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2023 Montana Academic Library Symposium

Session Descriptions, Day 1, May 16, 2023

 

Symposium Welcome

Pamela Benjamin, Jerusha Shipstead, and Rita Kratky

Welcome to the 2023 MT Academic Library Symposium from Pamela Benjamin, Jerusha Shipstead and Rita Kratky.

 

TRAILS Reflection and Feedback

Rick Holmgren

TRAILS has come a long way since its inception in 2016. As an organization, we are taking a moment to plan our path ahead. Your comments and thoughts are needed to guide the consortium into the future. Please join TRAILS consultant, Dr. Rick Holmgren, for the 2023 Academic Symposium kickoff session to discuss the best way to leverage our resources and energy to move TRAILS forward.

 

Partnerships with an Academic Library

Sep Eskandari and Eileen Wright

Dr. Eskandari and Eileen will discuss partnerships between University Administration and the Library. Their partnership on the MSU Billings campus spurs continuing growth for both the physical space and personnel development in the library. 

In a climate where academic libraries are facing changing administrative perspectives, Dr. Eskandari and Eileen want to highlight the benefit of a positive working partnership and what is possible when administrative and library goals align.  

 

Aligning OER with MUS Priorities: CTE, Affordability, and More">Aligning OER with MUS Priorities: CTE, Affordability, and More

Crystine Miller

In this talk, Crystine Miller will discuss key priorities of the Montana University System and share how efforts to promote open educational resources align with these priorities. The presentation will also cover current OER grant opportunities through the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and a pilot to tag low-cost/no-cost textbooks. Audience members will participate in a discussion about activities that could help advance OER and textbook affordability in the state.

 

You Still Have Access, It Just Looks Different: Implementing an Article Delivery Service as an Alternative Method of Access

Hannah McKelvey and Rachelle McLain

The Montana State University (MSU) Library recently implemented an article delivery service as an alternative method for users to acquire journal articles. As subscriptions to journal packages continue to increase, libraries are being forced to modify their subscriptions to fall in line with their budgets – that means terminating access to certain titles. However, an article delivery service can help ensure library users still have access to content no longer accessible via direct subscriptions with publishers. Presenters will share their experience implementing such a service at the MSU Library, how it is being used, and how it has been received by their users.

 

Librarian at Sea: Lessons Learned During My Semester at Sea

Jacqueline Frank

Want to be a librarian on a ship, while traveling to multiple countries? Come learn about being a librarian for Semester at Sea. Hear about some differences and similarities to library life on land, a few insights about accessible instruction, and tips for how you might get on board.

 

Intellectual Freedom in Libraries: Managing the impacts and fallout from Materials Challenges

Sean Anderson

Materials Challenges are an important (and sometimes scary!) part of librarianship and one that has become increasingly common among libraries - both public and academic. While they are important to address fully and openly, their impacts on libraries, library staff, communities, and the field of librarianship can be deep and complex.

Sean will share his experiences with materials challenges at ImagineIF Libraries, how those impacted staff and services, and the library's response. Additionally, we will explore proactive ways that libraries can prepare themselves, their patrons, and their stakeholders for any potential Intellectual Freedom challenges that they may face. 

 

Serving K-12 in an Academic Library

Anne Kish

This session, the Montana legislature was busy working on library issues. Come hear about what's happening in K-12 libraries and how we can (and can't) serve K-12 in our academic libraries.

Session Descriptions, Day 2, May 17, 2023

 

Foundations for a Responsible AI strategy

Abigail Potter

Since 2019, LC Labs, the Digital Innovation Division of the Library of Congress, has experimented to develop recommendations and surface cautions for adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with libraries, archives, and museum (LAM) collections. Using two initiatives as use cases, Abbey will share how elements of a framework for planning machine learning in LAM organizations developed out of the questions, feedback and documentation to support computational processing and use of LAM collections. The tools and rituals developed by LC Labs helps to apply the varied expertise, professional principles, and deep knowledge of LAM professionals when evaluating and creating AI-enabled tools and services. 

 

Ask Here!: Lessons Learned from Rethinking the Service Desk

Chandra Shaw and Nathan Sonnenschein

The MSU Billings Library shifted to a tiered reference model in 2022 to better serve patrons in the current information landscape. Separate circulation and reference desks were merged into a single service point staffed by student employees. The library planned and installed a new desk layout; staff at all levels of the organization experienced changes in their duties; and the new service model provided an opportunity to rethink student employee responsibilities and management. In the session, we will share what we learned about planning, implementing, staffing, and evaluating a service point that better meets patrons' information needs while economizing staff time.

 

Resource Sharing & Fulfillment Open Forum

Jerusha Shipstead

Join the RSF committee for an open discussion about fulfillment and resource sharing. Topics will include interlibrary loan, Alma resource sharing, fulfillment standards and guidelines, and other extemporaneous topics.

 

Internet Archive: A research library for the 21st century

Chris Freeland

Join Chris Freeland for an exploration of the Internet Archive, a digital library that serves researchers everywhere through its mission of providing, “Universal Access to All Knowledge.” In this session, we'll delve into the library's services, both existing and new, that make it a critical resource for researchers, students, and anyone seeking access to information online. We'll cover the recent lawsuit against the Internet Archive by four publishers, including the implications of the lawsuit and its impact on the wider library community.

In addition, we'll explore the concept of digital ownership and what it means in the context of 21st-century libraries. How can we ensure that digital content is preserved and accessible for future generations? What role do libraries like the Internet Archive play in ensuring the preservation of our digital heritage? We'll examine these questions and more in the course of this discussion.

 

Symposium Closing

Pamela Benjamin

Join us as we wrap up the 2023 MT Academic Library Symposium.