Don Crain (\u201870) has been called the \u201cMr. Miami\u201d of his generation, and his story is a compelling example of the way Miami can affect the lives of students and scholars. To celebrate Ohio Archives Month, the Miami University Libraries is proud to welcome him to King Library for an inspiring hour over lunch, \u201cMy Miami Journey\u2019s Perfect End \u2014 the Miami Archives\u00a0by Donald Crain, Class of 1970<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p> Join us to hear Don\u2019s firsthand stories \u2014 from his journey to enroll at Miami and the inspiration for his life\u2019s work to highlights from his enduring relationships with Miami\u2019s past and current Presidents. You\u2019ll hear why he characterizes his continuous service with such passion and generosity, and why he\u2019s one of the most decorated volunteers in Miami history.<\/p> A former varsity athlete inducted into the Miami University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, Don\u2019s tireless commitment includes serving on the Board of Trustees, teaching classes in the Farmer School of Business, and twice receiving the Don Loss Volunteer of the Year award. He\u2019ll also share the joys of his Miami family legacy, having a wife and two daughters who are all proud Farmer School of Business graduates.<\/p> EVENT DETAILS<\/p> \u2022 Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025<\/p> \u2022 Time: 11:00 A.M.<\/p> \u2022 Location: King Library, Room 320<\/p> \u2022 Virtual Option: The event will also be presented virtually. Register to attend<\/a><\/p>","categories":["king","spec-coll"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-09-29-catalyst-25-celebrates-another-year-of-meaningful-change-at-the-libraries","title":"Catalyst '25 celebrates another year of meaningful change at the Libraries","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-09-29-catalyst-25-celebrates-another-year-of-meaningful-change-at-the-libraries","date_published":"Sep 29, 2025","author":"Christopher Smith, Interim Head, Learning & Engagement, Coordinator of Strategy and Assessment","feature-image":"","content_text":"In August, the Libraries celebrated the end of its fifth year of Catalyst, the Libraries\u2019 strategic plan. Catalyst is a flexible, iterative, staff-driven approach to strategic planning with yearly initiatives centered around three goals. This year, three teams worked on projects ranging from staff recognition to increasing the Libraries\u2019 external funding.Goal 1: Develop talent, resources, and experiences that facilitate community.Talent Management \u2013 Staff Recognition: Workgroup members created and administered a staff survey to gather feedback on existing recognition and appreciation events. Based on survey results, they created a quarterly appreciation event - Donuts with the Dean. The workgroup also explored staff anniversary recognition, expanding on the work that the University does by aiming to honor Library-specific service. By laying the groundwork for a permanent committee, this workgroup has created conditions for continual positive change for our staff.Goal 2: Transform the Libraries\u2019 environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.Library Recognition: The workgroup completed an environment scan of academic library awards to pursue and enacted plans to apply for select awards. The workgroup\u00a0 submitted and drafted multiple applications for recognition of the Libraries\u2019 recently-renovated Sidley Lounge space and has other applications in progress for submission in 2026. The processes created by this workgroup for identifying and applying for awards and other forms of recognition will help raise the national profile of the Libraries.Goal 3: Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.External Funding: This workgroup completed an environment scan for project ideas across the Libraries and created a project tracking tool to monitor grant projects from inception to completion. The workgroup also met with University Advancement\u2019s Corporate and Foundation Relations staff to explore new routes for funding. The contributions of this workgroup have allowed the Libraries to quickly adapt to changes in the external funding environment.Planning for Catalyst \u201826 is well underway, with this year\u2019s initiatives being developed in intentional alignment with MiamiTHRIVE, the University\u2019s strategic plan.More information on Catalyst can be found at Lib.MiamiOH.edu\/Strategic.","content_html":" In August, the Libraries celebrated the end of its fifth year of Catalyst, the Libraries\u2019 strategic plan. Catalyst is a flexible, iterative, staff-driven approach to strategic planning with yearly initiatives centered around three goals. This year, three teams worked on projects ranging from staff recognition to increasing the Libraries\u2019 external funding.<\/p> Goal 1: Develop talent, resources, and experiences that facilitate community.