NASIG 2025: Full Schedule

12:30pm EDT

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Distributing Print and Electronic Serials Workflow Based on NASIG Core Competencies

Tuesday May 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

In 2023, our Acquisitions department evaluated existing position descriptions for how well they met the current needs and challenges of the department and the broader library landscape. We found that staffing in our serials unit was still skewed toward print management even though over 80% of our subscriptions have moved to an electronic format. Several positions were redesigned to incorporate NASIG Core Competencies, especially related to the print and electronic resource life cycles. By using the core competencies to distribute print and electronic responsibilities among multiple staff members, we balanced the workload and prepared our area to better face future trends. This session will discuss the new position descriptions, the benefits of incorporating built-in cross-training, and how we worked with our campus HR office to build a job-family grid which provides opportunities for staff advancement.

Learning Outcome
Following this session, participants will be able to:

1. Think critically about whether existing organizational structures are meeting current and future needs.
2. Identify core competencies and visualize how to distribute them among additional staff members through training and reskilling.
3. Be prepared to advocate for these changes with their library leadership.

Speakers

Rebecca Walton

Acquisitions and Collection Analysis Librarian, Brigham Young University

Sadie Webster

Serials Manager, Brigham Young University

Tuesday May 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session

1:45pm EDT

Shhh ... Jira's Here to Quiet the Chaos of E-Resource Purchase Requests

Tuesday May 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

Acquiring electronic resources for academic libraries has evolved into a complex and multifaceted process. Juggling numerous requests from faculty, negotiating with vendors, managing budgets, and ensuring timely access. This presentation will explore how leveraging Jira, a robust project management software, can help you re-imagine the e-resource acquisition workflow, transforming it from a chaotic process into a streamlined and efficient operation.

Jira, with its customizable workflows, robust tracking capabilities, and seamless communication features, provides a powerful platform for managing the entire lifecycle of e-resource acquisitions including trial workflows.
We will delve into how Jira can be configured to:
Streamline Request Processing
Establish clear and concise workflows for each stage of the acquisition process, from initial request submission to final approval. Automate tasks, such as sending notifications and assigning requests. Utilize custom fields to capture essential information about each request, such as consortia options, trial availability, authentication method, usage statistics availability, VPAT availability and rating, and history of ILL requests.
Enhance Communication and Collaboration
Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between library staff processing requests. Utilize built-in messaging and notification features to keep everyone informed about the status of requests and resolve issues promptly.
Increase Transparency and Accountability
Provide a clear and transparent view of the acquisition process for all stakeholders. Enhance accountability by tracking progress, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring timely decision-making.

By implementing Jira, libraries can significantly reduce staff burden, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall user experience. This presentation will provide practical tips and best practices for implementing Jira in an academic library setting, including customization options, and workflow design including trial workflows.

Learning Outcomes

Describe how Jira can be used to streamline the e-resource acquisition workflow in an academic library.
Identify key features of Jira that are beneficial for managing e-resource requests, such as workflow automation, and communication tools.
Explain how Jira can improve communication and collaboration among library staff involved in the e-resource acquisition process.
Explain how Jira can enhance transparency and accountability within the e-resource acquisition process.
Discuss the potential benefits of implementing Jira, such as increased efficiency and improved decision-making.
Identify potential obstacles to Jira implementation at their own library.

Speakers

Rayla Tokarz

Collections Librarian, University of Nevada, Reno

Cammi Carpenter

Continuations Specialist, University of Nevada Reno

Tuesday May 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session

2:45pm EDT

Trying to Fit an Octopus in a Box: Tracking Perpetual Access During a Serial Cancellation Project

Tuesday May 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

During the Fall and Winter quarters of 2024, librarians at UC Santa Cruz were faced with the challenge of tracking perpetual access for titles canceled for an ongoing serial cancellation project due to a budget shortfall. This required consolidating information from various spreadsheets and other sources, some of which were still being updated. This session will review the tracking process that we used, including how we consolidated the perpetual access information, how we verified our access with vendors, how we addressed subscriptions with print + online coverage and share tips for if another library is faced with this type of project.

