current state of library organizations in dealing with e-resources impact of e-resources north...
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Current State of Library Organizations in Dealing
with E-Resources
Impact of E-ResourcesNorth Carolina Serials
Conference April 16, 2004
Presented by Janet L. Flowers
Head of Acquisitions
Academic Affairs Library University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill [email protected]
Themes
Natural area for serials realm Focus upon provision of intellectual content Technical now under better control than
public presentation and training
Organization
Requires a cast of thousands!
Very time-consuming
Absorbed by existing staff in their existing but redefined positions mainly
Organization
Worked to death but very effective!! Some aspects of handling e-resources better
done by experts (e.g., acquisitions, cataloging) Only one with a separate department for e-
resources (a public library) Created a Department of Electronic Resources and
Services In January 2004!
Organization
Approaches Evolutionary Improvisational Muddling Experimental Based upon existing staff : skills and interests
Organization
Division of Responsibilities: Pros and Cons of Consolidated vs. Decentralized
Consolidation Pros
Continuity and Consistency
Consolidation Cons
Workload too much for one person Delays if relying upon one person So much reliance upon one person
problematic for communication One case where staff member had to
access email while on medical leave to keep processes going
Decentralization Pros
Use of specialized skills Spreads workload around Better understanding among all staff
regarding issues Better decision-making regarding
selection and budgetary choices because of greater understanding
Decentralization Cons
Possibility of miscommunication
Need for trust among parties regarding work done and respect for
Factors Affecting Way Organizations Evolved
Retirements!—either happened or waiting for!
New hires—if only! Maturing of process
Codification of processes Move cautiously Much consensus and librarian involvement in
decision making
Unions Slow down needed changes Inhibits flexibility
Local staff in place Their skills Their interests
Library Directors!! Their interest in e-resources!! Their style regarding change
Factors Affecting Way Organizations Evolved
Needs
More technical help Catch up on making free e-resources
available Help with maintenance issues
Renewals Broken Links Package Deal
Needs
Trainers to help public
Removal of non e-resource related duties from those who are doing add on work
Future Directions
E-resources themselves Government documents Increasing amounts in this format Less print available and collected
Future Directions
Organizational Responses to e-resources Older librarians becoming more adept at
using technology Serials Units refocused from print to
electronic Traditional technical services (i.e., print)
roles will be outsourced
Future Directions
In house library staff will focus on providing access to digital content
Move from checkin Maintenance activities (url links, list
checking, reconciliation) Job descriptions will need to be rewritten
Future Directions
More prominent role in outreach to public regarding use of e-resourcesVast changes have outstripped patrons' ability
to comprehend and navigate More BI packages (one place had cut back on
reference librarians!)
Future Directions
Serials Librarians more involved in assessment and evaluation of online resources prior to purchase decision
Will replace retiring librarians with those knowing new technologies
Future Directions
Budget Impact Smaller libraries moving more to consortial Fewer multi-year contracts More centralization of state-wide resources Possibly more cancellation of big deal
packages Less duplication of print and online Cancellation of print due to space crunches
Conclusion: My Thoughts
Librarians have coped well with the ambiguity and the huge volume.
Until the volume flips towards more digital than print, we still must contend with a hybrid environment.
Conclusion: My Thoughts
Rate of change will vary depending upon a number of factors
Size and nature of library's print collections Funding Library Directors -especially new ones Patron Demands Staffing (size and abilities) Changes in the Academy
Crystal Ball
Yet more changes Continuing high level of work Need for the expertise and energy of
serials librarians to meet the challenges
Sea Change
In the way we do business In the way we provide information In who does what
Presented by Janet L. Flowers
Head of AcquisitionsAcademic Affairs Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill