Review of University Librarian Nancy L. Baker
Services and Technological Innovations
“Service” is the driver behind everything we do in the Libraries whether it is processing collections, teaching library instruction to classes, consulting with faculty on their research needs, or helping students find what they need in the library. Based on the results of user studies conducted in the late 1990’s, subsequent focus groups on specific topics or services, informal feedback from faculty, staff, and students, and the advice of the University Libraries Committee, we have tried to shape our programs to meet the changing needs of our users.
Although it is always challenging to develop innovative uses of new technologies, it can be especially challenging during difficult budget times. I am very pleased by the following accomplishments that have all enhanced services for our library users:
- Identified funding for software needed to implement “Live Reference” service – interactive, online reference service; approved a cooperative project with Iowa State University to maximize staff coverage of this service for both institutions; recently began a similar cooperative project with the University of Newcastle in Australia.
- Completed the retrospective conversion of the card catalog, making the online catalog a more accurate listing of all our collections. This also allowed us to “retire” the outdated card catalog.
- Upgraded InfoHawk, the online catalog with 3 major enhancements. We introduced the InfoHawk catalog the week I arrived in August, 2000. But since that time, we have installed 3 new versions of enhanced software for additional features and improved operations.
- Installed SFX software that links online journals directly to the online catalog record making it easier for library users to move from the citation to the full-text online.
- Installed Metalib software to the online catalog to permit federated searching of multiple databases from the same single search.
- Acquired Content DM and Digitool, both image database software, for creating digital access to special holdings of the UI Libraries and assisting faculty and other users who want to create searchable databases of digital images.
- Initiated the redesign of the Libraries’ website to make it more user-friendly (now in process).
- Worked with the University Catering Services to established Food for Thought in the Main Library and revised the Libraries’ food and drink policy. Approved an ATM machine in the Main Library (this had specifically been requested by students).
- Appointed Nancy E. Kraft, Head of Preservation, to provide leadership for a state-wide cooperative project with Iowa libraries, museums, and historical societies, offering digital access and indexing to a variety of resources (text, photographs, sounds recordings, etc) pertaining to Iowa. The subsequent Iowa Heritage Digital Project is currently a prototype database. The group recently applied for a grant from the Institute for Library and Museum Studies, in partnership with Iowa Public Television.
- Installed top down scanners to speed up delivery of interlibrary loan from the Hardin and Main Libraries, lessen damage to library collections caused by traditional photocopying, and better manage the increased demand for services.
- Funded a second digital microform reader in the Main Library Media Services Department from development funds to permit users to download articles on microform to their computers for use at their desktop.
- Drafted a user privacy policy with Information Technology Services and the General Counsel’s office that takes into account the capabilities of new and evolving technologies.
- Sponsored focus groups on the Information Arcade to discuss ways to “reimagine” its services during its second 10 years. These ideas led to a successful grant from the Roy J. Carver Foundation to implement these changes.
- Funded a number of small innovative projects from development funds specially earmarked for innovation including audio streaming of music on “Reserve” for classes, development of i-lecture in the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences; and a project using PDAs for on-site reference sources with Pharmacy.
- Approved information technology competencies specifications for library staff. There is not a department in the library that is not dependent on automation. Having a well-trained staff is critical to library services.
