accidental documents librarians
DESCRIPTION
From the Fall DLC meetingTRANSCRIPT
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR INTERIM/TEMPORARY
DOCUMENTS LIBRARIANS
FALL DLC CONFERENCECRYSTAL CITY, VAOCTOBER 22, 2008
Accidental Documents Librarians
Panel Members
Kathryn Yelinek—Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Marilou Hinchcliff—Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Scott Anderson—Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Mark Scott—University of Pittsburgh
Mary Freilich—University of Memphis
Edward Kownslar—Texas A&M, Corpus Christi
Background
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania:
1995: designated as a selective depository
2003: depository coordinator retired
2003-2004: 3 people spread over 5 interim periods
2005: new coordinator finally began
Research
Research question: Are there common experiences and training needs of temporary/interim documents librarians?
Questionnaire posted to GovDoc-L in November 2007
Article will be published Jan 2009 issue of JAL
Some Commonalities
Entry-level position:
55% of respondents had received MLS/MLIS less than four years before
40% of respondents had worked in librarianship for less than four years
Common Backgrounds
Librarianship as a possible second career
48% of respondents were over the age of 50
Public Services Background
45% of those who had previously worked in librarianship had worked in public services
Common Challenges
Over 2/3 of respondents said they had been inadequately prepared for assuming the position
What is the most challenging part of being a temporary/interim librarian?
35% said keeping abreast of changes in the field
29% said making time to carry out duties
Common Workloads
58% took on government documents in addition to previous duties
37% hired specifically to serve as interim/temporary documents librarian
5% gave up some/all previous duties to serve
Common Actions
GPO recommends that all interim/temporary documents coordinators should:
Update the FDLP directory with new contact information
Subscribe to FDLP-L
Read the “Instructions to Depository Libraries” (now superseded by the “Handbook”)
However…
Common Actions
GPO recommends that all interim/temporary documents coordinators should:
Update the FDLP directory with new contact information 24% of respondents did
Subscribe to FDLP-L 47% of respondents did
Read the “Instructions to Depository Libraries” (now superseded by the “Handbook”) 53% of respondents did
Common Actions
Instead, respondents...
Subscribed to GovDoc-L (77%)
Updated the selection profile (41%)
Met with the regional librarian (35%)
Established/modified some procedures (35%)
So, what are some tips and tricks for making the interim period go more smoothly?
Bloomsburg University—Situation
Due to ill-health retirement Interim for 4 months, 2 week break, for 1
month, 4 month break, for 6 months No procedure manual but had earlier notes Very large fiche backlog Slightly smaller print backlog 1 student assistant, no staff After 3 months, found that retiree gave
procedure manual to another unit she wanted to oversee docs
Bloomsburg University—Tips/Tricks
Visit another depository to learn proceduresAsk Regional to visit and give adviceKeep up with new shipmentsSeek part-time assistance from existing staff Talk with Marcive about other libraries’
practices with their serviceLet new permanent docs librarian review any
backlog for what to keep
Millersville University—Situation
- New GD Lib departed Nov ’07, after less than 2 yrs
-GD staff turned over during those 2 yrs-Very large (and old) paper collection; intended
as current events resource–lots of review- / + GD collection teardown & reorientation+New building–review, discard, Dewey -> LC+Improve access: review, discard or Sudoc -> LC+Someone (me) was modestly interested in Docs+Integrate into overall tech services flows
Millersville University—Tips/Tricks
Outline points of action–focusCollection: (1) Review, (2) Discard, (3) Reclass
Collective review–get helpSubject Librarians review an “agency” as applicable
Integrate/Leverage–systematizeGovdocs tech processes fold into lib tech processes
Refocus–move to next area of focusE-resources, incoming physicals, then e-items.
University of Pittsburgh—Situation
Past as inspiration
Only two months in at Pitt
Well versed with Depository Collections, needed to learn Pitt locations
Documents are processed where?
TLC
University of Pittsburgh—Tips/Tricks
Talk to colleagues
Attend conferences
Read the literature
Keep Administration in the know
Fight for your collection
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes–It means you’re trying!
University of Memphis—Situation
The boss retires–Panic—I’m it!A week later a 30-year support staff
member retiresMy staff of four rallies to my aidA lot more e-mails/calls from selectivesMeanwhile–library reorganization?!?!
Documents training of library staff for a consolidated desk
Preparations for a new ILS
University of Memphis—Tips/Tricks
• Get to know what you receive from GPO– Open the boxes yourself– Re-examine your selection
• Listservs – Lots of valuable information• Read the
Federal Depository Library Handbook• Talk to other Selectives & your Regional• Ask for Regional/GPO help if needed• Check out Self-study and/or inspection report• FDLP Desktop
TAMU—Corpus Christi—Situation
Documents Librarian resigned two weeks before Fall 2007 Semester began
Associate Director had prior experience in documents (“Congratulations!”)
Met with Director to examine and revise goals; budget request to attend Fall DLC
Consulted Regional Librarian and GPOConsulted support staff in Documents
TAMU—Corpus Christi—Tips/Tricks
Beware of “interim” appointments! Prioritize: What “fires” need to be addressed
in the next 6 months? What can wait?Inheriting a “messy house” isn’t always badRequest training!!Document issues/problems in monthly reports
to supervisors. Meet with Chair of the Search Committee
Thanks!
Questions for Katie, Marilou, Scott, Mark, Mary, or Edward?