Helping libraries solve their cost, technology and service challenges

Leadership post from David Main, CEO of Swets

Experienced leader of international companies and expert in information based technology and distribution services. David holds a Bachelor in Commerce degree, is a Chartered Accountant and gained an MBA from IMD, Switzerland.

One of the greatest challenges in the library today is effectively managing library resources, and at the same time delivering the value demanded by both end-users and the institution as a whole. The delivery of value requires not only a clear outline of objectives which are in line with the institution’s own goals, but also a clear picture of the workflows and learning outcomes that are integral to the body of end-users. It is here that the library can make a continued contribution to success in these changing times.

The key information pressures on libraries have always been fundamental to our business, and no more so than today where we see the increasing demands for measurable value pitched against difficult budgets in the library landscape. It is no longer just about subscriptions, it is about providing services that offer clear value, and allow libraries to focus on the important parts of their business.

Today, libraries are increasingly being judged on whether they are driving and providing value within an institution. This distils into the question of how they are continuously improving the value they bring to the research process. Swets is focused on providing the services and tools that libraries need to cost effectively and visibly meet these requirements.

For this reason we have identified four core areas through which Swets can offer value to your library, reflecting the key processes and value delivery requirements you need now and for the future.  At the core there are three vital components we address;  and then in addition, we provide managed services in areas where we can provide cost or service benefits to you.

Selection Management  

The library collection is fundamental to its core offering to its users. Ensuring your collection meets the demands of end-users, is cost-effective and analytically shows accountability is therefore of utmost importance. We have built, and are continuously improving,  a range of services covering the entire content decision cycle, from validation and analysis to content procurement. 

Access Management

The acquisition and turnover of content in the library is not the only issue at stake. Delivering the right information to the right users on time is also a great challenge, particularly when dealing with multiple formats and numerous different workflows.  Reliable e-access is one of the key service issues for all libraries.  For print journals, the consolidation of deliveries and provision of shelf ready journals has been a requirement for many years.

Research Productivity

The library holds a unique position in the institution, contributing to the success of institutional strategy, while working with end-users to achieve learning and research  outcomes. The delivery and utilization of library content is key to this task, as well as providing state-of the art productivity tools for end users to help them achieve their own objectives and career outcomes.

Library Managed Services
In many cases, third parties can help to provide lower cost solutions to basic tasks. With onerous budget pressures,  libraries are looking at achieving cost benefits without diluting their service levels.  We have reacted to this requirement and can now provide focused solutions against core tasks and processes that libraries must undertake.

Facing the future and helping libraries resourcefully and cost effectively address their challenges now and going forward is where intermediaries have a clear and vital role going forward.

Find out more about the services and solutions Swets has developed for libraries: