Post on 01-Apr-2015
transcript
BIG CHALLENGES (& OPPORTUNITIES) FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CE INITIATIVE FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University
Communications
Image How do we interact/communicate? Cultural intelligence Future oriented
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Is the library central or peripheral? Are you considered a change agent?
Topic A: How are/can librarians be deemed fundamental to achieving broad institutional goals?
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Created the 24/7 experience Developed specific and unique
connections with student life Seen as innovative technology leaders
e.g. Information Commons, Student Multimedia Center
Early leader in campus digitization efforts
Some examples from SMU’s Central University Libraries
Examples, cont.
Strong faculty support Close relationship with central technology
support services – successful partnerships Special Collections involved with faculty
for both programming and research support
Connections within the administrative community e.g. partnering with Human Resources, News & Information
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
CUL’s Strategic Plan
Title is a riff on SMU’s new capital campaign theme “SMU Unbridled: the Second Century Campaign”
Opportunity to demonstrate how the libraries are in sync with both higher education and the University
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Image – look the part – gauge your culture Positional status – Deanship essential Partnerships with other Deans
Topic B: How do librarians gain credibility within the institution?
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Strategies
Do not shy away from the big assignments e.g. chairing search committees or taking on university-wide responsibilities, such as accreditation
Volunteer – do not wait to be asked! Create networks of advocacy e.g. faculty,
students, parents, board of advisors Be available to represent the University in
any number of forums
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Strategies, cont.
Seed your able, inspiring young librarians into university-wide committees
Use objective data sources/consultants when documenting needs
Support the Institution DO NOT WHINE Combine patience with speed at taking
opportunities when presented SHOW UP
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Develop a philosophy or vision that is short, identifiable, clear, and congruent with the University’s
mission/vision/culture – your elevator speech
e.g. “for the next 5 years, CUL will be
focusing on ‘customer service’”– that is a mantra of two words!Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE
Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
The Starbucks Experience: 5 principles for Turning Ordinary into
ExtraordinaryJoseph A. Michelli, McGraw Hill,
2007.
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Principles: Make it your own Everything matters Surprise and delight Embrace Resistance Leave your mark
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Patron-directed acquisition as part of the overall collection development policy Shopping baskets Accompanying patrons to the stacks when lost Custom delivery of some materials Transforming the reference desk experience
Some CUL Examples
Conclusion
Envision Energize Enable Educate Embrace change
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU
Thank You!
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries | Gillian McCombs, SMU
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University