Libraries and technologies: staffing models

[Zorana Ercegovac]

We at the Marlborough School (http://www.marlboroughschool.org) are building an Academic Resource Center (ARC) that combines two separate administrative departments: Library department and Technology department, each having its own department head. What would be some of the working models for the newly created unit? Any published reports, personal stories to avoid, not to miss, etc.

MANY THANKS:-)

[Stewart Crais]

Hi, Zorana. I am preparing for a presentation on this very same issue. We have had a combinded library and technology department for about four years now and it works very well. We were able to consolidate some of our efforts (particularly the access to information one). It has been a nice partnership. I'll answer you questions below... could you send me any other useful information that you have gathered during yoru reaesarch?

1. What are the most important uses of technology in library services and activities (besides library automation activities)?
a. Use of laptops, desktops, scanners, digital cameras, etc.
b. Increased use of applications other than the MS Office
c. Use of online databases (e.g., Proquest, JSTOR, EbscoHost)
d. Use of podcasts, blogs, wikis,etc. for instructional purposes
e. Use of sources other than fee-based databases (preference to Google and Wikipedia vs Encyclopedia Britannica on the Web)
f. Self-service such as circulation checkout activities
g. Other (please describe):

2. What are some of the issues in using IT in your library?

We are 1:1, K-12 school. Our library is currently just a gathering place where reading can happen - but also a meeting place, a tutoring center, small group gatherings, etc. All of which involve laptops and information access. One main problem we have had is the idea that teachers in K-4 still want their kids to have "library time". We (admin) think that they should take their kids to the library when it is pertinent to their lesson -- not on a set schedule every week. This is a hard habit to break.

a. How did you solve them (deal with the issues)?

They do both ... we still have library time, but teachers can also bring their K-4 kids any other time as well (but it does not happen that often).

3. Which of the following reflects the staffing structure between Library and Technology Departments in your school?
a. Library Department and Technology Department are separate administrative units but work closely together
b. Library Head reports to Technology Head
c. Technology Head reports to Library Head
d. Division Director, who is neither librarian nor tech person supervises both Heads of their former separate departments
e. Other (please describe):

4. What would be in your opinion the best model between library and technology personnel (and why)?

I am on the admin. team of the school and represent library/tech, so this is the best way. It could be the other way around as well... but whoever it is needs to have admin. authority. Our librarians act as our tech integration folks.

[Karen Douse]

Hi Zorana - I'm the director of lib and info services at Harpeth Hall, a school for girls in grades 5-12 in Nashville, TN. We have had a joint library/tech department for over 10 years and it works well for us.

1. What are the most important uses of technology in library services and activities (besides library automation activities)?
a. Use of laptops, desktops, scanners, digital cameras, etc.
b. Increased use of applications other than the MS Office
c. Use of online databases (e.g., Proquest, JSTOR, EbscoHost)
d. Use of podcasts, blogs, wikis,etc. for instructional purposes
e. Use of sources other than fee-based databases (preference to Google and Wikipedia vs Encyclopedia Britannica on the Web)
f. Self-service such as circulation checkout activities
g. Other (please describe): All of the above except f. Our librarians use a lot of technology in their teaching and in curricular projects they design with teachers. We prefer to maintain the personal touch with checkout - it gives us a chance to see what our students are reading and to be able to offer suggestions for books to read next time they visit the library.
2. What are some of the issues in using IT in your library?
None, really. Librarians and tech people are part of the technology team - we work together so help each other out when there are issues. Our library is really a classroom for us - we do a lot of teaching, booktalks, etc. We have 6 small group study rooms that are used for studying - students use the library for studying and reading when there aren't classes in for instruction - which isn't very often. Our teachers, librarians, and tech integrator work closely in planning, teaching, and evaluating projects.

a. How did you solve them (deal with the issues)?

3. Which of the following reflects the staffing structure between Library and Technology Departments in your school?
a. Library Department and Technology Department are separate administrative units but work closely together
b. Library Head reports to Technology Head
c. Technology Head reports to Library Head
d. Division Director, who is neither librarian nor tech person supervises both Heads of their former separate departments
e. Other (please describe): I am head of both departments (my degree is MLS but I work heavily in the tech area also) - so I am both library director and tech director. I report to the head of school and I'm also on the administrative team.

4. What would be in your opinion the best model between library and technology personnel (and why)?
I certainly like our model - but it may not work for everyone. My strongest recommendation would be that you have an educator - whether tech or librarian - head your department. It is more important to understand curriculum, teachers, students, and have vision for what library and technology can do to improve teaching and learning than to focus on equipment.

Our librarians do not serve as tech integrators, as Stewart mentioned, but they work together with the integrator. We do have teachers who collaborate well with us both in library and technology - we have worked hard to develop this over the years and I think we are pretty successful. But every school has different needs, so take a look at what is best for your students and teachers in your situation when determining the correct road to take.

Good luck!