With apologies for cross-posting:

On Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (2:OO Eastern time), ALCTS will offer the final webinar in this
season’s Institutional Repository series when Leah Vanderjagt and Allison Sivak
present: "Perpetual Beta: IRs Then and Now."

As new technologies for managing, accessing, and preserving information materials are
developed, libraries concurrently develop theories and predictions for how those new
technologies will affect their operations, services, and patrons.  These predictions create a
framework within which workflows and measures of success are designated. But to what extent do
we consider whether these early assumptions are viable or realistic? How do we understand
methods of assessment for institutional repositories (IRs) when we are in a state of perpetual
beta? Leah and Allison will discuss their findings from a review of the early literature and
strategic documents and corresponding/related current statements on IR success, showing the
changes between theory and practice, with implications for planning and assessment.

Allison Sivak is the Assessment Librarian at the University of Alberta Libraries (UAL). She
works with system-wide assessment initiatives at the UAL using a variety of methods. She is
currently pursuing her PhD in Library and Information Studies and Elementary Education.

Leah Vanderjagt is the Digital Repository Services Librarian at the University of Alberta
Libraries (UAL). She administers ERA: Education and Research Archive, which is UAL’s
institutional repository, oversees library operations for Electronic Thesis and Dissertation
(ETD) submission, and manages and directs the delivery of UAL’s Open Journal Systems service.

Registration information may be found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/confevents/upcoming/webinar/irs/051910know.cfm

ALCTS thanks Berkeley Electronic Press for supporting the IR webinars.

Cindy Hepfer
Head, Electronic Periodicals Management & Continuing Resources Cataloging
134 Lockwood Library
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: 716-645-8584
Fax: 716-645-5955
E-mail: HSLcindy@buffalo.edu