Information and Research Services (IRS) Team
Annual Report
July 2001-June 2002
Information and Research Services Team
Annual Report for July 2001-June 2002
08/30/02
HIGHLIGHTS
The Team developed and implemented a strategy for making timely and collaborative decisions about whether, how, and when to implement database changes.
The Team worked closely with the Libraries' Photocopy Center during the implementation of the new copy card system, and the Team developed and continues to update appropriate signage and handouts for users.
The Team assumed leadership for collaboratively identifying core responsibilities for individuals who work on reference desks throughout the UM Libraries.
Recognizing the importance and changing nature of digital reference, the Team established, and continues to sponsor the Libraries' Digital Reference Committee.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Team set up a web site for the purpose of informing colleagues about its work.
The Team has participated in the ALEPH OPAC implementation process by contributing test questions based on the specific needs of their libraries' users and by formally testing the system.
The Team collaborated to develop the Database News feature of the Libraries' Website. The news allows users and colleagues to learn about changes and additions to the Libraries' databases.
The Team continues to spend time on the team development process. We have developed a mission statement, agreed on meeting management tasks, developed a tradition of moving our meetings among various Library sites, and nearly completed a strategy for rotation of membership.
The Team developed a work plan for the current year.
The Team took the time to formally visit each team member's home service site in order to learn about what those sites looked like and how they serve their various user populations.
The Team has begun talking about the challenges of doing collaborative training, to that end we met with a representative of the University's Partners Program.
CHALLENGES
The Team's work on the new copy card system has been challenging because the system did not "work" as planned, and it has been frustrating to keep ourselves, staff and our users informed throughout all of the changes.
Learning how to be a Team has been a challenge. We are a large group, so such a mundane chore as finding a convenient meeting time was not easy. We represent four of the Libraries divisions and numerous branches or service sites, so we come from different work cultures. This has enriched our conversations, and been challenging too.
Figuring out what our mission is was challenging. There has not been a coordinating committee for reference services for UM libraries in any of OUR memory, so finding our "work" has been difficult. And THAT made doing a work plan even harder than the trivial though real frustration of trying to fit our ideas into that standardized work plan format.
Working with ALEPH has been challenging. We are trying to invent a methodology for collaborative involvement as we do the work itself, and that has not been easy.
STATISTICS
None to report
