Janice M. Jaguszewski

Usage Statistics for Electronic Journals: An Analysis of Local and Vendor Counts

Abstract Vendor-supplied e-resource statistics are often unavailable, unreliable, or not comparable across vendors. This study compared locally generated usage statistics to those supplied by four major publishers, and analyzed the resulting patterns of use. The additional information provided by vendor statistics was assessed to see how it might be utilized selectively to provide a better understanding of the importance of individual titles. The local statistics for all titles provided by the four publishers were then compared. A strong similarity between the two datasets was found, supporting the position that local statistics are a viable alternative to vendor statistics. Another finding was that the 80/20 rule is closer to 80/30 in the online environment. Some of the issues for subject librarians and electronic resources librarians are discussed.

IT Competence for All: Propel Your Staff to New Heights

ABSTRACT In 2005, the University of Minnesota libraries charged a task force with the development of a list of core information technology (IT) skills that could be expected of all 300 staff, from technical services to reference services to stacks maintenance. Once this list was developed, the task force designed and administered an online self-assessment survey to identify gaps and patterns in staff computer skills. Both the development of the core competencies and the administration of the assessment are discussed. Also provided are recommendations for next steps, including using assessment reports and data gathered in the process to develop a training and professional development curriculum focused on the specific identified training needs of staff.

Collaboration is Key

Abstract Since 2014, the University of Minnesotas Bio-Medical Library and the Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine have positioned themselves as a vital component of a brand-new Health Sciences Education Center, which will complete construction in early 2020. With an emphasis on collaboration through interprofessional education, the libraries took advantage of this planning period to clearly articulate a vision for how the libraries will advance teaching and learning in the new Center, prototype new spaces and services, and develop critical partnerships with units from across the Universitys Academic Health Center and the larger campus. This chapter describes the partnership model developed, and the new suite of space-enabled services created, offers strategies for success when cultivating and working with partners, and analyzes the impact, risks, and lessons learned.