Esther Carrigan

E-resources : transforming access services for the digital age

Purpose – Libraries spend increasingly large amounts on electronic resources (ERs), but may not have adjusted staffing to support these resources. Assisting users with ER access problems is complex due to the many reasons a resource may be unavailable at a particular time. The objective of this paper is to describe the evolution of a library ER problem‐reporting help desk.Design/methodology/approach – A pilot project was undertaken by librarians at the Texas A&M University Libraries to redesign workflows and staffing to provide an efficient, effective help desk service for solving ER access problems.Findings – Including librarians with experience in licensing and managing ERs in providing help desk services improved response time, problem resolution, systematic information capture, and service expectations and policies, and also led to the development of an ER HelpDesk database with enhanced functionality.Practical implications – Delegating ER problems solely to information technology (IT) staff may seem ...

Navigating User Feedback Channels to Chart an Evidence Based Course for Library Redesign

Abstract Objectives – The objective of this project was to redesign library spaces based on the user feedback obtained from a broad complement of feedback channels. The over-arching goal of this project was to develop an evidence based approach to the redesign of library spaces. Methods – Data from user-initiated and library-initiated feedback channels were collected and analyzed to determine priorities for library space changes. Online/onsite suggestions, a library onsite census survey, the LibQUAL+® survey, a whiteboard, ballot voting, and text voting were all used to gather input. A student advisory group was used as a sounding board for planned space changes before a final decision was made. Results – Data produced by different feedback channels varied both in the number of suggestions generated as well as the changes requested. Composite data from all feedback channels resulted in a total of 687 suggestions identifying 17 different types of space changes. An onsite whiteboard, the LibQUAL+® survey, and library census proved the most prolific in producing suggestions. Conclusion – Priorities for space changes were best determined through a composite of suggestions received from all feedback channels. The number of suggestions and requests received that were initiated by users was so small that it had to be supplemented with library-initiated feedback requests. The use of multiple feedback channels enhanced the number, variety, and scope of the suggestions that were received. Similar requests received through multiple feedback channels emphasized their importance to users. Focused follow-up feedback channels were effective in clarifying user suggestions for specific changes.

Saving the Elusive Past for the Future: A Case Study in Collaboration of Veterinary Libraries

ABSTRACT This article presents a collaborative project undertaken by a group of veterinary librarians as an attempt to deal with the problematic nature of grey literature. It provides the historical context of grey literature in veterinary medicine, noting its importance in preserving the history of the veterinary profession in the United States. It also surveys veterinary grey literature and discusses the challenges of dealing with this type of material. Emphasizing the common problems presented to the veterinary library community, the paper then reports on the cooperative efforts of the group, describing the development of a mission, core values, and an action plan.

Exploring Librarian Roles in Support of One Health

The growing One Health movement recognizes connections among human, animal, and ecosystem health and encourages collaboration among these disciplines. Fostering a One Health perspective in students and faculty is a strategic initiative of the Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M University, which provides human and animal medicine, public health, agriculture, and life sciences programs. Librarians implemented a four-pronged approach to pilot One Health strategies among user communities—including developing curriculum modules, redesigning library learning spaces, and developing new research services. Aggregate data and participant comments from these activities support the value and feasibility of librarian engagement in One Health initiatives.

Exploring National Veterinary Information Outreach

The Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M University (MSL) participates in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) National Network of Libraries of Medicine South Central Region (NN/LM) Regional Resource Library outreach initiative. This program generally funds regional outreach activities promoting NLM information resources. The MSL and veterinary library community recognized practicing clinical veterinarians as an underserved population. The 2013–2014 MSL outreach proposal combined traditional activities with the development of materials to assist veterinarians with NLM resources, and exhibit to a national audience. This article provides an overview of the NN/LM SCR Resource Library Outreach Awards, an overview of MSL outreach activities for the year, and lessons learned.