Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations

Book description

This book describes and discusses the convergence of library and technology support in higher education. Over the past 15 years, a number of institutions have pursued merging library and technology services into a single information support organization. These mergers have taken different forms, but all seek to redefine information support in a 21st century model that promotes the interdisciplinary use of information. The coming years will see significant change affect libraries with the continuing disruption of the Internet and digitally-based services. Coupled with economic pressures, libraries and technology organizations will increasingly be forced to look closely at long-held assumptions of how their teams are organized and how work is divided and shared. Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations provides useful and practical guidance on converged information organizations as an effective response to change in the information profession.

  • One of the most complete assessments of converged support models available
  • Designed to both allow assessment of the application of a converged model, and discussion of successful implementations
  • Includes experiences, perspectives, and examples from many leaders in converged information support organizations

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. List of figures
  6. About the author
  7. Acknowledgements
  8. Chapter 1: Context for convergence: Arriving at the delta
    1. Abstract:
    2. A new economy with information as currency
    3. A glance over our shoulders: evolution of an information economy
    4. Evolution of a service economy
    5. Evolution of converged information service organizations
    6. Rocks all around
    7. The old rules don’t apply
    8. Rules of the river
    9. The sweet spot
  9. Chapter 2: Assessing possibilities for convergence: Reading the river
    1. Abstract:
    2. Why converge?
    3. Motivating factors for convergence
    4. Summary of motivations
    5. Benefits of convergence
    6. Challenges ahead
    7. The organizational context of information support
    8. Key considerations
  10. Chapter 3: Professional culture and politics: Conflict at the helm
    1. Abstract:
    2. Core values
    3. Values of library professionals
    4. Values of technology professionals
    5. Connections: common values
    6. Differentiating contexts
    7. Key considerations
  11. Chapter 4: Staffing for convergence: Crew selection
    1. Abstract:
    2. The importance of leadership
    3. The staff
    4. Watching for the silver lining
    5. Staff duties in the converged organization
    6. Staffing vacancies
    7. Human resource considerations
    8. Don’t forget the students
    9. Key considerations
  12. Chapter 5: Specialization versus generalization: Crew assignments
    1. Abstract:
    2. Polymaths
    3. Generalization and specialization
    4. Key considerations
  13. Chapter 6: Organizational design in converged organizations: Streamlining the vessel
    1. Abstract:
    2. Alignment within the institution
    3. Physical representations of convergence
    4. Virtual representations of convergence
    5. Team structures
    6. Resource allocation and application
    7. Reducing redundancy
    8. Strategic planning
    9. Marketing and the web
    10. Developing an organizational design
    11. Key considerations
  14. Chapter 7: The process of converging: Riding the river
    1. Abstract:
    2. Leadership
    3. A case for convergence
    4. Hallmarks of design: vision
    5. Hallmarks of design: collaboration
    6. Hallmarks of design: transparency
    7. Hallmarks of design: process
    8. Evolution vs. revolution
    9. On the ground: ten keys for deployment
    10. Key considerations
  15. Chapter 8: Future evolutions of information service organizations: Around the bend in the river
    1. Abstract:
    2. Print collections
    3. Data collections
    4. The research process
    5. Cyberinfrastructure
    6. The cloud
    7. Multimedia
    8. Metadata
    9. User interfaces
    10. The future is converged
  16. References and further reading
  17. Index

Product information

  • Title: Convergence of Libraries and Technology Organizations
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: June 2011
  • Publisher(s): Chandos Publishing
  • ISBN: 9781780632629