The Role of the ADOT Library in Meeting Staff Information Needs
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SPR-737 SEPTEMBER 2016 The Role of the ADOT Library in Meeting Staff Information Needs Arizona Department of Transportation Research Center The Role of the ADOT Library in Meeting Staff Information Needs SPR‐737 September 2016 Prepared by: Diane Hart Ginn, Debra C. Pryor, Deborah Meyers, and Dave Hemingway‐Turner Partners in Brainstorms, Inc. 3420 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 130 Phoenix, AZ 85028 Maggie Sacco Independent Consultant Published by: Arizona Department of Transportation 206 S. 17th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007 In cooperation with US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration This report was funded in part through grants from the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data, and for the use or adaptation of previously published material, presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Trade or manufacturers’ names that may appear herein are cited only because they are considered essential to the objectives of the report. The U.S. government and the State of Arizona do not endorse products or manufacturers. Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No. FHWA‐AZ‐16‐737 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date The Role of the ADOT Library in Meeting Staff Information Needs September 2016 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Authors 8. Performing Organization Report No. Diane Hart Ginn, Debra C. Pryor, Deborah Meyers, Maggie Sacco, and Dave Hemingway‐Turner 9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. Partners In Brainstorms, Inc. 3420 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 130 Phoenix, AZ 85028 11. Contract or Grant No. SPR 000‐1(184) 737 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 13.Type of Report & Period Covered FINAL (01/15–07/16) Arizona Department of Transportation 206 S. 17th Ave. MD075R Phoenix, AZ 85007 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 15. Supplementary Notes Project performed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 16. Abstract The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) operates a transportation library. The mission of the ADOT Library is to provide ADOT employees with the published information they need to carry out their job responsibilities contributing to a safe, efficient, and cost‐effective transportation system in Arizona. Historically, ADOT’s librarians have used professional judgment to decide which materials to add to the collection. This research is the first formal investigation to determine the information needs of ADOT staff and the role of the Library in meeting those needs. This study has provided information regarding: (a) the information needs of the ADOT staff, including the means by which they currently obtain the information they need; (b) preferences regarding access to Library services and resources; and (c) awareness and use of the ADOT Library. Findings from the study also provided insights into the role of transportation libraries, the extent to which ADOT Library practices align with acknowledged effective practices in transportation libraries overall, and opportunities for ongoing improvement and enhancement of Library operations, communications and marketing efforts, customer service, and valuation. Recommendations were developed to facilitate delivery of ADOT Library services in fiscal periods characterized by severe budgetary constraints and limited resources as well as in less constricted fiscal periods permitting continued investment in ADOT Library resources (staff, collection materials, information technologies). The research findings can be used by ADOT to inform strategic and contingency planning efforts and will enable ADOT to make data‐driven decisions regarding the Library collection and services. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement 23. Registrant’s Seal Information organization, data management, This document is available to the information dissemination, data sharing, technology U.S. public through the transfer, library operations National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161 19. Security Classification 20. Security Classification 21. No. of Pages 22. Price Unclassified Unclassified 141 CONTENTS Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5 Chapter 2. Existing Practices of ADOT Library .............................................................................................. 9 Background ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Research Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 9 History of ADOT Library Administration and Location ........................................................................ 10 Responsibilities and Duties of ADOT Librarian ..................................................................................... 10 ADOT Library Funding, Budgetary Practices, and Expenditures .......................................................... 11 Collection Development ....................................................................................................................... 14 ADOT Library Technology ..................................................................................................................... 17 ADOT Library Communication and Outreach ...................................................................................... 22 Integration of the ADOT Library with ADOT and Research Center Functions ...................................... 22 ADOT Library Relationships with Cooperative Organizations ............................................................. 24 Chapter 3. Information Needs of ADOT Staff ............................................................................................ 29 Data Collection Methodology .............................................................................................................. 29 Employee Survey .................................................................................................................................. 29 Survey Findings .................................................................................................................................... 34 Employee Focus Groups ...................................................................................................................... 58 Focus Group Findings .......................................................................................................................... 60 Chapter 4. Effective Practices in Transportation Library Services ............................................................. 75 Identification of Effective Practices ..................................................................................................... 75 Literature Search ................................................................................................................................. 76 Survey of DOT Libraries ....................................................................................................................... 87 v Chapter 5. Findings and Recommendations .............................................................................................. 99 Synopsis of Key Findings ...................................................................................................................... 99 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 103 References ............................................................................................................................................... 105 Appendix A: Arizona Revised Statutes 41‐151.01 and 41‐151.06 and Arizona Administrative Code Title 2, Chapter 3 ................................................................................................................................ 107 Appendix B: Verbatim Responses: Technical Topics Most Important to Job .......................................... 113 Appendix C: Verbatim Responses: Employees’ Desired Resources and Services from the ADOT Library ...................................................................................................................... 119 Appendix D: ADOT Employee Survey Questionnaire ............................................................................... 123 vi LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Book and Total Library Expenditures, 2010–2014 ........................................................................... 15 Figure 2. Center Bar Section of ADOT Website ............................................................................................... 18 Figure 3. Research Center/Library Main Menu Page, Library Resources Tab ................................................ 19 Figure 4. Research Center/Library/Research Reports Tab ............................................................................