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Dean’s Note: Investments in Strategic Priorities
When rare opportunities for additional funding present themselves, it’s important to be ready with project ideas that are shovel ready. Such an opportunity presented itself this fall and UC Libraries rose to the challenge. The university is transitioning to a new budget model, which necessitated a spend down of under spent funds, largely the result of hiring delays. To take advantage of this opportunity, UC Libraries faculty and staff were invited to submit funding proposals for projects that aligned with our Strategic Directions: Enrich Our Collections, Expand Our Impact, Strengthen Our Organization and Support Our Students. Approximately 20 proposals were received which addressed facilities, staffing, collections and technology. Our leadership…
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Dean’s Note: Announcing the University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan, 2024-2027
Shortly upon my arrival at the University of Cincinnati Libraries, we began a participatory and data-informed process to draft a Strategic Plan. Through town halls, retreats, info sessions, surveys, discussions and debate we examined what is going well in the Libraries along with what opportunities exist for improvement and growth. This spring we embarked on an exercise to begin to determine and articulate our Values. We asked ourselves what are our organization’s core beliefs that will motivate our work and guide our efforts. How we work together will guarantee success of the plan. In developing our plan, we also concentrated on our role within the university and greater community. The…
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Charting a path forward: Our Strategic Directions
With the launch of the University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan, 2024-2027, we are increasing our impact by focusing on four strategic directions: Enrich Our Collections, Expand Our Impact, Strengthen Our Organization and Support Our Students. Enrich Our Collections Enrich and curate library collections that enable intellectual endeavors and inspire new discoveries. Expand Our Impact Expand our impact as a trusted academic and research partner through promotion, engagement and collaboration. Strengthen Our Organization Strengthen an inclusive library enterprise through an investment in our people, practices and spaces by creating a shared purpose with active participation and accountability. Support Our Students Support academic readiness, create access and foster success and belonging…
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Health Sciences Library offers Systematic Review Cohorts
Three librarians from the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library (HSL) – Melissa Previtera, Don Jason and Lynn Warner – launched a pilot 15-week Systematic Review cohort, which began this summer and wrapped up in September. This collaborative course invited teams and individuals to learn the systematic review process while working on a project with the advice and guidance of the librarians. The cohort consisted of six in-person meetings supplemented with Canvas modules. Topics covered included preparation and protocols, comprehensive searching, using Covidence and writing – all the required steps of completing a review from determining the research question to dissemination of the work. The goal was that this piloted…
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UC Libraries and the Learning Commons partner to Support Our Students
This fall, UC Libraries partnered with the Learning Commons to provide opportunities for tutoring and focused study sessions in the Walter C. Langsam Library. UC Libraries naturally attracts students who come to study and collaborate, making it a perfect location to integrate Learning Commons services. The After Hours program offers academic coaching, tutoring and writing support from 5-8pm conveniently in Langsam Library. Interested students can schedule to meet with a tutor who will meet them in the library. The Learning Commons put stickers on certain tables and pillars throughout the 4th floor of the library with information and a QR code for scheduling and to indicate where they are located.…
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Introducing the updated Accessible Technology Space in Langsam Library
Debbie Tenofsky, accessibility librarian, collaborated with UC’s Digital Technology Solutions and Accessibility Resources Office, along with colleagues in UC Libraries to update and rebrand the Accessible Technology Space. Located in the Walter C. Langsam Library room 408, the space provides access to accessibility hardware and software, along with other amenities, for use by all library patrons with disabilities. All University of Cincinnati students, employees and community members are welcome to use the devices and facilities offered in this space. The Accessible Technology Space is available any time Langsam Library is open. The space includes adjustable height tables, lighting options, a Dell computer all-in-one with a large screen, an iMac computer…
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Dean’s Note: Building our foundation
The 2023/2024 academic year was a busy one as we worked to connect students, faculty and researchers to dynamic data, information and resources while simultaneously planning for the future of UC Libraries. To set us up for the future, much of our efforts recently have focused on building a stronger foundation as we prepare to launch our Strategic Plan in the fall. That foundation comprises three elements: people, leadership and values. People An investment in our people is key to advancing the Libraries. This begins with filling job vacancies and hiring new librarians and staff that will bring new skills and expertise to our organization. This spring we completed a…
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A Note from the Dean: Forging a Plan for the Future
As I begin my second full semester at the University of Cincinnati as dean and university librarian, I’m struck by how much we’ve done this year and I am energized for the future. A great deal of the work undertaken during fall semester was about taking stock of where we are. I embarked on a listening tour of all UC Libraries’ departments to better understand the priorities of our frontline staff and, perhaps just as important, to understand the culture of our organization. To get a clearer picture of how we are performing in comparison with our peers, I worked with consultants from the Association for College and Research Libraries…
