1. BIG CHALLENGES (& OPPORTUNITIES) FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CE INITIATIVE FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University

2. Communications  Image  How do we interact/communicate?  Cultural intelligence  Future oriented Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

3.  Is the library central or peripheral?  Are you considered a change agent? Topic A: How are/can librarians be deemed fundamental to achieving broad institutional goals? Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

4.  Created the 24/7 experience  Developed specific and unique connections with student life  Seen as innovative technology leaders e.g. Information Commons, Student Multimedia Center  Early leader in campus digitization efforts Some examples from SMU’s Central University Libraries

5. Examples, cont.  Strong faculty support  Close relationship with central technology support services – successful partnerships  Special Collections involved with faculty for both programming and research support  Connections within the administrative community e.g. partnering with Human Resources, News & Information Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

6. CUL’s Strategic Plan  Title is a riff on SMU’s new capital campaign theme “SMU Unbridled: the Second Century Campaign”  Opportunity to demonstrate how the libraries are in sync with both higher education and the University Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

7.  Image – look the part – gauge your culture  Positional status – Deanship essential  Partnerships with other Deans Topic B: How do librarians gain credibility within the institution? Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

8. Strategies  Do not shy away from the big assignments e.g. chairing search committees or taking on university- wide responsibilities, such as accreditation  Volunteer – do not wait to be asked!  Create networks of advocacy e.g. faculty, students, parents, board of advisors  Be available to represent the University in any number of forums Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

9. Strategies, cont.  Seed your able, inspiring young librarians into university-wide committees  Use objective data sources/consultants when documenting needs  Support the Institution  DO NOT WHINE  Combine patience with speed at taking opportunities when presented  SHOW UP Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

10. Develop a philosophy or vision that is short, identifiable, clear, and congruent with the University’s mission/vision/culture – your elevator speech e.g. “for the next 5 years, CUL will be focusing on ‘customer service’” – that is a mantra of two words! Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

11. The Starbucks Experience: 5 principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary Joseph A. Michelli, McGraw Hill, 2007. Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU Principles:  Make it your own  Everything matters  Surprise and delight  Embrace Resistance  Leave your mark

12. Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU  Patron-directed acquisition as part of the overall collection development policy  Shopping baskets  Accompanying patrons to the stacks when lost  Custom delivery of some materials  Transforming the reference desk experience Some CUL Examples

13. Conclusion  Envision  Energize  Enable  Educate  Embrace change Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs, SMU

14. Thank You! Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries | Gillian McCombs, SMU Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University