INTRODUCTIONIn order to follow up on two action items from the Organizational Issues Task Force proposed organizational model ("Consideration of the creation of an Access Services Librarian position to manage Building 14 public space" and "Review of the placement in the organization of ILB to study whether it should remain part of the Humanities Library or become affiliated with another entity.")the Divisional Librarian Group ( Ruth Seidman, Margaret Depopolo, Theresa Tobin, Ginny Steel) and Keith Glavash met to develop a plan for Hayden Library. We first listed known problem areas, such as: condition of shared space in Hayden Basement; small ratio of supervisors to staff in some units (Interlibrary Borrowing); and our and our users' need for one place to access similar services, such as Harvard and BLC cards, copying, and document delivery; and the need for librarianship in planning and delivering access services.
THE PROPOSED PLAN
Recruit an Access Services Librarian at a Librarian II or Librarian III level to manage Hayden Circulation, the Reserve Book Room, and Interlibrary Borrowing. This position will require an MLS degree and several years of supervisory or management experience. We are hopeful that this infusion of seasoned professionalism will expand the range of problem solving techniques and planning for circulation services. This new position will report to the Head of the Humanities Library.
It is expected that the Access Services Librarian will be engaged in professional activities outside of MIT Libraries which will contribute to our new circulation services. The major challenges facing us include planning for renovations in Building 14, improving the organization of the collection and stack maintenance, integrating the Reserve Book Room into Hayden Circulation (as recommended by the OITF) implementing electronic reserves, investigation and implementation of patron self services in circulation,providing expertise in determining the feasibility of an Integrated Service Point (ISP) for Hayden Library, and developing the electronic interlibrary borrowing capabilities.
STAFF FEEDBACK AND INPUT
Staff meeting discussion about the implications of the proposal will take place during the next two weeks. Here is an anonymous web form which we hope will be used along with e-mail or in person respond to any member of DLG or Keith Glavash.
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