Centennial Library 2014-2015 Annual Report

 Launched the Research Center, the result of a restructuring of current and new services to assist faculty and students in more effective, efficient, and appropriate use of the library’s physical and digital resources. Services include the research help desk, research appointments, classroom research instruction and orientations, 19-minute workshops, copyright consultations, and e-reserve service.  Experienced staffing changes with the departure of the Director of Public Services and the appointment of the Health Sciences Librarian, Josh Michael, as the new Director of Public Services. Posted and interviewed for replacements for the Library Office Manager, who retired in June, and the Health Sciences Librarian, vacated by the appointment to the Director position.  Added a public beverage vending machine to the casual reading area, which includes more unique choices like iced coffees and teas, energy drinks, water, as well as selected soft drinks.  Two Library faculty members had journal articles published, Josh Michael in The Christian Librarian, and Jeff Gates in the Evangelical Review of Theology.  The University Archivist and some of the library staff supported a journal recovery project with the American Women Writers class, focusing on the journals of Martha McMillan (written from 1867 to 1913) housed in the University Archives.  Digital signs, using LED screens, were installed at key locations in the library, allowing the library staff to respond more quickly to the need for updated information for library patrons.  Instituted the first Library job share arrangement, splitting a full-time Digital Services specialist job into two 20-hours part-time jobs, with both employees doing similar work in the Digital Services operation.  Three students completed the library internship during the fall semester, a paid internship which also brings 3 hours of academic credit. Designed for students considering a library science career, the internship is now in its ninth year and has been completed by 22 students.  Continued to upgrade the library seating with the second phase of replacements of the reading chairs at carrels and tables. A total of 135 chairs have been replaced with two more phases yet to complete. As well, additional high top tables and chairs were added along the windows overlooking Cedar Lake.  Julie Deardorff, Director of Collection Services, Josh Michael, Director of Public Services, and Greg Martin, Digital Commons Director, provided presentations and poster sessions at state library and professional conferences.  MediaPLEX staff created on-line searchable catalogs of the Ellison shape inventories using flipping book software.  Library collection passed a milestone of 325,000 items, with over 37% in digital format and the 26,000 journal titles reaching 97% in digital formats.  Three assessment activities were completed including the freshmen library satisfaction survey, the senior library satisfaction survey, and the Curriculum Materials Center resources survey, with encouraging result HIGHLIGHTS Gateway to the WORLD OF INFORMATION