What separates mediocre university libraries from the great ones? We all use similar repository solutions such as DSpace and Fedora. We all use similar resource indexing software like Summon. We all promote the use of open source solutions which are frequently supported through university forum groups. Yet at the end of the day some universities are just better at implementing and using the resources available to libraries. Maybe the universities that excel at implementation and use of new resources are better staffed or have more money to spend on training. However, it is my belief that the effectiveness of a library to implement changes can be gauged by the workflows they use when implementing changes. My goal is to uncover the impact well established workflows have in the management process of library resources when implementing the use of new technology within a library.
At Virginia Tech we have been working to implement a new discovery interface for geospatial data and are also developing a new way of tracking purchased data sets. Using these projects as a platform to begin conversation with the conference audience, it is my hope to reveal the best practices other universities are using and provoke further thought in how libraries can better share their workflows.