<\/strong><\/p> Talent Management \u2013 Staff Recognition: Workgroup members created and administered a staff survey to gather feedback on existing recognition and appreciation events. Based on survey results, they created a quarterly appreciation event - Donuts with the Dean. The workgroup also explored staff anniversary recognition, expanding on the work that the University does by aiming to honor Library-specific service. By laying the groundwork for a permanent committee, this workgroup has created conditions for continual positive change for our staff.<\/p> Goal 2: Transform the Libraries\u2019 environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.<\/strong><\/p> Library Recognition: The workgroup completed an environment scan of academic library awards to pursue and enacted plans to apply for select awards. The workgroup\u00a0 submitted and drafted multiple applications for recognition of the Libraries\u2019 recently-renovated Sidley Lounge space and has other applications in progress for submission in 2026. The processes created by this workgroup for identifying and applying for awards and other forms of recognition will help raise the national profile of the Libraries.<\/p> Goal 3: Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.<\/strong><\/p> External Funding: This workgroup completed an environment scan for project ideas across the Libraries and created a project tracking tool to monitor grant projects from inception to completion. The workgroup also met with University Advancement\u2019s Corporate and Foundation Relations staff to explore new routes for funding. The contributions of this workgroup have allowed the Libraries to quickly adapt to changes in the external funding environment.<\/p> Planning for Catalyst \u201826 is well underway, with this year\u2019s initiatives being developed in intentional alignment with MiamiTHRIVE<\/a>, the University\u2019s strategic plan.<\/p> More information on Catalyst can be found at Lib.MiamiOH.edu\/Strategic<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>","categories":["king"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-09-03-updates-and-upgrades-at-the-miami-university-libraries","title":"Updates and upgrades at the Miami University Libraries","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-09-03-updates-and-upgrades-at-the-miami-university-libraries","date_published":"Sep 03, 2025","author":"Katelyn DeGregorio, Strategic Communications Coordinator","feature-image":"","content_text":"As students explore campus this fall, they are sure to notice a few changes inside Miami University Libraries\u2019 flagship King Library. Unless they look very closely, however, they are likely to miss some of the most important upgrades. Every summer, we try to get as much work done on the building and its systems as possible, creating an environment where every scholar can access the resources they need in a safe and secure place. We hope the projects this summer have made a difference.The biggest but least visible change has been coming for a long time. During the summer months, librarians at MUL and all over the state of Ohio tested and troubleshot to get all of the OhioLINK libraries moved to a brand-new Alma system. As a member of OhioLINK, we took advantage of this software overhaul and transition. It will make accessing resources easier for Miami students \u2014 no matter what library the materials are found in.Another exciting change is the expansion of our Textbooks on Reserve program. Last year we were able to offer books on reserve at the Library for our 50 most popular classes. This year, we were able to double those efforts. We are now offering textbooks for the top 100 classes at Miami.Building updates are currently ongoing in King Library as well. The air handlers in our library have long needed upgrades. Throughout the summer and into the fall we\u2019ve been investing in them, preparing a comfortable environment with less fluctuations in temperature, in order to be the welcoming space that our students and scholars expect.We\u2019ve also said goodbye during the summer. After many years, the King Caf\u00e9 on our ground floor will not be reopening this fall. While we will miss the accessibility of having a caf\u00e9 in the building, we are already planning for the opportunity this new vacancy provides us. What will we use this space for? Stay tuned for more exciting details.Technology remains on the forefront of our minds at King Library. We have invested heavily in tech for our scholars, purchasing new Chromebooks for students to rent. We have also increased our spend in technology rentals, purchasing more software and more licenses. This will enable more students to have access to programs that will increase their learning opportunities.In addition, the Makerspace has made some significant upgrades for this semester. Their new Panda DTF Printer will print directly to a film that can be