Provide Leadership for Media Resources
Restructured Media Resources Department:
After Patti Williams retired, I had the opportunity to restructure Media Resources. I created two positions out of what had previously been Brian Simmons' position. This allowed for the expansion of the department's nascent instruction efforts, and for refinement of the department's public services. The result was greatly enhanced and improved instruction efforts, such as the creation of the MadLab program, and a much improved walk-in experience for patrons.
Developed Collaborative Service Model with CIT:
Beginning in 2012 I worked with D.Lee Beard to develop a tiered collaborative service model to provide increased media production support for students. Due to organizational contraints the effort was only partially successful, however it did highlight to the organization the need for greater collaboration between Media Resources and CIT. In 2013, Andrea Adams and I proposed a Balanced Scorecard Initative to combine Carrier CIT and Media Resources walk-in services. We did significant planning toward this goal, however, organizational contraints intervened again, and we were not able to complete the intiative. In Spring 2016, we brought the initiative to the attention of the new administration and were able to revisit our original plans, this time our efforts resulted in the creation of the new Innovation Services department.
Revised LMS Streaming Model:
I made several changes to the Blackboard streaming service model that increased the speed and efficiency of the service.
Collaborated with Public Services Leadership on Integrating Services:
When I arrived in 2011, Elizabeth Haworth and I began working closely to bring Media Resources and Carrier Public Services into a closer collaboration. We collaborated on a plan to remodel the Learning Commons of Carrier Library, we conducted a joint retreat of our departments, and began work on a model to integrate aspects of our services. This collaboration led directly to the Joint Library Services Leadership model which succesfully combined Carrier, Rose, and Media Resources public services enterprises into a jointly managed unit. While short-lived, the JLSL served as a crucial foundation for the current unified service point.
Arranged Professional Development Opportunities for Department:
I tried to make professional development a priority for the department. In addition to individual professional development, I arranged field trips and two SDI session for the MR Staff. I also include professional development in an MR Department meeting monthly. These sessions included visits from Michelle Jewell, Sara Williams, Sharon Gasser, Laura Drake-Davis, KT Vaughan, Cheri Duncan, Adam Murray, and others, as well as site visits to ETMC, SMAD, UVa, and Virginia Tech.
Served as Interim Director of Carrier Public Services, Spring 2014
While Elizabeth Haworth was on leave in Spring 2014, I served as Interim Director of Carrier Public Services. In this capacity, I held monthly staff meetings, represented CLPS at Management Council, and supervised four additional direct reports. During this time, I also assisted in a project to update loan rules for musical scores.Initiated and Sponsored the Laptop Task Force:
I sponsored and charged the Laptop Task Force which examined the future of student laptop loans, and made the recommendation for the student loan laptop program to be discontinued.
Initiated and Sponsored the Equipment Loan Task Force:
I sponsored and charged the Equipment Loan Task Force which evaluated current equipment loan procedures and recommended improvements to procedures and policies.
Liaison to School of Media Art and Design
Jennifer Keach and I split liaison duties to the School of Media Art and Design, I provided support for collections and served as the primary contact for the department while Jennifer provided all instruction. We split consultations as needed, though SMAD typically had few consultations.
Developed relationship with SMAD faculty and Library Representative:
I worked to develop individual relationships with each member of the SMAD department and with Jo Anne Holman and Alexandra Vilela, the Library Reps. Because of the strong relationship I was able to develop, Jennifer and I were invited to two faculty meeting in Spring 2016. A first for SMAD liaisons.
Learned technologies related to my liaison role:
I learned the technologies relevant to my collections role with SMAD, including Oasis, R2 and LibGuides
Developed LibGuides for SMAD:
Jennifer and I worked to adapt and revise the existing SMAD guides to LibGuides
Lynda.com:
In response to significant interest in the SMAD department, Jennifer and I advocated for the acquisition of Lynda.com. We were eventually successful in pursuing alternative funding avenues for the resource, and embarked upon an extensive publicity and promotion campaign. This campaign brought us to the attention of SCOM students who were interested in pursuing an indepent study. In the Spring of 2014 Jennifer and I began working with the students who served as PR consultants for Lynda.com. I continued our relationship with one of these students through Spring 2015.
Ask Desk Shift:
I participated in a regular weekly shift on the Ask-a-Librarian Desk.
Develop Media Resources Video Collection
Weeding:
I oversaw a major VHS weeding project, and significantly weeded laserdiscs, kits, CD-ROMS, and other formats.
Consolidated All Media ordering in Media Resources:
I took over all ordering for the media collection and have been working closely with liaisons to make sure the change has been a positive one. This has allowed for an improved licensing process, and for more cohesive collection development.
Integrated Music Library Video Collection:
I supervised the transfer of the Music Library’s video collection to Media Resources, replacing many VHS titles on DVD in the process.
Browsing Videos at Rose:
I partnered with the Rose Library staff to introduce a browsing DVD collection at Rose.
Overhauled media cataloging and processing procedures:
I worked with technical services to improve the standard for media cataloging and moved processing to Media Resources.Expanded International Holdings:
One of my particular collection focuses has been on the expansion of international film titles beyond traditional European cinemas, including greatly expanded holdings in Indian, Arab, and Asian cinemas.
Criterion Collection:
I received special project funding in 2012 to complete Media Resources Criterion Collection holdings. I have been maintaining this annually since.
Committee Membership
Management Council
As a member of Management Council I participated in both the Customer Perspective and Financial Perspective Balanced Scorecard groups, helping to craft initiatives and measures.
In March 2014, I organized and led an LET wide training event to introduce Balanced Scorecard concepts and the Libraries' strategic plan.
In Summer 2016, I participated in a taskforce that led a Managment Council retreat at JMU's Washington Center.