Connecting with Constituents: Increasing the Library’s Visibility and Strengthening Its Services Janice Jaguszewski Director of the Science & Engineering Library University of Minnesota April 19, 2010
What Is an Embedded Librarian? Adapted from David Shumaker and Mary Talley Models of Embedded Librarianship, January 2010 Integrated in Users’ Workflow Embedded Librarian Collaborative Partnerships Data Driven Innovative Results Innovative Problem Solving
How do I add value? “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” Seneca, 1 st century BCE
Key questions What do my constituents value? What do my constituents do? What do my constituents need? How can/should the library respond? How does the library market these services?
What do my constituents value? They want to save time… And be more
What do my constituents do? Collaborate? Communicate? Find information? Conduct research? Teach or present? Keep up with new information in their field? Manage the information they find? Learn new technologies and choose the best for the task at hand?
What do my constituents need? Embed yourself in their environment to find out Pop into offices Go to lunch or coffee Attend their conferences, events, presentations Observe them at work Conduct focus groups
How can/should the library respond? Bridge the gaps Develop partnerships Redirect resources as necessary Become more visible
Examples from the Sci/Eng Library
Sci/Eng building relationships Establish credibility – be prepared for all opportunities! Spend time in departments every week Attend meetings, receptions and disciplinary conferences Participate in college/department events and host events in the library
Sci/Eng bridging the gaps Workshops to meet identified needsWorkshops –Newest is Data Management 101Data Management 101 Distance learning –Connecting people to improve services
Sci/Eng bridging the gaps Online tools –MapHappyMapHappy –Assignment CalculatorAssignment Calculator Undergraduate certificate program in information and communication skills
Increasing the Sci/Eng Library’s visibility Brochure Slide show –To highlight events, resources, services Facetime posters Facebook and TwitterFacebookTwitter Promotional video forvideo Science Quiz Bowl
Thank you! Janice Jaguszewski