placed directly on almost any fabric, allowing users to create colorful fabric prints, t-shirts, and other projects. The green-screened video studio they have created will enable students to create professional photography and film assignments in the Makerspace.Whether you\u2019re looking for assistance with research, resources, or creation, King Library has been working hard all summer to get our space prepped. Stop in to visit us today.","content_html":" As students explore campus this fall, they are sure to notice a few changes inside Miami University Libraries\u2019 flagship King Library. Unless they look very closely, however, they are likely to miss some of the most important upgrades. Every summer, we try to get as much work done on the building and its systems as possible, creating an environment where every scholar can access the resources they need in a safe and secure place. We hope the projects this summer have made a difference.<\/p> The biggest but least visible change has been coming for a long time. During the summer months, librarians at MUL and all over the state of Ohio tested and troubleshot to get all of the OhioLINK libraries moved to a brand-new Alma system. As a member of OhioLINK, we took advantage of this software overhaul and transition. It will make accessing resources easier for Miami students \u2014 no matter what library the materials are found in.<\/p> Another exciting change is the expansion of our Textbooks on Reserve program. Last year we were able to offer books on reserve at the Library for our 50 most popular classes. This year, we were able to double those efforts. We are now offering textbooks for the top 100 classes at Miami.<\/p> Building updates are currently ongoing in King Library as well. The air handlers in our library have long needed upgrades. Throughout the summer and into the fall we\u2019ve been investing in them, preparing a comfortable environment with less fluctuations in temperature, in order to be the welcoming space that our students and scholars expect.<\/p> We\u2019ve also said goodbye during the summer. After many years, the King Caf\u00e9 on our ground floor will not be reopening this fall. While we will miss the accessibility of having a caf\u00e9 in the building, we are already planning for the opportunity this new vacancy provides us. What will we use this space for? Stay tuned for more exciting details.<\/p> Technology remains on the forefront of our minds at King Library. We have invested heavily in tech for our scholars, purchasing new Chromebooks for students to rent. We have also increased our spend in technology rentals, purchasing more software and more licenses. This will enable more students to have access to programs that will increase their learning opportunities.<\/p> In addition, the Makerspace has made some significant upgrades for this semester. Their new Panda DTF Printer will print directly to a film that can be placed directly on almost any fabric, allowing users to create colorful fabric prints, t-shirts, and other projects. The green-screened video studio they have created will enable students to create professional photography and film assignments in the Makerspace.<\/p> Whether you\u2019re looking for assistance with research, resources, or creation, King Library has been working hard all summer to get our space prepped. Stop in to visit us today.<\/p>","categories":["king"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-09-03-longtime-libraries-employee-closes-a-chapter","title":"Longtime Libraries' employee closes a chapter","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-09-03-longtime-libraries-employee-closes-a-chapter","date_published":"Sep 03, 2025","author":"Katelyn DeGregorio, Strategic Communications Coordinator","feature-image":"","content_text":"As the chapter closed on this summer, one of the Miami University Library\u2019s long-serving staff members closed a chapter of her own. After serving 30 years at Miami University, including 12 at the Libraries, Donna Richardson, Administrative Services Coordinator, retired. Before she left for the last time, we sat down to talk about her time at Miami.Donna joined the Libraries 12 years ago after seeing the job on the Miami University job website and realizing it was an opportunity she couldn\u2019t afford to miss. Her interview was not without drama \u2014 a fire alarm went off and she had to evacuate the building. After moving her interview the Art and Architecture Library she persevered. \u201cRight then and there, I discovered the flexibility and adaptability and the consideration of the Library.\u201dFor anyone else considering a job with the Miami University Libraries, Donna encourage you to come with an open mind. \u201cKnow the value statements, the mission, and really embrace it.\u201d She says she will miss the human element in the Libraries. \u201cIt\u2019s the people and their personal stories,\u201d she said. \u201cThe way we all work together and contribute to the space and the work environment. Particularly for the library, I will miss the innovative surprises.