Leslie J. Reynolds

User-Driven Acquisitions: Allowing Patron Requests to Drive Collection Development in an Academic Library

In 2007 Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries adopted an approach to monograph collection development that uses an unconventional fund structure and sets aside funds for user requests, called Suggest a Purchase. After initiating this change, the libraries realized that its patrons had become actively engaged in selecting materials for the collection. Data will be presented describing user and librarian levels of satisfaction with the Suggest a Purchase program. Additional data will be presented describing what was requested, what was ordered, how much the materials circulated, who requested materials, and the increase in requests over time.

The street team : an unconventional peer program for undergraduates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a program being developed by the Texas A&M University business librarians to employ a street team construct to promote the resources and services of the Texas A&M Universitys West Campus Business Library and to leverage the importance of “peer relationship” so evident in todays university student.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a descriptive analysis of the program.Findings – This unique marketing program seeks to increase the awareness of Texas A&M University business students to the resources and services of the West Campus Business Library. By tapping into the youthful energy of these very students, the program proposes to utilize cutting edge cultural and social trends that are aimed to improve communications with its most important customers.Practical implications – The program seeks to improve communication with students at an extremely low cost.Originality/value – Discussion includes the rationale for adopting the guerilla marketing t...

Model for a Web-Based Information Literacy Course: Design, Conversion and Experiences

SUMMARY When converting a traditionally taught classroom course to a web-based environment, yoSmusttakeanumbe; of issues and considerations in to account. This paper addresses the process of design and conversion, including computer mediated communication as a form of distance education, the advantages and limitations of the technology, methods of addressing learning styles and insuring interaction with students, as well as examples of teaching an online asynchronous course.

Operations Management/Operations Research Web Sites

Abstract This chapter covers the field of operations management/ operations research. The authors provide in-depth reviews of prominent sites, including those of professional organizations and academic institutions.

Unlocking library search committees at ARL public universities: Techniques and best practices for getting hired

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the hiring process for candidates seeking entry-level and mid-range librarian positions at ARL public university libraries. Whether a recent librarian graduate, a seasoned librarian seeking a different academic institution or a librarian transitioning into academia from a different library environment, an understanding of how search committees function and the importance they contribute to identifying the best candidate can be beneficial to any job seeker. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers universal best practices, techniques and “keys” to unlocking the secrets of the recruitment process from the candidate’s perspective to help librarians seeking employment in an Association of Research Libraries (ARLs) public university environment. The scope of this paper is for entry level and mid-range librarians, but some ARL’s do use executive search firms for upper level administrative positions. Findings This paper describes the search process, offers insiders’ perspectives and provides techniques along with best practices on how to be a successful applicant and candidate. Practical implications As experienced professionals who have served on search committees, this paper explains the “keys” to best practices and how to enhance one’s resume and curriculum vita. Originality/value This paper walks potential job candidates through the process of how to apply and what to expect during an ARL Library Search Committee application review.

Open Impacts Workgroup Report

How fast is open access growing? Is this fast enough? Why or why not? What are the impacts of currently evolving open systems? For instance, are overall costs being reduced for scholarly libraries? Is global access to scholarly information increasing? What about in the Global South? What is the impact in this region of increasing adoption of the author-pays system?