Entrepreneurial approaches to library services of the Future

MANLIBNET 2013, December 28th, 2013.

Jay BhattLiaison Librarian for Engineering

Drexel University

New research initiatives in institutions, universities and organizations worldwide

◦ Multidisciplinary Fields: Nanomedicine, Entrepreneurship, Business and Technology, Translational Research and many more

◦ More research being done and more expected

Innovation…Innovation…Innovation◦ (Researchers) Knowledge of information necessary to enhance information literacy

skills◦ (Librarians) need to keep updated with current developments in their institutions

Envision new ways of providing services to foster creative and learning environments

Changing information landscape

Drexel Student Learning priorities

Drexel Student Learning Priorities

◦ Vision document that defines ‘strategy of the library’ that supports its mission. Focus on future growth and development.(Source: The Entrepreneurial Librarian, p.33)

◦ Drexel University Libraries Strategic Plan: 2012-2017◦ Some features include:

Utilize evidence of client expectations for excellence and other data to manage the Libraries – What do they need?

Introduce learners to information in scholarship that is unknown to them. – How do they about new scholarship?

Support teachers’ efforts to equip students with information literacy skills to delve into the scholarship of their major.

◦ Source: http://www.library.drexel.edu/blogs/newsevents/files/2012/06/Strategic-Plan-Brochure-PDF.pdf

Library vision through strategic Plan

Drexel University Libraries: Strategic Plan - Connections

Institutional needs are changing fast.◦ New programs and courses

distance education Collaborative, team based, global research and

educational partnerships Change from traditional approaches required

◦ How do we envision new ways of successful library partnerships?

Can we apply Entrepreneurial traits? But then what are these traits?

Changing institutional needs

The key to a librarian's success: developing entrepreneurial traits (Tofty, 2002) provide some examples such traits. These include:

◦ User relations, innovative thinking, and people management: passion

◦ Creativity◦ Flexibilty◦ Self Confidence◦ Enthusiasm◦ Persistence◦ Responsibility

(Toftoy, C. N. (2002). The key to a librarian's sucess: Developing entrepreneurial traits. Information Outlook (U.S.A.), 6(6), 42-4, 47. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1320182565?accountid=10559)

Other important traits: Social entreprenership, Leadership, Risk taking, Energetic, Dynamic, Flexible, Forward thinking, Visionary, Customer focus, Keeping current with new developments, Groupwork, Collaboration

Entrepreneurial Traits

Making connections and develop relationships◦ Be creative, enthusiastic and persistent◦ Be flexible. Try new approaches (social events,

lunch meetings, coffee table conversations, etc.) Faculty members highlight resources in

their classes – Collaboration ◦ Faculty members demonstrate the value of

information research using databases.◦ Collaboration with librarians◦ Students learn by examples

How do we apply these traits to DSLP?

Connections (Reaching out to your customers)◦ Campus Walks – make new connections◦ Social Networks◦ Faculty meetings

Increase awareness of resources and services Networking with student associations

◦ Drexel Neural Engineering◦ Drexel Robotics club◦ Society of Women Engineers◦ Engineering Graduate Student Association◦ Drexel IEEE student chapters

How do we make it happen?

◦ Interact with faculty and students◦ One small informal conversation can be an

informative experience◦ Faculty meetings

Interactive conversations to show electronic tools, blogs and research guides

Research and consultation support through course management systems

Collection requests for books, journals and Requests for information sessions

Developing relationships with faculty and students

New evolving needs – Envision supporting mechanisms

New technologies – How can the libraries be involved with new initiaves?

Global partnerships-possible role for Libraries

Graduate Student Lounge◦ A new space for graduate students◦ Office hours set up for consultations◦ Laptop and mobile phones◦ Teaching information skills on devices

An opportunity to make connections Conversations help gauge student

information needs◦ Develop strategies to help with their needs

Innovative Activities – Embedding

At the student lounge

Liaisons for math, science, engineering, health sciences, and media arts & design are experimenting different strategies for embedding their expertise:◦ Coaching to biology and environmental science

graduate and undergraduate students near their lounge.

◦ Health sciences librarians routinely participate in weekly and monthly departmental meetings of the programs.

◦ Faculty, residents, students, and staff from many areas interact and provide feedback

◦ (Source: http://www.library.drexel.edu/blogs/node/4297)

Have Laptop, Will Travel: Liaison Librarians Embedded Throughout Campus

Blogs

Blackboard Learning Modules – Online Course Management – Easy access to Instruction

Blackboard Learning Modules – Online Course Management – Assessing information skills

Be proactive –Consultations in the Learning Terrace

Identify information needs through Consultations

Social entrepreneurship

Facebook to reach out…..Drexel Engineering Graduate Association

Thank you! Would love to learn more from your

experiences Applicable to all disciplines Thoughts and questions

Jay Bhatt Liaison Librarian for Engineering

http://www.library.drexel.edu/engineering bhattjj@drexel.edu

215-895-1873