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Shira TabachnikoffAlways, 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
Disaster preparation is critical to libraries in West Africa
