Horn Library Content Strategy

Content Mgt. & Research Librarian, Economics & Finance Liaison

Profile Photo
Patricia Berens
Contact:
You can also reach me directly via WebEx Teams: https://babson.webex.com/meet/pberens

Horn Library Content Strategy

1. The Horn Library Content Strategy articulates the guiding principles and processes for information resource management at the library. This includes managing the complete life cycle of information resources, whether subscribed to or owned, including assessment, acquisition, implementation, integration into instruction, and reassessment.  This applies to print and e-resources. 

2. Horn Library resources support the curriculum and mission of the college.  These resources include library information sources and collections, the institutional repository "Digital Collections at Babson," and the Archives.   

3. The Content Strategy is dynamic and responsive to changes in Babson's strategy, information needs, technology, financial resources, and the nature of information sources. 

4. The Content Strategy is freely accessible on the Horn Library website.

Horn Library's information resources reflect Babson College's integrated business curriculum, the college's focus on entrepreneurial thought and action, and faculty research.

  • Resources in the areas of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and accounting, economics, organizational behavior and management, information systems, and operations support the college's integrated programs.  In-depth coverage is given to entrepreneurship, industry content, company histories, and global studies.
  • The arts, cultural topics, history, humanities, language studies, literature, law, math, and the sciences are represented at a level consistent with the college's fundamental liberal arts and sciences curriculum.

Horn Library provides a dynamic, real-world learning environment that equips students with state-of-the-art resources and fosters innovation.

  • The Stephen D. Cutler Center for Investments and Finance, located within Horn Library, is one example of a real world learning environment that was created through a partnership with the Finance Division.

Horn Library makes its content broadly accessible to the Babson community on- and off-campus.

  • Long before the global pandemic of 2020-2021, the library has favored web-based resources that can be accessed remotely 24/7, whether for distance learning programs, abroad programs, global alumni, or current residential and non-residential students, faculty, and staff.  
  • Online resources include academic and business journal databases and e-book collections across all disciplines; demographic and statistical databases; databases with in-depth company information; industry and market research sources; streaming video platforms; online reference sources; global/country information resources; and more.

Horn Library is a community space for information discovery, innovative thinking, and dynamic learning.

  • The print and audiovisual materials in the library complement the electronic resources offered in support of the college's curricula. 
  • The library provides ample space for individual and group study, computers for accessing the library's e-resources, and comfortable seating areas for browsing/reading and social gatherings.

Horn Library encourages and promotes reading.

  • The library provides an extensive magazine browsing collection; showcases newly acquired books; maintains a graphic novels collection; creates book displays relevant to campus events; and publicizes selected new books via social media.    

Horn Library information and research resources are imparted to students in a multi-pronged instructional approach:

  • Library Website: Includes database and subject/course research guides, a knowledge base of frequently asked research questions called Research FAQs, and online tutorials for the most widely used as well as more complex research databases.
  • Classroom instruction: Library instruction is integrated throughout the Undergraduate and Graduate curriculum. Sometimes group workshops are provided to assist students with using Library resources for specific assignments.
  • Research Consultations: Librarians provide in-depth one-on-one research consultations, including via web conferencing, and also respond to email and phone inquiries.

College & Library Missions

MISSION STATEMENT

Babson College prepares and empowers entrepreneurial leaders who create, grow, and steward sustainable economic and social value - everywhere. 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Empower learners everywhere to create lasting value for themselves, their communities and the world.

The Horn Library is a creative partner in the development and dissemination of knowledge that serves to connect ideas, people, and information across the Babson community. We provide a dynamic learning and research environment that facilitates access to world class resources and expertise in the effective and ethical use of information. Our goal is to foster information discovery, business innovation, and independent lifelong learning in support of entrepreneurial values and scholarship.