University of Hertfordshire has two vibrant and welcoming Learning Resource Centres, which are the beating heart of their urban campus in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. Their academic and research collections are digital-first and complemented by a growing collection of fiction and well-being print titles.
With 35,000 students from over 110 countries, and more than 700 career-focused degree options, University of Hertfordshire chose Lean Library to ensure that their students and researchers can easily access the wealth of resources available to them.
What challenges was your library facing before using Lean Library?
“Traditionally we’ve always encouraged students to go directly to the online library to search. However, there’s been a definite shift where students aren’t doing that as much anymore. There are additional tools available now that they can use, and no matter how often we said, “Start here,” they would still choose their own methods.
We noticed a trend, and I don’t think it’s unique to our institution, where the use of library electronic resources was declining. I suspected this wasn’t because students weren’t using content, but rather because some of it was Open Access, meaning they no longer needed to go through the online library to access it. However, when they needed something that wasn’t Open Access, the question became: how were they finding it?
It became about bringing the library to where the user was, facilitating their processes. It became about “let’s make this as easy for them as possible”.
It sounds like bringing the library to patrons was what you were hoping to achieve with Lean Library?
“I guess it was also about raising brand awareness: “We are paying for these resources, this is your library, this is us helping you. We need to make sure that you understand we’re facilitating this process.” The fact that we could colour-code the extension to link to our existing branding—all of those things are really helpful, because it is the library paying for these subscriptions. Each time it pops up, it’s communicating that message to the end user that this is us doing our job—you might not be on campus; you could be anywhere in the world, but this is still us doing our job.
One more thing, it’s also about risk management. There’s the risk if you don’t provide easy routes to access things legally, then potentially people may decide to do things via routes that increase risk to the institution—things that open you up to a cybersecurity risk. It was also part of a risk management strategy: let’s make this as easy as possible so they don’t try and do something that opens their own device to risk or an institutional device to risk.”
University of Hertfordshire have used Lean Library Assist messages to communicate personalized messages to patrons via the Lean Library browser extension when they visit specific websites. The below Assist message lets patrons know they have access to a particular site via their library. This means that University of Hertfordshire’s library branding is displayed in patron’s workflows, marketing the library and increasing awareness with students.
What made Lean Library stand out to you as part of the solution to the challenges we’ve discussed?
“We compared tools, and I advocated strongly for Lean Library. One, it was the branding element—let’s sell ourselves as having this. The second thing is that it builds into other features should we wish to get Lean Library Futures. My thought was if we got this then we could build on it later, if we can demonstrate that there’s a need and it’s working.”
You have fantastic usage results with almost 4,500 engaged users in one month—that’s an increase of over 2,000%. How have you promoted Lean Library to students, and what advice would you give to an institution picking up Lean Library for the first time?
“It’s a multifaceted way of spreading the word. One of the things I think we managed really well was making it easy for people to send out comms—we wrote the copy for them and said “Here you go, this is what Lean Library’s about!” We had emails directly to academics, and added a prompt to download Lean Library to the virtual learning environment that we could then add to any research module, library learning module, or programme page.
At the start of the academic year, we always update the programme page with a welcome from the library team, but now they also have a ‘Download Lean Library’ feature as well. That’s on every single programme in the institution, just to raise awareness.
We talked to our library and computing services staff, making sure every single member of staff would know what Lean Library is when someone comes to talk to them. They could also start downloading it themselves.
We wanted to show that if we gave this to students on a specific programme, we would see a direct link to interlibrary loans. Due of privacy restrictions however, we can’t see too much data. Working with IT colleagues we could show an increase in interlibrary loans from Lean Library during our pilot phase. This helped to demonstrate the value of Lean Library to our colleagues.”
“We asked the academic engagement team: “If you’re teaching, please mention it. Here’s a slide with a video, etc.” We tried to make it as easy for people as possible. We also started to promote it through our direct comms with researchers and added it to their pages on our institutional intranet. This is where researchers go, rather than students.
We also promoted Lean Library at staff-facing events—amazingly, one researcher came back to me and said, “This is making my grant writing so much easier!” I could then put that into all my comms, and she said I could use her name, so that was helpful. That really got buy-in because it was somebody recognisable saying, “this is amazing.”
