Rankings System for Libraries

The Obama administration just released its criteria for ranking institutions of higher education in this country.  (For more information on the ratings system, click here.)  The purpose of the system is to help prospective students and their parents find a college that provides a rewarding educational experience at a reasonable price.  This system also provides a high-profile alternative to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, which generally value a school’s “prestige” (i.e., test scores of incoming students and amount of alumni giving) over affordability.  In the interest of promoting libraries as being a key part of a student’s college experience, should there be a rankings system for them, also?

To some extent, there is an “unofficial” ratings system based on the size of the collection.  Harvard University currently has the largest collection, although the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s library was the largest for many years.  But does the sheer number of volumes really measure how valuable a library’s collection is to the users at a particular institution?  Large research universities would be expected to have bigger collections, since they serve a larger body of students, faculty, and researchers.  The size of the collection doesn’t take into account the number of items available per student at an institution (the higher, the better) or the number of items available per librarian (the lower, the better).  Size alone also doesn’t cover the types of materials in a collection, including rare items not held by most other libraries, nor does it take into account collection strengths in particular areas.  Additionally, a collection’s usefulness can be measured by the number of items available electronically, especially if a large number of students at the institution are in online programs.

That leads to another issue, however.  Should libraries be judged solely by their collections?  This goes back to the whole question of how one defines a library–is it merely a storage place for materials, or is it also a provider of services that help students and faculty succeed with their research and other endeavors?  Measuring service might be harder than determining the size or makeup of a library’s collection.  The number of library instruction sessions given each semester (adjusted for the size of the student body) might be one place to start.  Similarly, library cultural programming or other activities could be considered  as a measure of a library’s value to not just students and faculty, but also users from the outside community.

Thinking along those lines, where would the Benedictine University Library fit into a rankings system?  What strengths of the collection or services would elevate us in the list?

Jewish Holidays app

In the spirit of the holiday season, and in that of intercultural relations from yesterday’s staff-development event, here is an app that covers the major Jewish holidays.  The app includes not just Hanukkah, of course, but also Yom Kippur and Purim, among others.  The focus of the app is not so much on the activities during the celebrations as it is on the spiritual significance of the traditions.  More importantly, the app does not treat each holiday in isolation, but instead ties them into the broader Jewish spiritual philosophy.  To this end, the app has detailed video and written commentary by Kabbalah expert Dr. Michael Laitman.  If one wants additional information, one can peruse Dr. Laitman’s blog.  While “The Spiritual Meaning of the Jewish Holidays” app does require an understanding of Jewish spirituality–there is no glossary or other aid to provide background–the app goes beyond just a generic overview of Jewish holidays and introduces one to deeper perspectives on the holidays’ religious significance and Jewish spirituality in general.

Report on Library Programming

Even though this preliminary report covers programming in public libraries, many of the same issues and strategies could be useful for academic libraries.  In particular, the report emphasizes the role that programming can play in making a library an “anchor” of its community.  Libraries, of all public institutions, might be best equipped for this kind of approach, since they already serve the broadest range of users.  Furthermore, while being  a center of community is important enough in good times, it becomes even more crucial in times of economic challenges, when individuals may feel as if other public institutions have failed them.  Similarly, in times of transition at a college or university, the library can serve as a common meeting place for all interested parties on campus to come together and exchange ideas and even formulate possible solutions, while enjoying shared interests, such as cultural programming.  (It also gives librarians the opportunity to receive feedback from users in a less formal setting than, say, a written survey, which might encourage them to be more honest in their input.)

Programming opens a number of opportunities for academic libraries.  It allows them to bring in individuals who wouldn’t otherwise use the library, not just people from within the college or university, but people from the broader community, also.  It presents libraries with the opportunity to showcase their strengths, such as rare items in the collection.  Perhaps most importantly, it enables libraries to prove that they are more than just a self-contained unit providing books and that they have a larger relevance in the life of the campus community.  This last opportunity gives libraries a chance to reach out to other departments on campus, such as those in music or the fine arts, to offer live performances or art displays.  The library’s being a venue for these kinds of events might be particularly critical on a smaller campus, as there is limited space for such activities elsewhere.

In hosting such events, however, libraries need to make sure they are choosing the kinds of events that will allow the library to stand out.  For instance, movie nights might not draw as many attendees if the films are the kind one could rent from the video store or watch on Netflix.  Foreign films that attendees have not seen before and cover subject matter of interest to them, however, would be a good draw. Also, libraries should strive to hold different kinds of events from year to year. Even if an event has been a large draw in the past, people’s interests change, and alternative programs could help the library bring in an even larger number of attendees overall.

One suggestion the report makes for determining the most appropriate kinds of programs for a particular library is that the library look at its strengths and then come up with programs based on those. (This is also a way for the library to demonstrate that programming is related to the library’s mission.) Thinking along those lines, what are the strengths of the Benedictine University Library (collections, services, staff interests)? How could these strengths be parlayed into programming, beyond what the Library already does?

