Roles and Responsibilities of Deans and Directors in Digital Initiatives and Campus IRs

Abstract: Panelists from both public and private institutions will discuss their experiences with digital initiatives and institutional repositories from the perspective of a library dean or director. Library leaders will share lessons, successes (and failures) associated with their digital initiatives/IR journeys. Learning outcomes: Attendees will understand why libraries create IR programs, the role of the IR in a library’s strategic mission, opportunities and challenges of campus collaborations and the future trajectories of digital initiatives and institutional repositories

Mergers and acquisitions as instruments of strategic change management in higher education: Assessment measures and perceptions of success

Mergers and acquisitions of higher education institutions are relatively rare, but each merger or acquisition provides a rich and distinctive example of major strategic organizational change. In the literature on mergers of higher education organizations, there does not appear to be a clear set of financial or quality metrics to assess success. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature, drawing upon parallels and models in the literature on business mergers and acquisitions. Specifically this study explores assessment of success of mergers of higher education institutions as perceived by different stakeholders in relation to the original stated and unstated goals of the long term strategic objectives of the mergers. For this research, a multiple case study of three sites was undertaken to explore the original goals of the merger; the outcomes of the merger; institutional performance indicators in support of or contradicting the perceptions of achievement or non-achievement of the original goals; and stakeholder perceptions of the success of the merger. The sites were chosen through a purposeful sample of mergers and acquisitions of higher education institutions from 1990 through 2007. The merger sites were the Art Institute of Boston and Lesley College (1998); Mount Vernon College and George Washington University (1999); and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (1998). In each of these cases the primary motivation for merger or acquisition was found to be economic; all other motivations were secondary and the success of the merger or acquisition was ultimately assessed by the overall institutional size and financial health of the newly combined institution or state system. This research concludes with observations of factors that facilitated the mergers that may be of value for institutional leaders considering merger and acquisition as an instrument of strategic change as well as state agencies considering merger as a means of better meeting state and regional needs

Sustaining a Collaborative Organization in a Changing Environment

Conference proceeding from the Living the Future 6 Conference, April 5-8, 2006, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ.The Gelman Library System of George Washington University has made a transition to an organizational model that emphasizes the needs of students and working in groups. We are preparing for future changes in user needs and redefinition of services, including participation in LibQUAL+ in spring of 2006 and small "town meetings" with library staff to develop an understanding of the changing student population. In these meetings, we hope to include focus groups from a local science and technology magnet school to learn more about what future students will expect and need from academic libraries. One of the key services we hope to look at is reference and information services and how this should fit with overall services. We will also need to become "leaner" but more efficient. Some staff positions may disappear, and others may require higher or different skill levels. As we plan for the future, we will need to face the challenges of our own collaborative nature and whether this supports or inhibits change. Some areas of focus include: communication, team structures and breaking down barriers between functions, and challenges working with staff from different generations (are Gen X's ready to be the "older" generation?)This item is part of the Living the Future collection. For more information about items in this collection, please email [email protected]

In Defense of Libraries

Libraries are no longer dusty, dimly lit spaces reserved for quiet research and solitary study. Today college and university libraries are striving to become vibrant centers of student connection and creativity. How can they overcome outdated notions and reassert their relevance in a time of competing expenses and priorities? We’ve gathered a panel of experts to explain at a coming virtual forum, “In Defense of Libraries.” Join us as leaders overseeing libraries at major higher-ed institutions discuss: How do librarians, facilities managers, and others make the case for the library? How do they align themselves with strategic institutional goals? How do they articulate what the library is and what it can be in the future? Host: Scott Carlson, senior writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education Panelists: Todd Carpenter, executive director, National Information Standards Organization Niraj Chaudhary, dean, William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, University of the Pacific Gale Etschmaier, dean of university libraries, Florida State University With Support From Occuspace

In Defense of Libraries

Libraries are no longer dusty, dimly lit spaces reserved for quiet research and solitary study. Today college and university libraries are striving to become vibrant centers of student connection and creativity. How can they overcome outdated notions and reassert their relevance in a time of competing expenses and priorities? We’ve gathered a panel of experts to explain at a coming virtual forum, “In Defense of Libraries.” Join us as leaders overseeing libraries at major higher-ed institutions discuss: How do librarians, facilities managers, and others make the case for the library? How do they align themselves with strategic institutional goals? How do they articulate what the library is and what it can be in the future? Host: Scott Carlson, senior writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education Panelists: Todd Carpenter, executive director, National Information Standards Organization Niraj Chaudhary, dean, William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, University of the Pacific Gale Etschmaier, dean of university libraries, Florida State University With Support From Occuspace