How We Took

Our Library By Joseph Dudley

ALL
DIGITAL

A
t the start of the winter 2022 se-
mester, Bryant & Stratton Col-
lege’s (B&SC) libraries—which had
until that time comprised a virtual library available to
all campuses and two satellite, brick-and-mortar libraries
at each location staffed by at least one librarian—transitioned
to a completely digital library with an all-electronic collection
and a staff of four remote librarians serving campuses in New
York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. This transition supported
a growing student preference for digital-only library resourc-
One of our first tasks es and followed current academic library trends for removing
after becoming a lightly or non-used print collections and repurposing physical
library spaces.
completely digital library Our digital-only transformation was supported by existing
was the liquidation of library technology at each campus. B&SC’s virtual library was
already the main access hub for our array of more than 50 re-
print collections at all search databases and our existing LibGuides, which had been de-
campuses. signed by campus librarians to support the academic programs
at each location. Additionally, B&SC was already a contributing

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COMPUTERS IN LIBRARIES | How We Took Our Library All Digital
The goal of the redesign was to ensure
that all users would now have relatively
regardless of physical campus location.
member of the LibAnswers online reference cooperative,
which meant that our students and faculty patrons were
acquainted with the service and were familiar with online
24/7 chat reference and using the Ask Us widgets to initi-
ate reference transactions with online librarians.
Reference: LibAnswers Leveraged
As our library services moved to digital-only, we antici-
pated that one of the most noticeable changes at the campus
level would be the physical absence of the campus librari-
an to answer reference questions. This meant that our Lib-
Answers service—which up until then had served as a sup-
plementary service for evenings and weekends—was now
one of our main channels (in addition to email and video
chat meetings) for reference transactions. Also, since staff-
ing had now transitioned to fully remote librarians serving
the entire multicampus system, we were no longer answer-
ing reference questions from LibAnswers patrons outside
of B&SC. However, co-op librarians continued to support
us during evening and weekend hours, enabling us to con-
tinue to offer 24/7 chat reference to the B&SC community.
Although LibAnswers widgets were already present on
the virtual library, we spent a significant amount of time
discussing how to redesign our LibAnswers FAQ page as a
main point of entry for digital reference questions. FAQs
were updated to include questions that we anticipated would
occur to B&SC students, and links to additional library ser-
vices (such as document delivery and scheduling a research
consultation) were also added, transforming the FAQ page
into a multipurpose digital reference desk.
Print Collections Liquidated
One of our first tasks after becoming a completely dig-
ital library was the liquidation of print collections at all
campuses. The B&SC system office recommended liquida-
tion of print items in one of three ways. The preferred meth-
od was through donation to Better World Books, whose re-
gional drop-off locations would provide the most efficient
option for liquidation. Additional suggested options includ-
ed donating selected items to faculty members (who could
keep them on office shelves for reference when working
with students) or donating a selection of items to campus
learning centers to be used as study materials. Librarians
worked closely with campus contacts during this process
to monitor and assist as needed. The print collections at
the Akron and Parma (both in Ohio) campuses had been
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the same navigation experience
previously liquidated, as student preference for digital li-
brary materials became clear prior to the COVID-19 pan-
demic. Those campuses were able to act as models for col-
lection liquidation.
Librarians also worked during the first year of digital-
only service to remove bibliographic records for print items
from our shared library catalog as print collections were
liquidated. The market dean of instruction for the Wis-
consin campuses had previously served as Wisconsin mar-
ket librarian and was familiar with the cataloging system,
so was able to help in this process. Ultimately, our library
management system (LMS) vendor was called upon to as-
sist with the final stages of deleting MARC records for print
materials.
Library Spaces Become Campus Learning Centers
Previous library spaces transitioned to campus learning
centers and were staffed by a learning center coordinator
who, in most cases, also became the main campus contact for
librarians. Some campuses chose to eliminate print collec-
tions from the new learning centers entirely. Others, how-
ever, chose to retain some selected titles as student study
materials, with the understanding that going forward, the
library would only purchase e-materials and that the cam-
pus would now be responsible for any edition updates of
print materials, if those were desired.
Communication With Faculty
While general communications (such as new service and
collection additions) were now distributed to the campus-
es through the learning center coordinators, librarians
remained available to communicate with faculty members
directly (either individually or at faculty meetings) and
continued to actively search out such opportunities (either
remotely or in person when possible). Speaking at begin-
ning-of-term faculty meetings was recognized an excellent
opportunity to present higher-level library updates, begin
conversations with faculty members regarding collection
development needs for the semester, and schedule classroom
presentations. Librarians are also able during these meet-
ings to answer questions faculty members may have regard-
ing access to library services or resources.
Librarians also attend meetings during the semes-
ter (both remotely and in person), such as those with out-
side accrediting organizations and internal system meet-
ings with faculty members and administrators. Attending

