Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Election Guide: Make It Local!, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Participants will be introduced to my Election Guide https://libguides.mnsu.edu/voting which has information about where to vote (polling place locators) and how to vote (in terms of eligibility). In addition, my guide links to fact checkers, campaign donations sites, and other resources on Election 2024, including links to how MN is responding to climate change, for one example.

Subject-Package Measures To Understand The Value Provided By Journal Packages, Heidi J. Southworth, Evan Rusch, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

At Minnesota State University Mankato (MNSU), we have been exploring new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for journal packages. Most recently, we started developing subject-package measures as a category, including as a measure of utility or as a measure of supply. Although we could previously combine filters per subject and per package, this caused us to narrow data to a single subject. Now, we can display the results for all subjects and packages as one table, which empowers us to make comparisons easily, to understand the value we gain from our packages better, and to see any subject impacts of cancellations …

Novelty Visualizations Of Collections Data: Real Impact Or Comic Interlude?, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Evan Rusch

Library Services Publications

Nat and Evan have experimented with a new approach to data visualization using Dall-E 3, an image generation tool. The goal has been to create data illustrations, like charts, but using images. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach as demonstrated through numerous examples.

Negotiation: One Library Spills The Beans, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

Nat Gustafson-Sundell describes 7 factors contributing to his practice of license negotiation, including examples from actual negotiations.

Post Cancellation Access Journal Collections To Improve Library Services, Pat Lienemann, Annalis Luck, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

Post Cancellation Access (PCA) journal collections can improve library services. Other libraries can take better advantage of the PCA rights they negotiate and serve as better stewards of the rights they acquire. At the Electronic Resources Minnesota (ERMN) conference in 2022, we demonstrated how to create and maintain PCA collections using the Alma library management system. These collections are useful for several purposes and contribute directly to how we perform holdings analysis.

In this Charleston 2023 presentation, we demonstrate both how to create these collections and how to use them to support core library functions, including collection development and even …

Ai As A License Review Assistant, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

I will present the steps we have taken to develop a prototype AI assistant for license review. I’ll explain our criteria for the selection of an AI tool for this project. We reviewed ChatGPT, Claude 2, Bard, and PDF readers. My goal was to develop an initial prototype in a Jupyter Notebook environment so I could easily re-load context information, including a license checklist, but I’ll explain why I revised this goal, instead to linger over license review interactions with ChatBots. I’ll discuss early results, demonstrate example license review interactions, and outline my next steps.

Site Definitions And Transfer Obligations, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

When licensing journals at Minnesota State University Mankato, we prioritize risk mitigation and, especially, cost containment. We can directly reduce the risk of unbudgeted costs by addressing site definitions and transfer obligations. In this presentation, we explain our approaches to each of these terms.

Wikimedia And Beyond: Linked Data Projects In Minnesota, Greta Bahnemann, Theresa Berger, Bri Krumwiede, Sara Ring, Heidi J. Southworth

Library Services Publications

How many linked data conference sessions have you attended where the benefits of linked data to libraries were discussed, with the ultimate goal of leading to better visibility for libraries? These sessions likely mentioned research initiatives at large, well-resourced institutions such as the Library of Congress and OCLC Research. But then the post-conference reality sets in and linked data applications in the real world seem almost unattainable. Join us to learn about some of the more approachable and practical implementations of linked data in libraries. We have discovered that one of the best ways to learn about the impact of …

The Library & Generative Ai, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Mark Mccullough

Library Services Publications

A demonstration of several AI tools, including ChatGPT, ChatPDF, Consensus, and more. The focus of the session is on potential student uses of the tools and related library initiatives, so we address the limits of ChatGPT as an information source. Librarians can help students learn how to use these tools responsibly and provide leadership on campus as AI is integrated into assignments.

The Collections Pbi: Interactive Data Visualization For Campus Outreach, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Evan Rusch, Pat Lienemann, Jeff Rosamond

Library Services Publications

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, we have developed a new approach to collections outreach utilizing interactive data visualization in Microsoft Power BI. The new tool, which we call the Collections PBI, empowers us to demonstrate very clearly and vividly the library's value to campus. The Collections PBI can be used for a variety of purposes, including collection development and collection evaluation, for program review and accreditation. We will demonstrate the Collections PBI and talk about how we are using it to support collections outreach and other library priorities. We'll also discuss design and development issues so others can see how …

Montana, Challenged Books And Responses, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Why are books being challenged in Montana? How are library's responding? What are the outcomes? What's the future hold? Kellian Clink will share results from a November 2022 survey that queried Montana Librarians about kinds of challenges & responses,

Montana Fire Prevention And Public Libraries, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Nothing is scarier than a fire. Being ready with a plan, a rehearsal, a communication scenario, thinking though the critters, the kids, the drive though a fire makes a difference. Kellian will share Montana's Firewise Programs and synthesize tips from many states' plans to make homes, families, and the aftermath easier. Public Librarians can play an important part in the fire prevention education scenario.

