American Libraries Annual Conference 2014June 27 – June 30, 2014

B. Robertson – UNT Dallas LibraryItinerary

6/28/148:30 – 10:00 – Data-Driven-Decision-Making (LRRT) Research Forum – LRRT review committee selected three research papers that demonstrated how to leverage user-centered data to develop services.

10:00 – 12:00 - Special invitation by vendor, Alexander Street Press – Request to view and provide feedback on upcoming new resources and changes in current platform and content.

10:00 – 11:00 – Discovering New Acquisition Models for Video: PDA and EBA - Zack Dorsey, VP Marketing and New Market Sales

11:00 – 12:00 – Building a Human Rights Studies Database – Nathalie Duval, Director

1:00 – 2:30 - Building Holistic Library Assessment Space and Collections = Effective Services (LLAMA) - This program discussed a holistic approach to assessment of library space, collections and services. The panel discussed methodologies used for assessment of collections, spaces and services for libraries of all kinds.

4:30 – 5:30 - Best Websites for Teaching and Learning (AASL) - The Best Websites for Teaching and Learning committee highlighted the new list of best free websites for 2014. [Heather Moorefield-Lang, Virginia Tech Libraries]

4:30 – 6:00 - Project Connect Panel (AASL) – The Project Connect team shared their views on the role of the librarian as a driver of curriculum development, content selection and the digital transition.

1:00 – 2:30 - Crafting a Successful Grant Proposal: Tips and Tricks to Win Every Point (AFL)

6/30/148:30 – 10:00 - Say It in Six: Lightning Rounds – Case Studies on Using Data to Improve Library Services. Presenters explained how they used data to assess, promote or improve library services in six minutes; followed by Q&A.

12:00 – 1:00 – Exhibit Hall

ALA Annual Conference - 2014Meeting Notes

1. Data-Driven-Decision-Making (LRRT) Research Forum – LRRT review committee selected three research papers that demonstrated how to leverage user-centered data to develop services.

a. Collection Analysis for the Social Sciences at UC Berkley Are we buying what faculty needs? How are we doing comparatively across disciplines? Are faculty using more media or online websites? Goal to increase major published source materials required for doctoral student

dissertations. Own citation analysis of dissertation bibliographies – 2008-2012 Received citations for large data file from ProQuest. Working papers are popular in Economics. Freely available sources:

Business = 7.7% Economics = 10.2% History = 3% Political Sci = 10.2%

Next Phase of Research: Analyze ownership by English vs. Non-English Assess ownership rate for books vs journals Conduct qualitative assessment of different information seeking behaviors by

discipline

b. iMap Libraries data tool was used to tell story of people who would be affected by closing of the library [affected by loss of library services] Market data shows who is using the library and who loses when a library service is

eliminated. (Public Libraries) Stats are used for advocacy for libraries threatened with closure. Target group: libraries that served majority minority communities for self-

education represent the “boot-strap” to pull one’s self up. Data may not eliminate the root cause for library closings due to insufficient funds,

but can widen the issues being discussed and help level the playing field.

Miami Dade planned to close 22 public libraries.o Data collected included local home values.o Libraries in areas with high home values were to remain open; low home

value areas were marked for closure.o Result: iMap data influenced decision makers to reverse the decision

to close the 22 libraries.

All public libraries have iMap data on hand. The local GIS agency provides it for free to schools, police and fire departments.

“Contact your city/county or regional planning agency responsible for mapping local geographic data using GIS software to have your library ‘mapped’.

c. Library Fines [divided opinions / no definitive resolution- study is ongoing]

Library fines are viewed as a significant barrier to access. Library fines do not fit any mission of free and equal access at any public

library. Quite a few academic libraries do not collect fines. Students cannot graduate without paying fines.

VS People should be punished for depriving others from having access.

Goal: Need more libraries to track data about fines and circulation. Example of letter to students at an academic institution:

“We are so happy you are enjoying “TITLE” and that we were able to provide it for you. Would you like to purchase it? If so, you may purchase it for $$$. Make checks payable to: --------“

2. Discovering New Acquisition Models for Video: PDA and EBA - Zack Dorsey, VP Marketing and New Market Sales – Alexander Street Press (ASP) (Vendor)

ASP has significant amount of PBS content now and will increase. Platform changes are coming to make site more user-friendly. Will have a Fashion Library.

Building a Human Rights Studies Database – Nathalie Duval, Director – Alexander Street Press (ASP) (Vendor)

Human Rights Studies Online coming soon! Will include atrocity crimes from 1900 to 2010.

Engineering Case Studies & Psychological Case Studies online Debate questions by subject experts. Timelines Videos of documentaries, interviews, TV coverage, photographs, drawings,

artifacts, NGO reports Files from the Clinton Library First-hand accounts, press releases, news wires Refugee diaries with fully indexed transcripts.

* There is a call for content for unpublished personal narratives/documents.

3. Building Holistic Library Assessment Space and Collections = Effective Services (LLAMA – 6/28/14) This program discussed a holistic approach to assessment of library space, collections and services. The panel discussed methodologies used for assessment of collections, spaces and services for libraries of all kinds.

Notes: PT. 1 Labs were integrated into library space; i.e. math labs, writing labs etc. Librarians might extend services to faculty. Examples:

o Librarians prepare materials for faculty use upon request.o Create library boutiques:

Faculty Resource Spaces Create a marketplace for learning for departments

Planning Stage - Have a planning methodology: Develop learning spaces with a variety of seating options Create collaborative learning spaces Increase number of closed group study rooms Collection development should include a combination of print and digital materials. Mapping for the future – 21st Century Library Some libraries are teaming together to form an “Uber-Library”

Conduct ethnographic research; User vs User Perspective.

o Each person’s reality is different, but there are points that all agree on.o Realities and perspectives change depending on the assignment and other

factors.o The perspective of the library staff, faculty and users differ and creates emotional

tension.o Goals erode because of a low tolerance for emotional tension.o Finding points of agreement promotes creative tension.

It is extremely important that the lighting in the reading area is evenly distributed; no bright vs dark spaces.

Incorporate plug-ins into wall systems.

Build Expert Resources: Become a Practicum Host (UNT Dallas Library is currently a practicum host) Host Experts in Residence Form Partnerships Mentoring Host Experiential Events (Speaker, I-Labs, Information Literacy programs) Create a Media Wall

o A touch-point to integrate information literacy

Notes: PT. 2The Carlton Library, Ottawa, Canada underwent renovations.

New e-reference policy was written to replace print reference with electronic versions. (UNT Dallas currently follows this strategy when appropriate.)

Impact of choosing digital over print:

Pros ConsPrint 1 time cost Occupies physical space

  Old copies must be processed to remote storage to create space for new materials.

Electronic No physical space requiredSome materials require an annual subscription

 Some materials allow full access via 1 time purchase

Vendor products used to produce usage statistics for electronic resources:o SUSHIo COUNTER

Hard statistics must guide collection assessment and development. Supplement with input from the user community and librarians. (Currently in place at UNTD Library)

Recommend: XLComparator.net/ = Free: Compare two Excel Spreadsheets without programming macro or installing any software on your computer.

4. Best Websites for Teaching and Learning (AASL)The Best Websites for Teaching and Learning committee highlight the new list of best free websites for 2014. [Heather Moorefield-Lang, Virginia Tech Libraries]

Request sent for entire list to: hmoorefield@gmail.como Media History Library (Grades 7-12)o The Why Files – Science Education & Social Studies (Grades 5-12)o Vocabulary.com – Essential English Words in Academic Environments

(Grades 3-12)o * B. Robertson has complete list. Send me an email if you would like

to receive the list. Brenda.robertson@unt.edu

5. Project Connect Panel (AASL) – The Project Connect team shared their views on the role of the librarian as a driver of curriculum development, content selection and the digital transition.

See: www.follettlearning.com/projectconnect Help students understand the significance of their carbon footprint. Digital Learning Initiative Pilot: Bought every librarian a mini iPad. Librarians are

leading instructional development. Nationwide initiative is trying to match the “in-school learning” with the “out of

school learning”. Job descriptions need to work in-synch with what your (institution) district is trying

to do. It’s not about ‘libraries’. It’s about learning. Focus on “content across subjects” and “skills across grade levels”. Recommend book: “Every Child, Every Day” for principals and

superintendents.

