Successful “Chat with a Librarian Roundtable” Session

By Jean Pugh Shipman

Questions were a-flyin’ and the room was a-buzzin’ with lively conversation when eight librarians were asked their opinions about many topics by about 60 publishers, editors, and fellow librarians at the SSP 2011 Annual Meeting session entitled "Chat with a Librarian Roundtables."

The librarians representated various kinds of libraries—health sciences, Veteran Affairs, academic, and law. In a format similar to speed dating, participants were free to rotate every 10 minutes to a different table to ask their questions. Many did not want to quit, even after an hour and a half had passed!

What were the types of questions posed? The main topic dealt with the selection of materials—including how decisions are made about which journal subscriptions or books should be purchased, who has the most influence over those decisions, how librarians and university faculty prefer to learn about new titles, and what impact promotional materials have on selection decisions.

The second most popular topic centered on products:

• What interoperability is desired between platforms?
• Is print still wanted?
• Are back files important?
• How can small journals compete with large aggregators or publishers?
• How important is the brand or name recognition of a title or publisher?

Other questions were posed regarding usage statistics, product trials, training materials, communications, and authentication issues. (For a complete list of the captured questions, please e-mail me at jean.shipman@utah.edu.)

Attendees enjoyed the session so much they asked that the session format be repeated at next year’s meeting in Crystal City, VA:

"I found the roundtable to be very helpful and interesting, one of the best sessions I attended at SSP. I do hope there is such a session in 2012."—Greg Malar

Thanks to M. J. Tooey, Scott Plutchak, Eric Albright, Elaine Alligood, Amira Aaron, Jeff Kosokoff, Allyson Mower, and Jean Shipman for serving as the roundtable Librarians, and to Norman Frankel (former SSP president and SSP Chicago Collaborative representative) for being a terrific timekeeper.

This session was supported by the Chicago Collaborative (CC), a group of representatives from a number of publishing and editing organizations and members of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) who promote open communication and education among the primary stakeholders in the scholarly scientific communication area. We believe that open conversation leads to better understanding. The CC also hosted an exhibit booth at the SSP meeting, which increased awareness of the Chicago Collaborative. More information about the CC may be found at http://www.chicago-collaborative.org/. We thank SSP for its support!

Jean Pugh Shipman is chair of the Scholarly Communication Committee of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) and serves as one of its representatives on the Chicago Collaborative. Her professional interests include scholarly communication issues, health literacy, research support, and library administration.