As we say goodbye to 2022, it’s important to celebrate our achievements this past year. Below I have highlighted some of our accomplishments which would not have been completed without the dedication and focus of an amazing team of information professionals.

Administration

• Virtual Connections, MSK Library Report 2020 – 2021 – This report celebrates many successes and shares the library team’s direction over the time period covered. Key improvements have been highlighted regarding operations and services, sharing client impact stories and metrics, and displaying library staff’s publications.  
• 2022 Staff Publications – From our publication website as of 12/11, we have listed 2 conference posters, 15 journal articles including systematic reviews, and 7 external presentations. 

Archives 

• MSK Archives & Online Presence – We are revitalizing the MSK Archives by establishing a digital presence to increase awareness of this valuable resource and service to the MSK community and beyond. The Archives now falls under the Library’s stewardship.
• ArchivesSpace – Identified a content management system which should be implemented by year end. This resource will allow researchers both inside and outside of MSK to learn about and search the contents of the MSK archival collections.

Content Management 

• Implemented OpenAthens – An identity and IP-based authentication application that provides access to the library’s licensed online resources via single sign-on (SSO) technology, replacing the previous system, EZproxy.  MSK staff will be able to use their MSK network credentials to sign on regardless of whether they are on or off VPN.  

  Data Management 

• Data Policy Finder – Launched new resource to help researchers (who are preparing or planning to publish their research) navigate publication policies and identify relevant data, code, and materials availability policies.
• Synapse / MSK Data Catalog Integration –  We improved the cataloging workflows by providing bi-directional linking between two Library databases to enrich discoverability of MSK research output.

 Scholarly Communications 

• Library Publications – We produced and released the 2021 Synapse Annual Publications Report and Research in Review: An Analysis of MSK Publications 2016-2020. These reports highlight MSK researchers and their publishing achievements, while also showcasing Synapse, the authoritative resource for MSK authors and their publications. 
• CV Central – The Synapse team collaborated with the CV Central Team to incorporate Synapse publication data into this tool and helped to resolve roll out issues.
• Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) – Full compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy is a federal requirement and failure to meet this compliance standard can delay the processing of the Cancer Center Support Grant’s competitive renewals and non-competing continuation awards. Collaborated with SKI Core Grant team in the review of MSK publications and worked with authors to ensure NIH funding requirements were fulfilled.  
• New Synapse Feature – Direct export of publications from Synapse to CSV (Excel) released December 2022 which supports and enhances users’ workflows.

  User Services 

• LibAnswers Implementation – New library-specific application to track user transactions. Includes: FAQ knowledgebase of questions and answers users can access 24/7, improved real time analytics via RefAnalytics and LibInsight which allow for the creation of custom datasets to meet our unique data-gathering needs, and the introduction of a new live chat product (LibChat) which offers a more seamless user experience.  
• ILLiad Concierge Implementation – A complete system analysis of ILLiad Document Delivery system was done to enhance service to users and improve staff productivity.
• Single Sign-On for ILLiad Accounts – In collaboration with the Library Programmer, the DDS team installed a special module on the ILLiad server allowing ILLiad accounts to be automatically created and verified at the point of authentication. Our users no longer have to “register” for ILLiad accounts, saving them time and effort.

Virtual Services 

• Chat Widget – The LibraryHelp chat widget on the Library website was replaced with the LibChat (LibAnswers) widget. Chat/Ask Us support was expanded to Synapse, the MSK Data Catalog, and ORCID@MSK to provide users with point of need assistance and guide them through our “Ask Us” workflow from other library applications.
• Security & Website Responsiveness – Update conducted for all library applications to improve security, responsiveness, and performance (Library website, Blog, Data Catalog, Synapse, ILLiad Document Delivery).

The MSK Library’s commitment to excellence in both services and the resources we provide will continue to be our top priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know how we are doing, or how we can help you.

Wishing everyone happy holidays, and a joyous and healthy new year.

Donna Gibson
Director, Library Services