Library and Information Science Commons^™

Library Response To Black Liberation Collective: A Review Of Student Calls For Change And Implications For Anti-Racist Initiatives In Academic Libraries, Lumarie Guth, Amy Bocko, Micha Broadnax

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

This article examines seven case studies concerning college libraries addressing demands collated by the Black Liberation Collective in 2015. Six years out from the publication of the lists, we evaluate statements issued by the libraries and posted on their websites, the promises that have been made to address inequities, and the ensuing actions the libraries have taken to create a welcoming, inclusive community. In solidarity with the protests’ student activists at universities across the United States and Canada organized into the Black Liberation Collective and held the first #StudentBlackoutOut day of protests on university campuses on November 15 followed by …

Re: Structuring, Organizing, Inventing, And Imagining Technical Services, Geraldine Rinna, Marianne Swierenga, Emily Gross

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

Western Michigan University Libraries migrated to the cloud in 2015 with a new integrated library system (ILS) and discovery layer. In 2016, the Libraries began discussing a complete reorganization. This presentation will outline the changes that occurred in WMU's Technical Services Department as a result of the ILS migration and new overall organizational structure in the Libraries, and how technical services faculty and staff have adapted and seized the opportunity to reinvent the department.

Telepresence Robotics In An Academic Library: A Study Of Exposure And Adaptation Among Patrons And Employees, Lumarie Guth, Patricia F. Vander Meer

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

Purpose

Librarians are working with telepresence robotics for various uses, particularly as a communication method inhabiting a space between video chat and face-to-face interactions. The library at Western Michigan University partnered with the Western Michigan University Communication and Social Robotics Lab to showcase this emerging technology in a high-traffic setting utilized by students of every level and major. The purpose of this paper is to discuss patron reactions to this technology exhibition in the library, beta testing of a telepresence robot in various public services tasks, and library employee attitudes toward this unfamiliar technology before and after one-on-one training.

Design/methodology/approach …

Work Of The Web Weavers: Web Development In Academic Libraries, Maira Bundza, Patricia Fravel Vander Meer, Maria A. Perez-Stable

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

Although the library’s Web site has become a standard tool for seeking information and conducting research in academic institutions, there are a variety of ways libraries approach the often challenging — and sometimes daunting — process of Web site development and maintenance. Three librarians at Western Michigan University explored issues related to this topic by conducting a Web-based survey, which was sent to two librarians — Web services and reference / public services — at 149 academic institutions. Survey findings are discussed, including references to Web departments and committees, priority setting, Web authoring, soliciting input, outsourcing, content management systems, redesigns, …