Attention Academic Libraries: two events in 2005/06 sponsored by the NY3Rs Association that you may not want to miss!

Continuous Assessment and Improvement for Libraries: A statewide series of workshops

Do you need

• to follow up the 2003 LibQUAL+™ assessment and implement changes?
• to demonstrate the impact and value added of library services in your community?
• models and practical tools for evaluating plans, services, and projects more effectively?
• to identify key success factors in improved customer service or how improved processes can improve
  outcomes?
• To understand how rapid cycle improvements can establish a culture of continuous improvement within
  your staff?

How can I meet these needs?

Attend Continuous Improvement for Libraries: a series of workshops on continuous assessment and improvement where you will:

• Identify key success factors, key processes, outcomes and methods for assessing progress and impact.
• Practice using a variety of simple, engaging new tools for decision-making and assessment, and to
  understand when they are most appropriately used.
• Incorporate the tools into ongoing work processes to improve services at each participating library.
• Be able to use outcomes-based evaluation to improve advocacy efforts.

What is involved?

A series of seven workshops in five sessions will be offered in 2005-2006 in each of three convenient locations: Albany, New York City, or Batavia. You will do some homework between sessions. For more information on the project go to: http://www.ny3rs.org/CIfront.html.

There will be some costs involved such as lunches and possibly overnight accommodation. Specific dates and locations are:

NY City series: 16-17 June, 6-7 September, 12-13 December, 11 January
Heiskell Braille & Talking Books Library
Manhattan
40 West 20th St.
New York City

Albany series: 14-15 June, 8-9 September, 8-9 December, 12 January
Capital District Library Council
28 Essex St
Albany

Batavia series: 20-21 June, 13-14 September, 6-7 December, 13 January
Genesee Community College
One College Rd
Batavia

Who should attend?

We encourage teams of three-four people to attend from any type of library or library system. Those attending should include the Director and other staff with leadership and credibility within the library who can involve the rest of the staff in implementing the tools and techniques.

Academic Libraries 2005

“Many academic libraries are creating new learning spaces, often called Information Commons or Learning Commons. They address the needs of the campus to have a physical environment that provides high-end technology (network access, software, digital information resources), as well as staff that can assist with a wide range of support for faculty and students as they use and create learning and information products. In addition to addressing technology and support needs, the configuration of spaces in Information Commons generally reflects the trend towards social learning that appeals to Net Gen students. Through provision of various types of group space for discussion, production of multi-media projects, and presentation practice, Information Commons become a popular place for academic work in a social context.” (Joan K. Lippincott, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director, Coalition for Networked Information, and presenter at Academic Libraries 2005)

Come join your academic library colleagues throughout the state, learn about a library environment targeted to the Net Gen students, and enjoy beautiful Saratoga Springs in the late Fall.

Hold the date and stay tuned for additional information from your 3R Council, including additional presenters as planning continues.

Planning Committee:
John Hammond, Northern NY Library Network (john@nnyln.org)
John Shaloiko, Southeastern NY Library Resources Council (shaloiko@senylrc.org)
Carol Anne Germain, SUNY Albany (cg219@albany.edu)

By Tessa Killian, Member Services Librarian

Southeastern News Online is published by SENYLRC staff.