Elsevier Library Connect Newsletter: Introduction by Shira Tabachnikoff

Volume 7 • Number 2
April 2009
ISSN: 1549-3725
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Theme: Communicating Value

welcome

features

20 Elsevier journals earn a place on top 100 list ScienceDirect turns 10 in 2009 Finding the connection: Readership, expenditure and research outcomes Health science eBooks launch on ScienceDirect Grant funding workshops help faculty, staff and graduate students Elsevier introduces SciVal: Performance planning and funding solutions Opening a new library in tough times: Here’s why and how we did it Lobbying your governing body for library funds: Communicate clearly and deploy library champions

center of attention

Academic libraries save researchers time and money Five questions with "hottest" dean Communicating the value of libraries and librarians: Take a leadership role in the academic enterprise

research watch

Disaster preparation is critical to libraries in West Africa

Postgraduate students are relying on the Internet for research purposes

community connections

OARE: A green initiative helping better our global environment 2008 Elsevier Foundation awards support libraries and scholars across the globe

behind the scenes

BrainNavigator helps you view the brain like never before

on the road

Scopus Awards in Jordan bring together national leaders and researchers Academics exchange tips on publishing success

Nine receive 3rd Annual Scopus Young Scientist Award in India

staying connected

Rights Spot:
What is Elsevier’s position on publishing ethics? Ask UCD:
How do we communicate value in our website design? Upcoming Events 2009 Library Connect Editorial Team

Shira Tabachnikoff

Always, as information professionals, we seek to communicate clearly the value of our services and products. Especially now, in the midst of difficult economic times, communicating our value becomes even more important.

So how can we best communicate our value? There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all answer. First, we must understand our customers' needs and how we fulfil those needs, as well as how we define and measure our impact. Then we must each tell our value story in a compelling and real way that others can easily understand and appreciate.

To help address the fascinating but complicated topic of communicating value, this issue brings together various viewpoints. Among articles published here, you'll find:

Daniel Calto talking about Elsevier's upcoming performance planning and funding solutions;
Jack Maness discussing how academic libraries save researchers time and money;
Denise Pan advocating taking a leadership role in the academic enterprise;
David Tyckoson explaining why and how Fresno State opened a new library this year; and
Xiaoguang Yang offering advice on how to lobby your governing body for library funds.

And you'll find Ian Rowlands pointing out, in his interview regarding the connection between readership, expenditure and research outcomes, "The entire scientific community (scholars, publishers and librarians) could improve its promotion of the added value it provides."

On that inspiring call to action, let me conclude. I trust you, as I have done, will find this issue full of advice and insights useful in navigating the waters of this turbulent time. Please join me in thanking all the contributors to this issue. And, now, let's read!

Kind regards,

Shira Tabachnikoff, Director Corporate Relations,
Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
s.tabachnikoff@elsevier.com