Category Archives: Uncategorized

Recruiting From Retail: University of Chicago Library Acquisitions Department Experience

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Session Description

Over the past couple of years, the University of Chicago Library acquisitions department experienced a significant amount of clerical and supervisory staff turnover. This turnover was the result of retirements, career advancements, and career changes. We viewed this period of change as an opportunity to recruit a highly skilled and diverse staff which will help poise and sustain the department for the future. To accomplish this, we knew that we had to think differently about what skills we needed and what skills would be transferable from industries outside the library or academe into the library.

This talk will provide an outline of the potential benefits of non-library industry hiring by exploring the following topics:

  • What types of skills are needed for work in the department, not just currently, but in the future?
  • What types of non-industry candidates could be well-suited for a job in the library?
  • How to satisfy current departmental needs and anticipate future industry developments and changes through hiring, and why considering applicants new to the Library may address each of those challenges
  • Reframing requisitions and interviews to focus on transferable/soft skills, in the absence of relevant library experience
  • Casting a wider net can sometimes yield unexpected, but fruitful results in a job search
  • Initial training and development to acclimate new hires into library work

The session will be comprised of short panel sections focused on a targeted topic during which we will have interactive polls, a matching game, and take questions from the attendees. Panelists will include a mix of staff: librarians, supervisors, and clerical staff.

Presenter(s)

Susan Martin, Head, Acquisitions Services, University of Chicago

Susan Martin
Susan Martin is currently Associate Professor and the Chair of Collection Development and Management at the James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University. Until March 2020, she served as the Head of Acquisitions Services at The University of Chicago Library. Prior to this position, she served as the Acquisitions Librarian at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Her other experience includes writing and editing for an internet start-up and working as a professional librarian in a variety of departments: acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference.

Susan holds an A.B. in American Studies and French from Mount Holyoke College and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Simmons College. In her spare time she enjoys traditional librarian pursuits, such as book collecting, knitting, and cats.

Tina Erikson, Receiving and Rapid Cataloging Supervisor, University of Chicago

Tina Erikson
Tina Erikson is the Supervisor for the Receiving and Rapid Cataloging unit in the Acquisitions department at The University of Chicago Library. Before coming to the library, she was general manager for Argo Tea, a Chicago-based tea company. Other experience includes teaching ESL in South Korea as well as teaching Spanish language and literature courses at the University of Chicago.

Tina holds a B.A. in Spanish and Religion from Ashland University and an M.A. in Romance Languages and Literature from The University of Chicago. She loves playing Dungeons and Dragons and spending time with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 cats.

Jessica Glomb, Library Orders Supervisor, University of Chicago

Jessica Glomb
Jessica Glomb is the Monographic Orders Supervisor at the University of Chicago Library. Her first experience with the book industry was as a buyer in the Lifestyle Department for Whole Foods Market in Wheaton, IL, where she worked exclusively with Baker and Taylor to procure and sell books on all things health and foodie related, among other fantastic products. She is ecstatic to have the opportunity to expand her horizons in the book trade and serve the community in a library setting.

She holds a BA in Psychology from Indiana University. In her spare time she stays up far too late reading about world history, industry and politics, and paints and cooks a little. With a background in nutrition sales, she dabbles in fitness, too!

Max Maller, Principal Orders Assistant, University of Chicago

Max Maller
Max Maller is Principal Monographic Ordering Assistant at the University of Chicago Library. Prior to holding this position, he has worked as a translator, editor, and journalist with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Chicago Reader, Jewish Currents, Chicago Review, and other publications. For two years, he was a sales clerk and buying specialist at Powell’s Books Chicago.

Max holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Literature and Language from Reed College and an MA from the University of Chicago.

Philip Stefani, Receiving Assistant, University of Chicago

Philip Stefani
Philip Stefani is a Receiving and Rapid Cataloging Assistant at the University of Chicago. He first worked in the Penrose Library at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where he was a Circulation Assistant, worked in the archives, and was a student research assistant. He has also worked as an English teacher in China and a commercial fisherman in Alaska. Before coming to UChicago, Philip was a collection and circulation clerk at Odd Obsession Movies, one of the last video rental shops on the planet.

He earned a B.A. in Art History and Visual Culture Studies from Whitman College. Outside of work, Philip enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time in the sun.

