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Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations
New Information Support Models
- 1st Edition - June 15, 2011
- Author: Christopher Barth
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 8 4 3 3 4 - 6 1 6 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 7 8 0 6 3 - 2 6 2 - 9
This book describes and discusses the convergence of library and technology support in higher education. Over the past 15 years, a number of institutions have pursued merging… Read more
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Request a sales quoteThis book describes and discusses the convergence of library and technology support in higher education. Over the past 15 years, a number of institutions have pursued merging library and technology services into a single information support organization. These mergers have taken different forms, but all seek to redefine information support in a 21st century model that promotes the interdisciplinary use of information. The coming years will see significant change affect libraries with the continuing disruption of the Internet and digitally-based services. Coupled with economic pressures, libraries and technology organizations will increasingly be forced to look closely at long-held assumptions of how their teams are organized and how work is divided and shared. Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations provides useful and practical guidance on converged information organizations as an effective response to change in the information profession.
- One of the most complete assessments of converged support models available
- Designed to both allow assessment of the application of a converged model, and discussion of successful implementations
- Includes experiences, perspectives, and examples from many leaders in converged information support organizations
Information professionals; Practitioners and students of Library and Information Science
List of figures
About the author
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Context for convergence: Arriving at the delta
Abstract:
A new economy with information as currency
A glance over our shoulders: evolution of an information economy
Evolution of a service economy
Evolution of converged information service organizations
Rocks all around
The old rules don’t apply
Rules of the river
The sweet spot
Chapter 2: Assessing possibilities for convergence: Reading the river
Abstract:
Why converge?
Motivating factors for convergence
Summary of motivations
Benefits of convergence
Challenges ahead
The organizational context of information support
Key considerations
Chapter 3: Professional culture and politics: Conflict at the helm
Abstract:
Core values
Values of library professionals
Values of technology professionals
Connections: common values
Differentiating contexts
Key considerations
Chapter 4: Staffing for convergence: Crew selection
Abstract:
The importance of leadership
The staff
Watching for the silver lining
Staff duties in the converged organization
Staffing vacancies
Human resource considerations
Don’t forget the students
Key considerations
Chapter 5: Specialization versus generalization: Crew assignments
Abstract:
Polymaths
Generalization and specialization
Key considerations
Chapter 6: Organizational design in converged organizations: Streamlining the vessel
Abstract:
Alignment within the institution
Physical representations of convergence
Virtual representations of convergence
Team structures
Resource allocation and application
Reducing redundancy
Strategic planning
Marketing and the web
Developing an organizational design
Key considerations
Chapter 7: The process of converging: Riding the river
Abstract:
Leadership
A case for convergence
Hallmarks of design: vision
Hallmarks of design: collaboration
Hallmarks of design: transparency
Hallmarks of design: process
Evolution vs. revolution
On the ground: ten keys for deployment
Key considerations
Chapter 8: Future evolutions of information service organizations: Around the bend in the river
Abstract:
Print collections
Data collections
The research process
Cyberinfrastructure
The cloud
Multimedia
Metadata
User interfaces
The future is converged
References and further reading
Index
- No. of pages: 194
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: June 15, 2011
- Imprint: Chandos Publishing
- Paperback ISBN: 9781843346166
- eBook ISBN: 9781780632629
CB
Christopher Barth
Christopher D. Barth works as the Executive Director of Library and Information Services at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, USA. He has 10 years of experience working in ‘merged’ library/technology organizations and is beginning his fourth year leading a merged library/IT team. Previously he worked as Director of Information Resources at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, USA, and as Librarian at the Anchorage Daily News in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. He has previously published a history of Kenyon College titled Kenyon Reborn.
Affiliations and expertise
Luther College, USARead Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations on ScienceDirect