Then there’s stuff that went out in the all-staff comms. Anything that mentioned research, we would get Lean Library mentioned. It was constantly repeating the message, putting it in lots of places for different members of our student and staff community.”
University of Hertfordshire had on average 4,673 engaged users in November 2024 (pictured on the bar chart below). Back in August 2024, they had an average of 206 engaged users. This shows an increase of over 2,000% from August to November, after a period of heavy Lean Library promotion by University of Hertfordshire.
Have you seen a difference in the way your patrons interact with library collections and services since implementing and rolling out Lean Library?
“We’ve become a bit obsessed with looking at data! We have a dashboard that draws lots of data about interlibrary loans, and we could see that since the start of term our interlibrary loans have gone up 48%. Now not all of those are from Lean Library, but we could see that roughly 19% of our interlibrary loans were coming from Lean Library via an auto-populate route, which represents the highest proportion of all the different routes through which they could have requested an interlibrary loan. That was a really good thing to be able to say, “Hey, this is working!”
We’ve also been looking to see how many searches in PubMed are happening because it’s a free database and we encourage students to use it, and we teach them how to use it. I like to see after I’ve taught a session on PubMed that the number of Lean Library searches goes up. You can definitely see an increase when someone has introduced Lean Library at a session, and so you can see the message is definitely getting through.”
In 2024, University of Hertfordshire library connected students to resources almost 9,000 times via Lean Library via the below routes:
This has saved their patrons just over 2,700 hours in 2024, making accessing the research they need an easier and quicker process. Just over 900 of those hours were from October and November 2024 after heavy promotion efforts for Lean Library from University of Hertfordshire.
Find out more about Lean Library.
If you’d like to hear more or receive a product demo, get in touch.
Future-proofing the library: Auburn University adopts Lean Library to enhance library discovery December 18, 2024Auburn University Libraries has partnered with Technology from Sage to implement Lean Library at their institution to enhance library discovery and streamline access to information resources. This adoption aligns with their commitment to providing exceptional student-centered experiences, supporting impactful research and creative scholarship by faculty, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in support of Auburn University’s Strategic Plan 2035: Grounded & Groundbreaking.
Lean Library, an app that sits on the patron’s browser, integrates library collections and services into patrons’ everyday online activities. This seamless integration not only increases the visibility and usage of library resources, but also enhances patrons’ productivity by saving them time and effort in accessing necessary research materials. By bringing the library directly to where patrons are, whether on Google Scholar, PubMed, or other academic sites, Lean Library will ensure that Auburn’s researchers can easily access the wealth of resources available to them.
This partnership marks a new chapter in Auburn University’s ongoing efforts to enhance library discovery and support the academic success of its community. By leveraging Lean Library, Auburn is poised to further its mission of inspiring, innovating, and transforming the future of higher education.
Find out more about Lean Library.
If you’d like to hear more or receive a product demo, get in touch.
Bringing Special Collections to Students: A Case Study from Samford University December 17, 2024
We collaborated with Samford University and AM on a poster case study exploring how Samford are using Lean Library and Quartex together to seamlessly integrate digital and physical resources into student workflows, maximizing engagement of library-subscribed resources.
Contributors:
Samford University has uncovered a bigger need to promote their rich special collections and drive more students to the library.
Libraries put in a considerable amount of time, money and effort developing special collections, but in today’s digital landscape, they can struggle to increase visibility and usage.
Patrons don’t always start their research at the library, and often must step outside their workflows to access library content.
Special collections are still very much viewed as physical collections, and as a result, patrons aren’t aware they can find them in the online digital library space.
“Samford University’s archives hold a distinctive collection of materials that document the history of Alabama with a particular focus on the state’s religious heritage. Significant time, effort, and financial support has been dedicated to the preservation and digitization of these materials by the university. These collections serve not only Samford students and faculty, but also attract researchers globally who are engaged in the study of the American South. The proactive efforts of archivist and digitizing these resources serve as a form of pre-emptive research assistance, which is only successful if materials are discoverable and accessible.”
Carla Waddell, M.L.I.S., Chair, Reference and Research Services, Government Documents Librarian
“Quartex provided us an opportunity to bring all our digital collections to one location online and at the same time, highlight unique and important materials found in Samford’s Special Collection.”
