Leaders can be found at all levels of libraries. You don't need an office in the C-suite or a fancy title to be a good leader. Being a great leader requires intentionality. Great leaders are intentional about being the best they can be for themselves and those they lead. They think strategically about their leadership presence, impact on people, the work they want to enable, and the environment that elicits the best from the people around them. In this presentation, the presenter will share techniques and strategies for cultivating your leadership presence and guiding your professional growth. The presenter will provide concrete tips for improving your leadership skills, increasing influence, handling challenges, and taking charge of your career; whether you are a budding leader or looking to take the next step in your career, developing yourself as a leader is essential for professional success.
Director of Libraries, Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Shannon D. Jones (she/her) is the Director of Libraries for the Medical University of South Carolina Libraries in Charleston. Shannon is also the Director for Region 2 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine. Before she arrived at MUSC, Shannon worked as the Associate... Read More →
Academic libraries regularly provide information to support the accreditation, certification, and periodic review of degree programs. The library portion of the academic program review has traditionally focused on detailing the number of titles and volumes of books in the collection, the age of the collection, and the amount of money the library spends to support the degree program. Employing a "more instead of less" approach, our library uses both narrative and data about collections, services, and initiatives to share the library's story. This session will explore what prompted our change in focus and the variety of information we provide. We'll also discuss how effective this "oversharing" is in conveying the complex work that libraries do to support the university curriculum.
John Barnett is Dean of the Library at the University of South Carolina Upstate, a role he has held since June 2021. Prior to joining USC Upstate, from 2015 until 2021, Barnett served as executive director of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), an academic library... Read More →
Thanks to a PASCAL SCALE Affordable Learning Grant, Greenville Technical College Libraries piloted an open educational resources (OER) incentive program that resulted in $30,000+ student cost savings per semester! Assessment of faculty and student feedback as well as course success data have demonstrated additional positive impacts that incentivize the use of OER even more. Learn about our program, processes, and plans to continue increasing OER adoptions and student success.
This session will begin with a very brief review of the basics of Alma Analytics and then explore ways that it can provide data for annual reports. These reports could be ACRL and IPEDs, but also annual reports provided to campus administrators. There will be plenty of time for questions in this interactive session. Feel free to bring your own device to follow along during the demonstrations.
In 2023 Clemson University Libraries reached out to PASCAL to explore the OCLC Streamlined Holdings Update process in order to ensure their OCLC holdings were up to date and ensuring that records contained standardized metadata following lack of regular maintenance due to turnover, migration, and the pandemic. This presentation will walkthrough the process of submitting bibliographic records to OCLC, having holdings updated, and receiving updated records and reports. We will also discuss using the OCLC data sync publishing profile to keep holdings up to date moving forward.
Renna Tuten Redd has served as the Interlibrary Loan Librarian at Clemson University since 2015 and oversees resource sharing and document delivery services as well as off-site storage management. Her other current library projects involve participating in the PASCAL (Partnership... Read More →
In the evolving landscape of academic libraries, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal force, challenging traditional perceptions and opening new avenues for knowledge sharing and library services. This presentation, "Synergy in Scholarship: The Role of AI in Enriching Libraries and Learning," delves into the nuanced dialogue surrounding AI in academia, dissecting fears of academic dishonesty against its potential to revolutionize how information is accessed and utilized. By exploring innovative AI applications, we advocate for a collaborative approach, where AI tools not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of library services but also empower students and researchers. Highlighting successful case studies and potential strategies, we aim to demystify AI's role, presenting it as a complementary asset that, when ethically harnessed, can significantly enrich the academic experience. This conversation invites educators, librarians, and students to envision a future where AI acts as a catalyst for educational excellence and a democratizer of knowledge.
Are you interested in partnering with other Alma/Primo libraries outside of PASCAL for resource sharing? Do you want to learn more about the Alma workflow? Join Pam King (The Citadel) and Maggie Mason Smith (PASCAL) as they discuss an overview of piloting the Peer-to-Peer process with select member libraries from the Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), the State Library of New York system (SUNY), and the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC).
