital objects, adherence to standards for audio and video digitization, and development of an international open-source software for information management.     

Instruction and Outreach at Colorado State University Libraries

Summary

The Colorado State University Libraries' instructional outreach services have undergone significant changes since the reorganization of Reference Services in January of 1998. The new organizational structure created a separate group for instruction, outreach and staff training, which includes the extended university programs position (distance learning), and a new position, the undergraduate instruction librarian. This new group gives the Libraries an avenue in which to provide focused instruction to the Colorado State University community and limited outreach to campus affiliates and the Fort Collins community. This article discusses outreach activities before and after the reorganization including services to specific populations such as African Americans, Hispanics, distance learning populations and extension services, undergraduates, and disabled students.     

From Assessment to Implementation: Using Qualitative Interviews to Inform Distance Learning Library Services

ABSTRACT

While broad assessment projects are often used to steer library strategic planning initiatives, this article will present the benefits of qualitative interviews with distance learning constituents as a framework for developing a focused vision and targeted services. This article will describe the planning and execution of an assessment project used to build a foundation for future library resources and services to target off-campus users. The benefits of this analysis will be detailed. Based on the data, implementation strategies were devised to strengthen and further develop the distance learning unit at Florida State University Libraries.     

Collection Assessment and Development Using B/NA Approcal Plan Referral Slips

Approval plans have created advantages in acquisition options for libraries. One specific option is the use of vendor approval plan services in retrospective collection development and in collection analysis. Blackwell North America, Inc. (B/NA) and Auburn University Libraries (AUL) have used approval slips in working together on retrospective collection development projects and have found that 21% of these slips produced orders. This process has allowed Auburn University Libraries to strengthen existing collections, support subject areas representing new curriculum, and has provided a means of collection assessment and evaluation in subject areas.     

Collections and systems: a new organizational paradigm for collection development

Collection development and the management of access to electronic resources in large academic libraries increasingly requires close cooperation between collection development librarians, public service librarians, and systems librarians and staff. Many libraries, both public and academic, have created new positions or converted existing ones with titles such as ‘electronic resources librarian’ or ‘electronic information coordinator.’ Two years ago, the Washington State University (WSU) Libraries decided to take a different approach to managing these two vital library functions by creating the new position of Assistant Director for Collections and Systems. This paper explores the convergence of collection development and systems in a research library. It sets forth the philosophical underpinnings of that convergence, and it discusses issues encountered in the integration of the two services in the WSU Libraries. Finally, it explores strategic issues for future collection development and management from the perspective of this new organizational paradigm. [1]     

Essential Collaboration

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as part of the academic library is central on the campus and succeeds with collaboration—in the library, across campus, in the community and region, throughout the state, and at the national level. The integrated components of GIS—hardware, software, data, people, and methods—provide a framework for collaboration. Initiated in 2001, the Geographic Information Systems & Maps Program at the University of Arkansas (UA) Libraries resulted from and developed through collaborative opportunities. The program, which is primarily web based, incorporates locally developed yet nationally recognized resources including Starting the Hunt—a guide to geospatial data on the Web—and GeoStor—a statewide, comprehensive and seamless geospatial data warehouse and delivery system. A model incorporating spheres of collaboration describes the nature and benefits of collaboration at the five different levels, as experienced in the UA Libraries. The model can guide other libraries proactively seeking opportunities of collaboration, in order to develop resources and services for a successful GIS program.     

Partners in Emerging Technology

Abstract

This paper discusses how the University of Wyoming Libraries have worked in partnership with the larger institution and its Outreach School to develop a strategic plan for the future of distance education at the University of Wyoming. This collaboration insures that distance learners receive comparable library services to on-campus learners. The authors focus on how the World Wide Web is utilized to provide library services to students, in particular to online students.     

The Implementation of a Renewal-Limits Policy at University Libraries,Northern Illinois University

Abstract

In 1991, the University Libraries of Northern Illinois University implemented a revised policy for renewals of library materials. Various system, staff, and patronrelated concerns required the access services department to adapt to immediate demands, then to seek longterm solutions. This case study examines the initial impact of the new policy, corrections, and new procedures that were adopted over time. It also examines ongoing issues related to renewals policy.     

Introduction

This introduction highlights the speakers and their topics presented at the Libraries eResource & Emerging Technologies Summit (formerly known as the MidSouth eResource Symposium) held at Mississippi State University (MSU) Libraries on August 3, 2012. The Summit was co-sponsored by EBSCO Information Services, North American Serials Interest Group's Continuing Education Committee, and MSU Libraries. Electronic resources continue to consume library budgets while remaining critical for today's researchers and students. Libraries must demonstrate their value and continually remind their stakeholders of the importance of these electronic resources and just how vital access to this digital information is. This year's Summit presentations focused on the acquisition, access, and management of eResources, and provided attendees with knowledge of new and emerging technologies related to electronic resources and the digital environment.     

Embracing Hybridity: The Merged Organization,Alt/Ac and Higher Education

ABSTRACT

This article is based upon a decade of experience as the director of a merged organization. It includes the author's insights he has gained while working as Dean of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Academic Libraries and as a founding member of the CLIR/CIOs group. The article suggests ways to think about the ecology of higher education in a digital age and what role libraries and allied departments in a college or university might play. It proposes that useful steps forward include inviting differently positioned and credentialed individuals into the world of libraries and working together with computing organizations to create temporary structures within which to revise ideas and approaches to our work.     

Collaborating with Information Technology: Implementing Web Search at the University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has used the Google Search Appliance (GSA) to provide search for the University's Web content. When the GSA license expired, the campus Information Technologies (IT) department and the University Libraries (UL) took the opportunity to collaborate on a re-launch of the service as a joint project. By collaborating closely with IT, the UL personnel gained insight and first-hand information on how to optimize the Libraries’ Web presence. Outcomes were positive, both in the resulting product and in building bridges between the work cultures.