*Cross posted to multiple lists*
Best of Core at ALA Annual Conference Webinar: Libraries, Campus Partners, and Student Success
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
All webinars are one hour in length and begin at 11 am Pacific, noon Mountain, 1 pm Central, and 2 pm Eastern time.
Description: The trend of bringing campus partners into academic library buildings started 20 plus years ago, with the intention of supporting and increasing student success. Some early models were rooted in decisions to re-purpose space within academic libraries, and the groups that found themselves together did not necessarily have common goals or alignment. Today, there is a shift to campus partnerships that are driven by the partners and are strategic, sharing service values and goals. The changing roles of academic libraries, shifting from focusing on print collections to services has expanded partnership opportunities. Attendees will learn about and explore existing campus partnerships as well as learn about new partnerships just forming. Attendees will also learn about different approaches and methods for developing the partnerships and will gain perspective from different partners to better understand where there are common goals and overlap by hearing from four institutions.
Some of the early adopters are now at the point where they can share their reflections on opportunities and challenges. Grand Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons opened in the fall of 2013, and they now have almost ten years of lessons learned to look back on and share with attendees.
Seattle University, which opened the renovated/expanded Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons in 2010, is currently launching an effort to expand campus partners, both on-ground and virtual, beginning with a review of compatibility characteristics. Their focus today is on enhancing the student experience as well as infrastructure and support for undergraduate research.
At Kenyon College the planning process for the library spaces and partner service models began with an inclusive conversation that took a holistic look at what students need to thrive as scholars, and ultimately in their life after college.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi capitalized on funds and evolving strategies resulting from the pandemic to take existing partnerships into new spaces. Using CARES Act Funds, the library reduced their collection footprint by moving reference entirely online to repurpose space into a learning commons in partnership with the Office of Student Success.
Moving from context and background to assessment and research and finally to strategy and planning, panelists will address re-thinking how academic libraries and campus partners work together. This session takes a look at what we have learned and how the alignment of goals and the strategy/process impacts outcomes. Join us as we:
• look back at the last thirteen years to see what works and what does not;
• provide assessment and compatibility analysis of both current and potential expansion of partners;
• look at an alignment of values and goals to create results; and
• explore responsive solutions to changing needs and circumstances.
Learning outcomes:
-
Attendees will learn about and explore existing campus partnerships as well as learn about new partnerships just forming.
-
Attendees will be able to assess different approaches and methods for developing the partnerships. Gain perspective from each of the different groups to better understand where there are common goals and overlap.
-
Attendees will discover how space and planning decisions can enhance and improve access to services.
Who should attend?
Academic librarians, particularly anyone in leadership/administration, facilities planning, and/or user services.
Presenter:
Kristin Meyer is an Associate Dean at Grand Valley State University Libraries in Michigan. Kristin has a passion for creating user-centered library spaces and services, and it has been a true honor for her to have been part of the story of the Mary Idema Pew Library, Learning, and Information Commons since this state-of-the-art facility opened in 2013.
A native New Englander, Sarah Watstein has worked in academic libraries for her entire career, including public and private institutions on both coasts. She currently serves as Dean, Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons, Seattle University. Sarah co-edits Reference Services Review (RSR) a quarterly, refereed, international journal dedicated to the enrichment of reference knowledge and the advancement of reference and library user services. She also serves on the editorial board of portal: Libraries and the Academy, a Johnss Hopkins University press publication focusing on important research about the role of academic libraries and librarianship. Currently, she serves on the Board of the Orbis Cascade Alliance, a library consortium serving academic libraries in the Pacific Northwest.
Amy Badertscher was involved in designing and preparing the campus for a new library building from the beginning first meetings in 2013 and through the logistical challenges of planning, relocating, and managing library services in temporary spaces. She currently serves as Associate Vice President for Libraries and Strategic Innovation at Kenyon College. We opened Chalmers Library in the fall of 2021 to the largest first-year class in Kenyon’s history; the building is a busy and vibrant student hub. Amy’s role continues to impact the planning and programming in Kenyon’s new student-focused Chalmers Library.
Cate Rudowsky has over 23 years of experience in libraries, with 19 of those being in public academia. She currently serves as Dean of University Libraries at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she has worked since 2014. Previously, she worked for 10 years at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in various roles with progressive responsibility, including serving as Library Faculty Chair. Dr. Rudowsky earned a Ph.D. in Communication Media and Instructional Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from IUP and a Master of Library and Information Science from University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Jerel Benton, a native of Lexington, KY, has over a decade of experience in higher education, focusing on equity, diversity, and student success. Holding degrees in Nursing, Adult and Higher Education, and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, his research aimed at enhancing African American students' first-year success. Benton's roles have included Minority Retention Coordinator at Morehead State University, Director of African American Affairs at Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Senior Diversity Officer at the University of Wisconsin – Superior. Currently, he is the Associate Vice President for Student Success at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, where he has developed new advising and tutoring models, initiatives like Finish In 4 and First Generation, and led to the creation of the Office of Student Success.
David Zenk is the managing principal for GUND Partnership Architects in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The firm works with higher education institutions across the country, focusing on the design, planning and programming for academic libraries. He has been a leader for several of the firm's most significant projects, including Chalmers Library at Kenyon College and the award-winning renovation of the main library at the Ohio State University. David is an active member of ALA and Core Buildings for College and University Libraries Committee. He graduated from University of Minnesota Architecture School, is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED BD+C accredited professional.
*****************
Registration fees for webinar: Core Member $57.67; ALA member: $71.10; Non-member $79.00
For additional information and access to registration links, please go to the following website:
https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1173
Core webinars are recorded and registrants receive a link to the recording shortly following the live event.
For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration by calling 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org.
For all other questions or comments related to Core webinars, please contact Core CE staff at corece@ala.org.
*Posted on behalf of the Core Continuing Education Committee.*
____
Find your home, find your Core!
Searching for your place in ALA? If your role is in buildings, collections, management, or technology, then Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures may be the perfect fit for you! Six sections let you tailor your membership to the areas that match your interests and career aspirations. Our interest groups offer networking and problem-solving, while our volunteer opportunities give you practical experience for your résumé. Our members are critical to implementing and maintaining core library services; they come from every level of responsibility and help shape the future of the profession. We hope you’ll consider joining and finding your home in Core!
------------------------------
Jen Montavon-Green
Head of Electronic Resources
University of Kentucky
She/Her/Hers
------------------------------