Preparing Pre-College Students for Library Research

This article, from Library Journal, discusses collaboration between libraries and K-12 educators to ensure that students begin learning research skills at an earlier age. The hope is that, by introducing students, at an earlier age, to concepts such as the difference between “good” and “bad” information, those students will be better prepared to conduct research in college. In turn, the argument goes, this will make the job of academic librarians easier, as they will not have to spend as much time teaching new students “the basics”.

While the article covers collaboration between public libraries and K-12 schools in preparing students for college-level research, similar partnerships between academic libraries and local school districts could be beneficial for both parties. School libraries could benefit from access to online resources that they otherwise might not have the financial resources to provide, and college libraries would increase their market of patrons (and, in some cases, prospective students). More importantly, building these kinds of relationships with organizations outside academia could give college libraries a key role in bridging the “town-gown” divide, which is one of the more contentious issues facing many institutions of higher education. Playing such a role demonstrates a library’s vitalness to the long-term success of the larger academic institution that it serves.

As far as the benefits for individual students, the challenge for academic libraries will be reaching them at an early-enough age that any difficulties students might face, such as socio-economic disadvantage or learning problems, can be overcome, but maintaining that relationship until students finish high school. Also, even though general research skills remain the same over time, it might be harder to predict what technological trends will be relevant in five or 10 years, when students who are entering such a program will be attending college.

Probably the biggest challenge will be designing the program so that students who do not end up attending the particular college or university that sponsors it can still easily apply what they have learned at whatever institution they do choose to attend. (Students who attend a technical or trade school, for instance, might not conduct the same type of research, using the same resources, as students attending a four-year liberal arts university.)  Building programs through statewide, and even national, consortia and other organizations might be a way around this issue.

Would this kind of collaboration be feasible for academic libraries? Would they perhaps be shifting too many resources away from serving students at their own institutions? Do academic libraries risk losing some of their identity in doing so?

Ferguson Library Stays Open Despite Unrest

This article from Salon (via American Libraries Direct) discusses the Ferguson Municipal PublicLibrary’s decision to remain open, even though many other public institutions in the community have closed because of the recent unrest. The Library’s goal in doing so is to serve as an “oasis of community”. Not only has the Library welcomed virtually anyone who needs to use it as a safe haven, but it has also reached out to the most vulnerable groups, such as schoolchildren, that have been affected by the closing of schools and other public institutions.  (The Library will be closed for Thanksgiving.)

The article raises an important issue, related to the vitalness of libraries in society today, and not just as repositories of information. Should libraries step in to fill roles that have traditionally been the purview of other institutions? Ferguson, obviously, is an extreme case, with virtually all public institutions closing down at once. But, to some extent, libraries across the country, particularly public ones, have already been taking this approach. Hosting activities such as computer training or hobbyist workshops, while once considered beyond a library’s responsibilities, are now commonplace.

Some may question the wisdom of such an approach, especially these days. Libraries are already stretched to the limit in funding and staffing; devoting scarce resources to activities that do not fit the “traditional” library role may seem wasteful, even foolhardy. But acting as a center of community, in ways going beyond just providing reading materials, helps libraries build a reservoir of goodwill and trust with the communities they serve. This is something that can be drawn upon when that goodwill and trust breaks down elsewhere in the community, especially as a starting point for maintaining and, eventually, rebuilding community solidarity.  This is already evident in the sharp rise in donations to the Library, via the PayPal link on the Library’s website, since Monday evening.

Any thoughts on this approach? Are librarians crossing a line when they put their own safety, and potentially that of their patrons, at risk by staying open under circumstances such as those in Ferguson? Obviously, the situation remains fluid, and it will be interesting to see how the Library’s role continues to shape–and be shaped by–events as they unfold over the coming days and weeks.

Vatican.va app

This is the official app of the Holy See.  The app is streamlined and easy to navigate, although there is much overlap between the app and the Vatican’s website (http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/it.html).  The app does, however, have some additional multimedia features.  These include a photo gallery of Pope Francis.  The app’s strong point is a virtual tour of the Vatican City that includes stunning 360-degree images of various locations in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square.  What adds a “you-are-there feel” not found in other apps is that the panoramas are taken while people are actually visiting the locations, instead of when they are empty; this does not, however, obstruct the sharp views of the artwork and architecture.   The downside to this app is that news and other official releases are not available in English.  (Translated versions of the same documents can, however, be found on the Vatican’s website.)  Also, the virtual tour of St. Peter’s does not include descriptions of the locations and artwork.  Despite these drawbacks, the Vatican.va app is a useful way to orient one’s self with the documents and other resources available on the full website, in addition to enjoying the virtual tour.

