Resource Sharing Begins at Home Opportunities for Library Partnerships on a University Campus Robert A. Seal Dean of University Libraries Loyola University Chicago October 3, 2015
Typical academic library resource sharing Interlibrary loan Reciprocal borrowing Document delivery Group acquisitions
Overview Why collaborate? Goals & benefits of collaboration Pro’s and con’s Establishing a relationship Examples of library-campus cooperation
Today’s environment Declining budgets Increased user demands Complex, decentralized institutions Libraries expected to contribute
Examples of institutional library cooperation Tutoring & writing centers Information technology Centers for teaching excellence Student development Academic units
Goals of collaboration Strengthen interdepartmental communication Improved service Student success Demonstrate value Support library and campus missions Raise visibility
Advantages & opportunities Enhancement of student learning and success Closer ties with other units Improved access to information Seamless, convenient user services Aiding student retention More involvement in campus life Better support from administration Increased use of library resources and services
Challenges to collaboration Multiple budgets & supervision Loss of flexibility Funding Heavy individual workloads Culture shock Developing the MOU
Evaluating Potential Partnerships Ultimate goals? Unmet needs? How will service be improved? Service when and where? Required resources? Are staff available? Have others tried it?
Establishing the relationship Create written proposal Identify potential partners Find common interests and goals Outline service components Define operational details Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Next steps Start small! Test & evaluate Close communication Steering committee Regular assessment
Example: Information Commons Library and Information Technology Writing center, tutoring, media One-stop shopping, longer hours Study, relax, research, expert help
Loyola University Chicago Commons Three C philosophy Collaboration Connectivity Community
Example: Information Technology Library technology support Institutional repositories Faculty workshops Scholarly communication Software acquisition System implementation
Example: The Writing Center Common goal: student success Writing skills & classwork Help with research Work with faculty Evaluating sources Avoiding plagiarism
Example: Academic departments Teaching & student learning Classroom presentations Assignment design Course management systems Team teaching Library committees Dissertation workshops
Example: Centers for Teaching Excellence Improve pedagogy Use of media/technology Online teaching Syllabi Web development Newsletters Discussion groups Course development
Librarians & Teaching Centers Course integrated library instruction Better library assignments Library resources Copyright Scholarly communication Open access publishing Online teaching courses
Example: Student Development Ensuring academic integrity Co-curricular activities Tutoring, writing Presentation skills Research help
Other areas for campus collaboration Digital humanities Alumni Affairs Offices of Diversity University Advancement Office of Sponsored Research Students with disabilities
Campus Resource Sharing: Conclusion Be collaborative not competitive!
Thank you! Robert A. Seal Loyola University Chicago