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Dean’s Update: Focus on Forward Thinking

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is innovative, forward-thinking, and focused on responsible stewardship of its resources. Through a comprehensive review of subscriptions in FY15, the use of business analytics, and the development of new strategies, we achieved a significant cost saving in subscriptions to meet the 14% materials budget reduction of the previous fiscal year. This summer, we continued that effort using 3 years of usage data to identify additional high cost, low use subscriptions and were able to reallocate funds for new resources to anticipate the needs of new programs and a changing curriculum.

In January 2015, a library consultant was engaged to review our technical services operations and recommend new best practices. To ensure staffing necessary for new services and priorities, 9 position descriptions were reviewed, revised, or created to better align with library and Fairfield 2020 priorities. A restructuring plan was developed and went into effect July 1, 2015. Staff is excited to form new teams and is engaged in learning new or expanded roles. You can see the staff changes in the Staff Directory.

I am very pleased to announce the technology upgrades detailed below for the auditorium, the library instruction room, and the collboratories plus the creation of a presentation practice room.  These demonstrate additional ways we focus on providing top-notch services and facilities for our community and anticipate future needs. Stay tuned for more improvements over the next few months!

Joan Overfield

Dean of Libraries & University Librarian

Focus on Student Learning

 Students are now able to BOOK a LIBRARIAN for research help when convenient for them using our new online scheduling calendar, beginning in Sept.  Please consider sharing this link on your syllabi www.fairfield.edu/askalibrarian

The Library continues its commitment to purchasing online and accessible anywhere material with the following NEW e-book collection purchases:

• ATLA Historical Monograph Collections:
  -Religion & Social Changes (1723-1921)
  - Religious Leaders & Thinkers (1516-1922)
• Springer e-book collections
• Early English Books Online

In addition, the following NEW databases were added:

•  Global Health
•  Humanities Source
• JSTOR Arts & Sciences XIII  and JSTOR Ireland Collection
• Kanopy Streaming Videos
• Sage Journals  Backfile

Focus on Faculty Teaching and Research

 Are your students working on a research project this semester? Consider scheduling a research class.  To do so, fill out our online Library Instruction Request Form or content library Dominic LaFlamme by e-mail at dlaflamme@fairfield.edu.

With the addition of Kanopy, our new streaming video service, the Library now offers over 60,000 films. Learn more about streaming video from your lIbrary.

Reminder:  We have Delivery Service! Learn more here

Fairfield University Faculty’s work has been downloaded over 65,000 times from DigitalCommons in the past year!  Contact Librarian Nina Peri to learn more about how you can be part of DigitalCommons@Fairfield.

Focus on Technology and Improved Processes

 The Library's new Presentation Practice / Video Conference Room in now up and running.  Learn more about how this room can help individuals and groups in developing effective presentation skills.

Our 10 Collab stations downstairs now each have a 40” TV display, with easier access for students to connect their devices.  The 4 Media carrels downstairs now have new TVs for DVD and VHS viewing. Plus you can watch cable TV on one.

The Library Multimedia Auditorium’s original 2001 equipment was retired and new digital equipment was installed to improve the sound, viewing and functionality of this heavily used venue. This should decrease equipment failures and increase self-service for most presentations.

The Library Instruction Lab was upgraded with 31 new computers, a new projector and an additional monitor on a side-wall to improve the viewing and learning experience our students. Last year some 270 library instruction classes were taught to 4930 students.

In order to increase efficiency, reduce staff time and make sure all disciplines are receiving high quality materials, the Library recently instituted an approval purchase plan. See the NEW BOOKS that just arrived!