Learning Outcomes

Attendees will learn about tasks to consider for working collaboratively during serial cancellations.
Attendees will learn about a process to track perpetual/post cancellation information.

Speakers

Sarah Lindsey

Metadata Services Department Head & Acquisitions Librarian, University of California Santa Cruz

Tamara Pilko

Electronic Resources Librarian, University of California Santa Cruz

Tuesday May 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session

3:45pm EDT

Great Ideas Showcase (Posters): Live Question and Answer Session

Tuesday May 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

Great Idea Showcase poster presenters will be be available online for a live question and answer session.

Automating Success: Streamlining Workflows with Zapier - Amy Dye-Reeves

Cataloger's Code: Non-Teaching Librarians in SoTL - Alyshia Bagley, Rebecca Hunnicutt, Wilhelmina Randke, Kevin Reagan

Stuck in the Middle with You: Usage Statistics Between System Migrations - Jackie Blanton-Watkins

“For Students, by Students”: A Student-Managed Peer-to-Peer Social Network in an Online MLIS Program - Alyshia Bagley, James Mayes

[Poster Name] - Braith Birchhall, Sidonie Devarenne, Mary Wegmann

Data in Action: Using Wikidata with Catalog Data for Collection Diversity Analysis - Sarah Holsapple

[Poster Name] - Fiora Mecale

Speakers

Fiora Mecale

Jackie Blanton-Watkins

Collection Analytics Librarian, Kennesaw State University

I have worked in libraries for over 15 years. I have worked at Kennesaw State University (in the metro Atlanta area) since 2018 and have worn many hats in both traditional technical services and collection development roles with e-resource management. I have been in my current role... Read More →

Rebecca Hunnicutt

Collections Management librarian, Georgia Southern University

Rebecca Hunnicutt is the Collections Management Librarian at the Zach S. Henderson Library on the Statesboro campus of Georgia Southern University. Rebecca leads the cataloging team in her department and has worked as both a public and technical services librarian, so understands... Read More →

Wilhelmina Randtke

Head of Libraries Technologies and Systems, Georgia Southern University Libraries

Amy Dye-Reeves

Head of the Library of Architecture, Design, and Construction (LADC), Auburn University

Head of the Library of Architecture, Design, and Construction ( LADC) at Auburn University. Currently serving on the ACRL Board of Directors. Previously held positions in liaison areas of Education, History, Psychology, Sociology, Legal Studies, and Political Science at various universities... Read More →

Kevin Reagan

Instruction & Outreach Librarian, Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University

Mary Wegmann

Alyshia Bagley

Electronic Resources Libarian, Georgia Southern University Libraries

Sidonie Devarenne

Collection Management and Assessment Librarian, Western Washington University

James Mayes

Acquisitions Librarian, Georgia Southern University

Braith Birchhall

Sarah Holsapple

Collection Analysis Librarian, Duke University Libraries

Tuesday May 20, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Posters

12:30pm EDT

Burnout and Technical Services Library Workers: Can Peer Mentoring Help?

Wednesday May 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

The increase in acquisitions of electronic resources is placing more demand than ever on technical services workers. The work is becoming more technical, more complex, and is constantly changing. Electronic resources, acquisitions, and cataloging work have all become interconnected as well, leading to additional challenges of change management in the workplace. Technical services workers are experiencing low-morale and burnout. The presentation will discuss challenges leading to burnout for Technical Services workers. Literature regarding burnout and low morale experiences will be presented. There will also be a discussion of potential solutions to burnout, such as slow librarianship and peer mentoring. The creation of a peer mentoring program for NASIG will be discussed at the conclusion of the presentation. Attendees are welcome to share experiences and offer feedback.

Learning Outcomes

Attendees will learn about existing literature regarding burnout in libraries and proposed solutions of slow librarianship and peer mentoring.
Attendees will have time to share their own experiences and will be asked to provide feedback regarding a peer mentoring program.