\u201dI have always been able to count on Donna to keep the Dean\u2019s Suite organized and running right,\u201d said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. \u201cShe exemplifies the values of the Libraries.\u201dLooking back on her time at Miami, Donna is proud of the work she accomplished as a coordinator. \u201cCoordinators coordinate,\u201d she said. \u201cWe bring people together, resolve issues, enhance the experience, and maintain a sense of unity and consistency.\u201d We are grateful to Donna for her hard work over the years at Miami and especially at the Miami University Libraries. We will miss her and wish her the best in her retirement.","content_html":" As the chapter closed on this summer, one of the Miami University Library\u2019s long-serving staff members closed a chapter of her own. After serving 30 years at Miami University, including 12 at the Libraries, Donna Richardson, Administrative Services Coordinator, retired. Before she left for the last time, we sat down to talk about her time at Miami.<\/p> Donna joined the Libraries 12 years ago after seeing the job on the Miami University job website and realizing it was an opportunity she couldn\u2019t afford to miss. Her interview was not without drama \u2014 a fire alarm went off and she had to evacuate the building. After moving her interview the Art and Architecture Library she persevered. \u201cRight then and there, I discovered the flexibility and adaptability and the consideration of the Library.\u201d<\/p> For anyone else considering a job with the Miami University Libraries, Donna encourage you to come with an open mind. \u201cKnow the value statements, the mission, and really embrace it.\u201d She says she will miss the human element in the Libraries. \u201cIt\u2019s the people and their personal stories,\u201d she said. \u201cThe way we all work together and contribute to the space and the work environment. Particularly for the library, I will miss the innovative surprises.\u201d<\/p> I have always been able to count on Donna to keep the Dean\u2019s Suite organized and running right,\u201d said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. \u201cShe exemplifies the values of the Libraries.\u201d<\/p> Looking back on her time at Miami, Donna is proud of the work she accomplished as a coordinator. \u201cCoordinators coordinate,\u201d she said. \u201cWe bring people together, resolve issues, enhance the experience, and maintain a sense of unity and consistency.\u201d We are grateful to Donna for her hard work over the years at Miami and especially at the Miami University Libraries. We will miss her and wish her the best in her retirement.<\/p>","categories":["king"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-05-05-miami-university-libraries-is-under-construction-this-summer","title":"Miami University Libraries is under construction this summer","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-05-05-miami-university-libraries-is-under-construction-this-summer","date_published":"May 05, 2025","author":"Katelyn DeGregorio, Strategic Communications Coordinator","feature-image":"","content_text":"Last summer, visitors to King Library noticed a lot of noise, dust and construction as all of the library\u2019s 200+ windows were replaced. Visitors this summer may be surprised to know that we will be under a different sort of construction again this summer \u2013 it will not look nearly the same.\u00a0As a pilot member of OhioLINK, the statewide academic library consortium, our scholars have long taken advantage of the innumerable resources that OhioLINK provides. For several weeks this summer, access to physical OhioLINK materials will be limited as all OhioLINK members across the state upgrade their lending systems.\u00a0Though this process is running smoothly, Miami scholars will notice some temporary changes to their access and Libraries experience this summer. Please see the key dates listed below:May 23, 2025: OhioLINK lending freeze begins\u00a0 Miami scholars will be unable to request any OhioLINK or SearchOhio books or renew any books that are already borrowed.\u00a0 If you need an item during this time, request the book through interlibrary loan instead of OhioLINK to ensure you can maintain access through this transition.June 10, 2025: OhioLINK upgrades for Miami begin Self-checkout at King Library will be disabled, but items can be checked out in person \u201cMy library account\u201d will be inaccessible Items cannot be renewedJune 23, 2025: OhioLINK Go live date New search interface launches Miami scholars will be able to use self-checkout at King Library again OhioLINK lending resumes(We anticipate the return of SearchOhio later in the fall semester.In the interim, SearchOhio books can be requested through the public library)Throughout this process, the Libraries will work with you to make sure you have access to the materials you need to succeed.If you have any questions, please contact the Circulation desk at (513)529-4141.