Using Project Management Principles to Ensure Successful Collaborations

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Session Description

Want to foster consensus, collaboration and flexibility while keeping colleagues and staff focused on a common goal? Leaders at all levels can learn how to apply project management principles and best practices to projects, committees and other collaborative endeavors to ensure successful outcomes. Whether leading a project, chairing a committee, or trying to keep a meeting you attend on track, project management principles can be used to guide diverse groups and bring the focus back to a shared vision of success. Participants will be introduced to actionable techniques for improving the effectiveness of collaborative projects and for working better within and across diverse groups.

Presenter(s)
Jami Yazdani, Founder and Chief Strategist (former Library Director at Castleton University), Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation

Over more than 15 years working in academic libraries, Jami Yazdani managed complex projects and planning initiatives, facilitated meetings, and guided (sometimes reluctant) groups of diverse colleagues and stakeholders towards consensus and positive outcomes. She holds an MLIS from Louisiana State University, a Masters in Technology Management from University of Maryland University College, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute. Ms. Yazdani currently serves as Founder and Chief Strategist for Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation.

Disabled People Use the Internet! Building and Maintaining Inclusive Library Spaces Online

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Session Description

Online library services often exclude people with disabilities. Purposeful design and use of digital resources (including websites, databases, and social media) can improve inclusion. This session includes some basic technical considerations as well as institutional actions that can be taken to create more inclusive online spaces. Participants are encouraged to share their own accessibility-related concerns, questions, and comments.

While there are clear ethical and legal arguments for ensuring that all library services are equitable, there are many reasons why libraries should be particularly concerned with creating more inclusive online spaces for people with disabilities now. Young people with disabilities have higher rates of internet use than their elders and are more likely to be exposed to technology in educational spaces. Moreover, a library’s digital presence is key to advertising in-person events and sharing information regarding the accessibility of its physical space.

Along with institutional and website accessibility considerations, this presentation will also provide up-to-date guidance on ensuring libraries’ social media presence takes advantage of inclusive practices on social media. Social media connects institutions with community members who may never enter a library building but may attend events virtually. This includes activities such as online story-times, author read-alongs, and virtual book club meetings. Additionally, there are many disability activists and self-advocates active on social media who engage in conversations related to disabilities. Connecting the library to these conversations can educate library staff on community members’ experiences and needs as well as foster mutual engagement.

This presentation is designed for both current librarian practitioners and future librarians interested in accessible technology or tasked with developing inclusive practices for their institutions. Advanced technological knowledge is not required, although a willingness to test out digital tools will be encouraged during the session.

Presenter(s)

Laura March, PhD Student & Research Assistant, UNC-Chapel Hill

Laura March
Laura March is a PhD student and research assistant at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has over ten years of experience designing accessible online environments and teaching virtually. Her research interests are the intersections of technology, education, and creativity. Prior to beginning doctoral studies, Laura worked at the Carolina Office for Online Learning, American University’s Center for Teaching, Research & Learning, and the Pennsylvania State University’s Education Technology Services, Institute for Arts & Humanities, and Palmer Museum of Art. She received an MS in Art Education and an MEd in Instructional Systems from the Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Amelia Gibson, Assistant Professor, UNC-Chapel Hill: School of Information and Library Science

Dr. Amelia Gibson
Amelia Gibson is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her primary research interests focus on the ways that information and data are used by and against marginalized communities, with a focus on health and wellness in communities of color (particularly among women and girls) and among disabled people. Her work explores the ways we understand and replicate systemic information poverty, marginalization, and equity in local communities and on the internet. She is the director of the Community Equity, Data and Information Lab at Chapel Hill. Dr. Gibson is a UNC Thorp Community Engaged scholar and a fellow with the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy, the Parr Center for Ethics and Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She is the recipient of an IMLS Early Career Award and UNC Junior Faculty Development Award. She holds a Ph.D. and MLIS from Florida State University, and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Documenting Library Work: Lessons We Can Learn from Technical Writers

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Session Description

Have you ever tried to write a how-to manual or other documentation for your library’s processes? Have you gotten overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, or too busy keeping up with your day-to-day work to take a step back and document it? Most of us know that documentation is important to continuity and sustainability of processes in library work, but it’s a very easy thing to write off as too hard, or to mentally set aside for a “slow period” that never comes. Lessons from the field of technical writing can help us prioritize these important tasks. While most librarians are not trained technical writers, we can incorporate some tips from technical writers into our work to make our documentation creation easier.

