Considering Developmental Peer Review

This editorial is a collaborative discussion of College & Research Libraries’ open peer review experiment, representing the unique perspectives and voices of those playing roles

Scope of work, roles, and responsibilities for academic librarians: Tenure-track vs. non-tenure-track professionals

The purpose of this multi-institutional study is to determine how many academic libraries have chosen to institute a two-track system for their librarians: tenure-track faculty and non-tenure-track faculty. It will approach this inquiry in a two-fold manner, first with a survey questionnaire sent to library deans or directors of research libraries and then with the collection and analysis of formal policy documents from these libraries defining the expectations and work of librarians on the two tracks. This study will highlight how these tracks are distinctive in terms of the scope of work, workload, and other related factors and the implications for the development of the profession. Results of this study will add to recent research and perceptions of librarianship and higher education by providing an understanding of how these factors influence the organizational culture of academic libraries

The Largest GIS Day: How a 3-Hour Booth turned into a 3-Day Event

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) research and education are increasingly supported and promoted by academic libraries. GIS Day, an annual event celebrating GIS technologies and applications, provides an excellent outreach opportunity for librarians. GIS Day at Texas A&M University began as a small information booth in the library lobby and has become “the biggest GIS Day in the US” with broad participation and investment. It is now a three-day event hosted by the University Libraries. The event is a collaborative effort by the University Libraries, departments from three colleges – Architecture, Agrilife Sciences, and Geosciences – and administrative units such as Facilities Coordination and Transportation Services. In 2016, 35 events were held, including workshops, panelist sessions, career fair, and multiple competitions all with the purpose to educate attendees, build collaboration across campus, and provide networking opportunities between students and industry. Through event photos, participant feedback and data, and textual elements, this poster details the growth of GIS Day at Texas A&M, the important role the University Libraries plays, and lessons learned in planning a large, interdepartmental event