2CUL TSI Print Serials Working Group

Charge (revised Nov. 2013)

The aim of the Print Serials Working Group is to: (1) examine current policies, practices, and workflows related to print serials (including order, receipt, checkin claiming, etc.) at Columbia and Cornell, and (2) working with other 2CUL working groups and library units, propose, develop, and test consolidated and cross-institutional workflows, as appropriate.  More specifically, the group is charged to:

PHASE 1

  1. Compile an inventory of print serials staff and expertise at both Columbia and Cornell; compare current job assignments.
  2. Examine and evaluate reporting and decision-making structures at both institutions.
  3. Compile an inventory of all policies, practices, and workflows involving print serials activities at both institutions -- including which unit or department is responsible for which activities.
  4. Identify dependencies and limitations inherent in working with other functional areas at Columbia and Cornell, especially in regard to any work performed in unit libraries and automated aspects of print serials.
  5. If possible, establish baseline productivity numbers for activities and projects at each institution to allow for future assessment of potential changes and development associated with 2CUL TSI.

PHASE 2

Originally, the aim of the second stage of TSI was to begin the incremental integration of technical services workflows, practices, policies, and projects.  However, with the change in direction for TSI in June 2014, the revised aim of the second stage of TSI is to pursue those collaborative projects and alliances that are most promising with regard to quality, productivity, improvement, and innovation.  Based on the findings of the Print Serials Working Group during Phase 1, this means:

  1. If the decision to implement 2CUL Alma in 2015 goes forward, work together to develop and adjust workflows (such as joint claiming of serials) in the new system to maximize effectiveness for the integrated technical services operation.  If the decision to implement 2CUL Alma is postponed beyond 2015, work together to develop and adjust workflows using our separate Voyager systems to the same end.  Test and pilot new ideas, as appropriate, in consultation with staff from the Starr East Asian Library, the TSI JSMIN group, and the TSI assessment leads.
  2. In conjunction with Alma testing, and in consultation with 2CUL JSMIN and other 2CUL library divisions, evaluate structural and procedural policies in the two institutions related to check-in, series standing orders, and binding/adding.
  3. Evaluate ways in which to exchange information about serials handling and problem-solving at the two institutions.
  4. Develop combined title lists and explore business-related and workflow efficiencies.
  5. Provide input for the creation of a space for shared TSI documentation.  Edit and package existing and new cataloging documentation for optimal use in this shared space (expected sometime in 2014), keeping in mind the eventual need to distinguish between 2CUL and locally specific guidelines.
  6. Maintain an inventory of relevant expertise, as needed.
  7. Provide assistance to the TSI Steering Committee in the form of feedback and, if necessary, data to measure the costs and benefits of all the preceding steps, plus any new 2CUL tasks or initiatives related to this charge.  This evaluation will guide future decisions about the practicality of long-term integration of print serial functions and initiatives.
  8. Communicate regularly with the 2CUL TSI Steering Committee, through the designated liaison with that group and/or through publicly posted meeting notes, reports, or other announcements.

The group is strongly advised to observe the Operating Principles for Technical Services Integration throughout its work.

Leads: Alan Schaplowsky (Columbia -- Chair), Deb Warfield (Cornell)

Other Members: TBD

Liaison to TSI Steering Committee: Kate Harcourt

Timeline:

  • Phase 1: March - July 2013; report and recommendations to be submitted to TSI SC by July 31, 2013
  • Phase 2: January 2, 2014 - June 30, 2015
Meeting Notes
Phase 1 Print Serials Report
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