As I write this Spring newsletter message I am struck by the ongoing industry changes that almost daily impact our services and collection to you. Changes, such as those announced by HarperCollins that an e-book that circulates 26 times will have to be repurchased. Or those made by OCLC in eliminating pay per search access to licensed content, such as Dissertation Abstracts, Contemporary Women’s Issues, and Alternative Press Index to mention a few.
As our industry evolves, so do the collections and services we offer to you. The intent of this newsletter is to keep you apprised of new, changed, or highlighted Lupton Library collections and services. In regards to developments impacting collections, read about Ethnographic Video Online, new exhibits in Special Collections and finding public domain information. In regards to services read about: our improved web site for mobile devices, a series of new workshop offerings, one-on-one research assistance, technology services, group study rooms, and course reserve services to mention just a few. Finally take a look at a day in the life of the library (photo montage), our new library blog, and the scholarly output of your faculty librarian colleagues.
In addition the articles of interest above, I have provided updates below on several other library topics of interest to the faculty and staff, such as the new building, the collection review project, and the library’s budget.
New Building
The good news is that activity on the site of the new library will begin again, hopefully by May or June. Here are a few building updates:
- The Fire Marshall has just approved the new building construction documents and folks are actively at work preparing the bid document. The bid will be sent to five pre-qualified construction firms. The bid will be reviewed by UTC Facilities, UT System, and our lead architect.
- Click here for a one-page summary of features planned for the new building.
- A variety of quotes will be featured throughout the new library, click here for a link to some of the quotes you may see.
Collection Update
The Lupton Library strives to provide faculty and students access to quality information resources in an easily findable manner. Evaluation of the collection is a routine, ongoing matter for electronic and print resources.
- Click here to see a joint UT campus libraries proposal to fund a UT Library position and a central online collection of core resources.
- The Library’s materials budget continues to operate in a deficit situation, due to inflation on current subscriptions. Click here for information about the Library’s materials budget.
- The Collection Review Project is ongoing, as it will be for the next eighteen to twenty-four months, click here for an update on project specifics.
- Click here to see the funded 2010-2011 Library Enhancement Grants requests.
- Spring semester trial to eHRAF World Cultures and Collection of Archeology
Budget and Statistics
The Lupton Library strives to operate in a transparent, data-driven fashion, so in the spirit of transparency here are some interesting facts and figures about your library.
- 2011-2012, Library Budget Proposal
- Association of College and Research Libraries Survey results
- 5 Year Services and Collections Comparison
Please look for the Library’s 7th Annual Campus Satisfaction Survey later this Spring. In addition, we will be seeking your input on our continued subscription to ICPSR, available now as a one-year pilot.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. Should you have any questions or concerns about the contents of the newsletter or any other library matters please give me a call at x4508 or send me an email at Theresa-Liedtka@utc.edu.