Jennifer Taylor, MLIS, DAS, Chair of University Archives and Special Collection, University Archivist, Samford Library
Accessibility
With Quartex’s platform, Samford ensure that the wide scope of resources available at the library are accessible to students by:
Usage of features that lead students to library-owned resources:
Using Lean Library and Quartex together has helped Samford library in two ways:
1. Using Quartex to present Samford’s digitized collections has meant that Samford is making rare or fragile materials freely available online to provide equal opportunities to users regardless of location or ability.
Using Lean Library has enabled Samford students to more easily access library resources and digital collections (Quartex), making them even more discoverable in student workflows. This has been via personalized Assist messages, content features and enhanced Google Scholar search which directs students to library-subscribed materials and collections even when they begin their search outside of the library.
2. By using learning technology, Samford has been able to share resources with other institutions via AlabamaMosaic.org and the Atla Digital Library. This shows how technology can contribute to longer-term strategies to promote cross-institutional collaboration and increased availability of primary sources to a wider pool of students.
“Lean Library and Quartex provide opportunities for more discoverability and accessibility in a digital research heavy environment for patrons. The unique resources held within Samford University’s Special Collection are highlighted demonstrating Samford’s place as a source for Baptist, Alabama, religion, and local history resources.”
Jennifer Taylor, MLIS, DAS, Chair of University Archives and Special Collection, University Archivist, Samford Library
Read MoreWant to see Lean Library in action? Request a demo now!
Each month we select a Library of the Month to honor libraries who have been using our library technologies in interesting and innovative ways, from creating well-curated reading lists with Talis Aspire to encouraging uptake of the Lean Library browser extension amongst their students. We’re also appreciating the intensive work of librarians in curating these technologies and improving learning outcomes for their students.
The winning library will be awarded a prize to share amongst their team or a donation to a charity of their choice as a way for us to say thank you.
Samford University, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools.
We’ve awarded them our Library of the Month Award for December, as the library team are incredibly passionate about student success and user needs and are strong advocates of Lean Library. Since rolling out Lean Library to students in August 2024, they have highlighted library-purchased content and enhanced resource discoverability by meeting users where they search, increasing the value of their digital collections.
We asked Carla Waddell, M.L.I.S., Chair, Reference and Research Services, Government Documents Librarian and Jennifer Taylor, Chair of Special Collection and University Archives at Samford University to tell us more about the university library and what winning Library of the Month meant to them:
“Samford University is a private, Christian institution with a 183-year history of excellence rooted in its mission and in efforts to continually expand educational opportunities and experiences for its students. Samford University Library serves both the undergraduate and graduate populations as well as all faculty and staff at Samford. Recognized for our outstanding customer service, the University Library proactively supports our stakeholders and collaborators by providing resources and services in a welcoming physical and online environment.
As part of these goals, Samford University Library implemented Lean Library in August 2024, to highlight purchased content and enhance resource discoverability by meeting users where they search. This tool empowers us to serve our community more effectively while promoting responsible stewardship of library and university resources. Being Technology from Sage’s Library of the Month recognizes our efforts to match our resources with our users’ needs and our commitment to constantly improving our services. We are honored to be Technology from Sage’s Library of the Month!“
Discover our previous winners below:
Could your library be next?
Join us next month to see who’s won.
Print or Digital? Both have their Place in Library Collections December 10, 2024Technology from Sage’s Library Patron Consultant, Matthew Weldon, shares his thoughts on the wealth of accessible resources currently available to researchers and the need for affordable course materials.
I vividly remember, just a few weeks into my first year of university and working on my first proper assignment, standing in the library opposite a fearsome bookshelf stacked with everything from contemporary textbooks to leatherbound hardbacks from decades prior. I realized that this bookshelf held more information than I’d ever be able to get through. And there were at least a dozen of those bookshelves on that floor. And there were at least a dozen such floors in the library. And that’s just one library.
Often when people talk about why they love books and libraries, they mention the smell of the books or the texture of the sepia paper. For me it’s the scale of libraries, the way they’re visibly brimming with stuff to lose yourself in, that gives libraries their particular allure.
There is a lot of misinformation about the way eBooks and online articles have supplanted the more tangible things we love about libraries, and the dwindling importance of the physical collection. Claims which are inaccurate! There are plenty of reasons that physical collections remain relevant to the academic library today. In a blog post for Times Higher Education[1], Caroline Ball highlights that online resources essentially only exist for as long as publishers allow them to, and that access can simply disappear for a number of reasons – a publisher going out of business for example, or a library’s subscription lapsing and their access being removed, or anything in between. A physical book meanwhile can live on the shelf essentially indefinitely, a permanent addition to a library’s accumulated knowledge, with a one-off cost – empowering librarians to act confidently as long-term custodians of knowledge for patrons.
