Library Goals and Objectives - Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2007-2008
GOAL 1: IMPROVE USER ACCESS TO INFORMATION (Academic Master Plan 2005 (AMP), Goals III & IV; Strategic Plan 2006-2009 (SP), Goals I, II, V, & VII; Vision 2012 (V2012) Initiatives)
OBJECTIVE 1: To help with retention and improve student success rates, continue to evaluate Library usage and satisfaction with services through user surveys. (AMP: GIII R15; SP: G2 O2.2, G5 O5.2; V2012)GOAL 2: IMPROVE USER SERVICES (Academic Master Plan 2005, Goals III & IV; Strategic Plan 2006-2009, Goals I, II, IV, V, VI, & VII; V2012)
Comments: Unlike previous user satisfaction surveys that were conducted internally, this year the Library contracted with a graduate student team from one of Dr. Chawla’s advanced marketing classes to conduct a student satisfaction survey for FY 08. (A complete copy of the team’s report and findings are available in the Library Director’s Office.) The team conducted the survey during the 2008 Spring Semester. As in the past, the survey was a comprehensive examination of satisfaction levels with available services and resources. Students also had the opportunity to add comments concerning not only current services and resources, but also suggestions for improvements and changes. Overall, students felt there were adequate resources and good services provided by the Library. In most cases, the services received in the Library exceeded the student’s desired or expected levels of services. On a scale of overall satisfaction, 81.2% of the respondents gave the Library a grade of A or B. Based on their analysis of the results, the survey team felt the results indicated there were many areas for improvement with resources available in and services provided by the Library. The comments from the survey and the analysis of the survey results will supply valuable information for the Library to use to make needed changes in library instruction, service point changes, reevaluation of policies and rules, and, most importantly, in the design phase of the Library Remodeling Project which includes the creation of a Learning Commons.
OBJECTIVE 2: Continue online catalog clean-up projects. Continue adding materials from unprocessed donations and collections. Continue using Shelflister to maintain order and identify missing materials. (SP: G7 O7.1).
Comments: The Technical Services library assistants assigned to Cataloging continued to make progress in the online catalog clean-up project. The Cataloging library assistant assigned to the West Texas Collection backlog project continued to make significant progress in processing materials from donated collections. Personnel from the Circulation Unit of Access Services worked throughout the year with the stack maintenance tasks that resulted in finding “lost” and misplaced materials. This included work with virtually every collection in the Library. At the end of the year, only three items were unaccounted for from the previous missing materials lists for the Closed Stacks and West Texas Collection. In order to optimize limited shelf space, shifting of all collections continued throughout the year.
OBJECTIVE 3: To help improve access to electronic resources, continue implementation of the recommendations in the final report "The Seamless Research Experience," prepared by Janetta Paschal, on the integration of online resources in the Library's research and finding tools. (SP: G7 O7.1)
Comments: The Library Director approved a recommendation for and the purchase ofa link resolver and serial MARC records software packages. Implementation began in the summer of 2008 and will continue into FY 09. During FY 09, the Library will evaluate these packages for additional improvements.
OBJECTIVE 4: To enhance existing academic programs and in preparation for the accreditation process in the College of Business, evaluate selected collections through examination of materials. Recommend new titles for purchase as well as titles for de-selection or “weeding.” (AMP: GIV R18)
Comments: Since the College of Business asked for a postponement in this objective, the Library Director and the Head of Reference completed a limited review of business materials in the HB to HF call number ranges. Withdrawing mainly duplicate materials, out-of-date textbooks, and other surplus materials, over 200 items were identified and withdrawn from the circulating monograph collection. In FY 09, The Library will work with representatives from the College of Business to complete a more comprehensive review of the these subject areas as well as targeted purchases of new business materials as the College prepares for the accreditation process.
OBJECTIVE 5: Using unspent Materials Budget allocations to academic departments, work with the University Library Committee to administer the “Library Excellence Fund.” (SP: G4 04.1)
Comments: In May 2008, the University Library Committee’s Excellence Fund Subcommittee approved distribution of $30,000 to fund requests from five academic departments and the Library. The majority of these funds went to purchase back file access for a series of literary criticism databases. These new database services will provide current and retrospective coverage for a vast array of literary periods and genres.
OBJECTIVE 6: Work with Information Technology on the Library’s membership and participation in the Texas Digital Library Project. (AMP: GIV R16 & 17)
Comments: During FY 08, the Library director worked with three faculty members on using the Texas Digital Library as a host for the development of two online, peer-reviewed journals. Hopefully, both journals will appear through the Texas Digital Library in FY 09 or FY 10. In FY 09, the Library Director plans to work with the Interim Dean of the College of Graduate Studies to develop plans for graduate theses from ASU to appear in the dissertation/thesis service provided by the Texas Digital Library.