Speakers

Kayla Whitehead

Electronic Resources Librarian, Tulane University

Matthew Jabaily

Associate College Librarian for Technical Services, Colorado College

Wednesday May 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

Bridge Building Leadership: Establishing and Sustaining Library Teams for Success

Wednesday May 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

Starting a new unit or carving out a distinct department within an academic library presents both opportunities and challenges. Drawing on my experiences at Kansas State University and the University of Arkansas, this session examines how to strategically build and evolve teams responsible for managing electronic resources, acquisitions, and licensing. Through real-world examples—such as developing bespoke training documentation, implementing large-scale cross-departmental projects like fund restructuring, and cultivating cohesive, supportive teams while managing scope creep—attendees will see how I have implemented a new vision for electronic resource best practices at two large R1 academic institutions while onboarding as a new tenure-track faculty member.

Participants will learn how to conduct gap analyses, advocate for and adopt project management tools like JIRA and Confluence, and meet their staff at their current skill levels through targeted training materials. The presentation will highlight early successes and tangible outcomes, including streamlined workflows, improved transparency around acquisitions, and demonstrable staff skill growth. Additionally, it will address the interpersonal challenges inherent in organizational change, offering strategies for communicating a shared vision, building trust, and motivating teams through periods of uncertainty.

By emphasizing scalable solutions, this session ensures that libraries of all sizes can apply these approaches. Attendees will leave with a clearer blueprint for reshaping their departments—equipped with actionable frameworks, leadership techniques, and practical tools that can be put into practice immediately. These insights not only align with NASIG Core Competencies and professional standards but also meet the evolving strategic demands of academic libraries in a rapidly changing landscape.

Learning Outcomes

Identify and apply strategies to establish and evolve library units or departments by conducting gap analyses, advocating for growth, and creating adaptable frameworks that set a clear strategic direction and foster organizational cohesion.
Develop and implement training programs and advocate for ongoing professional development to address staff skill gaps, enhance team rapport, and align individual competencies with a unified, forward-looking vision—scalable to various library sizes and resource levels.
Transition from routine, day-to-day tasks to a more structured and strategic vision of electronic resource stewardship by adopting project-based workflows and tools like JIRA and Confluence. This approach fosters streamlined processes, improved transparency, and an enhanced ability to respond effectively to evolving challenges.

Speakers

Cody W. Hackett

Electronic Resources Librarian, University of Arkansas

Wednesday May 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session

4:15pm EDT

Chart Your Course to eResource Success: A Team Approach

Wednesday May 21, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Zoom channel 3

This session will explore how team collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, user-centered communication, and creative problem-solving empower libraries to address complex eResource access challenges. Drawing on case studies from a medical library, participants will learn strategies to enhance team expertise, reduce service disruptions, and improve user satisfaction.

Effective collaboration among library staff, IT professionals, and vendors is crucial for resolving access issues efficiently. By fostering open communication and breaking down departmental silos, teams can work together to identify innovative solutions and implement them effectively. Case studies will highlight successful team efforts in overcoming these challenges.

Building a culture of collaboration and open-mindedness enables teams to approach problems from multiple perspectives, leading to more creative and effective solutions. Participants will discover best practices for maintaining clear communication with users during disruptions, emphasizing transparency, proactive engagement, and open dialogue.
The session will also focus on innovative solutions that teams can implement to ensure continuous access while restoring services, such as direct access link options. Additionally, participants will learn how to build comprehensive testing plans that enable teams to quickly diagnose and identify issues, streamlining the troubleshooting process.
Training staff on new technologies and creating adaptable workflows is essential for maintaining a flexible and efficient service delivery model. By embracing a a culture of continuous learning and innovation, teams can adapt to changing technologies and user needs.

Finally, participants will learn actionable solutions for minimizing service disruptions through teamwork, including protocols for rapid response to access issues and tools that facilitate collaboration. Innovative approaches to integrating user feedback into service improvements will also be explored, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Recognize the central role of teams in managing eResource access challenges.
Learn effective strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration within library settings.
Gain insights into user-centered communication strategies that maintain trust during disruptions.
Explore practical solutions for minimizing service interruptions through teamwork.
Understand the importance of training and documentation in adapting workflows for improved efficiency.lture of continuous learning and innovation, teams can adapt to changing technologies and user needs.

Speakers

Li Ma

Associate Director for Content & Discovery, Duke University Medical Center Library

Wednesday May 21, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Zoom channel 3

Concurrent Session