\u00a0This upgrade will help not only Miami, but all of the OhioLINK member libraries. It also ensures that the resource sharing we depend upon can continue smoothly, no matter what library your materials might be found in. It\u2019s good for Miami and good for OhioLINK. It also speaks to the vision that OhioLINK was founded upon \u2013 collaborative work that helps Ohio students, faculty, and citizens achieve their academic goals and aspirations.","content_html":" Last summer, visitors to King Library noticed a lot of noise, dust and construction as all of the library\u2019s 200+ windows were replaced. Visitors this summer may be surprised to know that we will be under a different sort of construction again this summer \u2013 it will not look nearly the same.\u00a0<\/p> As a pilot member of OhioLINK, the statewide academic library consortium, our scholars have long taken advantage of the innumerable resources that OhioLINK provides. For several weeks this summer, access to physical OhioLINK materials will be limited as all OhioLINK members across the state upgrade their lending systems.\u00a0<\/p> Though this process is running smoothly, Miami scholars will notice some temporary changes to their access and Libraries experience this summer. Please see the key dates listed below:<\/p> May 23, 2025:<\/strong> OhioLINK lending freeze begins\u00a0<\/p> June 10, 2025:<\/strong> OhioLINK upgrades for Miami begin<\/p> June 23, 2025:<\/strong> OhioLINK Go live date<\/p> (We anticipate the return of SearchOhio later in the fall semester.In the interim, SearchOhio books can be requested through the public library<\/em>)<\/p> Throughout this process, the Libraries will work with you to make sure you have access to the materials you need to succeed.<\/p> If you have any questions, please contact the Circulation desk at (513)529-4141.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p> This upgrade will help not only Miami, but all of the OhioLINK member libraries. It also ensures that the resource sharing we depend upon can continue smoothly, no matter what library your materials might be found in. It\u2019s good for Miami and good for OhioLINK. It also speaks to the vision that OhioLINK was founded upon \u2013 collaborative work that helps Ohio students, faculty, and citizens achieve their academic goals and aspirations.<\/p>","categories":[],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-02-28-miami-libraries-celebrates-six-new-associate-librarians","title":"Miami University Libraries celebrates six new Associate Librarians","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-02-28-miami-libraries-celebrates-six-new-associate-librarians","date_published":"Feb 28, 2025","author":"Katelyn DeGregorio, Strategic Communications Coordinator","feature-image":"","content_text":"The Miami University Libraries is pleased to announce that six of our Librarians have been unanimously approved by the Miami University Board of Trustees for promotion to Associate Librarian and the granting of continuing contract. Join with us as we celebrate the accomplishments of Kristen Adams, Laura Birkenhauer, Cara Calabrese, Sarah Nagle, Meng Qu, and Jaclyn Spraetz.\u201cWe are grateful to have these librarians as a part of the staff here at King Libraries. They represent years of hard work and dedication,\u201d said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. \u201cWe are honored to have them on our team.\u201dAssociate Librarian is the second of three ranks within the Miami University Libraries Appointment, Rank, and Promotion System, and it recognizes librarians for their professional performance, scholarship, and service. Evaluation is conducted by the Libraries\u2019 Personnel Committee, the librarian\u2019s supervisor, the Dean and University Librarian, and the Provost. The evaluation also includes four external reviewers who also review the candidate\u2019s service and scholarship. Upon recommendation from the President, the Board of Trustees ultimately votes on whether to confer continuing contract.","content_html":" The Miami University Libraries is pleased to announce that six of our Librarians have been unanimously approved by the Miami University Board of Trustees for promotion to Associate Librarian and the granting of continuing contract. Join with us as we celebrate the accomplishments of Kristen Adams, Laura Birkenhauer, Cara Calabrese, Sarah Nagle, Meng Qu, and Jaclyn Spraetz.<\/p> \u201cWe are grateful to have these librarians as a part of the staff here at King Libraries. They represent years of hard work and dedication,\u201d said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. \u201cWe are honored to have them on our team.