2019 Charleston Library Conference

If you’re a new e-resources librarian (or want to be one), this session is for you!

Rather than focusing on one or two aspects of the e-resources librarian’s many responsibilities, this session provides an overview of the position. Topics include: the e-resources lifecycle; collection development; working with vendors; negotiating contracts; budget management; liaison responsibilities; e-resources workflows; streaming media; eBooks; ILSs and LSPs; usage assessment; remote authentication; technical setup and support; deciphering job profiles; and interview tips. Examples from diverse academic institutions will be used to provide context and a “real life” framework (and hopefully some comic relief).

Attendees will walk away with an understanding of all aspects of the e-resources position, which they can use to identify areas for further investigation. This session will be valuable to new librarians considering e-resources librarianship as a career path, as well as experienced librarians looking for a new direction.

In 2018 the Publishing Studies program at Simon Fraser University began working with MIT Press/Knowledge Futures Group to conduct an inventory and landscape analysis of all available open-source software in the scholarly publishing space, with the intention of producing a report that would inform adoption, investment, and decision-making around open publishing infrastructure. The proliferation of open-source platforms and projects in recent years suggests that an 'ecosystem' is emerging around and between these systems, including those that may evolve along competitive lines and those that will resolve into a service ‘stack’ of complementary technologies. Our report on this landscape analysis, released in summer 2019, catalogues more than fifty active open-source projects, spanning book, journal, and multimedia publishing, and representing a wide variety of perspectives and strategic approaches. Arising from this analysis are a number of interesting questions about sustainability, collaboration and integration, funding models, and the health of this 'ecosystem' in the large.

This session will present the findings of the analysis and provide an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the state of the ecosystem and directions for future development and coordination.

In many countries, the proclamation “The King is dead, long live the King” heralds the demise of the old monarch and the accession of a new one. It was likewise intended to ensure that the throne never remain empty while facilitating a smooth transition of power. When the “big deal” journal subscription model debuted in 1996, few suspected the extent to which academic libraries would come to rely upon the big deal, that it would become “king” - the primary channel by which we procure academic journal content for our faculty, students, and staff. Yet, as budget cuts take their toll on libraries, the demise of the reigning big deal model seems inevitable as the true value of all-inclusive packages becomes less evident, particularly as innumerable titles within these packages remain unutilized and fail to add value to our serials offerings. SPARC’s Big Deal Cancellation Tracker is documenting this transition as an increasing number of libraries and consortia decide to forgo this model in favor of regaining local control over their collections and budget dollars via less restrictive packages. The Binghamton University Libraries is no exception. Recent curriculum changes and financial developments have prompted us to adopt an ongoing evaluation of our users’ information needs and proactively negotiate and cancel deals in order to better serve our constituents. This session will discuss our fact finding, workflow modifications, and data analysis processes as well as the outcomes of our adventures in pursuing and planning for the cancellation of multi-year, flexible agreements with vendors based on local collection development priorities and serials budget realities. Attendees will learn effective strategies for working with vendors to customize sustainable subscription agreements. A brief question and answer will conclude the session.

The evolution of the eBook procurement has been underway for some time and yet many libraries are still developing their procedures and strategies for an eBook collections. This presentation is focused on bringing the attendees up-to-date on the various aspects of eBook collection development and offering a vision for continued growth. This session will be presented in two parts. The first part will discuss issues revolving around acquiring eBooks and migrating from a print focused collection to one that primarily emphasizes electronic format. The second will discuss the merits and issues involved in moving your collection strategy to an Ebook-preferred collection. It will also discuss the various issues involved in choosing and implementing an eBook package and a DDA Program.

Negotiating on behalf of our libraries and companies is something those of us in acquisitions, technical services, and publishing engage in on a weekly or daily basis. License terms can go through seemingly endless rounds of revision and discussion, while new subscriptions or one-time purchases involve rigorous negotiation at local and consortial levels. Perhaps you have mastered this delicate interplay of requests, demands, and compromises when dealing with official business, but do you champion your own professional needs with the same confidence? Do you tap into your negotiation acumen when it comes to recognizing and articulating your career goals and desired trajectory?

Whether you are new to the profession, positioning yourself for a promotion, or contemplating a career change, it’s essential to advocate for your own worth the same way you would for your library or company. This session is designed to help early and mid-career attendees strategically translate their negotiation repertoires to their career development goals.

Panelists will share their approaches and experiences with general negotiation and career bargaining. These accounts will be contextualized within larger trends, such as the systemic undervaluing of library labor and conflation of professionalism and passivity. Attendees can expect to come away with practical skills related to inventorying their worth or value in the industry, taking stock of their priorities and deal breakers, and strategically pursuing both external and internal opportunities.