As for students, data from several studies seem to suggest they don’t want to have to choose between either a physical or digital collection – they want both. It’s far easier to carry an ePUB file to and from campus on your phone than it is to cram a textbook into your pocket, and digital resources can be easily customized to meet individual accessibility needs. Research from a 2023 Course Materials Survey from Illinois on student perspectives[2] found that if cost were no object 40% of students would choose print resources, compared to 20% preferring digital.
But there’s some evidence to suggest that student comprehension is higher when reading from physical rather than digital texts. I know from my own experience that, when I have a serious piece of research to do, I find it far easier to extract key information when I have a printed copy of a resource in front of me and a bundle of post-it notes. Plus, you can’t download Instagram or TikTok on a book – so you’re less likely to get sidetracked!
And as accessible as digital resources can be, Caroline Ball also emphasizes that physical resources have an important access and accessibility role for many too. Digital-only resources require some sort of equipment to read them, whether that’s a phone, tablet, or laptop. They also require an internet connection to download them, and potentially a constant internet connection for DRM purposes. These are not guaranteed and, by assuming they are, digital-only provision might exacerbate educational inequalities. Physical conditions like eye strain and screen fatigue are common accessibility concerns and physical resources can be important for those individuals affected.
So, it’s not that physical is better than digital or vice versa – it’s that they have different affordances, and both have a place in the library collection. Fortunately, Ithaka S+R’s most recent Library Survey[3] seems to suggest that, although many see an increasing role for digital resources, physical collections are not going anywhere – just 9% of respondents reported believing that digital collections would make hardcopy books obsolete in the next five years. And in the ACRL’s recently released report “The State of U.S. Academic Libraries” [4], they flagged that just under half of the reported collections were physical. The perceived importance of physical collections therefore remains high, but according to that same study circulation rates for physical items have dropped to their lowest level in a decade. To address the falling use of essential resources, we’ve taken steps to support libraries in bringing their print collections into the patron workflow.
With the new Print Alternatives feature, Lean Library will flag physical items in the collection to patrons researching online. Patrons will now be able to see whether a physical version of a resource is available and on the shelves in the library without leaving the site they are on, enhancing the patron experience and increasing the circulation of your valuable print resources. It’s just one of the ways we aim to help libraries maximize their return on investment of their collections and bring the entirety of the library into the patron workflow.
If you’d like to find out more about how Lean Library’s new Print Alternatives feature can maximize usage and impact of library collections, Request a demo now!
[1] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/printed-page-remains-essential-scholars-and-students
AI in Libraries: December Edition December 2, 2024The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting higher education, compelling college professors to adapt to new teaching methodologies and address emerging challenges. Institutions like Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are proactively introducing AI resources to integrate this technology into their academic frameworks. This integration aims to enhance educational experiences and equip students with essential skills for an AI-driven world.
However, the incorporation of AI in academia presents challenges, including concerns about academic integrity and the potential for AI-generated content to undermine traditional learning assessments. Educators are tasked with developing strategies to effectively utilise AI tools while preserving the quality and authenticity of education. This involves rethinking assessment methods, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human instruction. The ongoing dialogue among educators, students, and administrators is crucial in navigating this evolving landscape and harnessing AI’s potential to enrich higher education.
A recent survey by Clarivate, involving more than 1,500 librarians worldwide, highlights a growing interest in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance library operations. The findings reveal that 60% of libraries are actively evaluating or planning for AI integration. Many librarians view AI as a promising tool to automate routine tasks, such as cataloging and administrative functions, with 42% identifying these areas as key opportunities. This shift toward AI reflects a broader interest in leveraging technology to improve efficiency, support student learning, and enhance research capabilities.