Bring Back the Card Catalog?

In this piece from Inside Higher Ed, Matt Reed argues that “older” technology, while it may not be the best fit in today’s lightning-fast electronic world, still has practical value as something on which to fall back if newer technology crashes. If nothing else, it is a reminder that there are alternatives to zipping off text messages at the speed of light.

This issue is not just about individual pieces of technology being able to perform such-and-such a task at such-and-such a speed, however. It also involves an entire mindset, a certain way of doing things. Reed notes the lack of the human element in today’s world of online communication. Even a technology, such as chat, that requires a flesh-and-blood individual to be on both ends, still lacks the interpersonal aspect of face-to-face communication. (Ironically, as technology becomes more advanced–with videoconferencing, for instance–some of that face-to-face element is restored.)

For older library users, this pre-Internet technology has the value of nostalgia. Even if some of the technology does not necessarily have practical value, it still brings back memories of a world in which things were done differently. (For adult students who have been out of school for a while, the older technology can serve as a lifeline while they re-acclimate themselves to the classroom and library research.) For younger users, it is a learning experience, about not just library use, but also what everyday communication entailed before e-mail and texting.

Regarding the library, what technologies whose use has been discontinued might it be most helpful to bring back, even as simply a hedge against a system failure? Would students use the card catalog if the Internet crashed? Would some of them maybe come to prefer the card catalog over the online one? If nothing else, the sheer size of the physical card catalog might impress upon students the large number and variety of resources a library has available, something that is not immediately obvious when scrolling through a list of databases.

What about other technologies, such as mimeograph machines or typewriters? Any thoughts?

Academic Libraries and Future Trends

Brad Lukanic argues that, contrary to the claims of those who believe academic libraries are no longer relevant (because of the shift of library resources to the Internet), they still have a vital role to play.  In particular, they are redefining themselves as hubs of intellectual curiosity and scholarly collaboration–places to which Lukanic refers as “intellectual conveners”.

Lukanic identifies four areas in which academic libraries must make changes in order to embrace fully this new role.

Having a say in campus-wide strategic planning–Libraries need to ensure that their long-term goals match those of the broader institution, especially with many departments competing for financial resources and campus space.  At the same time, institutional leaders must take an active role in determining what the library’s needs are, through staff surveys and other direct feedback.

Making technology a core part of customer service–Academic libraries have long embraced new technologies and integrated them into service.  With the pace of technological chaining increasing, however, and with mobile technology in particular becoming ubiquitous, libraries must harness this technology to reach as many students as possible.  More importantly, libraries should encourage users to take advantage of opportunities that mobile technology gives them to connect with each other; this greater interconnectivity can result in the curiosity and debate that results in new ideas.

Embracing flexibility–As part of long-term planning, academic libraries must consider how future trends will impact them, and whether or not current resources can be adapted to meet these challenges.  These are not just technological trends, but also changes in educational philosophies.  Collaborative spaces such as media labs, in addition to individualized study spaces, can serve a range of future purposes as needed, while at the same time making the library appear more “cutting edge” and attractive to potential students.

Creating places for engagement–Building on the first three areas, Lukanic suggests that the shift from libraries being merely spaces for storing materials will culminate in their becoming places for engagement across the entire campus community.  In addition to demonstrating the library’s organic role in the larger campus community (instead of simply being a stand-alone entity), engagement also gives libraries the opportunity to set the pace in determining what direction a particular campus, and higher education as a whole, will take.

Here is the link to the article: 4 Ways Academic Libraries are Adapting for the Future

Any thoughts on how we have already met some of these challenges, or could use current resources to do so?  More generally, despite the necessity of embracing technological change and becoming centers of engagement, is there a point at which libraries might be moving too far from their “traditional” role as storehouses of information?

“Wonders of Italy: Pompeii” app

The “Wonders of Italy: Pompeii” app (the series has apps for Rome and Florence, also) presents a photographic tour of the ruins of that city. The app includes background on each set of ruins, including their probable use. The ruins cover a range of public buildings, from amphitheatres to eateries. From a multimedia perspective, this is a fairly worthwhile app to peruse. The photography is sharp, and the 360-degree panoramas of the ruins are give one a “you are there” feeling. There are also close-up views of artwork and other interesting features of the ruins.

There is not much on the history of Pompeii itself, however, nor is there much detail on the excavation and preservation of the ruins. A reconstruction of the city as it appeared before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and maybe even an animation of the eruption itself and the resulting burial of the city in ash, would have enhanced the educational and entertainment value of this app significantly. As it is, there is information on only eight sets of ruins to peruse, giving a piecemeal approach to understanding the city and its history. While the app does give a nice introduction to some of the ruins of Pompeii and the related history, it doesn’t really go into the depth that one would expect, especially given the archaeological value of the site and its popularity as a tourist attraction.