OBJECTIVE 1:To help with professional and support staff development, continue a series of staff development programs to improve overall operations and performance. Also evaluate workflow in order to most efficiently utilize Voyager and Banner through all aspects of ordering and processing new library materials. (SP: G7 O7.2)GOAL 3: IMPROVE LIBRARY COMMUNICATION (Strategic Plan 2006-2009, Goal VII; V2012)
Comments: Several librarians attended the regional users’ group meeting (ELSUG) for the Library’s automation system. One librarian attended the national users’ group meeting as well. On May 14th, the Library closed for a day of staff training and work on special projects. Many staff members attended on-campus and on-line training sessions offered by vendors, University personnel, and/or other universities. Unit supervisors provided regular and systematic training in unit specific operations, procedures, and software applications (Local Holdings function, sign language courses, sessions for all cataloging assistants, Information Technology class sessions, etc.). Many of the professional staff members remained active in state and regional library association activities. Several hold committee assignments in their professional association.
OBJECTIVE 2: Implement recommendations from the Task Force on the redesign of the Library’s RamPort Tab and web pages. Strive to make the RamPort Tab the primary focal point for the ASU community’s access to Library resources and services. (SP: G7 O7.1; V2012)
Comments: Following guidelines from the Office of Communications and Marketing and input from Library staff members, the Multimedia Support Librarian redesigned the entire Library web presence (1,600+ pages). In the coming year, the Library plans to investigate the use of the new enterprise version of Blackboard as a possible replacement for RamPort as the primary access point for use of the online database services and other online resources provided by the Library.
OBJECTIVE 3:To enhance existing services and plan for new services, continue working with University Library Committee for creation and review of Library policies and procedures. Each Library department and unit will continue to revise and update process and service procedures.
Comments: This remains an ongoing task. Each Library department and unit continued to update and/or formulate procedure manuals. Reviews continued of all existing manuals. In FY 09, the Library Director plans to reopen the Policy and Procedures task force. In light of the new University mission statement, strategic planning process, and implementation of zero-based budgeting, there will be a need to reassess the Library’s mission statement and planning processes.
OBJECTIVE 4: Work with the University Library Committee to evaluate and, if necessary, revise the Materials Budget allocation formula. Work to be completed by the end of the 2008 Spring Semester for implementation in FY 09.
Comments: During the summer of 2008, the Library Director and the Head of Library Technical Services worked with a sub-committee from the University Library Committee on this project. The group examined a number of academic library materials budget formulae. From this research, they determined appropriate factors/variables to use. Virtually all of the common factors/variables were already in the existing Library’s Materials Budget formula. The group then explored various new ways of assigning weights, changes in across the board allocations, etc. The Library Director will recommend that the University Library Committee keep the present formula with slight modifications. Following approval from the University Library Committee, the Head of Library Technical Services will then implement the new formula and monitor it for any additional improvements.
OBJECTIVE 5: Recognizing that the ASU Library serves more than its campus community, continue to enhance outreach services to the Concho Valley and surrounding areas through the Library’s designation as a depository library for federal and state documents, provide access for area school districts to research resources, and make available to the community at large various information resources unavailable in regional public libraries. (AMP: GIV R21; SP: G6; V2012)
Comments: The former Government Documents Librarian regularly updated the Documents in the Spotlight” page to alert the Campus and community users to new government document resources of interest. The Library did request approval from the Texas Tech University System’s office to be able to continue offering withdrawn library materials to other Texas libraries. In the coming year, the Library Director will develop new procedures to implement the System’s Office approval for this service. The Library continued its participation in the various resource sharing programs through Amigos, TexShare, and other groups.
OBJECTIVE 6: Continue to investigate and implement services and resources to support the growing demand for support of ASU distance learning students and programs. (AMP: GIV R16 & 20; SP: G2 O2.3; V2012)
Comments: A new web page provided information to distance learning students on various Library services to supply their informational needs. The Library’s Interlibrary Loan service now sends almost all of the requested articles through an E-mail link to the documents or sends an attached file with the document. In FY 09, the Library will need to investigate, and if feasible, finalize procedures and agreements for digitizing video and audio collections for delivery through online means to students, classes, and other authorized users.
OBJECTIVE 7: To improve students’ and faculty members’ information literacy skills, continue to offer an increasing number of general and subject/resource specific training sessions and continue to improve the Library’s various online tutorials. (AMP: GIII R14)
Comments: Due to increased workloads and a retirement, the Library’s Reference Services staff members were unable to offer any specialized instruction sessions in FY 08. With the hiring of a new librarian for Reference and Government Information Services, the Head of Reference will be assigning the new librarian responsibilities for increasing the number of and improving the online tutorials, as well as planning for some specialized training sessions, especially for some of the newer online database services.
OBJECTIVE 8: Work with the Excellence in West Texas History Post-Doctoral Fellowship program in their effort to provide two fellowships centered in the West Texas Collection at ASU. The first fellowships should be given in the spring of 2009.
