Harvard Science Libraries: Management Issues By Michael R. Leach Director, Physics Research Library...
-
date post
21-Dec-2015 -
Category
Documents
-
view
220 -
download
2
Transcript of Harvard Science Libraries: Management Issues By Michael R. Leach Director, Physics Research Library...
Harvard Science Harvard Science Libraries:Libraries:
Management IssuesManagement IssuesByBy
Michael R. LeachMichael R. LeachDirector, Physics Research LibraryDirector, Physics Research Library& Head of Collection Development& Head of Collection Development
Cabot Science LibraryCabot Science Library
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 22
AgendaAgenda
1.1. Introduction & BackgroundIntroduction & Background2.2. Collection Development IssuesCollection Development Issues3.3. Technical Services IssuesTechnical Services Issues4.4. Public Services IssuesPublic Services Issues5.5. Library as SpaceLibrary as Space6.6. Impact of Information TechnologyImpact of Information Technology7.7. Human Resource ManagementHuman Resource Management8.8. SummarySummary
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 33
1. Introduction & 1. Introduction & BackgroundBackground
Structure of Harvard Science Structure of Harvard Science LibrariesLibraries
Some Statistics on HSLsSome Statistics on HSLs My experience in HSLsMy experience in HSLs Current Environment @ HarvardCurrent Environment @ Harvard
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 44
Structure of Structure of Harvard Science Libraries Harvard Science Libraries
(HSL)(HSL) Currently 11 Science Libraries @ HarvardCurrently 11 Science Libraries @ Harvard
– Molecular & Cellular BiologyMolecular & Cellular Biology– Chemistry & Chemical BiologyChemistry & Chemical Biology– Organismic & Evolutionary BiologyOrganismic & Evolutionary Biology– BotanyBotany– Engineering & Applied SciencesEngineering & Applied Sciences– PhysicsPhysics– AstrophysicsAstrophysics– Anthropology (part of Harvard College Library – HCL)Anthropology (part of Harvard College Library – HCL)– Undergraduate, + Math & Geology (part of HCL)Undergraduate, + Math & Geology (part of HCL)– PsychologyPsychology– Rowland Institute (special library)Rowland Institute (special library)
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 55
Some HSL StatisticsSome HSL Statistics
> 3 Million US$ for collections> 3 Million US$ for collections Approximate 65 staffApproximate 65 staff
– Not including student workersNot including student workers– 25 are professional librarians25 are professional librarians
> 2 million items > 2 million items – serials, monographs, maps, photos, etc.serials, monographs, maps, photos, etc.
Many older collectionsMany older collections– Unique & world definingUnique & world defining
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 66
My Experience in HSLsMy Experience in HSLs
22 years in HSLs22 years in HSLs– Started as student assistant in astrophysicsStarted as student assistant in astrophysics– 18 years as Director of Physics Research Lib.18 years as Director of Physics Research Lib.– 7 years as Director of Kummel Library of 7 years as Director of Kummel Library of
Geological SciencesGeological Sciences Merger with Cabot in June 2005Merger with Cabot in June 2005
– Just a few months in Cabot Science LibraryJust a few months in Cabot Science Library Undergraduate sciences, plus research Undergraduate sciences, plus research
collections in math & geological sciencescollections in math & geological sciences
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 77
Environment @ HarvardEnvironment @ Harvard
Faculty GrowthFaculty Growth– Recently finished a 5% growth periodRecently finished a 5% growth period– New period of 5-7% growthNew period of 5-7% growth
Some specific areas even higher (e.g. Some specific areas even higher (e.g. engineering)engineering)
More tenure from within each departmentMore tenure from within each department
Women in Sciences ProgramsWomen in Sciences Programs– 50 Million US$ over 5 years50 Million US$ over 5 years– New faculty plus more visiting researchersNew faculty plus more visiting researchers
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 88
Environment @ Harvard Environment @ Harvard
Current Campus Building InitiativesCurrent Campus Building Initiatives– 3 new laboratories being built3 new laboratories being built
2 life sciences, 1 physical sciences2 life sciences, 1 physical sciences
– 3 recent labs3 recent labs 1 life sciences, 1 chemistry, 1 computer science1 life sciences, 1 chemistry, 1 computer science
Future Campus DevelopmentFuture Campus Development– Allston Campus in Boston Allston Campus in Boston
Some graduate schools, undergraduate dorms, Some graduate schools, undergraduate dorms, FAS science initiatives (mostly life sciences)FAS science initiatives (mostly life sciences)
No physical library space is plannedNo physical library space is planned
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 99
Environment @ HarvardEnvironment @ Harvard
Era of Fiscal Constraint Era of Fiscal Constraint – For some areas, not allFor some areas, not all– Faculty expansion of 5%Faculty expansion of 5%
But not in support staff for facultyBut not in support staff for faculty
