Building the “Bridge” between Two Liberal Arts College Libraries

2016 ◽  
pp. 45-67
Author(s):  
Roberta L. Lembke ◽  
Bradley L. Schaffner
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Liberal Arts College ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Library System ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
College Libraries ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
Search And Retrieval

The Bridge Consortium was formed in 2003/04 for the express purpose of sharing library materials between Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges more efficiently. The first step was the decision by the libraries to adopt a single shared library system. The success of this endeavor set the stage for a much deeper level of collaboration between the two institutions. A consortium governance structure was established, which included working groups to manage and develop shared operations in key functional areas. Through these working groups, policies and procedures were developed to guide Bridge Consortium work, and new initiatives were developed to broaden the scope of collaboration. Since then, the combined staffs of the Carleton and St. Olaf Libraries have expanded the range of resources available to faculty, staff and students on both campuses, improved search and retrieval of materials, and provided comparable user services and experiences.

Building the “Bridge” Between Two Liberal Arts College Libraries

2018 ◽  
pp. 384-406
Author(s):  
Roberta L. Lembke ◽  
Bradley L. Schaffner
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Liberal Arts College ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Library System ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
College Libraries ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
Search And Retrieval

The Bridge Consortium was formed in 2003/04 for the express purpose of sharing library materials between Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges more efficiently. The first step was the decision by the libraries to adopt a single shared library system. The success of this endeavor set the stage for a much deeper level of collaboration between the two institutions. A consortium governance structure was established, which included working groups to manage and develop shared operations in key functional areas. Through these working groups, policies and procedures were developed to guide Bridge Consortium work, and new initiatives were developed to broaden the scope of collaboration. Since then, the combined staffs of the Carleton and St. Olaf Libraries have expanded the range of resources available to faculty, staff and students on both campuses, improved search and retrieval of materials, and provided comparable user services and experiences.

scholarly journals Heroes and Holidays: The Status of Diversity Initiatives at Liberal Arts College Libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Liberal Arts College ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Library Directors ◽  
Diversity Initiatives ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
The Status ◽  
College Libraries ◽  
Large Research

Studies about diversity initiatives in academic libraries have primarily focused on large research libraries. But what kinds of diversity work occur at smaller libraries? This study examines the status of diversity initiatives, especially those aimed at students, at national liberal arts college libraries. Results from a survey of library directors reveal that, while diversity programming happens informally at most libraries, and while diversity is valued by library directors, diversity work has not been prioritized at the organizational level in any systematic manner.

scholarly journals Managing Diversity in Liberal Arts College Libraries

2000 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Winston ◽  
Haipeng Li
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Research University ◽  
Liberal Arts College ◽  
The United States ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Diversity Awareness ◽  
College Administrators ◽  
Managing Diversity ◽  
College Libraries ◽  
Large Research

Although fostering diversity has been identified as a priority in librarianship, the evidence suggests that the majority of the programs related to diversity in academic libraries have been implemented in large, research university libraries. In this study of the liberal arts college libraries in the United States, data were gathered with regard to programs related to diversity awareness, staffing, information services, and library collections. Although the level of diversity-related activities in liberal arts college libraries has not been overwhelming, the evidence suggests that activities and programs related to diversity have been undertaken in some instances. In addition, the support of college administrators appears to be particularly important in encouraging these activities.

Beyond pedagogy: Community feeling, educational development and power in a U.S. liberal arts college

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gudrun Willett
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Development ◽  
Liberal Arts College ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Democratic Governance ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education

In a three-year ethnographic study of a selective U.S. liberal arts college, it was found that educational development efforts contributed not only to changes in teaching but also to cross-college collaboration and the development of a sense of community. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the college created a learning centre and new educational development activities that spoke to faculty members' needs and college interests. Following these changes, increased collegiality could be seen in collaborations among college employees, and in the educational development activities themselves, resulting in increased interest in educational development. These institutional changes were only made possible because of the college's relatively democratic governance structure, relatively high levels of faculty members' power on campus, and an environment in which ideas and practices could be challenged and re-conceptualised (at least by some employees). Ultimately, this paper argues for more attention to the interrelationships between campus collegiality, teaching and learning, and power in institutions of higher education.

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