Navigating Big Challenges and Opportunities for Academic Libraries in the 21st Century

1. BIG CHALLENGES (& OPPORTUNITIES) FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIESTEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CE INITIATIVE FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University

2. Communications • Image • How do we interact/communicate? • Cultural intelligence • Future oriented Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

3. Topic A: How are/can librarians be deemed fundamental to achieving broad institutional goals? Is the library central or peripheral? Are you considered a change agent? Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

4. Some examples from SMU’s Central University Libraries • Created the 24/7 experience • Developed specific and unique connections with student life • Seen as innovative technology leaders e.g. Information Commons, Student Multimedia Center • Early leader in campus digitization efforts Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

5. Examples, cont. • Strong faculty support • Close relationship with central technology support services – successful partnerships • Special Collections involved with faculty for both programming and research support • Connections within the administrative community e.g. partnering with Human Resources, News & Information Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

6. CUL’s Strategic Plan • Title is a riff on SMU’s new capital campaign theme “SMU Unbridled: the Second Century Campaign” • Opportunity to demonstrate how the libraries are in sync with both higher education and the University Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

7. Topic B: How do librarians gain credibility within the institution? Image – look the part – gauge your culture Positional status – Deanship essential Partnerships with other Deans Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

8. Strategies • Do not shy away from the big assignments e.g. chairing search committees or taking on university-wide responsibilities, such as accreditation • Volunteer – do not wait to be asked! • Create networks of advocacy e.g. faculty, students, parents, board of advisors • Be available to represent the University in any number of forums Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

9. Strategies, cont. • Seed your able, inspiring young librarians into university-wide committees • Use objective data sources/consultants when documenting needs • Support the Institution • DO NOT WHINE • Combine patience with speed at taking opportunities when presented • SHOW UP Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

10. Develop a philosophy or vision that is short, identifiable, clear, and congruent with the University’s mission/vision/culture – your elevator speech e.g. “for the next 5 years, CUL will be focusing on ‘customer service’” – that is a mantra of two words! Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

11. The Starbucks Experience: 5 principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary Joseph A. Michelli, McGraw Hill, 2007. • Principles: • Make it your own • Everything matters • Surprise and delight • Embrace Resistance • Leave your mark Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

12. Some CUL Examples • Patron-directed acquisition as part of the overall collection development policy • Shopping baskets • Accompanying patrons to the stacks when lost • Custom delivery of some materials • Transforming the reference desk experience Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

13. Conclusion • Envision • Energize • Enable • Educate • Embrace change Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

14. Thank You! Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries | Gillian McCombs, SMU