Learn how the librarians of Anderson University have been collaborating to address requests from faculty such as: Is there a way to decipher AI created tests/information? What are the pros and cons of AI? How do we best teach this to our students? How do we grow students' ability/capacity to engage in academic research? Should we set guardrails for our students - require they use specific sources of information? Can we get some instruction on what to do with AI being present in databases? How can we still teach research skills with this integration? Though we often have more questions than answers about generative AI, we will share how we've been learning about it and working with our faculty to answer their questions. We will also have a time of discussion for participants to share knowledge and ideas.
Research and Instruction Archivist, Anderson University
I serve as the resident archivist at Anderson University, so have quite the interest in archives and special collections. I am always happy to learn more about how to build and improve my school's archive, as well as advice on being a librarian at an academic institute.
Special Collections libraries and departments are committed to preserving rare and unique materials and making them accessible to users; however, many would be users of archival and rare materials are uncertain of how to approach, discover, and interpret cultural heritage artifacts. In this presentation, I will offer tips and tricks to effectively engage users of different backgrounds through exhibitions, which afford curators and librarians the opportunity to showcase and interpret their departments' holdings, and classroom sessions, which allow for hands-on, experiential learning. While the presentation will focus on special collections, many of the insights and practical applications could also be useful for anyone working with books as physical objects.
Finding an Alma Analytics report that works exactly as you want and gives you exactly the information you want or need can be near impossible. Finding one that might be in the right area that can be modified to fit your needs is an easier task. Learn how to manipulate existing reports to get the information you need.
Amid rising mental health problems among college students, library staff at a regional comprehensive university sought training on recognizing and supporting students in distress. Partnering with counseling services and engaging in conversations with the campus community, library staff recognized an increased need to destigmatize mental illness and promote visibility through student outreach. Library staff have endeavored to encourage conversations around mental health by collaborating with university departments and student organizations, hosting multiple outreach events, and creating a new grant-based wellness collection and online resource guide (LibGuide). Staff also featured the library's mascot on wellness-focused buttons, pins, and stickers. Student employees got involved in library outreach by helping design materials and translating them into Spanish. Four years in, learn about the library's continued efforts to promote student mental health. We'll discuss outcomes (expected and unexpected), lessons learned, and where we plan to grow from here.
Coordinator of Library Instructional Services, USC Upstate
John Siegel joined USC Upstate in July 2018 as Coordinator of Library Instructional Services. He serves as librarian for community health, exercise science, physical education, psychology/child advocacy studies, and women’s and gender studies. His professional interests include... Read More →
Silent reading clubs have been popping up in bookstores, cafes, and libraries across the country. They emphasize an in the moment shared reading experience over completion and discussion of a common book. Participants can feel relaxed knowing that all they need to do is arrive with the intention of making time for themselves to read something they love. This concept can be a beautiful outreach opportunity for academic libraries to connect with students looking to get involved in campus life in a simple, no stress way. In this workshop I'll share my experience with launching a series of "Introvert Happy Hour" silent reading events. We'll work in small groups to identify all the elements you'll need to think through to host a group. You will leave with plans for launching a creative outreach event that will showcase your collections and build community on your campus.
This 60-minute interactive workshop uses a thorough landscape analysis to examine the current challenges libraries face, especially in the South. Participants will investigate the growing hostility towards libraries and the importance of establishing strong partnerships between academic and public libraries. The workshop features real-life success stories and promotes a space for shared experiences and collective learning. Through reflection and dialogue, attendees will acquire valuable insights and a deeper comprehension of how thoughtful collaboration can strengthen our communities in the face of persistent challenges.
