ALCTS Tech Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group Report
This year’s Annual session was Monday, June 28th, 1:30pm -3:30pm
Transforming Technical Services during the Library Renaissance inspired by Susan Gibbons’ working paper, Time Horizon 2020: Library Renaissance. In it she describes a period of unprecedented change for libraries over the next ten years. In particular, there is the expectation of a renaissance in technical services and collection development work. Focus will shift from the acquisition of content to its discovery. Technology will continue to influence user expectations and provide platforms to deliver content on demand, for both print and electronic resources. The 80/20 model will be supplanted by patron-driven acquisitions and locally-cultivated content.
Our panelists included:
- Teresa Negrucci, Collection Assessment and Management Librarian, Colorado State University
- Holly Tomren, Head of Monograph, Electronic Resources, & Metadata Cataloging, University of California, Irvine
- Sadie Williams, Director of Customer Support, Blackwell/YBP Library Services
With about sixty members in attendance, panelists discussed changes that are manifesting in their organizations and innovations in the provision of services. One clear theme was the shift from collection development to collection assessment due to funding restraints and the shift from just-in-case to just-in-time acquisitions. Each panelist described their current involvement with patron-driven acquisitions. Several points were made regarding workflows that were becoming obsolete (serials check-in) and those that were emerging (local content cataloging). Space shortage was also noted as a major influence on retention policies. Shifting priorities and processes also revealed the importance and difficulty of syncing user needs and resources. In addition, the panel shared what they envision their respective organizations would look like post-renaissance.
Dracine Hodges, of The Ohio State University, will continue as Chair of the Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group. Megan Dazey, of the University of Montana, will be the new Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect.