Background
Staff from the libraries of the University of Minnesota system have collaborated on policy, process, and procedures, since merging library systems in 2003. Coordination of these activities, as well as documentation, communication, and training in electronic resources functions (acquisitions, licensing, access, metadata) across units and campuses is equally if not more important in Alma.
Purpose
The purpose of the Alma Electronic Resources Operations Group is to:
- Ensure consistent development of Alma policies and procedures as they relate to electronic resource activities.
- Plan and execute changes in policies, configuration, procedures, and implementation through consultation with stakeholders and consideration of relevant data and impact assessment to ensure service improvement and risk mitigation.
- Communicate new and changed policies and procedures to staff responsible for e-resource activities across the system.
- Ensure coordination with other Alma functions, existing and planned, through participation in the Alma Leadership Team.
- Leverage the capabilities of Alma to enhance the user experience for both the public and staff.
Scope
The Electronic Resources Operations Group will work to improve day-to-day electronic resource operations and user experience by serving as a conduit for information, development, implementation, and communication of e-resource policies/procedures.
In consultation with the Alma Leadership Team (ALT) and other stakeholders, including administrative bodies from campus libraries and the Library Enterprise Systems Governance Committee (LESGC) the Electronic Resources Operations Group will:
- Develop and recommend system-wide policies and procedures as related to the lifecycle of e-resources.
- Work with the Alma Leadership Team on guidelines for the communication of information, ideas, and changes as they relate to e-resource services.
- Establish best practices and local standards for e-resource management. Work toward standardization and consistency across campuses wherever possible.
- Regularly evaluate e-resource workflows and, where indicated, pursue their redesign in pursuit of system-wide consistency and improved service to users.
- Develop and disseminate training materials as needed.
- Communicate Alma's quarterly releases and monthly resolved issues.
- Lead local efforts to propose and submit e-resource enhancement proposals and recommend voting for the annual Alma enhancement vote process.
- Prepare and share system-wide e-resource reports and analysis as needed, including usage reports.
Current Members
- Sunshine Carter, UMTC, chair
- Linda Anderson, UMTC Law
- Nichole Chisholm, UMD
- Amanda Flinn, UMM
- John Halvorson, UMTC
- Adam Johnson, UMTC
- Chris Koehler, UMTC
- Kristen Koester, UMTC
- Grace Lilyerd, UMTC & Analytics Auxiliary Group
- Amy Nixon, UMTC
- Angela Vetsch, UMM
- Yumiko Toyota-Kindler, UMTC, chair (July 2019~ )
- Stacie Traill, UMTC & Cataloging/Metadata Operations Group
- Cate Triola, UMTC
- Beth Wolszon, UMTC
- Keri Youngstrand, UMC