Executive Director, Medical University of South Carolina
The Region 2 Regional Medical Library (R2 RML) has headquarters at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC. We are a part of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Our goals are to provide education, training, and funding to communities in... Read More →
Join us for exciting lightning talks presented by PASCAL member library staff.
Synergizing Warehouse into Library Systems "SWILS": Special Collections in Non-Traditional Spaces Carol L. Bowers, Allen University This presentation explores merging EPC syntax unique identifying security tag and antennas, automated library, and self-check kiosk systems into a unified framework. By integrating Patron IDs, Item IDs, and MARC records, we establish seamless communication among the systems. Our focus is on optimizing space and enhancing patron experience in non-traditional library settings. Attendees will gain insights into the technical integration process and its impact on efficient special collection management.
Channeling Student Feedback into Meaningful Change Allison Diaz, Furman University Student feedback can be very valuable in shaping library spaces and programs. Various strategies to build feedback channels within the library will be discussed. Examples of how Furman University Libraries has used students' feedback to enact meaningful change will be highlighted.
The Reality of Rialto: Is it Real, or Just a Dream? Brady Cross, Tri-County Technical College Tri-County Technical College is a community college that would benefit from a time-saving, low-cost integrated selection solution such as Rialto. TCTC, like most other community colleges, lacks dedicated technical services staff. The existing patchwork of multiple selection tools and resources is a clunky but effective system for the selection of print and ebook titles; however, a more streamlined system would save time and effort for selectors and technical services. Rialto's description certainly claims to be a round-peg, round-hold solution. Our journey to implement Rialto was done so with great enthusiasm and desire to implement a universal selection process. This presentation will take a closer look at this somewhat new service from ProQuest and reveal at least one perspective about the Reality of Rialto.
The Power of Representation aka "What is Up with the Dude Wall?" Robyn Andrews, Furman University Building on the concept of library as place, yet understanding that a sense of belonging could be included in that concept, the Furman University Libraries embarked on an Inclusive Artwork Project which identified an opportunity to use physical spaces to help create a sense of belonging for all students and better represent the campus community. This lightning talk will highlight the value of centering a sense of belonging within previously ignored physical library spaces. I will describe the inspiration and rationale for The Inclusive Artwork Project at Furman University, share details of the process, and discuss the resulting impact, while sharing challenges including gathering buy-in, working within financial constraints, facing self-doubt, and identifying appropriate partnerships.
Subtitle: Going along and getting along at the Library of Congress
Join us for an all-conference lunch and keynote session given by Jason Broughton, National Library Service Director, Library of Congress - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Academic libraries are rapidly approaching an inflection point. Fueled by the proliferation of digital information, the continued relevance of academic libraries has been called into question. In response, institutions across higher education have begun to re-imagine their central mission and value. Through innovative partnerships, programs, and structural re-alignments, academic libraries are devising new spaces and services in a paradigmatic shift that places student learning and academic support at its center. The "learning commons" concept is one such model. Evoking a variety of images and meanings across diverse institutions, the "learning commons," nevertheless, signifies a fundamental reframing of how libraries serve patrons. Panelists from three institutions discuss the similarities and differences in mission, organization, and implementation of a "learning commons" in their differing contexts. While the approaches vary, the end goals are similar -- integrating libraries into broader conversations around student support, academic success, professional and career outcomes, and student wellbeing.
How can you accommodate diverse and overfull schedules while appealing to an audience who might not prioritize the topic of your training? Make it fun and make it quick! We recently presented a brief introduction to creating accessible digital content (like documents or web pages) using a speed dating model. In a 30-minute presentation we shared four simple, yet impactful, authoring techniques that can be broadly applied to different types of digital content. In this presentation you'll learn what those accessible authoring techniques are and everything you need to replicate this model in your own library. Come join us and fall in love with your documents all over again!
In this presentation, we will explore the integration of ChatGPT in education and its profound impact on the teaching and learning processes; we will also cover enhanced student engagement, related tools, and ethical considerations for ChatGPT Clearly, this latest technological innovation will evolve and shape the landscape of education in the years to come.
