Browsing by Author "Sorrell, Cynthia"
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Item Asian Studies Scholars and Their Research at the University of Maryland(2018-02-12) Sorrell, Cynthia; Tatsumi, YukakoThis local report summarizes the findings of scholarly research practices and needs of faculty members specializing in Asian Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park (hereafter UMD). UMD Libraries were invited to participate in ITHAKA S+R’s Research Support Services Project, which is part of a series of investigative studies regarding the research support needs of scholars by their discipline, specifically those underrepresented in the existing literature, such as Asian Studies. Two UMD librarians conducted the project’s protocol through in-depth qualitative analyses of the research practices of academics in Asian Studies at UMD. This project allowed participants the opportunity to voice their opinions on support and services along with the juxtaposition of their field to other disciplines on campus and in academe, in general. Objectives of the study included 1) understanding resources and services that the interviewed faculty members required to be successful in their research; 2) recognizing challenges faced within their research approaches and practices; 3) comparing and contrasting choice of publication venues, including open access; 4) documenting interviewees’ opinions on what would simplify and/or promote their research; and 5) expressing their opinions on the current and future state of this field of study. The interviews provided insight into ways to improve the academic experiences of scholars and their research.Item Assessment @ UMD Libraries(2015-06-04) Barnachea, Lutgarda; Edwards, Jamie; Ginoza, Aaron; Sorrell, CynthiaItem Diversity and Inclusion at UMD Libraries Survey Results(2015) Chadley, Otis; Edwards, Jamie; Epps, Sharon; Garritano, Jeremy; Horbal, Andrew; McDonald, Celina Nichols; Sorrell, Cynthia; Tchangalova, Nedelina; Wheeler, LisaThe Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) conducted a Diversity Climate Assessment Survey in order to assess the diversity health of the University of Maryland Libraries. The survey was initially conducted for three weeks in July-August, 2014 and re-activated, per Dean Steele’s instructions, for another week in September to get as good a view of diversity issues in the Libraries as possible. This DAC snapshot reports findings on how library faculty, staff and student workers perceive the current state of diversity and inclusion within the Libraries. It also provides information about what organizational changes, training, and programs will be most beneficial to the library staff.Item Out with the old, in with the new: A reliable workflow in writing a report on diversity and inclusion(2016-06-08) Edwards, Jamie; Epps, Sharon; Horbal, Andrew; Sorrell, Cynthia; Tchangalova, Nedelina; Wheeler, LisaThe Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) will discuss the dynamics of the process of assessing the diversity health at the University of Maryland Libraries. From designing the survey instrument through analyzing the results to the final writing of the report of diversity and inclusion, the committee members will unveil their challenges and achievements in presenting unbiased conclusions from this assessment project. In completing this project, the committee consulted the university’s wisdom, including (1) the College of Information Studies for creating the survey; (2) the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (IRPA), and Division of Information Technology (DIT) for analyzing the results; and (3) the Campus Assessment Working Group (CAWG) model for organizing the content of the final report.Item Portico--CLOCKSS--LOCKSS: Digital Preservation Services That Work(2017-09-29) Sorrell, CynthiaElectronic resources are research formats of choice and of necessity in today’s world. The digital transformation of information delivery in this technological age has successfully invaded libraries located in organizations, in public and private settings, in colleges and universities. A library’s Collection Development department is dedicating an exorbitant percentage of its resource funds to the purchase of e-format in lieu of print or microform materials. Constituents need immediate access to research information whether in dorm rooms, in cafes, in classes, at home, or while waiting for a train or bus. Such information access happens beyond the walls of library buildings. This shift in format preference requires digital preservation with rigorous guidelines that safeguard a massive corpus of information. How will libraries ensure that digital resources purchased in 2017 sustain accessibility 24/7, with uninterrupted service, and have trusted content integrity for patrons of all ages and at all levels of education in a year, in ten years, or in the future? Three trustworthy digital preservation services, LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe), CLOCKSS (Controlled LOCKSS), and Portico – a service under the umbrella of ITHAKA that also operates JSTOR, are the foci of this presentation. These services have costs; however, such services address digital caveats in our changing information environment. It would be next to impossible to calculate the immeasurable cost of information that could be lost simply because of fail-safe initiatives not considered for purchase. Therefore, implementing digital preservation methods that ensure perpetual access and secure the e-format version of mankind’s knowledge should be a major component of any library’s strategic mission.