• TriUniversity Group of Libraries: Experiences and Lessons from a Comprehensive Collaborative Initiative

      Ridley, Michael; Gillham, Virginia; Shepherd, Murray; Haslett, Mark; University of Guelph; Wilfrid Laurier University; University of Waterloo (1998-04-23)
      In January 1995 the Tri-University Group of Libraries (Wilfrid Laurier, Guelph and Waterloo) was formed as a collaborative partnership to enable the coordination of their services and resources in such a manner that the three libraries were perceived and experienced by their user community as a single library serving the needs of the three institutions. This presentation will explore the key administrative and leadership experiences of the collaboration outlining the need to adopt new organizational techniques and evolve new organizational cultures if such collaborations are to be successful.
    • Testing for Usability in the Design of a New Information Gateway

      Clairmont, Michelle; Dickstein, Ruth; Mills, Vicki; The University of Arizona Library (1998-04-23)
      Seeking to understand user's needs, assumptions, and on-line behavior was critical in the design of The University of Arizona's new Information Gateway system. Focus groups helped direct the initial design and then usability studies shaped the prototypes and the end product. We will discuss both the methodology and the results of these studies.
    • Recipe for Change

      Swinton, Cordelia; Coopey, Barbara; Harwell, Joyce; Pennsylvania State University (1998-04-23)
      Interlibrary Loan staff were suffocating under a heavy burden of an ever increasing workload. Was it possible to change from an environment where the process controlled the staff, to an atmosphere where staff control the process? Interlibrary Loan had to get ready for change. Staff needed time to shift from being apprehensive about change, to embracing it as solution for a better workplace. A Continuous Quality Improvement Team was formed, out of which emerged a new culture and a new structure. The reorganization formed two process teams (Borrowing and Lending) and a management team (Coordinating). Interlibrary Loan had to get set for change. Reorganization into teams removed many familiar routines and structures that apply meaning to one's job. Each team member sought to define his role as he learned to work unsupervised in a team-directed atmosphere. Interlibrary Loan changes. Interlibrary Loan staff members successfully moved from an environment where the process controlled the staff, to an atmosphere were staff control the process. During this transition, staff members gained invaluable experience in teamwork and developed quality service guidelines. Equipped with these new skills, ILL Teams are prepared and empowered to meet the challenges of continuous change. This is Penn State Interlibrary Loan's recipe for incorporating change. This is what worked for us. Instead of trying to make our department fit into a textbook team structure, we took the concept of teams and teamwork and applied them to our office culture, working within the University Libraries' hierarchical structure.
    • Overcoming Organizational Barriers and Preparing for the Future Through Consortial Partnerships

      van Reenen, Johann; University of New Mexico (1998-04-23)
      Which electronic product/service has your library purchased recently? How was it selected, who (or which group/committee) was involved, who made the decision, and how long did it take? This presentation will analyze the results and/or ongoing experiences from a variety of information partnerships and joint ventures. It will explore whether there are organizational models that better facilitate the purchase or licensing of electronic products/services and consortial leadership than others. As well, we will explore the emerging role of chaos and complexity theories on team decision making and risk taking.
    • Implementing an Assessment Plan for Information Literacy

      Brancolini, Kristine R.; Heyns, Erla P.; Indiana University (1998-04-23)
      The "Assessment Plan for Information Literacy" at Indiana University Bloomington asserts the need for the teaching faculty to form partnerships with librarians to ensure an acceptable level of information literacy for all students. Several projects for implementing the plan will be presented, along with a case study on one School.
    • Circulation 2000: How to Focus Departmental Resources to Meet the Challenges in an Ever-Changing Environment

      Maloy, Frances; Shiel, Catherine M.; Emory University (1998-04-22)
      This presentation outlines the planning, design and implementation processes used to redesign the Circulation and Reserve Units of the Woodruff Library at Emory University. Managing the changes resulting from the redesign will also be described. The presenters will highlight what they learned from their successes and failures throughout the 2+ year period.
    • Changing Organizational Partnerships to Build an Information Literacy Program in the Extended Campus Environment

      Wykoff, Leslie; Diller, Karen; Washington State University Vancouver (1998-04-21)
      At WSU Vancouver, the Library, Computing and Educational Television Departments merged into the cohesive service organization called Vancouver Information Services (VIS), enabling the campus to develop and integrate program in information literacy. This paper will review the trials and triumphs of merging information technology departments and show how VIS is integral to the campus information literacy goals.
    • Building a Culture of Assessment in Academic Libraries

      Wilson, Betsy; University of Washington Libraries (1998-04-22)
      For academic libraries to succeed in the new educational and information environment, they have to become more client focused, more efficient and more effective in delivering their services. Libraries have to take responsibility to incorporate into their work environment a culture of ongoing assessment, and the willingness to make decisions based on facts and sound analysis. This session will examine ways to build a culture of assessment into the academic library environment.
    • Training For Transition: A Training Program For Staff Transitioning To Public Services

      DeFranco, Francine M.; University of Connecticut (1998-04-23)
      This presentation will outline the training program established at the University of Connecticut, Regional Campus Libraries. The purpose of this program is to prepare technical services staff moving to public services positions and to enhance the skills of reference librarians assuming new responsibilities as a result of strategic initiatives and new services. The presentation will include discussion of the proposal, needs assessment questionnaire, and training topics.