"But I'M Not An Engineer"...Collaboration Between A Librarian And An Upper Division Project-Based Engineering Program, Heidi J. Southworth, Rebecca Bates, Robert Sleezer

Library Services Publications

Since 2013, a librarian at Minnesota State University, Mankato has collaborated with faculty and students in an upper division project-based engineering program. While having several years of experience in university libraries plus advanced degrees in history, the librarian had a limited background in science, engineering, and technology, and lacked a formal engineering degree. At first glance, this match may appear to be a recipe for failure. Indeed, in those first few years, the librarian’s angst about the missing engineering degree caused many sleepless nights of worry and concern. However, there came a time when the words “but I am not …

"But I'M Not An Engineer"...Collaboration Between A Librarian And An Upper Division Project-Based Engineering Program, Heidi J. Southworth, Rebecca Bates, Robert Sleezer

Library Services Publications

Since 2013, a librarian at Minnesota State University, Mankato has collaborated with faculty and students in an upper division project-based engineering program. While having several years of experience in university libraries plus advanced degrees in history, the librarian had a limited background in science, engineering, and technology, and lacked a formal engineering degree. At first glance, this match may appear to be a recipe for failure. Indeed, in those first few years, the librarian’s angst about the missing engineering degree caused many sleepless nights of worry and concern. However, there came a time when the words “but I am not …

Navigating Your Rights & Responsibilities To Image Resources On The Open Web And In The Library, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

Students and the public often need to use image resources for a variety of applications, but they may not have a strong understanding of their rights and responsibilities to online and print image resources, especially for creative and commercial purposes. They may also not realize that there are image resources other than, and often better than Google Images. My library cancelled an expensive image database about ten years ago. Afterward, I developed an image resources libguide and instruction session about image resources in consultation with several Art & Design faculty. The libguide presents a curated, free collection as a superior …

Post Cancellation Access Collections To Improve Er Troubleshooting And Collection Development, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Pat Lienemann, Annalis Luck

Library Services Publications

Post Cancellation Access Collections to Improve ER Troubleshooting and Collection Development

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, we actively maintain and reconcile Post Cancellation Access (PCA) Collections in the Alma Library Management System (LMS). These collections enable us to distinguish permanent holdings from leased holdings, which would go away if we stopped subscribing. In consequence, (1) our troubleshooting burden is reduced, (2) we can judge the value of our subscriptions more accurately, and (3) we can pursue collection development projects and reporting more quickly, with deeper understanding.

We will demonstrate our process to gather information from vendors and to set up …

How We Implemented Alma Licensing To Manage Electronic Resources More Effectively And Efficiently, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Lisa Baures, Pat Lienemann

Library Services Publications

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, we pursued a project to improve license management and to utilize the Alma Library Management System. We met as a team to develop a framework for codifying license terms and terminology and to develop plans to migrate licenses to Alma. The goals of the project included: (1) contractually required public display of terms, (2) comprehensive replacement of licenses on a five year cycle, as required by Minn State, and (3) uniform re-negotiation of license terms as university and system needs evolve.

We will share:

• our tool developed to help guide library workers through the journal …

Library Study Spaces And Accessibility, Jessica Schomberg, Elizabeth Harsma, Prajita Chauhan, Oscar Gonzalez

Library Services Publications

To understand the library study space needs of students with disabilities by thinking about study spaces through a disability lens and using theory-based interview questions to conduct a qualitative exploration of student needs related to the accessibility of study spaces. Recommendations are provided.

Asking The Right Questions: Accessibility And Library Study Rooms, Jessica Schomberg, Christopher R. Corley

Library Services Publications

This article assists administrators who want to ensure their libraries are inclusive of people with disabilities but don’t know where to start. We argue that organizations should understand not only the basic dimensions of ADA law but also dimensions of disability. They should also become familiar with multiple domains of disability and proactively incorporate reflective questions posed by researchers and advocates into the library space planning process. The article uses examples of common missteps in the development of study rooms with some reflection on how to learn from the experience.

Archivesspace Adventures: A Migration, Adam Stephen Guy Smith, Heidi J. Southworth

Library Services Publications

On February 4, 2019, the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato successfully launched a new archival tool for our patrons called ArchivesSpace. While this at first glance may not seem like a big deal, the journey that the archives undertook to transform this search tool from a set of static HTML pages (all 700+ of them) to an easy-to-use search engine contained danger around every corner. The team had to fend off lions, tigers, and bears and had to blaze a path through a thick forest of metadata and archival records. The journey traveled …

New Developments For Journal Package Analysis And Data Visualization, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Pat Lienemann, Luwis A.R.R. Andradi, Evan Rusch, Jeff Rosamond

Library Services Publications

What metrics are most useful for comparing journal packages?

