Library borrows business prof

Associate professor of business Brian Detlor is loaning his keen understanding of technology and information systems to McMaster’s Library.

Detlor will spend his year-long research sabbatical as the Library’s first Faculty Member-in-Residence, where he’ll study the facility and its users. He’ll also help librarians conduct their own research and work with the Hamilton Public Library on a variety of projects.

Detlor may be a faculty member in the DeGroote School of Business, but he has long studied libraries. His past research work includes the efficacy of library websites and the information literacy instruction given by librarians.

He also has a strong background in the technology used by modern academic libraries.

Just a week into the role, Detlor says he is “blown away” by how many digital projects McMaster’s Library is involved with.

“From the Peace & War in the 20^th Century collection and war maps to the Bertrand Russell Archives, the Library is really on the cutting edge of digital technology,” he says.

Detlor says libraries have been heavily influenced by technology over the last decade, presenting them with both challenges and opportunities.

“Library usage has actually increased over the years, as people visit for computer and web access. Technology is really changing the business model for all libraries.”

Detlor will serve as principal investigator for a proposed study on the role of academic libraries in promoting digital literacy among students and faculty. He’ll also analyze user perceptions of the quality of Library services.

More information on Detlor’s activities is available here.