Presenter(s)

Emily Nimsakont, Cataloging and Metadata Trainer, Amigos Library Services

Emily Nimsakont
Emily Nimsakont is the Cataloging and Metadata Trainer at Amigos Library Services. She has over ten years of experience in cataloging and the organization of information, including managing digital assets for a technology company, supervising the technical services department of an academic law library, and training on cataloging topics for the Nebraska Library Commission. She holds an MLS from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Emily lives in Ashland, Nebraska, with her husband, son, and cat.

3 C’s for Leading Community Engagement Initiatives in Academic Libraries

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Session Description

Libraries have always been about connecting with their communities. For academic libraries, particularly those in high density, low-income urban areas, the need to provide service to non-affiliated neighbors is an increasingly essential element of the university and library mission. A tension, historically characterized as the “town-gown” conflict, will over time negatively impact the institution’s relationship with its local community. The shift towards positive engagement with their communities is an opportunity for academic librarians to advance their own mission and that of the institution. Public and private academic libraries have resources to benefit community members. Examples include access to computers, internet resources, technology support, job assistance, cultural programming and materials borrowing. These services help the institution demonstrate community engagement and the effort to improve the quality of life. Attendees, particularly with leadership aspirations, will learn how to incorporate three Cs, curiosity, collaboration and conviction, into their leadership practice in order to: [a] influence colleagues to support external community engagement; [b] create a welcoming and inclusive environment that invites, by design, neighbors to feel the library is their resource; and [c] position the library as a campus leader in forging relationships with internal and external partners.

Presenter(s)

Steven J. Bell, Associate University Librarian, Temple University

Steven J. Bell
Steven J. Bell is the Associate University Librarian for Research and Instructional Services at Temple University. He writes and speaks about academic librarianship, learning technologies, library leadership, higher education, open and affordable learning, design thinking and user experience. He authored two regular columns for Library Journal Academic Newswire, “From the Bell Tower” and “Leading From the Library” from 2009 through 2019. He is co-author of the book “Academic Librarianship by Design” and editor of the book “Crucible Moments: Inspiring Library Leadership”. Bell is currently an adjunct faculty member for the San Jose State University iSchool where he teaches design thinking and open education librarianship.

Cultivating Tolerance Through Conversation: Creating an Inclusive Community at Your Library

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Session Description
In a world where tensions are high around sensitive topics like racism and implicit bias, libraries serve as a safe space for inclusion and the sharing of ideas. When a community was rocked by prejudiced acts against minority groups, one library system responded by engaging the public in a series of important yet sensitive conversations and book discussions. Learn how your library can collaborate with local agencies and diverse groups to help foster a more tolerant and understanding community through the library.
Presenter(s)

Caroline Dulworth, Associate Director, Pioneer Library System

Caroline Dulworth
Caroline Dulworth is Associate Director of Reader’s Services and Branch Projects and is the Branch Manager of Norman Public Library Central. She received her MLIS from The University of Oklahoma in 2000, and has worked for PLS since 1996.

 

Kelly Sitzman , Branch Manager of Norman Public Library East

Kelly Sitzman
Kelly Sitzman is the Branch Manager of Norman Public Library East, Pioneer Library System’s 12th and newest branch. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with an MLIS in Library and Information Studies. Kelly is a graduate of the Oklahoma Library Association Leadership Institute, and was awarded the 2018 PLS Distinguished Colleague Award for her leadership in developing the first-ever PLS Customer Service Philosophy.

Breea Clark, Mayor, City of Norman, OK

Breea Clark
Breea Clark is the Mayor of Norman, Oklahoma. She serves as the University of Oklahoma’s Director of the JCPenney Leadership Center, which focuses on building and preparing leaders for the diverse and global opportunities presented in the 21st century. Breea previously served on the Norman Library Advisory Board, and is an enthusiastic supporter of public libraries.

Sustainable Metadata Practices and Web Development for a Statewide Digital Library Project

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Session Description

This presentation will discuss the unique challenges in the areas of metadata standardization and front-end development for the Illinois Digital Heritage Hub (IDHH), a statewide digital library initiative and service hub for the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). The IDHH consists of a network of 150 providers across Illinois, including many with local vocabularies for metadata fields such as geographic locations, type, format, subject, and many more. The IDHH has been flexible with providers in order to include as many institutions and to make the metadata contribution process as easy as possible. In addition to automated metadata enhancement after records are harvested by the IDHH, the project’s front-end development goes with the grain of the current level of metadata quality while ensuring that the site’s code is flexible enough to only improve site features when institutions refine their metadata. Ultimately, this has resulted in a website and portal that is robust and has room for improvement, ensuring sustainability for the foreseeable future while encouraging growth.