– Library funding is either flat or < 2% Library funding is either flat or < 2% growthgrowth Collection development costs = ~8%/yearCollection development costs = ~8%/year Staff Benefits are increasing >20%/yearStaff Benefits are increasing >20%/year
– New accounting regulationsNew accounting regulations Can not let endowment funds carry overCan not let endowment funds carry over
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1010
2. Collection Development2. Collection Development
Serials CrisisSerials Crisis Growing non-traditional formatsGrowing non-traditional formats Supporting current researchSupporting current research Planning for future researchPlanning for future research
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1111
Serials CrisisSerials Crisis
Has expanded beyond the $ money Has expanded beyond the $ money issuesissues– Serials costs still 8-10% per years, while Serials costs still 8-10% per years, while
funds are 0-2% per yearfunds are 0-2% per year– New, tiered pricing structuresNew, tiered pricing structures– Licensing e-content is helping & hurtingLicensing e-content is helping & hurting
Helps: consortial & bulk pricingHelps: consortial & bulk pricing Hurts: locked into multi-year contracts & new, Hurts: locked into multi-year contracts & new,
developing productsdeveloping products
– Back file purchasesBack file purchases Always new titles for considerationAlways new titles for consideration
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1212
Open AccessOpen Access
Complicates serials crisisComplicates serials crisis– ““Membership fees” with BioMed Central (BMC) Membership fees” with BioMed Central (BMC)
& Public Library of Science (PLoS)& Public Library of Science (PLoS) Perception by administration & users that Perception by administration & users that
OA will “solve the serials crisis”OA will “solve the serials crisis”– Costs involved regardless Costs involved regardless
Especially with institutional & subject repositoriesEspecially with institutional & subject repositories
Some disciplines have accepted Some disciplines have accepted – e.g. physics & computer sciencee.g. physics & computer science– Others very reluctant (e.g. chemistry)Others very reluctant (e.g. chemistry)
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1313
Some Strategies for SerialsSome Strategies for Serials
Ongoing evaluation processesOngoing evaluation processes– Paper & onlinePaper & online
Usage statisticsUsage statistics
– Traditional titles are not longer secureTraditional titles are not longer secure Will replace with newer titlesWill replace with newer titles
– Duplication of subscriptions is forbiddenDuplication of subscriptions is forbidden Few exceptions (e.g. “Science” & “Nature”)Few exceptions (e.g. “Science” & “Nature”)
Shifting of funds from other areas to Shifting of funds from other areas to collectionscollections– E.g. Less Interlibrary Loan FundingE.g. Less Interlibrary Loan Funding– E.g. Less Funding for PreservationE.g. Less Funding for Preservation
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1414
Non-traditional FormatsNon-traditional Formats
Cartographic collectionsCartographic collections– Traditionally not well supportedTraditionally not well supported– GIS is changing thisGIS is changing this
Need to purchase spatial dataNeed to purchase spatial data Specialized datasetsSpecialized datasets
– Most are free, but some (e.g. chemistry) Most are free, but some (e.g. chemistry) are quite expensiveare quite expensive
– Training & public services support Training & public services support questionsquestions
– Local datasets for repositoryLocal datasets for repository
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1515
Supporting Current Supporting Current ResearchResearch
Now critical to match collections with Now critical to match collections with current researchcurrent research
““General” collection development is General” collection development is shrinkingshrinking
Analyze faculty/researcher Analyze faculty/researcher publicationspublications– Where they publishWhere they publish– What do they citeWhat do they cite– Development of faculty profile databasesDevelopment of faculty profile databases
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1616
Planning for Future Planning for Future ResearchResearch
A difficult process given cost constraintsA difficult process given cost constraints Variety of analysis techniquesVariety of analysis techniques
– Changes in current faculty researchChanges in current faculty research In person interviews plus research group web In person interviews plus research group web
sitessites
– Tracking changes in disciplinesTracking changes in disciplines Similar to competitive analysisSimilar to competitive analysis
– Society meetings: new program tracksSociety meetings: new program tracks– New departments & research institute development at New departments & research institute development at
competitor educational institutionscompetitor educational institutions
– Support from hiring/tenure committeesSupport from hiring/tenure committees
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1717
3. Technical Services3. Technical Services
