Spring is out there!

Time for Spring Break and an updated post on doings in the SU Library!

The Faculty Library Advisory Group, ably led by faculty member George Moore, has been meeting regularly. At today's meeting, we decided to propose a faculty development workshop on social networking tools. The library staff have been keeping up with this category of outreach: for example, Martin Cleaver created a Facebook page for us, and we are experimenting with Twitter. We have been using chat tools for some time now, having gotten in early on the AskUsNow project led by Baltimore County Public Library. Sue Bonsteel set up and experimental AskMiss Julie chat using Instant Messenger (AIM) and she is currently working on a proposal for a pilot project to utilize a department Blackberry that would be shared among librarians and used to respond to chat requests for research help. Watch for an announcement later this summer regarding that initiative. Library staff would probably be well-poised to help with a workshop for faculty on social networking. We are currently discussing when this might be offered.

Also for discussion at FLAC, I came across an interesting study while looking at surveys and trends for academic libraries: it is called
Studies of Key Stakeholders in the Digital Transformation in Higher Education. A little old, but quite interesting.

Welcome to a new part-time staff member at the School of Business Library: Amanda Cameron will be starting on Tuesday March 16th. Welcome!

Have a refreshing Break, and I will see you on the 22d.

Results of Kindle and Sony E-book Initiative

In December, I designed a Survey Monkey questionnaire for folks who have used a library e-book reader at Stevenson. Although the Survey is still running, 18 responses have been received and can be viewed here. You will need to contact me for the password. Call me at 443-334-2231. Survey Results

A fresh coat of paint for the Library!

Visitors and library users are liking the new paint in the library @Greenspring campus. We chose intense colors based on student feedback, and we love the way it makes everything pop! Even the spotty old carpet and old wall decorations look fresh and alive. Thanks to faculty in VCD, especially Amanda and Milagros, for guidance on choosing colors. Sue Bonsteel oversees the project and deserves praise for pulling it off.

I attended an E-book Expo in Harrisburg last Friday, and learned lots. Yes, e-books are getting better, there is no doubt about it. There are a lot of varying formats and options out there, and a lot of things to consider when choosing to purchase in an academic library setting. In addition to the interface, we need to worry about whether access is perpetual, are there digital rights issues, can the book be shared, etc. Meanwhile, Kindle and Sony E-book lending at the Libarry here seems to be going very well. I am working on creating a survey to eb completed by those who have borrowed a device. I'll share the results with the SU community in January.