Samford University used Lean Library alongside Quartex to surface its digitized special collections directly within student research workflows, increasing discoverability, boosting engaged users by 196%, and helping students access unique archival resources beyond the library website.
“Samford University’s archives hold a distinctive collection of materials that document the history of Alabama with a particular focus on the state’s religious heritage. Significant time, effort, and financial support has been dedicated to the preservation and digitization of these materials by the university. These collections serve not only Samford students and faculty, but also attract researchers globally who are engaged in the study of the American South. The proactive efforts of archivist and digitizing these resources serve as a form of pre-emptive research assistance, which is only successful if materials are discoverable and accessible.”
Carla Waddell, M.L.I.S., Chair, Reference and Research Services, Government Documents Librarian