Outreach Library/Electronic Resources, Newberry College
A native of South Carolina, Russ Conrath holds a doctorate from The University of South Carolina in Curriculum Studies, specializing in literacy. His work in public schools and higher education focuses on library science and the ways in which literacy and reading are metacognitively... Read More →
Discover how Midlands Technical College Library is transforming patron support services through the implementation of the LibAnswers Chatbot. This innovation enhances user experience, offering immediate assistance with basic library inquiries, FAQs, and resource recommendations. Learn how the library evaluated its needs, developed chatbot flows, and seamlessly integrated this new tool into its website. The presentation demonstrates how librarians crafted clear and helpful responses tailored to meet diverse patron needs. Attendees will gain insights into configuring LibAnswers Chatbot settings, conducting thorough testing, and tips for effective chatbot management. Through promotion and continuous monitoring, the MTC Library showcases its commitment to innovation and to delivering streamlined library services. Join us to explore the transformative potential of chatbot technology in modern libraries.
I am an associate librarian at Midlands Technical College with a passion for providing high-quality academic support and digital services to our college community. With a Master of Science in Library Science degree from the University of North Texas, specializing in archival studies... Read More →
Data Management Plans (DMPs) are documents that lay out how research data will be collected and preserved to ensure long-term access by the original research team and by those with whom the team shares the data. They are an important part of the grant proposal process for many funding agencies. A DMP review service is a common first step taken by academic libraries wishing to provide data services to researchers on campus. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about research data management and Data Management Plans. They will use DMPTool, a free resource, to review a draft Data Management Plan and find suggestions for improvement.
Join us for four lightning talks from PASCAL member library staff.
Patience, Persistence, and a Second Pair of Eyes Alyssa Nance, Furman University In June 2021, the Library of Congress Classification schedule was updated to replace the offensive N Cutters based on the word "Negroes" with B cutters reflecting the term "Black people." The physical nature of making changes to call numbers assigned to circulating materials presents several challenges to the completion of a retrospective project to update all instances of the changed Cutters; other complicating factors include limitations on time, personnel, and access to necessary hardware and software. Nevertheless, a two-person team consisting of a librarian and student assistant were able to complete updates to the nearly 900 items in the Furman University Libraries impacted by the Cutter changes. This lightning talk will report on the project background and execution, and share challenges encountered as well as strategies utilized to address those challenges.
Can You Open the Full Text? A Research Flowchart Jean Thrift, Lander University This presentation will cover how to create a flowchart to provide as a useful handout for research instruction. My research flowcharts mainly focus on navigating Primo, and they address several of the points of confusion where I observe students struggling, such as encountering item records for abstract-only results and unexpected resource types.
Sharing Our Story... Tara Weekes, Greenville Technical College Greenville Technical College Libraries has greatly improved our social media engagement by empowering all employees to contribute to our content. This has increased awareness of all our available spaces, resources, services, librarians, and staff, and it has also had team and morale building results. Simple steps and examples will be provided to help you share your stories!
We Read: A Campus Book Club Fostering Student Connectedness and Experiential Learning Danielle Marak and Dr. Liz Hartnett, University of South Carolina Columbia At USC Columbia, the University Libraries and School of Information Science have collaborated to create We Read, a student-led book club hosted by the library. Reading for pleasure provides an escape and gives us the power to shape our minds and change our thinking. The project team's work was motivated by knowledge of how vital a feeling of community is for students in terms of academic success, retention, and well-being. Join Dr. Liz Hartnett, Program Coordinator for the School of Information Science, and Danielle Marak, Book Club Coordinator, to learn about the process of starting a book club, the methods behind selecting novels, and the strategies behind promoting an organization to a large student body. This session will delve into the challenges of developing an organization, such as how to expand membership and build community, and the magic books have to unite individuals of different backgrounds and identities.
