University PHOTOS Left: The newly renovated fifth floor of the USF Tampa library offers state-of-the art study space to students. Opposite page: Researchers with USF Libraries Digital Heritage & Humanities Collection gathered 3D images of Stela K from the World Heritage site of Quirigua in Guatemala. USF Libraries dean Todd Chavez (right), assistant dean Carol Ann Davis, MA ’01, (center) and associate dean Tom Cetwinski (left).
NEW MODELS
The ongoing evolution of USF Libraries FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, USF Libraries has been exploring different models and methods to better serve the USF community in an ever-changing academic landscape. Now, as the entire USF System charges into a new era, the Libraries’ evolution surges on – transforming everything from student study space to its role in cutting-edge research across campus. “It’s a very exciting time for us here at the Libraries,” says Todd Chavez, ’84 and MA ’98, Life Member and dean of USF Libraries. “Everything we’ve done in this new direction builds on our traditional strengths – our strong commitment to service, our role building meaningful collections and our desire to provide top-notch facilities. But, we’re definitely changing how we do those things in an effort to better serve USF.” For Chavez, this push is driven not only by a vision for the libraries, but by the incredible trajectory of the entire university. USF’s designation as a Preeminent State Research University, its new Phi Beta Kappa chapter and its improved ranking in U.S. News & World Report all inspire 18
UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA
and motivate the USF Libraries team to find new ways to deepen the engagement with students, faculty, researchers and staff. One way they’re doing this is by transforming the way the libraries serve researchers and students. Their Research Platform Teams (RPT) are part of an innovative model that creates a series of librarian-led teams tasked with establishing deep relationships with faculty and graduate students in academic areas. Traditionally, librarians would provide researchers with background support and instruction on finding and utilizing information resources for their work. The RPT model emphasizes active participation in research, grants, teaching and publication – giving librarians a more hands-on role across campus. Right now, USF has RPTs in geosciences as well as history and classics. The libraries’ plan to expand the program to include business, marine sciences, data analytics, digital humanities and more as needs arise.
Research Platform Team members Meghan Cook, ’06 and MS ’10, (left) and Matt Torrence, MA ’00, work with students and researchers from the USF School of Geosciences.