Background
Staff from the libraries of the University of Minnesota system have collaborated on policy, process, and procedures, since merging library systems in 2003. There has not been the same level of coordination in areas of reporting and analytics. Communication, training, and documentation in reporting and analytics across units and campuses is essential in order to increase staff knowledge and efficiency.
Definitions
Reports can be run via Alma Analytics and natively in Alma. For the sake of the charge and group, the term reporting refers to querying done natively in Alma and Analytics refers to reporting done via the Analytics “module.”
Purpose
The purpose of Alma auxiliary groups is to provide termed support to Alma Operations Groups and the ALT on specific topics or areas of joint interest. The Alma Analytics Auxiliary Group is termed for one year from charter approval. The need to continue an overarching Analytics group will be reassessed at that time.
The purpose of the Alma Auxiliary Group is to:
- Ensure consistent development, naming, and sharing of Alma Analytic reports.
- Plan and execute new reports/features and changes in reports through consultation with stakeholders and consideration of relevant data.
- Communicate new and changed analytics capabilities, reports, and dashboards to staff.
- Ensure coordination with other Alma functions, existing and planned, through participation in the Alma Leadership Team.
Scope
The Alma Analytics Auxiliary Group will work to broaden reporting and Analytics knowledge and will act as a conduit for information, development, implementation, and communication of reporting and Analytics.
In consultation with the Alma Leadership Team (ALT) and other stakeholders Alma Analytics Auxiliary Group will:
- Develop and provide ongoing training for group members and general staff in reporting and Analytics.
- Work with the Alma operations groups and the ALT to identify Analytic and reporting needs and prioritize development.
- Work with the Alma Leadership Team on guidelines for communication of information, ideas, and changes as they relate to reporting and Analytics.
- Establish best practices and local standards for reporting and Analytics. Work toward standardization and consistency across campuses wherever possible.
- Assist in testing and communicating Alma’s monthly release fixes and features .
- Lead local efforts to:
- Identify problematic subject areas, missing data elements, etc. and submit use cases to Ex Libris where necessary.
- Propose and submit Analytic enhancement proposals and recommend voting for the annual Alma enhancement vote process.
- Prepare and share system-wide reports and analysis as needed.
Current members
- Michael Johnson (chair)
- Mark Engelmann (LES)
- Julie Rashid (AFIG)
- Grace Lilyerd (EMG)
- Keri Youngstrand (CMG)
- Jackie Gulbranson (Fulfillment)
- Lisa Wheeler (Duluth)