\u201d<\/p> Associate Librarian is the second of three ranks within the Miami University Libraries Appointment, Rank, and Promotion System, and it recognizes librarians for their professional performance, scholarship, and service. Evaluation is conducted by the Libraries\u2019 Personnel Committee, the librarian\u2019s supervisor, the Dean and University Librarian, and the Provost. The evaluation also includes four external reviewers who also review the candidate\u2019s service and scholarship. Upon recommendation from the President, the Board of Trustees ultimately votes on whether to confer continuing contract.<\/p>","categories":[],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2025-02-18-two-library-employees-celebrate-anniversaries","title":"Two library employees celebrate anniversaries","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2025-02-18-two-library-employees-celebrate-anniversaries","date_published":"Feb 18, 2025","author":"Katelyn DeGregorio, Strategic Communication Coordinator","feature-image":"","content_text":"On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, two employees from the Miami University Libraries were recognized for their dedication to the university at a reception. Every year, Miami University takes time to identify the employees who have 15, 25, or 30 years of service.At Tuesday\u2019s event, Jennifer Hicks, the Circulation, Reserves, & ILL Supervisor at Gardner-Harvey Library was honored for her 15 years of service to the university, and Donna Richardson, the Administrative Services Coordinator at King Library, was honored for 30 years of service.\u201cAs I reflect on my 30 years at Miami University, I realize just how fortunate I\u2019ve been,\u201d Donna Richardson said. \u201cThe administration, faculty, staff, and students have been the best! We\u2019re all still learning together.\u201dWe are so grateful to these two employees for their steadfast dedication to Miami University Libraries. We know that this organization would not be able to continue the good work that we do without their support and the support of the many others just like them.Congratulations and thank you to Jennifer and Donna!","content_html":" On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, two employees from the Miami University Libraries were recognized for their dedication to the university at a reception. Every year, Miami University takes time to identify the employees who have 15, 25, or 30 years of service.<\/p> At Tuesday\u2019s event, Jennifer Hicks, the Circulation, Reserves, & ILL Supervisor at Gardner-Harvey Library was honored for her 15 years of service to the university, and Donna Richardson, the Administrative Services Coordinator at King Library, was honored for 30 years of service.<\/p> \u201cAs I reflect on my 30 years at Miami University, I realize just how fortunate I\u2019ve been,\u201d Donna Richardson said. \u201cThe administration, faculty, staff, and students have been the best! We\u2019re all still learning together.\u201d<\/p> We are so grateful to these two employees for their steadfast dedication to Miami University Libraries. We know that this organization would not be able to continue the good work that we do without their support and the support of the many others just like them.<\/p> Congratulations and thank you to Jennifer and Donna!<\/p>","categories":["king"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2024-11-04-head-of-create-innovate-selected-to-serve-on-hathitrust-committee","title":"Head of Create & Innovate Selected to Serve on HathiTrust Committee","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2024-11-04-head-of-create-innovate-selected-to-serve-on-hathitrust-committee","date_published":"Nov 04, 2024","author":"Gabe Haverkos, Special Assistant to the Dean","feature-image":"","content_text":"Miami University Libraries\u2019 interim Head of Create & Innovate and distinguished copyright Librarian Carla Myers was recently selected to serve on the HathiTrust Program Steering Committee.\u00a0HathiTrust is a global, not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 aimed to collaborate with academic and research libraries to create and curate a publicly accessible online database with millions of resources. Miami University Libraries recently joined HathiTrust in December of 2023, connecting with universities across the globe like Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth and Harvard as contributing members of the network. HathiTrust has developed a variety of emerging public services- the HathiTrust Digital Library, home to millions of online books and publications, their Accessible Text Request Service, where visually impaired users can request any publication in an accessibility-friendly format, and the Copyright Review Program, where a team of copyright experts works to open resources around the globe to the public domain.