1. Squaring the Circle: Implementing a Reading List Management System at NUI Galway
Hugo Kelly
Collection Management Librarian
James Hardiman Library
National University of Ireland, Galway

2. Content Current Practice RLMS implementation at NUI Galway
Outcomes & Lessons

3. Reading List Provision requires…
up to date timely information provided by an engaged academic community
library processes
budgets
availability of content/copyright
space
Integration with wider university systems e.g. Blackboard, CMS
Dervan, C. (2011). Evaluating Services and Specifications for Reading List: Systems: Project Report submitted to The Academic and National Library Training Co-operative Group. [online] ANTLC. Available at: [Accessed 14 Nov. 2017].

4. Current Reading List Practice in Irish University Libraries
Short survey of seven Irish Universities and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI)
It is something we do on a best effort basis but it is not a priority
It is important but we don't want it to take resources from other areas of our service
It is important but students are ultimately responsible for providing their own learning materials
It is very important but it is difficult to meet expectations and demand
It is very important and we should put more resources into the service

5. How do you currently manage reading list/high demand use?

6. Please rank in order the core 4 difficulties associated with reading list and high demand materials provision?

7. Case Study:
RLMS Implementation at NUI Galway

8. 1st Reading List Initiative
Academic staff formally asked to submit their reading list
indicate which titles were core and background reading
specific chapters students were to read
module code and class size
Library Staff taking responsibility:
Appropriate number of copies and loan status relative to class size
Shorter loan periods (1-day and 3-day) on open access
Purchase of e-book version
Scan of a single chapter or journal article for delivery via Blackboard

9. Libqual continues to improve
MG328 Human Resource Management 1455 views
AY104 Introduction to Financial Accounting 822 views
MD224 Central Nervous System 881 views

10. In reality… Staff time involved in checking lists quite considerable
No dedicated staff
Duplication of effort - if the same list is submitted year after year, it will be checked multiple times
Working outside of Library and University systems
Capturing only a fraction of available lists
Data on active modules difficult to obtain
Some modules don’t have reading lists (e.g. thesis preparation, placements, practical modules)
Circulation statistics show steady decline in borrowing
39% less Loans in 2014/15 than in 2011/12

11. Blackboard Reading Resources
Reading List Ecosystem
Module added to CMS
Blackboard
Library
Loan Status Changes
Digitisation
Acquisitions
Students
University Bookshop
Blackboard Reading Resources
AKARI Reading List

12. Library Collection Development
RLMS
Ecosystem
CMS Module (AKARI)
University
Bookshop
Dynamic
Reading List (RLMS)
Library Collection Development
Link from
Blackboard
Digitisation
Students

13. TALIS: RLMS pilot programme
Functionality:
Single authoritative source of required readings
Can evolve throughout semester
No need for separate Library ordering
Easy creation
Reports of student engagement with lists
Improve communication

14. Process
Academic requests invitation to use reading list system. Training/guides provided.
Academic creates and publishes list and adds in link from Blackboard.
Collection Development is notified.
Review Process.
Integrates with Catalogue and ordering system.
Check stock, new orders, loan status changes, digitisation requests, e-link checks
Team communicates any issues back to academic.
List can edited and republished. List will roll forward for new academic year.

15. Implementation Technical work Developing internal workflows
Weekly training and guides developed
Rollout June 2016
Strategy of early adopters
Target key disciplines/units

16. Outcomes & LESSONS

17. Reading Lists - Key Stats
No of Published Reading Lists inc. drafts
303
No of items checked
3958
Number of titles ordered
581
No of loan statuses changes
174
Digitisation requests
147
E-links checked
1695
Existing stock sufficient
531

18. Student Engagement 16/17 MG328 Human Resource Management 1455 views
MD224 Central Nervous System 881 views
AY104 Introduction to Financial Accounting 822 views

19. Academic Engagement Spectrum of reaction
New staff / part-time staff positive
Spoon-feeding argument
We already are doing this through Blackboard or other mechanisms
Lack of follow through after training
Functionality could be more seamless

20. Our Response… Cooperation – meeting staff half way
Promote via e-books and library resources
Library support argument
Improved level of service
Word of mouth is effective
Focussed follow-up after training
Use of collection policies (“stick approach”)

21. Squaring the Circle
An RLMS systemises the provision of learning materials
Itemises “hidden” processes and links the Library to the teaching curriculum and University systems
Procedural and possibly structural changes are required to support an RLMS
There will be legacy issues that will be difficult to change
Academic engagement is incremental
Professionally rewarding