Please join the ALCTS Role of the Professional Librarian in Technical
Services Interest Group (RPLTS IG) at the 2018 ALA Midwinter in Denver, CO.

Date and time: 2/10/2018, 10:30-11:30AM

Location: Colorado Convention Center, Room 303, Denver, CO

The following presentations will be made and up for discussion:

Metadata for Digital Scholarship, by R. Cecilia Knight and Rebecca Ciota
In working with Digital Scholars on projects, we have tried a variety of
approaches to ensure that adequate metadata is created in order to support
the goals of the project. Using Google products, such as Forms and Sheets,
has added tools that work well both in terms of the comfort level of the
collaborators and of supporting an iterative process that can lead to more
robust metadata for the project. Digital scholars gradually come to
understand the stakes of early decisions in metadata creation (such as file
naming conventions and controlled vocabulary), and how those affect
database structures, record display, keyword searching, and long-term
curation.

Data Analysis: Revamping Collections to Fit Changing Needs, by Erin Ridgeway

Overhauling entire collections can seem like a daunting process, given the
lack of financial means, physical space constraints, changes in format, or
support from fellow librarians. Consequently, some library collections are
becoming stagnant, wasteful, or simply ignored. Data analysis allows
libraries to purchase resources that will have the most impact for their
patrons, while greatly reducing spending on unnecessary collection
development by shifting collections to fit the changing demands of their
users. This session will discuss how librarians can use data analysis to
compare and assess collections more effectively, provide beginner tips and
tools to use, and propose ways to get buy-in from those reluctant to change.



Rethinking Service in Technical Services:  Discovering Best Practices for
Public-Facing Technical Service Roles, by Angela Rathmel

Roles in technical services have always operated with the end-user in mind.
But as this work continues to evolve from print to online, technical
service professionals are assisting more and more with public-facing
services. How are technical service professionals incorporating more
public-facing service skills? This session looks briefly at models and best
practices developed for library public services. Then, the presenter will
facilitate discussion to discover how these models inform current technical
services work, and any gaps these models may present, specific to the needs
of technical services.

We look forward to seeing you in Denver!



Michelle Hahn and Tiewei Liu (Co-Chairs)

Suzhen Chen and Kristin Flachsbart (Co-Vice Chairs)

Mingyan Li (Co-chair ex-officio)