I’d like to ensure that everyone understands what we are doing to strengthen our capacity to complete the implementation of FOLIO and continue the development of the UM Libraries’ platform. We have done a minor reorganization within the MU Libraries, creating a director of digital initiatives position to focus on MOspace, the Digital Library, the UM library services platform, and related database efforts that the Libraries may undertake in the future. The director of digital initiatives will oversee efforts in digital scholarship and FOLIO, and will have oversight of personnel in those areas.
It is my pleasure to announce that Steven Pryor is the first to be appointed to this new position here at MU, effective December 1, 2022. Steven has the experience and skills to be effective in this role, as evidenced by his work in these areas at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of Washington in Seattle. At SIUE he implemented and launched the university’s first institutional repository, and at UW he worked to develop a new data repository, support the integrated library system, and launch new publishing platforms for researchers.
Steven has served here at Mizzou since the fall of 2018, and he has proven his skills and abilities consistently here at Mizzou. As Digital Scholarship Librarian he worked to promote and collect content for MOspace, consult with and advise researchers on data management and digital research and earned certification as a “Carpentries” instructor to teach Software and Data Carpentry workshops that introduce foundational coding and research computing skills to researchers. As MU Head of Digital Services, later renamed Digital Scholarship, he added oversight of the Libraries’ digitization activities and direct responsibility for MOspace and the Digital Library. In this position he has worked to introduce and refine new technology, scripting and automation, a ticketing/project management system, launch a new journal publishing platform, and other tools and processes to improve or ensure user satisfaction, image quality, and preservation. And most recently he has worked to ensure continuity in the ongoing FOLIO migration in tracking and reporting issues, troubleshooting and resolving system problems, and facilitating the various continuing post-migration cleanup and administrative tasks for both MU and UM Systems.
We are currently working on the paperwork to open the vacant position of Technical Services Librarian, renamed Systems Librarian, that works with the FOLIO Taskforce that includes members from all four campuses. We must replace this position as soon as possible to strengthen our implementation efforts. As soon as possible after that, we plan to open the vacant position for the Digital Scholarship Librarian that serves the MU campus only. This position will provide the support needed for the future of MOSpace, digitization, carpentry instruction and other digital scholarship efforts.
Please join me in congratulating Steven Pryor on his new role, and work with him collaboratively going forward for the success of the Libraries!
–Deb Ward