Presenter(s)
Joshua Lynch, Visiting Metadata Services Specialist for the Illinois Digital Heritage Hub, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Joshua Lynch
Joshua Lynch is a Metadata Services Specialist at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the metadata manager and webmaster for the Illinois Digital Heritage Hub, a service hub of the Digital Public Library of America. Lynch’s professional experience and interests include metadata aggregation, curation, and remediation, web development, digital content creation, digital curation, and digital preservation. He is the proud parent of two cats, Mr. Bo and Shady Sam.

Beyond “OK, Boomer”: Understanding Today’s Intergenerational Workplace Cultures in the Library

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Session Description
In this interactive webinar session, the speakers will share their own experiences as part of a demographic cohort and reflect on how they have worked and managed different intergenerational workplace cultures. The purpose of the session is to discuss and explore the different generational cohorts in today’s workplaces. How do librarians from different generational cohorts share governance work? The speakers are librarians who work in school, public, academic and special libraries, and will share best practices in communication, management and leadership, for the different demographic groups including baby boomers, gen x, millennials and gen z. Which group does it best and does it matter? How does today’s library workplace support these different groups collectively? What about the experiences from librarians of color when it comes to intergenerational workplaces? Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives on the intergenerational workplace culture through a series of activities posed by the speakers.
Presenter(s)

Raymond Pun, Instruction/Research Librarian, Alder Graduate School of Education

Ray Pun
Raymond Pun is the Instruction/Research Librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education.

 

 

 

 

Sarah Dallas, System Director, Southern Adirondack Library, New York

Sarah Dallas
Sarah Dallas is the System Director of Southern Adirondack Library in New York.

 

 

 

 

Eboni Henry, School Media Specialist, District of Columbia Public School, Washington,DC

Eboni Henry
Eboni Henry is a school media specialist at the District of Columbia Public School in Washington DC.

 

 

 

 

Jahala Simuel, Head of Access Services, Medical Librarian, Howard University-Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library

Jahala Samuel
Jahala Simuel is the Head of Access Services and Medical Librarian at the Howard University-Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library.

Managing Change From The Inside-Out: The Library as Catalyst for Transformational Change

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Session Description

Located in downtown Denver, Colorado, the Auraria Campus is home to three institutions of higher education – University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Community College of Denver – the latter two are Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The Auraria Library serves the campus’ approximately 43,000 students, including many first-generation, underrepresented, and non-traditional students, and sees more than 750,000 visits a year. In 2018, I was hired as Auraria Library’s director. In addition to the challenges of serving three institutions with differing needs, I quickly realized that the library itself was in a state of transition and seeking answers for what was going to come next for the organization.

Library employees are incredibly passionate and dedicated, and it was important to build on the existing work that had happened, while redirecting efforts in respectful and productive ways. This session will provide participants with a practical application of change management elements and approaches including:
 
Internal perspective:

  • Discussing the main elements of transformational change which takes an ecosystem approach and where there is a shift in organizational attitudes, beliefs, and cultural values
  • Preparing for strategic change by establishing trust and transparency in leadership
  • Creating new policies and processes in areas such as hiring, workforce planning, and budgeting
  • Building internal capacity through training, recognition, and mentorship
  • Considering the human aspect of change management by addressing reactions to and anxiety about change (both at the employee as well as at the administrative levels)
External perspective:
  • Developing a robust stakeholder engagement framework to assist with strategic planning
  • Telling the library story and raising awareness about its impact for our faculty, staff, and students

Presenter(s)

Cinthya Ippoliti, Director and University Librarian, University of Colorado, Denver

Cinthya Ippoliti
Cinthya Ippoliti is the University Librarian and Director of the Auraria Library at University of Colorado Denver. Previously, she was the Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services at Oklahoma State University where she provided administrative leadership for the library’s academic liaison program as well as services for undergraduate and graduate students and community outreach. Other past work includes Head of Teaching and Learning Services at the University of Maryland where she was in charge of the spaces, services, and programming offered by the Terrapin Learning Commons in addition to coordinating the libraries’ First Year instruction program.