However, significant challenges accompany this optimism. Budget constraints were cited by 47% of respondents, while over half (52%) reported a lack of AI expertise within their institutions. Additionally, concerns about security, privacy, and research integrity remain critical barriers to implementation. These findings emphasize the need for upskilling library staff, investing in resources, and developing ethical frameworks to address potential risks. Despite these hurdles, libraries remain committed to exploring AI’s potential to transform their services while maintaining their core values of accessibility and trustworthiness.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting higher education, compelling college professors to adapt to new teaching methodologies and address emerging challenges. Institutions like Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are proactively introducing AI resources to integrate this technology into their academic frameworks. This integration aims to enhance educational experiences and equip students with essential skills for an AI-driven world.
However, the incorporation of AI in academia presents challenges, including concerns about academic integrity and the potential for AI-generated content to undermine traditional learning assessments. Educators are tasked with developing strategies to effectively utilise AI tools while preserving the quality and authenticity of education. This involves rethinking assessment methods, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human instruction. The ongoing dialogue among educators, students, and administrators is crucial in navigating this evolving landscape and harnessing AI’s potential to enrich higher education.
At Technology from Sage we believe that the right technology can remove barriers to knowledge. We recently launched an AI in Libraries feature to round-up the latest AI developments for academic librarians.
Read on for December’s edition, collated by Rajeh Shaikh, Product Manager at Sage.
Virginia Tech’s University Libraries, in partnership with the University of California, Riverside, has secured a $115,398 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish a Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Incubator Program. The initiative aims to train librarians in the practical use of GenAI tools to enhance library services. Through workshops and hands-on projects, participants will learn how to apply AI in areas like literacy programs, collection management, preservation, and research support. This program seeks to empower librarians with the skills needed to adapt to technological advancements and better serve their communities.
In addition to skill development, the program focuses on fostering ethical and responsible AI practices within the library profession. Participants will be equipped to address challenges such as privacy concerns, data security, and equitable access to AI technologies. By preparing librarians to lead AI integration efforts, the program highlights Virginia Tech’s dedication to innovation while ensuring that libraries maintain their impact in the evolving digital landscape.
A recent survey by Clarivate, involving more than 1,500 librarians worldwide, highlights a growing interest in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance library operations. The findings reveal that 60% of libraries are actively evaluating or planning for AI integration. Many librarians view AI as a promising tool to automate routine tasks, such as cataloging and administrative functions, with 42% identifying these areas as key opportunities. This shift toward AI reflects a broader interest in leveraging technology to improve efficiency, support student learning, and enhance research capabilities.
However, significant challenges accompany this optimism. Budget constraints were cited by 47% of respondents, while over half (52%) reported a lack of AI expertise within their institutions. Additionally, concerns about security, privacy, and research integrity remain critical barriers to implementation. These findings emphasize the need for upskilling library staff, investing in resources, and developing ethical frameworks to address potential risks. Despite these hurdles, libraries remain committed to exploring AI’s potential to transform their services while maintaining their core values of accessibility and trustworthiness.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting higher education, compelling college professors to adapt to new teaching methodologies and address emerging challenges. Institutions like Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are proactively introducing AI resources to integrate this technology into their academic frameworks. This integration aims to enhance educational experiences and equip students with essential skills for an AI-driven world.
However, the incorporation of AI in academia presents challenges, including concerns about academic integrity and the potential for AI-generated content to undermine traditional learning assessments. Educators are tasked with developing strategies to effectively utilise AI tools while preserving the quality and authenticity of education. This involves rethinking assessment methods, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that AI serves as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human instruction. The ongoing dialogue among educators, students, and administrators is crucial in navigating this evolving landscape and harnessing AI’s potential to enrich higher education.
Affordable, Accessible Resources for Students: Insights on Unlocking Stress-Free Research November 27, 2024
We recently hosted a roundtable discussion with Ben Kaube, Co-founder, Cassyni, Katy Troeschel, Technology and Entrepreneurship Librarian, The Sheridan Libraries, Johns Hopkins University and Matthew Weldon, Library Patron Consultant, Technology from Sage.
Students and researchers are stressed: 52% of students worry about the availability of content, 32% worry about how to access all content of value, and 30% worry about how to know if content exists at all (OpenAthens, 2023).
The panel discussed how student habits for finding digital content have changed since the pandemic and digital solutions that provide students with relevant, affordable resources at the point of need.
Ben shared his journey from a physics PhD at Imperial College London to co-founding Cassyni, a platform designed to make research seminars more accessible. He highlighted the importance of digitizing seminars to provide researchers and students with valuable resources that were previously unavailable.