\u00a0The board that Myers was selected to serve on, the Program Steering Committee, works to oversee and guide HathiTrust\u2019s development agenda, making recommendations to the Board of Governors for future initiatives and programs. They also provide input and direct day-to-day activities throughout the organization. The committee is composed of various academics, researchers, and librarians from a range of institutions across the country, such as M.I.T., UC Berkeley, and NYU.\u00a0Myers is proud and excited to serve on the Program Steering Committee, saying \u201cI will be able to use my knowledge and experience working with copyright and scholarly communications issues to help expand access to works through the digital library and provide input on new projects and initiatives\u2026 I am also excited to serve as an ambassador for the HathiTrust to the Miami University campus community and help them learn more about how this valuable resource can be used by them for research and instruction.\u201d","content_html":" Miami University Libraries\u2019 interim Head of Create & Innovate and distinguished copyright Librarian Carla Myers was recently selected to serve on the HathiTrust Program Steering Committee.\u00a0<\/p> HathiTrust is a global, not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 aimed to collaborate with academic and research libraries to create and curate a publicly accessible online database with millions of resources. Miami University Libraries recently joined HathiTrust in December of 2023, connecting with universities across the globe like Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth and Harvard as contributing members of the network. HathiTrust has developed a variety of emerging public services- the HathiTrust Digital Library, home to millions of online books and publications, their Accessible Text Request Service, where visually impaired users can request any publication in an accessibility-friendly format, and the Copyright Review Program, where a team of copyright experts works to open resources around the globe to the public domain.\u00a0<\/p> The board that Myers was selected to serve on, the Program Steering Committee, works to oversee and guide HathiTrust\u2019s development agenda, making recommendations to the Board of Governors for future initiatives and programs. They also provide input and direct day-to-day activities throughout the organization. The committee is composed of various academics, researchers, and librarians from a range of institutions across the country, such as M.I.T., UC Berkeley, and NYU.\u00a0<\/p> Myers is proud and excited to serve on the Program Steering Committee, saying \u201cI will be able to use my knowledge and experience working with copyright and scholarly communications issues to help expand access to works through the digital library and provide input on new projects and initiatives\u2026 I am also excited to serve as an ambassador for the HathiTrust to the Miami University campus community and help them learn more about how this valuable resource can be used by them for research and instruction.\u201d<\/p>","categories":["king"],"tags":[]},{"id":"\/2024-09-26-catalyst-24-wraps-up-another-successful-year-of-strategic-planning","title":"Catalyst \u201824 wraps up another successful year of strategic planning","summary":null,"url":"https:\/\/www.lib.miamioh.edu\/2024-09-26-catalyst-24-wraps-up-another-successful-year-of-strategic-planning","date_published":"Sep 26, 2024","author":"Chris Smith, Coordinator of Strategy and Assessment","feature-image":"","content_text":"Earlier this month, the Libraries celebrated the end of its fourth year of Catalyst, the Libraries\u2019 strategic plan. Catalyst is a flexible, iterative, staff-driven approach to strategic planning with yearly initiatives centered around three goals. This year, three teams worked on projects ranging from staff onboarding and recruitment to increasing the Libraries\u2019 external funding.Goal 1: Develop talent, resources, and experiences that facilitate community.Talent Management - Onboarding: Workgroup members developed a new LibGuide to aid in onboarding new Libraries staff members. The guide includes \u201cNew to the Area\u201d information, a cheatsheet of Library terminology, acronyms, and listservs, and dedicated information for different staff groups. The group also created and implemented a pilot Buddy Program to pair new staff with colleagues who can help them feel at home at Miami.Goal 2: Transform the Libraries\u2019 environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.Collection Policy: The Libraries\u2019 completed work towards developing a process for updating its collection policies and assessing the content of its current collections.Recruitment and Hiring Practices: This workgroup made progress in updating the Libraries\u2019 hiring and recruitment tools.Accessibility Training: Workgroup members outlined and began building standardized accessibility training for library staff. This training and supporting documentation will be incorporated into onboarding for all new