Creating a Regional Access Services Leadership Community

Abstract

Directors and leaders of Access Services departments face challenges that are unique among library departments. These departments can be complex, with responsibilities for public services as well as procedural services like resource sharing and course reserves. Access Services leaders may not have a group of peers within their specific library to turn to for advice and assistance when addressing challenges. This presentation will describe how a group of Access Services leaders representing over 20 academic libraries built a regional forum for the exchange of experiences, information, and ideas. We will explain how we formed our group and provide examples of how others can use a similar approach.