Matthew discussed his work on Technology from Sage’s series of whitepapers, Librarian Futures, exploring the future of academic libraries and the evolving relationship between librarians and students. He emphasized the need for libraries to adapt to digital natives’ preferences and the importance of making library resources more visible and accessible.
Katy brought a unique perspective from her experience as a public librarian in Baltimore and her current role at Johns Hopkins Library. She stressed the importance of an equitable and informed approach to library services, especially in diverse communities.
Read on for the key insights that came from the roundtable discussion…
Q: What are the benefits of having students and researchers be more present and author research resources like seminars?
Ben demonstrated how Cassyni is making research seminars discoverable and accessible through AI-enhanced tools. By indexing seminars from universities worldwide and providing features like AI-powered outlines and full-text search, Cassyni helps researchers and students navigate and utilize these resources effectively.
“There’s something really nice about getting the content in this sort of multimodal video form rather than in the traditional journal article.”
Ben, Cassyni
“Seminars really inspires students and helps them see how this can be applied in real life … and other career pathways as well.”
Katy, Johns Hopkins University
“Just having a face and a voice associated with something gives it a sense of community and belonging.”
Matthew, Technology from Sage
Q: How have student habits continued to change since the pandemic, and how have new student expectations also changed as a consequence?
Matthew presented data from the Librarian Futures series of reports, revealing a significant gap between librarians’ perceptions and students’ actual use of library resources. He noted that while students often start their research with Google, they may not fully appreciate the library’s role in providing valuable resources. This highlights the need for libraries to better communicate their offerings and integrate them into students’ preferred research methods.
“People do have different learning styles and intake information in different ways.”
Katy, Johns Hopkins University
“Thinking about that digital experience and the way that you come across this content and trying to make it more discoverable and accessible. Using things like AI to help you make it feel a bit less scary … there’s a really bright future for those sorts of tools.”
Ben, Cassyni
Q: What strategies can library teams adopt to make resources more accessible and affordable for students and researchers? How can the library help students discover content that they might not even know exists?
Katie shared practical strategies for libraries to support students, including expanding digital offerings, promoting open access resources, and meeting students where they are—both physically and digitally. She highlighted the importance of flexibility and adapting to students’ needs, whether through in-person consultations or digital content.
“Rather than try to find ways to coax them over to the library and to change their habits, we acknowledge that their habits have changed and we figure out how we can bring the library to them.”
Matthew, Technology from Sage
Q: How can AI be used to enhance the scholarly conversation rather than replace any individuals in the process? What lessons can we learn from this?
The panel discussed the role of AI in making scholarly content more accessible. Ben explained how AI is used to enhance the discoverability of research seminars, making it easier for students to find relevant information. However, he also cautioned about the limitations and biases of AI, emphasizing the need for human oversight.
“Without AI, probably the Cassyni product wouldn’t be possible. You really need AI to be able to do that sort of thing at scale. There’s an important responsibility there, understanding of the limitations, and in some processes, you might need a human in the loop.”
Ben, Cassyni
“As a librarian, it’s a great tool and it uses a lot of the skills that we’ve had to learn, like doing a reference interview.”
Katy, Johns Hopkins University
“Some students are not using AI because they don’t have clear institutional guidance on what is acceptable use and what isn’t.”
Matthew, Technology from Sage
Q: What cost-effective strategies can libraries implement to maintain or even enhance access to quality resources?
Katy discussed that it’s important to understand what the library is trying to accomplish and ensure that resources align with these goals and to continuously learn and talk to other experts to understand their struggles and solutions. She suggested the library can conduct surveys and observations to understand what students need and prefer, ensuring that resources and spaces are tailored to their requirements.
“Flexibility is really important, being customer-centric and providing value.”
Katy, Johns Hopkins University
Ben said libraries can think creatively about resources; considering new types of resources, such as research seminars, that can fill gaps and provide valuable content, making students aware of available resources and integrate them into tools and platforms that students already use.
“It’s probably a good time to be thinking creatively about resources and supporting new modalities to these types of content. It’s not just about making do with a budget that is decreasing, but also about discovering the content and making sure students know what’s out there.”
Ben, Cassyni
The webinar underscored the critical role of libraries in supporting academic research and the need for continuous adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students and researchers. By leveraging digital tools, promoting accessible resources, and maintaining a student-centric approach, libraries can continue to be invaluable allies in the academic journey.
