BIG CHALLENGES
(& OPPORTUNITIES) FOR
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CE
INITIATIVE FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Gillian McCombs | Southern Methodist University
Communications
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Image
How do we interact/communicate?
Cultural intelligence
Future oriented
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Topic A: How are/can librarians be
deemed fundamental to achieving
broad institutional goals?
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Is the library central or peripheral?
Are you considered a change agent?
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Some examples from
SMU’s Central University Libraries
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Created the 24/7 experience
Developed specific and unique connections with
student life
Seen as innovative technology leaders e.g.
Information Commons, Student Multimedia Center
Early leader in campus digitization efforts
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Examples, cont.
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Strong faculty support
Close relationship with central technology support
services – successful partnerships
Special Collections involved with faculty for both
programming and research support
Connections within the administrative community e.g.
partnering with Human Resources, News &
Information
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
CUL’s Strategic Plan

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Title is a riff on SMU’s
new capital campaign
theme “SMU Unbridled:
the Second Century
Campaign”
Opportunity to
demonstrate how the
libraries are in sync with
both higher education
and the University
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Topic B: How do librarians gain
credibility within the institution?
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Image – look the part – gauge your culture
Positional status – Deanship essential
Partnerships with other Deans
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Strategies
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Do not shy away from the big assignments e.g.
chairing search committees or taking on universitywide responsibilities, such as accreditation
Volunteer – do not wait to be asked!
Create networks of advocacy e.g. faculty, students,
parents, board of advisors
Be available to represent the University in any
number of forums
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Strategies, cont.
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Seed your able, inspiring young librarians into
university-wide committees
Use objective data sources/consultants when
documenting needs
Support the Institution
DO NOT WHINE
Combine patience with speed at taking
opportunities when presented
SHOW UP
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Develop a philosophy or vision that is short,
identifiable, clear, and congruent with the
University’s mission/vision/culture
– your elevator speech
e.g. “for the next 5 years, CUL will be
focusing on ‘customer service’”
– that is a mantra of two words!
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
The Starbucks Experience: 5 principles for
Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary
Joseph A. Michelli, McGraw Hill, 2007.
Principles:
 Make it your own
 Everything matters
 Surprise and delight
 Embrace Resistance
 Leave your mark
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Some CUL Examples
Patron-directed acquisition as part of the
overall collection development policy
 Shopping baskets
 Accompanying patrons to the stacks when lost
 Custom delivery of some materials
 Transforming the reference desk experience
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Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Conclusion
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Envision
Energize
Enable
Educate
Embrace change
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries; Texas Library Association CE Initiative for Academic Libraries
Gillian McCombs, SMU
Thank You!
Big Challenges (& Opportunities) for Academic Libraries;
Texas
Association
CE Initiative
for Academic
BigLibrary
Challenges
(& Opportunities)
for Academic
Libraries; Libraries
Texas Library
Association
CE Initiative
for Academic
Libraries
Gillian
McCombs
| Southern
Methodist
University
| Gillian McCombs, SMU