Changing Information Access Changing Information Access LandscapeLandscape
Cost AnalysisCost Analysis New Efficiency Tools & ProceduresNew Efficiency Tools & Procedures
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1818
Changing Information Access Changing Information Access LandscapeLandscape
GoogleGoogle Google & OPACs Google & OPACs
– Different & similar audiencesDifferent & similar audiences– Precision vs. popular resultsPrecision vs. popular results
Google ScholarGoogle Scholar– Linking to repositories & databasesLinking to repositories & databases
Information LiteracyInformation Literacy Born-digital generationsBorn-digital generations
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 1919
TS Cost AnalysisTS Cost Analysis
What is the cost of cataloguing an itemWhat is the cost of cataloguing an item Balance this with access & retrieval Balance this with access & retrieval
methodologiesmethodologies Cataloguing for masses vs. cataloguing Cataloguing for masses vs. cataloguing
for the specialized researcherfor the specialized researcher Scaling costs have already been doneScaling costs have already been done
– Copy cataloguing, OCLC, purpose delays in Copy cataloguing, OCLC, purpose delays in cataloguing (so others can do original)cataloguing (so others can do original)
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2020
New Efficiency Tools & New Efficiency Tools & ProceduresProcedures
Expanded desktop cataloguing toolsExpanded desktop cataloguing tools– E.g. the new cartographic tools from OCLCE.g. the new cartographic tools from OCLC
Reliance on U.S. Library of CongressReliance on U.S. Library of Congress– Development of new tools & classificationsDevelopment of new tools & classifications– This is slow; LOC is short of personnel & $$This is slow; LOC is short of personnel & $$
Policies on “minimal cataloguing”Policies on “minimal cataloguing” Reliance on indexes & abstract accessReliance on indexes & abstract access
– Certain serial monographsCertain serial monographs
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2121
4. Public Services4. Public Services
In-house reference services In-house reference services Virtual reference servicesVirtual reference services Training & Information LiteracyTraining & Information Literacy
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2222
In-House Reference ServicesIn-House Reference Services
Numbers are decreasing in libraryNumbers are decreasing in library Move to put reference librarians Move to put reference librarians
“where the patrons are”“where the patrons are”– Inside departmentsInside departments– At cafeterias, social spacesAt cafeterias, social spaces– Scheduling meetings with key usersScheduling meetings with key users
Trend to combine circulation & Trend to combine circulation & reference & other service access reference & other service access points into onepoints into one
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2323
Virtual Reference ServicesVirtual Reference Services
SynchronousSynchronous– Live Internet ChatLive Internet Chat– Visual in some casesVisual in some cases– Still in the “infancy stage”Still in the “infancy stage”
AsynchronousAsynchronous– Comment/request forms on web pagesComment/request forms on web pages– EmailEmail– Very high useVery high use
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2424
Training & Information Training & Information LiteracyLiteracy
Goal: Self-sufficient end userGoal: Self-sufficient end user– Basic science class instructionBasic science class instruction– Specialized instructionSpecialized instruction
E.g. Endnote training in department spaceE.g. Endnote training in department space
– Realization that “you offer classes at Realization that “you offer classes at library and users DON’T come”library and users DON’T come”
– Variety of web-based initiativesVariety of web-based initiatives On-line tutorialsOn-line tutorials Short guides to specific disciplinesShort guides to specific disciplines
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2525
Training & Information Training & Information LiteracyLiteracy
Specialized science information Specialized science information literacy program: based on American literacy program: based on American Library Association/Association of Library Association/Association of College & Research Libraries/Science College & Research Libraries/Science & Technology Section policy& Technology Section policy– Different on a number of levels from Different on a number of levels from
general information literacygeneral information literacy E.g. Standard 5 on “keeping current in field”E.g. Standard 5 on “keeping current in field”
IL is incorporated into all trainingIL is incorporated into all training
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2626
5. Library as Space5. Library as Space
Changing needs of audiencesChanging needs of audiences– Undergraduate students require individual Undergraduate students require individual
quiet study space & “noisy” group spacequiet study space & “noisy” group space– Must include full IT support, including Must include full IT support, including
wireless, email, applications (e.g. Word), wireless, email, applications (e.g. Word), etc.etc.