library employees.Signage and Documentation: This group completed an assessment of the Libraries\u2019 directory signage and wayfinding maps and began the design process for updating stacks signage. Signage improvements, including posted hours for ground floor access to King Library, have improved accessibility to the building.Physical Accessibility: Workgroup members completed the planning and funding process for two sensory study rooms in collaboration with student consultants. The construction of these sensory study rooms is in progress, and completion is expected in fall 2024. The usage patterns of the new rooms will be assessed in hopes that these spaces will act as proof-of-concept plans for further renovations of study spaces in King Library. The Libraries\u2019 also added adjustable height workstations and high weight-limit chairs to improve accessibility.Goal 3: Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.External Funding: This workgroup partnered with the Office of Research and Innovation on workshops for GrantForward and SciEnCV tools for grant searches and applications. A Library staff grant writing LibGuide and grant pre-proposal form were created to support and encourage external funding proposals.Planning for Catalyst \u201825 is well underway, with this year\u2019s initiatives being developed in intentional alignment with MiamiTHRIVE, the University\u2019s new strategic plan.More information on Catalyst can be found at Lib.MiamiOH.edu\/Strategic.","content_html":" Earlier this month, the Libraries celebrated the end of its fourth year of Catalyst, the Libraries\u2019 strategic plan. Catalyst is a flexible, iterative, staff-driven approach to strategic planning with yearly initiatives centered around three goals. This year, three teams worked on projects ranging from staff onboarding and recruitment to increasing the Libraries\u2019 external funding.<\/p> Goal 1: Develop talent, resources, and experiences that facilitate community.<\/strong><\/p> Talent Management - Onboarding<\/em>: Workgroup members developed a new LibGuide to aid in onboarding new Libraries staff members. The guide includes \u201cNew to the Area\u201d information, a cheatsheet of Library terminology, acronyms, and listservs, and dedicated information for different staff groups. The group also created and implemented a pilot Buddy Program to pair new staff with colleagues who can help them feel at home at Miami.<\/p> Goal 2: Transform the Libraries\u2019 environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.<\/strong><\/p> Collection Policy<\/em>: The Libraries\u2019 completed work towards developing a process for updating its collection policies and assessing the content of its current collections.<\/p> Recruitment and Hiring Practices<\/em>: This workgroup made progress in updating the Libraries\u2019 hiring and recruitment tools.<\/p> Accessibility Training<\/em>: Workgroup members outlined and began building standardized accessibility training for library staff. This training and supporting documentation will be incorporated into onboarding for all new library employees.<\/p> Signage and Documentation<\/em>: This group completed an assessment of the Libraries\u2019 directory signage and wayfinding maps and began the design process for updating stacks signage. Signage improvements, including posted hours for ground floor access to King Library, have improved accessibility to the building.<\/p> Physical Accessibility<\/em>: Workgroup members completed the planning and funding process for two sensory study rooms in collaboration with student consultants. The construction of these sensory study rooms is in progress, and completion is expected in fall 2024. The usage patterns of the new rooms will be assessed in hopes that these spaces will act as proof-of-concept plans for further renovations of study spaces in King Library. The Libraries\u2019 also added adjustable height workstations and high weight-limit chairs to improve accessibility.<\/p> Goal 3: Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.<\/strong><\/p> External Funding<\/em>: This workgroup partnered with the Office of Research and Innovation on workshops for GrantForward and SciEnCV tools for grant searches and applications. A Library staff grant writing LibGuide and grant pre-proposal form were created to support and encourage external funding proposals.<\/p> Planning for Catalyst \u201825 is well underway, with this year\u2019s initiatives being developed in intentional alignment with MiamiTHRIVE<\/a>, the University\u2019s new strategic plan.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"\/images\/post-images\/myers-carla-o46017-1-copy.png\")
<\/p>
![\"Marlow,](\"\/images\/post-images\/marlow_square_small.png\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"\/images\/post-images\/24sidleyprovost_small.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"\/images\/post-images\/24sidleygroup_small.jpg\")
<\/p>