Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Planning And The Future Of The Academic Library: An Annotated Bibliography, Gregory A. Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Academic libraries have changed significantly in recent years. At least to some extent, their evolution has been the product of planning rather than passive acceptance of, or reactive response to, environmental conditions. This document introduces readers to nearly 20 sources—representing the fields of business, higher education, and library/information science—that convey important insights into library planning. Academic library planning increasingly reflects a context in which educational and other institutions are held accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. Planning presumes the existence of useful data streams. Successful implementation of a strategic plan entails attention to organizational development and budget planning. Library …

Planning And The Future Of The Academic Library: An Annotated Bibliography, Gregory Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Academic libraries have changed significantly in recent years. At least to some extent, their evolution has been the product of planning rather than passive acceptance of, or reactive response to, environmental conditions. This document introduces readers to nearly 20 sources—representing the fields of business, higher education, and library/information science—that convey important insights into library planning. Academic library planning increasingly reflects a context in which educational and other institutions are held accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. Planning presumes the existence of useful data streams. Successful implementation of a strategic plan entails attention to organizational development and budget planning. Library …

Developing An Academic Library Assessment Plan: A Case Study, Gregory A. Smith, Howard D. Tryon, Lori B. Snyder

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the process of developing an academic library assessment plan and its relation to the furtherance of a culture of assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative study of a university library’s assessment planning process; findings based on documentary evidence as well as an employee survey; analysis framed in relationship to relevant literature.

Findings

– Planning for the future of assessment offered the Jerry Falwell Library a significant opportunity for organizational change. Evaluations of the planning process were mixed, but generally revealed evidence of conditions associated with the development of a culture of assessment. …

Following The Evidence: Approaches To Assessment In Academic Libraries, Gregory A. Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

In an environment of strained budgets and heightened accountability, academic libraries need to base their planning, decision-making, and advocacy on evidence more than ever before. Fortunately, the resources required to collect, analyze, and visualize data—thus turning it into evidence—are increasingly accessible. This session will challenge participants to grow in their handling of evidence by exposing them to a range of data sources and analysis tools. In order to accomplish this goal, the presenter will share brief sketches of a number of recent library assessment efforts, focusing on projects with which he has been involved personally. The session’s brevity will preclude …

Retooling The Profession: Librarianship In An Era Of Accountability And Competition, Gregory A. Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Librarianship has changed substantially in recent years. We who work in libraries must continually acquire new knowledge and skills. We must adapt to the reality that academic libraries, along with their parent institutions, face increased accountability. The functions that many of us have thought to be at the core of our profession are slipping from our grasp and will leave behind a mere managerial role. Nevertheless, many academic libraries will find a viable future by adopting and taking seriously the role of supporting learning. As we look at disruptive innovators in the information and learning scene, we should consider carefully …