What data visualizations enable the most insight into the value of these packages?

How can libraries produce these kinds of reports, including data visualizations, as efficiently as possible?

Over the last several years at Minnesota State University, Mankato, we have iteratively developed standardized reports for journal collection development, outreach, and academic program support. We previously presented an early version of our package-level analysis reports, where we focused on how to use Tableau for data visualization. Now, we will demonstrate new and improved reports, with new package-level and subject-level metrics leading to …

Community History In Minnesota During A Pandemic: What Comes Next?, Adam Stephen Guy Smith, Daardi Sizemore Mixon

Library Services Publications

Three Minnesota cultural heritage organizations developed distinctly different community history projects to document the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anoka County Historical Society distributed monthly surveys asking questions relevant to the community at the time while encouraging the public to submit documentation for the archives. Hennepin County Library rapidly expanded its nascent web archiving program to capture websites of Minneapolis and suburban community organizations affected by and responding to the pandemic. Minnesota State University, Mankato developed a community history project that incorporated the international student experience to explore how our students and their families responded to the pandemic throughout the summer.

This presentation …

Documenting A Pandemic: Covid-19 Community History Project, Daardi Sizemore Mixon

Library Services Publications

Welcome to the presentation, “Documenting a Pandemic: COVID-19 Community History Project” at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

My name is Daardi Sizemore Mixon and I’m the University Archivist at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

While I am presenting today, this project (and presentation) would not be possible without the work of my colleagues, Adam Smith, Heidi Southworth, and Anne Stenzel. My presentation today is based on one we provided to our University Administration earlier this summer.

Today, I will be providing an overview of our project; a little about our project management; some project outcomes; and some final thoughts on the project.

Using Libapps To Manage The Covid-19 Community History Project, Daardi Sizemore Mixon, Adam Stephen Guy Smith, Heidi J. Southworth, Anne Stenzel

Library Services Publications

In this presentation, we will be providing an overview of our project; how we utilized LibApps; some project outcomes; and some final thoughts on using LibApps for this project.

Look For The Helpers: Public Libraries And The Homeless: A Literature Review, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

I wanted you to have a narrative to accompany my presentation. My name is Kellian Clink and I have been a librarian for 34 years, 2 of them at a public library in Geneva, Illinois. I love coming to PNLA every year and try to concoct something that would be of interest to you. I am from Wyoming so I love coming West every year and will miss being with you in person this year.

Last year, everyone was talking about the homeless in their libraries so this year, I thought I would outline some of the findings from research …

Archon To Aspace: Adventures In Archives Migration, Adam Stephen Guy Smith, Heidi J. Southworth, Tom Tran, Daniel Vang

Library Services Publications

In August 2018, the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato decided to migrate our finding aids and collection information from a hidden ARCHON database to a publicly available ArchivesSpace instance. This time sensitive decision was made with no budget available and in the midst of both a library system migration (Aleph to Alma/Primo) and an entire University website migration that affected us more than we initially thought. Three migrations is no big deal, right? This session will talk about our migration from design to implementation to “Oops! Where did that go?” We will share …

Automating Collection Analysis Data Visualization In Jupyter Notebook: What's Possible And Why Would You Do It, Pat Lienemann, Luwis A.R.R. Andradi, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Evan Rusch

Library Services Publications

NOTE: In order to see the full presenter’s notes, you must download and open in Acrobat Reader. The presenter’s notes will be cut-off if the PDF is viewed in some browsers.

Data visualizations help librarians see through the clutter of collection analysis metrics, and can be very useful for outreach to academic partners. Automating the production of data visualizations in Jupyter Notebook from standardized data inputs enables us to produce more reports for more academic departments, which increases our impact.

Diversifying Collections, Jessica Schomberg

Library Services Publications

Hands-on activity to help participants find a diversity of materials to support their communities and expand their collections. This will range from identifying relevant book and media awards to finding ways to promote these materials. We will also include discussion of how to advocate for policy statements expressing the value of diverse, accessible collections as well as ways to advocate for funds to support these collections. Participants will be encouraged to share their insights.

Primo Glitches And Fixes, Pat Lienemann, Casey Duevel

Library Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Libraries As Sustainability Leaders: Ala's Special Task Force, René Tanner, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Monika Antonelli, Adrian K. Ho

Library Services Publications

This article discusses the work of the American Library Association (ALA) Special Task Force on Sustainability, which identified 52 recommendations, including the adoption of sustainability as a core value of librarianship. The group aims to promote libraries as catalysts, connectors, and conveners to promote sustainability, resilience, and regeneration. The Task Force is guided by the concept of the triple bottom line, which states that an organization's practices must be not only economically feasible but also socially equitable and environmentally sound. The article also provides examples of how libraries engage in sustainable practices to support the cities and towns they serve.