6. Crafting a Successful Grant Proposal: Tips and Tricks to Win Every Point (AFL)

I. Project Goals & Objectives – Benefits and Resultso Objectives should be clear and describe the goal of the project.o SMART Goals:

S – A clear strategy M – Measurable outcomes A – Attainable goals R – Realistic T – Time Bound – have a timeline – start, middle and end process

o Funders want to know how you plan to measure your success.o List true evaluation methods that make sense; quantitative and qualitative.

o Do not over-promise. Funders know when you are over-promising.o Avoid too much need, and not enough how.o Use visuals (pictures of target audience)o Use simple data charts, Excel spreadsheets are ok.o Use maps or timelines.

II. Project Methods or Design [A clear approach]o The Logic Model

Outline of Program List of tasks to accomplish and available resources

o Output The product and/or activities Prove sustainability without funder’s support. How committed are you

to the program.

o Outcome Result – What has changed? What is the new knowledge or

understanding that has taken place? What need was fulfilled? How does the project meet the funder’s goals?

* Use the funder’s language.

III. Project Budget: Confirm which costs the funder allows or disallows.

o Typical expenses: Salaries Equipment Benefits Travel Supplies Administrative costs Contracts Shipping costs (for online orders)

o Do not inflate costs; no fluff. Do not over estimate your budget.o Funders do not fund contingency items.o Check and Re-Check your math.

o Appendices: Staff Resumes Memorandum of Understanding [available on the web] Partnership Agreements Letters of Support Any attachments requested by the funder.

Final Notes: [Crafting a Successful Grant Proposal…]

Do not use jargon. Use Synonym Finder; not Thesaurus.com Small business and corporate foundations are best funders. Wal-Mart gives up to $5,000 on the 1st of every month.

o Successful applicants : Take the letter of request into the Community Representative. The letter is on official letterhead. Research before-hand to learn the process and which local

opportunities are funded. You may apply at multiple Wal-Mart stores.

7. Say It in Six: Lightning Rounds – Case Studies on Using Data to Improve Library Services. (LLAMA-MAES) Presenters explained how they used data to assess, promote or improve library services in six minutes; followed by Q&A.

Handouts available at: http://connect.ala.org/node/225555#sayitin6 SPSS software is used to track trends and characteristics of different libraries. Library consortia are in a unique position to contribute useful data. Vendor usage stats track use per FTE or per population. Recommend book: Say It In Six Recommend book: Rocket Surgery Made Easy

Santa Clara University o Assessing Information Commons: Problem – too many service desks.o Reference collection taking up prime real estate. [Solution: Since reference use

stats were low, the reference collection was moved downstairs and converted the area to a collaborative space.]

o Formed a task force with a 6 month timeline.o Placed flip-charts throughout to capture opinions of students.o Formed focus groups with faculty and students to gather information about

their needs.o Held special events to launch each next major survey.o Results:

Reduced service desks to 1 – IT desk; 1 – Library Service Desk; Eliminated greeter service desk and moved the library service desk closer to the entrance.

Added charging stations for mobile devices. Improved signage everywhere.

Edmonton Public Library, AB, Canada o What work activities identify main activities of library staff?o Manual checkout; shelving; questions and other patron interactions.

University of California Santa Cruz o Economy drive led to decreased library hours.o Students sat in library anyway when library was closed.o Students imposed a self-tax to reinstate hours

o Students were surveyed to determine which hours were most important; 1,100 student replies with 800 comments. Students were not asked if they wanted hours past midnight, but replied they wanted extended hours.

o After original students graduated, reassessed new students to determine whether they wanted to continue the self-imposed tax.

o Needed 60% student vote for 24/5 access. Only got 59%.

North Carolina State University :o First Friday of every month there is a usability study/test:

Use people not related to development of the program/project. To encourage participants, one activity invited patrons to take pictures of

the library. Pictures were posted on an exhibit wall and selected pictures earned selection to be included in the University Archives.

End of ALA 2014 Conference Notes

American Libraries Association Acronyms:

AASL = American Association of School LibrariesAFL = AffiliateAPA = Allied Professional AssociationACRL = Association of College and Research LibrariesBCALA = Black Caucus of the American Library AssociationLITA = Library and Information Technology AssociationLLAMA = Library Leadership and Management AssociationMAES = Measurement Analysis and Evaluation Section (LLAMA)

ALA 2014 Conference Snap-Shots

One of many standing room only sessions. 19k librarians are reported to have attended the 2014 ALA Conference.

Exhibit Hall – Isle 200. One of approximately 25 isles with multiple vendors on each isle.

Vendor Display: Machine to dispense laptops.

Vendor Display: Machine to dispense DVDs.