Frances C. Wilkinson

Designing the Electronic Classroom: Applying Learning Theory and Ergonomic Design Principles

This article applies learning theory and ergonomic principles to the design of effective learning environments for library instruction. It discusses features of electronic classroom ergonomics, including the ergonomics of the physical space, environmental factors, and the workstations. Includes classroom layouts.

Merging the acquisitions and serials department at the University of New Mexico: a case study

Acquisitions and serials departments have often been the first to react to changes imposed by the marketplace. These two departments have had strong ties to each other because of the similar nature of the work and problems that are encountered. As technical services departments downsize there has been a trend toward merging these departments. These mergers enable libraries to centralize activities and streamline workflows, which often result in increased efficiency and productivity. Librarians debate whether the functions of technical services departments should be organized by form or function. This article explores the reasons why these historically separate departments are being merged in many libraries, and it addresses the issues that need to be considered in such a merger. Specifically, drawing on the experience of the University of New Mexico, it will address the factors leading to the decision to merge, the planning phase, the implementation process, and the benefits realized.

Emotional Intelligence in Library Disaster Response Assistance Teams: Which Competencies Emerged?

This qualitative study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and the personal attributes of library disaster response assistance team (DRAT) members. Using appreciative inquiry protocol to conduct interviews at two academic libraries, the study presents findings from emergent thematic coding of interview transcripts, documents, and artifacts as well as through the application of predetermined concept choice mapping of the data. Study findings suggest a strong relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and attributes exhibited by DRAT members as they dealt with the disasters at their respective institutions and may inform library leaders who appoint and provide training for team members.

Developing a Safety Training Program

ABSTRACT Training is pivotal in the development of library employees. A comprehensive plan should include safety training. While safety preparation is never a substitute for calling 911 to summon emergency medical assistance, library employees must be prepared to respond to emergencies. Safety training may include personal safety, building safety, and user safety, but for any or all to be successful, library administrative support is essential. A safety training program can teach library employees skills that can help reduce stress, prevent injury, and save lives not only in a library setting but also in the broader community in which they live.

The RFP process: Rational, educational, necessary or there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch [1]

The Request for Proposal (RFP) process provides librarians a rational method of finding the right vendor for major contracts because it gives librarians the opportunity to look at all aspects of book and serial purchasing. It allows librarians to select vendors on the basis of customer service, electronic or computing services, and financial condition, as well as discounts and service charges. The educational benefits of the RFP process are so immense that such a process should be considered by libraries whether or not it is mandated by state law. Determining how many and which RFPs will be needed, planning the timeline, selecting the RFP committee, planning on-site presentations, writing the RFP, developing the vendor selection criteria, and evaluating responses are a few of the elements of the RFP process.

The Balance Point

Abstract Nine serials librarians describe their experiences and offer advice on achieving tenure, promotion, or reappointment. The librarians represent a variety of academic institutions and stages of career, from untenured new librarians to administrators at the rank of full professor. Despite unique insights based on their different experience levels, professional positions, and institutional promotion and tenure requirements, the librarians share common opinions on how best to achieve success in an academic position.

Building Back Better Libraries: Improving Planning Amidst Disasters

Originality/value Although aspects of BBB ideas are present in existing library literature, the concept is not formally defined for the library context.