This panel discussion will explore how public and academic libraries use resource usage data to guide collection development decisions, to support budget justifications, and to determine marketing needs for library resources. Panelists will share their strategies for collecting and analyzing usage data, as well as methods for incorporating patron feedback into decisions about selecting and/or deselecting licensed and purchased resources.
Traditionally, Crowder College Lee Library has presented service output information to the Board of Trustees and college administration to express library effectiveness. Such efforts, while laudable, do not offer non-librarian leaders information on what impact service numbers have on greater institutional goals and objectives. Administrators need the “why” regarding library services. Crowder College began a prototype statistical analysis of library service relationship to retention. This presentation communicates that experience, provides results, and expresses methodology considerations in a way that affords library administrators an opportunity to enhance their program review reports.
Some timely workshops put two realities before us as we navigated “return to campus” dynamics in several stages at Lindenwood University. 1) Screen fatigue was real experience for so many in our community. 2) Without knowing to ask for it, people were displaying a desire for in-person, face-to-face connection (though to be fair, those faces were masked…) We recognized once students returned to campus that they were handling a LOT. Using a lens for mitigating additional stressors as much possible, we piloted a program of running two spaces, drop-in style, twice a week during midterms (week 8 of our term) and finals (week 16). The two spaces offered environmental cues that we hoped would allow attendees to make choices of a space that could be restorative, comfortable—even a form of self-care. Room one was our low input space. Participants were invited to Unplug with a mellow setting: lights were off, sound was low volume and we offered activities like drop in yoga practice, box breathing, meditation exercises, and a VR journey intended to give the brain space, rest, and a creativity boost. Room two was our Unwind space and offered invitation to engage in cooperative or parallel activities: lights were on, slideshows of baby animals ran on all 4 walls, coloring, playing cards, DIY bookmarks were available and conversation was encouraged. Participants could visit one space or both as they desired. Over time we have modified activities offered, and other dynamics of the program and we continue to see a variety of participants which gives us great feedback for what to change and what to keep at the core of our Unplug and Unwind offerings each semester. In this session we will also show and tell about our marketing plans for the event and bring materials for participants to select an activity to work on during the presentation if desired.
MOBIUS libraries were used to automated patron loads in Sierra. We had to recreate this process with minimal time and minimal changes on our members' end. We did it! Come learn how. Vivian and Steve, with technical knowhow provided by Scott Angel, will discuss the process by which patron data file initially created for Sierra are transformed into patron User updates in FOLIO. You'll be astounded!
Do you have questions about data updates in FOLIO? We have answers. Potential Topic covered: Bulk Edit, Data Export, Data Import, Inventory, MarcEdit, Query Builder, CQL Queries. It's like an Open Hours, but in person!
Digital learning objects encompass more than just tutorials; they include videos, images, slides, and even LibGuides. What do you need to consider when planning, designing, and developing learning objects? How do you determine which projects to prioritize? What technology tools will you use? What constraints do you have in terms of staffing, timeline, and budget? What is the purpose of the project? A well-articulated purpose is essential in determining the format and extent of each learning object. If the purpose is to meet a user need for immediate application, a brief “explainer” or “how-to” video is better than a multi-page tutorial. More complex tutorials for instructional purposes require an instructional design process including the creation of appropriate learning outcomes and assessments. Best practices in writing for the web, minimizing information overload, and (UD) Universal Design principles for accessibility are also considered. This session describes using the ADDIE model of project development adapted to the creation of digital learning objects for library instruction. The ADDIE model has five stages: Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. The process provides a structured approach to ensure that relevant questions are addressed at each stage.
Robust collection development policies or guidelines can reflect your patrons' needs, describe acquisition philosophies, and inform collection reviews and withdrawals. However, what happens when your policies or procedures are outdated, ignored, or obscured? How can your library include multiple stakeholders in producing new policies or procedures that will positively benefit your collections and patrons? Join Robert Powers, the Research and Instruction Librarian at Kansas City, Kansas, Community College (KCKCC), for a session about how KCKCC is working to finalize new collection development procedures for fall 2025. This session will be of interest to acquisitions personnel, librarians, and library administrators.