For more insights and resources, be sure to check out the Librarian Futures reports and explore the innovative tools offered by Cassyni.
If you’d like to find out more about how Lean Library can help your institution ensure stress-free researching for students, Request a demo now!
Lean Library Case Study: Bern University of Applied Sciences November 15, 2024
Promoting the library directly into patron workflows: deploying Assist Messages at the point of need.
“With Lean Library, we reach students and researchers wherever they are on the internet and guide them to where we provide access.” – Laura Tobler, Information
Specialist for eResources
Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) has a total enrolment of 7.7k. BFH is an internationally renowned Swiss university of applied sciences that attracts creative, proactive, and responsible individuals. The university has a practical focus and values being diverse, sound, and dynamic.
Lean Library solves access issues and provides patrons with content as and when they need it, all while protecting their privacy and promoting your library’s brand.
• Consists of a browser plug-in for patrons, configured by an easy-to use dashboard for librarians.
• Core features for patrons include:
1. Alternatives feature with over 30M Open Access alternatives
2. scite Integrator for in-workflow citation analysis and context
3. Seamless Access to journals, eBooks and resources
4. ILL and DDS service integrations
5. Assist messages feature for in-workflow library-patron communication.
The BFH Library is integrated into all departments and divisions of the BFH. What makes it strong is the specialization of its sub-libraries. A wide range of academic documents of all kinds is on offer: from books, sheet music and DVDs to e-books, journals and databases, etc. But, in the digital age, the majority of patrons start their research journey outside of the library on sites like Google Scholar or PubMed and aren’t always aware of or easily accessing library resources.
“The great thing about Lean Library Access is that it allows for better discoverability of
both institution-licensed and freely available open access documents.”
Laura Tobler, Information Specialist for eResources
Since 2019, Bern University of Applied Sciences used Lean Library Access to:
Drive usage, increase visibility, and save money. BFH also utilized our Library Assist feature, which enables libraries to communicate different personalized messages to patrons when they land on certainwebsites via a popup. BFH implemented multiple Assist messages in English, French, and German, including their most-viewed message that informs patrons that they can borrow physical editions of books from the library. In the last 12 months, over 21k patrons have viewed BFH’s Library Assist messages.
“Another great option of Lean Library is that the library can deposit important information in an appropriate place on the web to assist searchers. For example, news about current trainings, required login information or developments of services and offers.”
Laura Tobler, Information Specialist for eResources
LIBRARY BRANDING HAS BEEN SURFACED AND VIEWED OVER 100K TIMES TO PATRONS.
Today, BFH has over 1,500 active users of Lean Library, who have conducted a total of over 20k searches on Google Scholar and PubMed, and the Lean Library browser extension has been surfaced and viewed nearly 30k times by users to direct users to relevant library content and streamline their access. For example, eBook alternatives from the library catalogue have been surfaced and clicked by patrons 4.7k times via the Lean Library browser extension.
Laura works very closely with the Lean Library team and is one of our dedicated Library Advisors who helps feedback and shape the product. “I really appreciate working with the Lean Library team. The Lean Library team responds quickly and kindly to our concerns and is always open to suggestions. They, in turn, give us suggestions on how to better reach our users.”
Lean Library requires users to download the browser extension, so libraries need to promote it to their patrons to realize its full benefits. BFH has promoted Lean Library to their patrons in a variety of ways to ensure best usage. Lean Library is listed in various places on the library website as a resource for literature research support, is named in FAQs for patrons, and the library has also created dedicated flyers on how to download and use Lean Library.
“Our information literacy team recommends Lean Library to our users at every research training session. We rely on the word-of-mouth that this generates to inspire other members of the institution to adopt Lean Library. After all, what’s better than feedback from a professional colleague?.”
Laura Tobler, Information Specialist for eResources
Easy to download and install. Access to library resources from anywhere. Promoting the library’s brand. Support for patrons.
Find out more about Lean Library.
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Lean Library Case Study: Zurich University of the Arts November 15, 2024
• Product Features: Library Service Workflow Integrations
• Themes: Content Integration, User Centricity, Special Collections, Patron Discovery, Increasing Usage
Bringing curated content to patrons at the point of need: Driving usage for library resources.
