Opening up collaboration and partnership possibilities. Re-valuing library resources, skill sets, and expertise
| Pages | 103-116 |
| Published date | 09 May 2016 |
| Date | 09 May 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-09-2015-0014 |
| Author | Donna Harp Ziegenfuss,Cynthia Furse |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
Opening up collaboration and
partnership possibilities
Re-valuing library resources, skill sets,
and expertise
Donna Harp Ziegenfuss and Cynthia Furse
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a unique case of a librarian–engineering faculty
partnership grounded in a faculty development National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. Authors will
describe processes, lessons learned, challenges and opportunities resulting from designing,
implementing and evaluating a massive open online course (MOOC) focused on teaching faculty how to
ip classes.
Design/methodology/approach – This case study presents a reective review of the process of
two unlikely collaborators who work together, write a grant, design faculty development training
and develop and evaluate a MOOC. Decisions made, perspectives and lessons learned will be
discussed.
Findings – The evolution of an NSF grant partnership involving an engineering faculty and librarian
is presented. Larger issues, such as proactivity of librarians, non-traditional librarian roles and librarian
versus academic identity, are raised and discussed.
Originality/value – This case study presents a unique type of librarian–faculty partnership, one
where a librarian is a Co-PI on an NSF grant. Collaborator reections on lessons learned, challenges and
implications could be applicable to other digital/technology projects, online professional development
initiatives and course design projects.
Keywords MOOC, Engineering, Professional development, Course design, Librarian roles,
NSF grant project
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Emerging issues related to higher education accountability and quality are driving
change and innovation on college and university campuses across the world.
Financial constraints, demands for impact on student success, interdisciplinary
collaboration and increased requirements for grant funding and evidence-based
practice are also having a direct inuence on academic research libraries. In 2010,
ACRL published a report with recommendations on how libraries could promote the
value of academic libraries (Oakleaf, 2010) and engage in this national dialog about
improving higher education. This report sets the stage for catalyzing library change
and a refocusing on assessment and quality and a rethinking of the role of academic
libraries on college campuses. In addition, in the report “New Roles for New Times:
Transforming Liaison Roles in Research Libraries” written by Jaguszewski and
Williams (2013) for the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the authors present
a case for a new library liaison model based on what they call the “engagement”
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2059-5816.htm
Collaboration
and
partnership
possibilities
103
Received 1 September 2015
Accepted 29 October 2015
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 2, 2016
pp.103-116
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-09-2015-0014
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