Demonstrating the Library's Value to the University

Demonstrating the Value ofLibraries in Academe
SLA and CO-ASIS&T Program
August 3, 2010
Lynn Scott Cochrane, MSLS, PhD
Director of Libraries
Denison University
Granville, OH

In ancient times monasteries, convents, and royalty preserved and advanced knowledge through their libraries. They also controlled what became “history.”
From midieval times colleges and universities have done the same.
Two years after its founding by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harvard College received a 1638 bequest of 400 books from minister John Harvard and adopted his name
For the past century plus, accreditation agencies have required libraries.
Libraries are a Given in Higher Ed, Right?

Two Key Components to Success
A “seat at the table” for the library in the parent institution
Constituent Recognition & Support
Yes, But…Demonstrating Your Value = Better Budgets

Where on the institution’s organization chart is the chief librarian and what’s the title (dean/director/university librarian)?
Can you influence/change your position, if needed?
Who controls the source of your primary support?
Can you influence that source or introduce secondary sources?
A Seat at the Table

Negotiate when you’re offered the job
Title
In academe “Dean” puts you with the deans of the colleges or schools
Reporting Line(s)
As close to the source of support/$$ as possible
Start-up money
So you can make visible improvements early on
Take advantage of your brief “honeymoon”
New positions, facilities, services, or improve standing with peer group
A Seat at the Table

Make Your Boss & Colleagues Look Good
Do NOT waste their time.
Know what they’re interested in and provide information about that topic.
Find a way to say “yes” to what they want.
Never bring a problem forward that you don’t have at least one solution for.
A Seat at the Table

It’s all about marketing and public relations
@ your library® Toolkit for Academic and Research Libraries ACRL marketing toolkit
Events/Programs
Give-aways
Publications
Awards
Advisory groups
Press relations - use your institution’s development office
Constituent Recognition & Support

Marketing Plan
Address your various audiences
Library
librarians, staff, student assistants
Parent institution
faculty, students, staff, administrators
Library profession
consortia, professional associations, professional media
Local, state, national, and international niches
city/town, county, state, U.S., partners abroad
Marketing & Public Relations

From Denison’s Library Planning Document
Goal 4 : Increase public awareness of library resources, services and facilities.
Obj. 1: Explore and implement outlets for and opportunities to inform our users about the resources and services we offer.
Obj. 2: Increase public awareness of Denison’s Archives and Special Collections, of the Depository Library Program, of copyright issues in an academic setting, and of our space as a university andcommunity resource.
Obj. 3: Increase public programming in the library.
Etc.
Marketing Plan

Orientation scavenger hunt/poker run/ etc.
Lemonade stand and give-aways @ beginning of school
Library Links newsletter – 3 times/year
http://www.denison.edu/library/library_links.html
Banners and sandwich board out front
Frequent student recognition
Web site
When staff vacancies occur, reallocate the position to what users need/want, then TELL THEM.

READ Posters of our faculty & staff

Display and gift book with book plates to honor the library’s graduating student assistants

Library Event Plan 2009/10
Welcome Reception
Government Documents/Constitution Day
Hispanic Heritage Week
Banned Books Week
Fall Hilltoppers Concert
Fall Ladies' Night Out Concert
Fall Tehilla Concert
End-of-Semester Employee Potluck
Martin Luther King, Jr. Reception
Edible Books Festival
National Library Week
Spring Hilltoppers Concert
Spring Ladies' Night Out Concert
Spring Tehilla Concert
Government Documents/Constitution Day Display
Consumption Display
Black History/Women's History Month Display
National Library Week Display
Senior Student Employee Books Display
Denison Staff Display at Circulation Desk
Whose Birthday Is It?

Demonstrating the value of your library is the responsibility of ALL library staff.
THINK about and articulate the value of your library to your organization.
Make a PLAN for demonstrating your value.
Involve all library staff and your user advocates in the plan.
Start in September, 2010
JUST DO IT!
Demonstrate the Value of Your Library

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Demonstrating the Library's Value to the University

by Jessica Hedgecock and John Shannon on Aug 04, 2010

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Demonstrating the Library’s Value to the University — Presentation Transcript