Copyright (c) 2009 All rights reserved. http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky Recent documents in Stuart Basefsky en-us Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:08:43 PDT 3600 http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/4 http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/4 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:47:34 PDT As more and more universities establish Institutional Repositories (IR), awareness is developing about the limitations of IRs in enhancing the academic research service. The concept of an IR needs to be expanded to include the integration of the processes that transform intellectual endeavor into a broadening array of academic and research support services which are fundamentally social. These include, but are not limited to - (1) sharing institutionally developed intellectual product (traditional IR) (2) informing others of the availability of this product with defined purpose (3) collecting additional academically relevant materials in digital formats using IRs (4) disseminating timely information about what has been collected to researchers (5) creating an environment that encourages awareness and exchange of information (6) and more. In brief, information gathering, dissemination, and discussion in the form of library service must become a crucial part of researchers' networks. An IR cannot and should not be viewed as a stand alone endeavor. It needs to be viewed and used as a research and communication tool in an environment that synergizes all elements of the research process. If an IR does not create discussions between librarians (information specialists) and researchers, its potential is lost both to the academy and the library. The library and its librarians must be interactive with researchers and the institution served. With the advent of digital acquisition that IRs started, a new vision of the role of librarians can be fulfilled. The foundational concepts behind this vision are found in my article: The Library as an Agent of Change: Pushing the Client Institution Forward Information Outlook (Journal of the Special Libraries Association), Vol. 3, No. 8, August 1999, pages 37-40. The above is not theoretical. It is being practiced every day at the Martin P. Catherwood Library of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University where I work. By combining the uses of an IR, known as the DigitalCommons@ILR - see http://www.digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu, with a discipline-based Internet news service, see -- http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/iws/news-bureau/index.html, supported with outstanding web content, technical support for both print and digital collecting, reference, referral, and teaching, a goal has been realized. The library is seamlessly integrated into the outreach, research and teaching of the institution it serves. The library is part of the social fabric and network of the school. Stuart M. Basefsky http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/3 http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/3 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:01:57 PST The library in today's world must transform itself into an agent of change. Basefsky discusses why informing, discussing, soliciting, targeting, teaming and stretching need to be implemented if libraries want to remain useful and the institutions they serve wish to prosper. Stuart Basefsky http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/2 http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/2 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:42:03 PST The Personal Information Trainer (PIT) can become a unique employee benefit written into the employment contract of key individuals (very few) deemed to be essential to the success of a firm or institution. This is a no-extra-cost (non-compensatory) benefit that can help improve recruitment and retention of top talent and enhance the library's value proposition. This concept is useful to human resource managers, libraries, and the institutions they serve. This article provides the fundamental concepts and constructs necessary to implement such a program with an emphasis on why and how this should be done. Stuart Basefsky http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/1 http://works.bepress.com/stuart_basefsky/1 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:38:26 PST Major university research library systems are complex organizations made up of at least three types of library entities -- the central library, the department/school library, and the professional school library. Are these libraries cost centers or value centers? The voices of all three types of libraries should be heard for their perspectives when determining the future of the university library system with respect to this basic question. Otherwise, the competitive future of the university and its key programs may be put at risk. Knowing the core businesses of the university and how the library can best serve its fundamental purpose is essential. Stuart Basefsky