Hanging Together - the OCLC Research blog

Silhouettes of flying birds against an orange sky.

In this edition: IFLA guidelines for serving displaced persons; standing up for US libraries; Binghamton University honored for work in diversity and inclusion.

Research Library Partnership / Research support

Examining library structures to scale research support services: Insights from an OCLC RLP leadership roundtable 

January 6, 2025January 7, 2025 - by Rebecca Bryant - Leave a Comment

Reflections from a roundtable discussion on the challenges research libraries face in resourcing and scaling research support services–and implications for library organizational structures.

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Archives and Special Collections / Metadata / Research Library Partnership

Keeping up with next-generation metadata in archives and special collections

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 - by Richard Urban - Leave a Comment

OCLC RLP Metadata Managers discussed next-generation metadata needs for those managing specialized collections and archives, including backlogs, staffing, and systems.

Research Library Partnership / Supporting Scholarship

Implementing an AI reference chatbot at the University of Calgary Library

December 12, 2024December 13, 2024 - by Rebecca Bryant - Leave a Comment

Lessons learned from the University of Calgary implementation of a multilingual AI chatbot that combines an LLM with RAG technology. The chatbot offers fast, consistent, 24/7 support to users and has increased library productivity.

Close up of a mobile device with the definition for the word design.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 10 December 2024

December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: Design accessing learning interfaces for neurodiversity; reparative language project at Haverford College; U.S. National Day of Racial Healing.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 26 November 2024

November 26, 2024December 10, 2024 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: VU Amsterdam and inclusive collections; global accessibility laws; defending intellectual freedom from Project 2025; improving accessibility of library instruction materials.

A diagram with two circles and a two sided arrow curving between them, representing change.

Archives and Special Collections / Research Library Partnership

The evolving public services landscape in special collections: Insights from an OCLC RLP leadership roundtable

November 25, 2024December 3, 2024 - by Chela Scott Weber - Leave a Comment

Reflections from a leadership discussion of recent changes in archives and special collections public services programs, including pandemic-era changes in serving researchers that have significantly altered user expectations.

Library Futures / Metadata / Research Library Partnership / Research support / Social Interoperability

Futureproofing library teams

November 19, 2024November 18, 2024 - by Rebecca Bryant - 2 Comments.

Library teams must adapt and “futureproof” in times of rapid change. Read about tested strategies that can help.

Library Futures / Research Library Partnership / Research support / Social Interoperability

Transforming the library into a research support hub

November 14, 2024November 13, 2024 - by Rebecca Bryant

The Montana State University Research Alliance establishes the library as a central hub for research support, boosting collaboration, visibility, and access to resources across campus.

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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) / Metadata

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 12 November 2024

November 12, 2024November 12, 2024 - by Merrilee Proffitt

In this edition: International Conference of Indigenous Archives Library and Museums; Library Resources & Technical Services special issue; neuroinclusive program for future librarians.