The Authority File Round-Up: June 2022

A quick overview of last month's episodes, in case you missed them

Posted on July 12, 2022 in Blog

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Innovation in the library? Nothing new. Innovation in the library in the midst of a global pandemic, move to online learning, and rapid shift to digital resources? That’s a bit more complicated. And yet, as last month’s guests demonstrated, librarians continue to introduce novel ideas at their institutions. Projects range from multi-year plans across departments to seemingly simple solutions with big impacts. Further, adjusting collection policies to accommodate budget constraints, curricula changes, and patron needs prove the library’s effectiveness at adaptation and invention.

Last month, we had an impressive eight guests join The Authority File. Our first series looked back at academic librarianship of the past two years, highlighting how librarians, vendors, and publishers have transformed systems to suit modern library needs. Our second series featured three library projects that worked to better the community, improve workflows, or boost the institution’s prestige. In each discussion, we turn a spotlight on the evolution of the academic library, and what that means for the greater research and scholarly publishing ecosystem.

Here’s a quick round-up of the episodes, in case you missed them. We hope you find the conversations gratifying, useful, and inspiring. Thanks for listening!

Redefining Space, Access, and Formats in Academic Libraries

In this first series, we’re joined by Tracy Holtman of Tarleton State University, Susanna Smith of Georgia Highlands College, Paige Clunie of Princeton University Press, and Steven Rosato of OverDrive Academic. Our guests share contemporary acquisition policies and publishing practices in the face of digital’s surge and online learning’s staying power. They also comment on academic market trends, longstanding effects of the pandemic, and future cost-saving solutions. Brought to you by OverDrive Academic.

OverDrive Academic logo. "OverDrive Academic" in dark and light blue against white background.

Episode one: Libraries as a Service

  • How have the last few years underscored the library as a service, rather than a physical place? What new projects has Princeton University Press introduced to better serve librarians? What flexibility have publishers offered in response to the pandemic? Listen to episode one here.

Episode two: The Rise of Digital

  • Our guests examine the rise of digital and its effects on librarianship, vendor relationships, and publishing practices. What new engagement metrics have librarians employed to augment foot traffic stats? Listen to episode two here.

Episode three: Current Acquisition Models and Strategies

  • How has COVID-19 impacted acquisition strategies and workflows? Which lending models best serve patron demand? How can Princeton University Press support digital scholarship while also sustaining its unique publishing model? Listen to episode three here.

Episode four: Future Values, Goals, and Tactics

  • What are Susanna and Tracy’s plans for future investments, cost-savings, and alignment with institutional goals? Plus, Paige shares Princeton University Press’s approach to open access, and Steven closes with OverDrive’s tools that help empower librarians. Listen to episode four here.

Spotlighting Academic Library Innovation

SAGE Publishing logo. "SAGE Publishing" in blue with white background.

In this series, three academic librarians—Jamia Williams of SUNY Brockport, Lauren Puzier of the University at Albany, and Darryl Stuhr of Baylor University—discuss the development, outcomes, and lessons learned from their library innovations, including an independent podcast, dashboard of system updates, and digitization archival project. What new relationships, practices, and opportunities emerged? What guidance can they offer to help inspire others? In addition, Martha Sedgwick of SAGE Publishing shares the publisher perspective on these exciting ventures. Brought to you by SAGE Publishing.

Episode one: The LibVoices Podcast

  • We focus on Jamia’s project, LibVoices, an independent podcast that spotlights the experiences, achievements, and advice of librarians of color. What was the planning process, impact, and measures of success since its launch? What is the value of podcasts in academic librarianship? Listen to episode one here.

Episode two: University at Albany’s System Status Discovery

  • Lauren talks System Status Discovery, a dashboard of system updates integrated into the library website. How did COVID-19 necessitate this project? What was the implementation process like? What productive connections and technical benefits emerged along the way? Listen to episode two here.

Episode three: Baylor’s Black Gospel Music Preservation Project 

  • Darryl digs into the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project (BGMPP), which works to digitize and preserve audio recordings of Black gospel music groups. How did the library’s strong connection with IT move this project forward? What kinds of recognition and opportunities arose since BGMPP’s launch? How do SAGE technologies help support archival work? Listen to episode three here.

Episode four: How to Build Partnerships, Make Time, and Build on Success

  • Our guests come together to reflect on the evolution and outcomes of their library ventures. What are their key takeaways and guidance? What about tips for time management and burnout? Last, Martha discusses the community approach of SAGE’s new division, Technology from SAGE. Listen to episode four here.
Practical Sustainability: A Guide to a More Sustainable Life book cover. Beige background with yellow, blue, and green images of recyclable containers and the reduce, reuse, recycle sign.

Missed May’s episodes? We’ve got you covered.

Robert Brinkmann, Professor of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University, discusses his recent title, Practical Sustainability, a guide on living sustainably within and outside of your community. Bob breaks down the complexity of sustainable living, the pitfalls of greenwashing, and why sustainability should be treated as a “no judgement zone.” Click here to listen to the series.

Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition book cover. Abstract painting of woman and tree in various shades of brown, pink, blue, and yellow.

What’s Coming Up in July

Deanna Reder, Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies and English at Simon Fraser University, chats about her work in cultivating the Indigenous Studies field, both at Simon Fraser and within Canadian scholarship. She highlights her recent book, Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition, her time as Series Editor for the Indigenous Series at Wilfrid Laurier University Press, and the future of Indigenous Literary Studies. You can listen to the first episode here.

You can find more episodes of the Authority File here on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening! See you next month.

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