Conference 2014

“Academic libraries the final frontier – to boldy go where

you have never been before”

Helen MonagleImage from: http://www.cilip.org.uk/academic-and-research-libraries-group/events/2014-conference

What is it?The Academic & Research Libraries Group’s biannual conference

Where did it take place?University of Sussex

Format of the conferenceFour key note speakers and nine workshop sessions over two and a half days including a quiz and gala dinner.

Price£384 inc. VAT – this was covered by the CILIP ARLG NW bursary

Workshops• There were 45 workshops in total covering the following key topics:• Teaching and Learning•Research support• Shared services• Learning spaces• Electronic Resources•CPD

Key messages from the conference

1: The importance of demonstrating your value and service

Ways to do this include:

• Using statistics/analytics to show your value.

• Marketing your service is vital.

• Demonstrate the unique skills we have e.g. reviewing data management plans as a way of promoting your service (University of Bath).

2: Adapt

• In order to remain relevant inthe current climate we must adapt.

• We must remain aligned with the academic plan & be prepared to have our “envelopes stretched”

• However it is important to take care of ourselves in order to be in a state to work with others and to make the most of the changes.

Image from http://www.globallegalpost.com/blogs/management-speak/the-business-of-law-adapt-or-fade-38989298/

3: Work collaboratively

… with other departments, faculties, services e.g. shared services with public libraries i.e. The Keep.

• Helping others gets you noticed.

• Faculty support can be won just by being willing to help.

• You never give things away by working with others, in fact you gain way more!

• The challenges of working with new people/collections turn into positives.

• The whole greater is than the sum of our parts.

4: Direct involvement (leading from the front)/engagement is key!

• Direct contact with academics proved the best way in getting users on board with a new discovery service (Regent’s University London).

• Internal and external engagement – shared services, JISC, SCONUL etc.

• It is important to get involved but we must do this within reason – we can’t do everything!