Artifacts
Management of library institutions necessitates the ability to learn, understand, and act on an extremely broad array of knowledge. This is true both on relatively abstract level (e.g. understanding changes in scientific research methodology in order to better support faculty at an academic library) and on a concrete practical level (e.g. learning about acoustics in order to plan the layout of a new library facility). These two artifacts reflect those extremes.
The first is a facilities management “toolkit” I prepared in collaboration with Adeline Whitman for LI850: Management of Information Agencies. This toolkit is a good example of the range of concrete practical information necessary to manage library institutions. I was amazed at the huge array of subjects that we needed to cover, including space planning, new facility and renovation planning/construction, budgeting & funding for facilities projects, sustainability and green building, acoustics, lighting, climate control, accessibility, technological infrastructure, interior design (including furniture), signage, maintenance, and facilities assessment and evaluation. I was amazed, too at the number of information resources out there dedicated to explaining these complex issues to librarians. One of our strengths as a profession is definitely in providing support for and sharing information with the wider library community.
The second artifact is an annotated bibliography put together for LI850: Information Transfer in Disciplines. This paper represents a higher-level strategic consideration of the role of libraries and of the library profession. In it I investigate the growth of e-science - i.e. modes scientific inquiry based on digitally networked peer production and open sharing of information. I ask what role libraries, as supporters of academic inquiry and specialists in information sharing, should be playing in supporting e-science and building out the necessary technical and institutional infrastructure. Like so many of the information paradigm shifts we are currently going through, e-science represents a great opportunity for libraries to build their future relevance as well as a real danger of being left behind. It is clear to me that libraries are in an ideal position to be major players in the future of academic collaboration, and I hope that there are enough people (including those in administrative positions) who share my vision to make it a reality.
Values
- Imagine outside the box by demonstrating creativity in problem solving, management, and other professional activities.
- Exhibit professional behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, based on client-centered philosophy and ethical guidelines.
- Demonstrate leadership by displaying vision, and adaptability, openness to new ideas, and risk-taking behavior.
