Using Online Faculty Directories: Faculty Concerns Along With Benefits Kathryn Baker Parks Director of Academic Information Sam M. Walton College of Business University of Arkansas

Walton College Directory Visibility Walton College Page Views (September ). Excludes home page.

The Traditional Approach Department of Music | J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences | University of Arkansas

Update My Profile Page!!! Faculty Web Developer Sure, once I get to the rest of the requests. Where does the data come from?

Directory Research Interests Teaching Interests Bio Photo Education Links Social Media Articles Honors Modern Directories

Solution: Web Services User Controlled Data

A Better Way  Faculty (and staff) can update directory information in real time by logging into Activity Insight.  Benefits: Instant Updates, Time Savings For Administrative Staff, Up-To-Date Information

Giving Users A Choice

Cons of User Controlled Data  Typos!  Consistency  Unenthusiastic Users

Solutions  Typos  Periodic Review of Data  Consistency  Clear College Branding Document  Plan Your Database Structure  Add Formatting Consistency With Code

Solutions – Unenthusiastic Users I don’t do data entry!!!

“Don’t persuade, defend or interrupt. Be curious, be conversational, be real. And listen.” –Elizabeth Lesser

Solutions – Uncooperative Users  Find energetic new users. Let them share their excitement and knowledge with colleagues.  Listen to user concerns.  Be flexible.  Be conversational. Share your excitement.  Provide one-on-one training.

What’s Next? Future Online Directory Updates Single Data Source: Eliminate Deans Office Database and incorporate into Activity Insight Add Staff to Activity Insight for online directory purposes Export Additional Data: current classes taught, office hours, secondary contact, additional social media links.

Kathryn Baker Parks (479) kbakerparks (twitter) Don’t persuade, defend or interrupt. Be curious, be conversational, be real. And listen.” -Elizabeth Lesser