Examples from One Library

What ZSR Library does to build value

Susan Sharpless SmithCharleston ConferenceCharleston, SCNovember 10, 2012

Who is Wake Forest University?

• WFU is a private co-ed liberal arts university in Winston-Salem, NC

• We describe ourselves as a “collegiate university”• Mid-size, under 5,000 undergraduates, total including

graduate and medical school: under 7,000• Traditional school with a primarily residential student

population• ZSR Library is the 2011 ACRL Excellence in Libraries

winner in the university category• Our mission is simple: “to help our faculty, students

and staff succeed.”

Complexity of Demonstrating Value

Framework for Demonstrating Value

• Targeting WFU faculty through– Embedded instruction– Teaching Support– Raising visibility through

relationships and partnerships

Embedment @ ZSR

Social Stratification in the Deep South, 2009 Trip

Teaching Support: Technology

Building Relationships

• Library Lecture Series• Annual Faculty Author Dinner• New Faculty Orientation

Buidling Partnerships

• Initiatives– Digital Humanities– WFU Digital

Publishing– Documenting

Diversity

• Events– Faces of Courage:

50 Years of Integration

– Allen Mandelbaum Memorial

– Gay Pride Parade

Expanding Roles

• Faculty status opened new doors

• Liaisons: Not just about collection development

• Academic Advisers

Transforming Positions to Meet Changing Needs

• Every open position is evaluated and may be re-defined if there is need

– Scholarly Communication Librarian

– Outreach Librarian– e-Learning Librarian– Digital Initiatives

Librarian

Increasing Visibility via Library Spaces

• Starbucks• 118-Seat Auditorium• Writing Center• Group Study Rooms with

Technology• The Bridge• New Mac Teaching Lab• Musicircus