• Deploy library-subscribed resources into patron workflows at the point of need
• Raise online visibility of unique and distinct special collections
• Support user-centric strategy and increase interaction with desired content.
“With Lean Library Futures we hope to increase awareness among university members of the many great resources they have access to thanks to us, the library. Additionally, with the inclusion of services, such as Lean Library Futures, we are also reassuring members that we are looking at new tools and keeping up with the latest technology.”
A premium service that helps libraries bring their services and content into their patron’s workflow, driving usage and putting the library at the center of the student and researcher experience.
• Consists of a browser plug-in for patrons, configured by an easy-to-use dashboard for librarians.
• 6 main elements:
1. Library service and content workflow integrations
2. The Workflow Librarian patron sidebar
3. Patron Insights qualitative feedback
4. Library Trustmark
5. Patron Workflow Manager
6. Access solution
• Zurich University of the Arts invested in the Very Short Introductions collection by Oxford University Press which offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects.
• Students are often unsure what materials to begin their studies with or source more advanced resources too early in their studies without understanding the basics.
• Students were unaware of the Very Short Introductions collection, so the library needed to promote it to patrons at the point of need.
“Often Wikipedia is the starting point for basic research. By linking to the Very Short Introductions, we can inform our students and other members of the university of additional valuable information the library licenses, and which patrons might not be aware of.”
Zurich University of the Arts used Lean Library Futures to:
• Enhance their user-centred strategy.
• Drive usage and access to their curated and bespoke collection without leaving their workflow.
• Support their user-centric strategy by ensuring that patrons find the correct content at the point of need.
“We are looking to familiarize university members with the useful Very Short Introduction series through the integration on Wikipedia, so they remember them later when they are engaged in research outside of Wikipedia.”
Access content directly.
Figure 3: Once a link is clicked, a new tab with the desired content is opened. This ensures that patrons find easy access to the curated content.
Find out more about Lean Library.
If you’d like to hear more or receive a product demo, get in touch.
Lean Library Case Study: Utah State University November 15, 2024
• Product Pillars/Features: Library Service Workflow Integrations
• Themes: Patron Onboarding, LibGuides, Literature Search
Increasing patron usage of library support: embedding LibGuides in the patron’s workflow.
• Deliver library materials into patron workflows, at the point of need
• Increase usage and awareness of LibGuides
• Promote library support for literature search techniques.
“Having invested so much time to provide our patrons with library training materials, we want to see them used. With Lean Library Futures delivering our LibGuides into our patrons’ workflow, we have seen usage for a LibGuide increase by 450%.”
A premium service that helps libraries bring their services and content into their patron’s workflow, driving usage and putting the library at the centre of the student and researcher experience.
• Consists of a browser plug-in for patrons, configured by an easy-to-use dashboard for librarians.
• 6 main elements:
1. Library service and content workflow integrations
2. The Workflow Librarian patron sidebar
3. Patron Insights qualitative feedback
4. Library Trustmark
5. Patron Workflow Manager
6. Access solution
• Librarians spend hundreds of hours each year creating, maintaining and promoting LibGuides and other library support but can struggle to drive patron awareness and usage
• Patrons often have to step outside their workflows to access library support such as literature search training
• Patron-librarian support queries for topics like Google Scholar tend to get stuck on the basics, as opposed to more valuable, advanced search techniques.
“We have tutorials and help content that live outside the systems where patrons are searching, but we really want to bring those support materials to patrons at their point of need – that’s where they really want them.”
Utah used Lean Library Futures to:
• Deliver targeted library support material to their patrons at the point of need, such as the LibGuide for Google Scholar on Google Scholar itself, whilst avoiding spamming patrons (see Figure 1 and Figure 2)
• Increase usage of a Utah LibGuide by 450%
• Attempt to shift librarian time away from basic patron support, by using LibGuides delivered at the point of need to preempt support tickets on basic guidance and shift these to more advanced training, such as sophisticated literature search techniques.
“For our patrons that use the Lean Library plugin, this integration has allowed us to bring available library support materials directly to our patrons, where and when they need them.”
450% INCREASE IN USAGE.
Launched: March 2021
The partnership streamlines the delivery of Springshare’s suite of library tools into patron workflows, through integrations with the Lean Library browser extension. This helps enhance the Lean Library LibGuide integration.
Find out more about Lean Library.
If you’d like to hear more or receive a product demo, get in touch.