accreditation meetings offers the op-
portunity to speak with outside ac-
creditors about how library services
are administered and how patrons
are engaged in a digital environ-
ment. Attending system meetings
allows librarians to share informa-
tion with internal stakeholders that
can lead to opportunities for addi-
tional classroom and individual stu-
dent engagement. Additionally, li-
brarians regularly conduct internal
professional development workshops
for faculty members during the se-
mester on a variety of topics, such
as best practices for managing copy-
right, using American Psychologi- Virtual library design
cal Association (APA) documenta-
tion, and finding and using OERs.
Discovery Layer Leveraged
Once all print items were liquidated and records with-
drawn from the catalog, we realized that it was now possi-
ble—and more efficient, given our new status—to eliminate
the standard LMS software and use our discovery layer as
our main search and discovery tool. Although the catalog
would still have offered patrons the option of searching
within our e-collection, they would have needed to navi-
gate past screens for a primary print collection that no lon-
ger existed. So, after some discussion among ourselves and
with our LMS vendor, we decided to move away from the
traditional catalog and explore incorporating BIBFRAME/
linked data technology into the virtual library. This would
give us the ability to share our collection across multiple
electronic systems, both increasing visibility and ease of
access. We approached this decision recognizing that such
a move was a major departure from long-standing library
practice, but all librarians agreed that it was the correct
Subject guides
How We Took Our Library All Digital | COMPUTERS IN LIBRARIES
move in terms of providing a more seamless library search
experience for our users.
Library Homepage Redesigned
As collections and access to them were realigned, it now
became obvious that we had to consider a new interface for
the virtual library. Specifically, we needed to move away
from the concept of several separate B&SC campus library
sites created with separate design philosophies and toward
the concept of a single site with a unified design distributed
to multiple campus locations.
The redesign was undertaken by the system library man-
ager and system librarians, using available technology. Af-
ter considering several design options, we decided on a vi-
sual structure for the virtual library’s homepage that would
allow users to contact librarians with reference questions by
chat, email, or video call; request a more in-depth research
consultation; access popular library collections and features
from a list of Quick Links; or access all library collections
and services from a rotating gallery
at the bottom of the screen. A Cam-
pus Resources link provided access
to all subject guides at all campuses,
and a search field was included at the
top of the screen to allow users to
initiate a broad search of all library
items. Fonts and font sizes were se-
lected for optimum readability, and
a color palette was designed to con-
form to the rest of the BS&C site.
Subject Guides Redesigned
The color palette, fonts, and font
sizes chosen for the virtual library’s
homepage were incorporated into all
campus subject guides; where need-
ed, navigation systems were edited
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COMPUTERS IN LIBRARIES | How We Took Our Library All Digital
all-digital library service platform,
there will doubtless be changes
to give the entire virtual library the look and feel of one site,
with subject guides cascading down from the homepage. In-
dividual campus guides were redesigned to provide tabs for
curriculum focuses at each location, with links to selected
ebook, ejournal, and database collections for each subject
area, conceptually modeled on a physical library’s table or
window display. In addition, the library search bar, Ask Us
tab, Quick Links, and system librarian photo and email link
appear on all guides. That way, patrons can search and ask
questions from any point. The goal of the redesign was to en-
sure that all users would now have relatively the same navi-
gation experience regardless of physical campus location.
During the fall 2023 semester, a survey was distrib-
uted to students at all campuses to gauge patron satisfac-
tion with reference services and the virtual library’s ease
of use. Student responses will be used in determining the
next steps in implementing library policy.
Library Instruction
Library instruction continues to take place by faculty
member request, virtually and, when feasible, in person.
For online class sessions, librarians appear as guests in the
virtual classroom. When they appear virtually in a tradi-
tional classroom, images and audio are displayed using con-
ferencing applications and equipment. Such presentations
support the B&SC mission of preparing students for a dig-
ital workplace.
Classroom instruction can cover a range of topics, in-
cluding navigating the virtual library’s homepage to locate
materials and services, contacting a librarian with refer-
ence questions, locating library subject guides, discovering
resources using keyword and subject searching, and locat-
ing and using APA resources and tutoring. Often, slides
used during instruction sessions are provided for posting
in course platforms for student reference.
Collection Development
Collection development continues to take place each se-
mester, with librarians focusing on collecting electronic re-
sources only. Faculty members often request specific titles
for their subject areas, which can then in many cases be
made available in the virtual library within 24 hours. When
needed, the library system manager can request an increase
in concurrent usage for heavily used titles. Notably, one of
the advantages of an all-digital collection is that new items
can be immediately marketed to all campus locations.
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As we continue to develop our
and adjustments.
Library Statistics
Library statistics are gathered at the beginning of each
semester to track library logins, use of databases, use of li-
brary guides, digital reference chats, digital tutoring, and
statistical data about information literacy assessments. A
report is created based on the numerical data and distribut-
ed to campus deans along with an invitation for their feed-
back and suggestions.
BIBFRAME/Linked Data Capability
During the first year of all-digital service, we began to
explore the addition of BIBFRAME and linked data capabili-
ties to make our digital collection more visible and usable
to our student patrons. At first, we considered making ma-
terials available on the web, but as discussions progressed,
we decided that the best course of action would be to make
items available to internal systems—most notably, our li-
brary guides—and to individual course platforms. In this
way, we will be meeting students where they already are and
will be able to advance the goal of providing a seamless li-
brary access experience for all users.
Other Plans for the Future
As we continue to develop our all-digital library service
platform, there will doubtless be changes and adjustments.
We are preparing for a full examination of data from our
recent student survey, which will certainly inform our next
steps. One possible action may be the development of rela-
tionships with campus learning centers and learning cen-
ter coordinators in order to open additional communication
with students and faculty. Undoubtedly, surveys and focus
groups will continue to be important tools for us to gauge
user needs and satisfaction as we continue to explore and
develop this new landscape for library services. Q
Joseph Dudley
is a remote system librarian, providing
reference and technical/digital services to
Bryant & Stratton College’s Western New
York, Ohio, and Wisconsin campuses. Before
assuming his current position in 2022, Dudley
served as campus librarian at the Cleveland
and Solon, Ohio, campuses.
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