Resource Sharing Begins at Home

Opportunities for Library Partnershipson a University Campus

Robert A. SealDean of University LibrariesLoyola 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. SealLoyola University Chicago

rseal@luc.edu