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Full-Text Articles in Library and Information Science
Developing An Academic Library Assessment Plan: A Case Study, Gregory A. Smith, Howard D. Tryon, Lori B. Snyder
Developing An Academic Library Assessment Plan: A Case Study, Gregory A. Smith, Howard D. Tryon, Lori B. Snyder
Gregory A. Smith
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. …
Assessment In Academic Libraries, Gregory Smith
Assessment In Academic Libraries, Gregory Smith
Gregory A. Smith
Academic library assessment has a rich history, its roots being traceable to a time when today’s information technologies were beyond the realm of imagination. The field has developed at an accelerating pace for more than 40 years, fueled by scholarly and creative output within and beyond the field of library/information science. Prevailing economic, political, and technological conditions have already thrust assessment into the mainstream of academic library operations around the world, and this trend is unlikely to be reversed. In the past 20 years, advocates for library assessment have developed new venues for intellectual exchange, launching conferences and journals focused …
Robots In The Library: Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems, Lowell Walters, Thomas Fesmire, Gregory Smith
Robots In The Library: Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems, Lowell Walters, Thomas Fesmire, Gregory Smith
Gregory A. Smith
While ASRS (automated storage and retrieval system) installations in libraries are not new, Liberty University’s was distinctive on several fronts: The ASRS vendor had no previous experience in libraries; the library aggressively chose to store some 70% of its main library collection in the ASRS; bins with books were preloaded as construction progressed, allowing for rapid ingestion into the ASRS and subsequent launch of regular retrieval; and the ASRS is a technological showpiece of the new library building. The speakers look at the planning, collection analysis, software development, loading and ingestion, and ILS management.
Planning A New Library Building: The Critical Role Of Data, Gregory Smith
Planning A New Library Building: The Critical Role Of Data, Gregory Smith
Gregory A. Smith
Liberty University’s new main library is scheduled to open in 2013-14, following years of assessment, planning, and construction. Design of the building’s spaces and services relied on analysis of a wide range of data covering user attributes, industry trends, and collection attributes, and use of facilities, equipment, and resources. In this session, a member of the library’s building planning committee will help participants reflect on the critical connections between stakeholders, data, and design.
Following The Evidence: Approaches To Assessment In Academic Libraries, Gregory A. Smith
Following The Evidence: Approaches To Assessment In Academic Libraries, Gregory A. Smith
Gregory A. Smith
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
Retooling The Profession: Librarianship In An Era Of Accountability And Competition, Gregory A. Smith
Gregory A. Smith
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 …
A Survey Of Religious Book Publishing With Implications For Collection Development In Christian College Libraries, Gregory A. Smith
A Survey Of Religious Book Publishing With Implications For Collection Development In Christian College Libraries, Gregory A. Smith
Gregory A. Smith
Discusses five sources of religious books. Profiles the religious book publishing industry. Describes a delicate balance between ministry and industry. Situates religious book publishing in its cultural context. Discusses implications for collection development in libraries at evangelical Christian colleges.
Christian Publishing: A Panel Discussion, Dennis Hillman, Mark Hunt, Jim Kinney, Jon Pott, Gregory Smith
Christian Publishing: A Panel Discussion, Dennis Hillman, Mark Hunt, Jim Kinney, Jon Pott, Gregory Smith
Gregory A. Smith
The 2007 conference of the Association of Christian Librarians convened in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the campus of Cornerstone University. Conference planners invited representatives of four prominent Christian publishers headquartered there (Baker, Eerdmans, Kregel, and Zondervan) to participate in a panel discussion on June 13. The panelists’ 65-minute exchange is transcribed here in slightly abbreviated form. At the beginning of the discussion, panelists were asked to reflect on general trends in the Christian publishing industry. This led naturally to a lengthy conversation about the publishers’ involvement in the creation and licensing of ebooks and other digital products. Finally, panelists were …