Faculty & other researchers don’t need Faculty & other researchers don’t need to visit library as frequentlyto visit library as frequently– Their needs are supported virtuallyTheir needs are supported virtually– Expect delivery to desktopExpect delivery to desktop
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2727
Library as SpaceLibrary as Space
Housing collectionsHousing collections– Remote storage is growingRemote storage is growing
>half Harvard’s total collections now remote>half Harvard’s total collections now remote Archival vs. Access collectionArchival vs. Access collection
– Current material is “archival”Current material is “archival” Because available virtuallyBecause available virtually
– Older materials now “accessible”Older materials now “accessible” No remote storage because no virtual No remote storage because no virtual
accessaccess Physical browsing is decreasingPhysical browsing is decreasing
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2828
6. Impact of 6. Impact of Information TechnologyInformation Technology
External IT trendsExternal IT trends Personal productivity trendsPersonal productivity trends SecuritySecurity
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 2929
External IT TrendsExternal IT Trends
Some examples:Some examples:– Internet & cellular communicationsInternet & cellular communications
E.g. the merger of phones & PDAsE.g. the merger of phones & PDAs
– Access & information retrieval Access & information retrieval technologiestechnologies E.g. GoogleE.g. Google
– Publishing technologiesPublishing technologies E.g. All-electronic review processesE.g. All-electronic review processes
– Database technologiesDatabase technologies E.g. Institutional repositoriesE.g. Institutional repositories
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3030
Personal Productivity TrendsPersonal Productivity Trends
Integrated workstations & softwareIntegrated workstations & software– Microsoft has capitalized on thisMicrosoft has capitalized on this
Their “Office” suite of productsTheir “Office” suite of products
– New competition from Mozilla, Adobe, etc.New competition from Mozilla, Adobe, etc. Mozilla: open source browser, email, RSS, etc.Mozilla: open source browser, email, RSS, etc. Adobe: purchase of Macromedia Adobe: purchase of Macromedia
(Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks) (Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks) merging merging with pdfwith pdf
– Apple & Ipod: podcasting, music & moreApple & Ipod: podcasting, music & more
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3131
Personal Productivity TrendsPersonal Productivity Trends
New client-side supportNew client-side support– RSS (Really Simple Syndication)RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
Turn blogs from “pull” to “push” technologyTurn blogs from “pull” to “push” technology Email & RSS integrationEmail & RSS integration
– Expandable browsersExpandable browsers Tabbed browsing windowsTabbed browsing windows Live RSS feeds (or timed to your specification)Live RSS feeds (or timed to your specification) CustomizableCustomizable
– Bibliographic toolsBibliographic tools E.g. EndNote with search featuresE.g. EndNote with search features
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3232
SecuritySecurity
Span overload (85% of all email)Span overload (85% of all email)– Email use of facilities in libraries is very Email use of facilities in libraries is very
high high Virus & worm protectionVirus & worm protection
– Library systems must be robust, with latest Library systems must be robust, with latest security technology embeddedsecurity technology embedded
Identity theftIdentity theft– Issue especially for librariesIssue especially for libraries
Hold ID & personal information in patron recordsHold ID & personal information in patron records
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3333
7. Human Resource 7. Human Resource ManagementManagement
Professional development supportProfessional development support– Changing skill setsChanging skill sets
E.g. IT management, web design, user E.g. IT management, web design, user needs analysis, competitive intelligence, etc.needs analysis, competitive intelligence, etc.
Blurring of professional/support staff Blurring of professional/support staff “lines”: reflects changing “lines”: reflects changing responsibilitiesresponsibilities– Is the MLIS still necessary; Is the MLIS still necessary; – If not, what are some replacementsIf not, what are some replacements
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3434
Human Resource Human Resource ManagementManagement
Building a flexible workforceBuilding a flexible workforce– Term appointments are more commonTerm appointments are more common– Layoffs are a realityLayoffs are a reality– Service points are no longer “permanent”Service points are no longer “permanent”
Finding HR efficiencies across unitsFinding HR efficiencies across units– Consolidation of tasksConsolidation of tasks– Strategic reviews on regular basisStrategic reviews on regular basis
OutsourcingOutsourcing
July 2005July 2005 Copyright 2005 Harvard UniversityCopyright 2005 Harvard University 3535
8. Summary8. Summary
Harvard Science Libraries:Harvard Science Libraries:– Create a flexible, highly efficient Create a flexible, highly efficient
organizationorganization– Ongoing analysis & evaluation of Ongoing analysis & evaluation of
collections, support & servicescollections, support & services– Restrictive fiscal environmentRestrictive fiscal environment– Growing research environmentGrowing research environment– Manage print to digital transitionsManage print to digital transitions– Support users/patrons with new Support users/patrons with new
information paradigms & high expectationsinformation paradigms & high expectations