Comments: The Excellence in West Texas History Post-Doctoral Fellowship program received a $60,000 grant from the CH Foundation that will fund a second fellowship. The new governing board for the Fellowship Program began meeting in the summer of 2008. Advertisements for the first two fellowships will go out in fall 2008 and the first awards will be in the spring of 2009.
OBJECTIVE 1: Investigate changes in the delivery of information concerning Library resources and services through the Library Newsletter as well as through RamPort, web pages, and/or other means.GOAL 4: IMPROVE LIBRARY FACILITIES (Strategic Plan 2006-2009; Goal III; V2012)
Comments: The fall issue of the Newsletter was the only issue to be distributed in print. The Library only produced two other issues (one in the fall and the other in the late spring) of the Newsletter in FY 08. Both of these issues were in HTML and PDF formats only. For FY 09, the Library plans to produce three electronic issues of the Newsletter. The traditional “Guide to the Library” (first issue of the year) will be converted to a permanent web page and simply linked to from the first issue. The new format and reduced number of issues will save considerable editing time and production costs. The web page guide to Library services and resources will allow for easier updating and access by users.
OBJECTIVE 2: Increase the channels and number of informational articles on Library services and resources.
Comments: See above.
OBJECTIVE 1: To support research, co-curricular activities, and residential campus life, work with Information Technology on a proposal to create a Learning Commons on the First Floor of the Library. The proposal will be submitted to the Provost in time for the FY 09 budget planning cycle.GOAL 5: SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACADEMIC MASTER PLAN (Academic Master Plan 2005; V2012)
Comments: In spring 2008, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents issued an approval for beginning the process of hiring a design firm for the Library Remodeling Project and creation of a Learning Commons on the First Floor. Over a three month period, an RFP process resulted in over 15 architectural firms submitting proposals. A selection process narrowed these to two firms for additional onsite presentations. A selection team then heard the proposals on 19 August 2008. The selection team then made its recommendation to Mr. John Russell. He will be responsible for taking this recommendation through the next round of steps. Hopefully, the Board will approve the recommendation in order for planning work to begin in the fall of 2008. By spring or summer of 2009, the final design and bid process should be completed, with construction beginning in summer or fall of 2009.
OBJECTIVE 2: Continue to develop plans to make the best possible use of all existing space on the Library’s three floors.
Comments: See above.
OBJECTIVE 3: As funding permits, continue to replace worn out furniture for both users and staff and improve signage throughout the Library.
Comments: For the most part, this objective is on hold pending the developments of the Library Remodeling Project. A few chairs were picked up from other University departments to replace worn out chairs throughout the Library. Some new signage was ordered and placed to provide better access to the New Books and Best Sellers areas on Second Floor.
OBJECTIVE 1: Work with the development of new programs to ensure adequate information resources to support program course offerings. (AMP: GIV R16).GOAL 6: CONTINUE TO ADD MATERIAL AND INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES (Strategic Plan 2006-2009; Goals VI & VII)
Comments: Librarians are assigned to the curriculum development committees in each of the colleges, as well as the University Curriculum Committee.
OBJECTIVE 2: Participate in academic program reviews to ensure adequate information resources exist to support on-going program course offerings. (AMP: GIV R18).
Comments: The Library worked with several academic departments in preparation for reviews, accreditation needs, and/or substantive changes. These included the Physical Therapy Department, Curriculum and Instruction Department, and the College of Business.
OBJECTIVE 3: Work with any distance learning and Web-based course development to ensure adequate information resources to support course offerings. (AMP: GIV R20).
Comments: The Head of Access Services worked to promote use of the Library’s electronic reserve service. Unfortunately, only a few faculty members made use of the service. However, it would appear more use will take place in FY 09. The Library Director made use of the service to aid search committee work. He is hoping other search committees will make use of the service to aid access to documentation and help streamline the search process. (For additional information, please see comments for Goal 2, Objective 6.)
OBJECTIVE 4: Work with Information Technology to encourage students and faculty to incorporate E-mail, chat rooms, Internet, technology, and electronic and print Library resources in their regular classes, Web-based courses, and course research assignments. (AMP: GI R1, GIII R13 & 14)
Comments: The Library’s Interlibrary Loan service now sends almost all of the articles requested through an E-mail link to the documents or sends an attached file with the requested document. The redesign of the Library’s webpage also helped to make services and resources easier to find for all users. In FY 09, the Multimedia Support Librarian and the new Reference/Government Information Librarian will explore the possibility of using the new version of Blackboard as a better or alternative means to RamPort for providing access to the Library’s various online resources.
OBJECTIVE 5: Provide support and space for special programs (Honors Program, cohort and group study projects, and other curricular and co-curricular activities). (AMP: GIII R11 & 13, GIV R19; V2012).
Comments: Due to a lack of use, the Library discontinued the reserved group study room for the Honors Program students. To help with the establishment of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research (CITR), the Library agreed to provide temporary office space for this new University office on the Second Floor. This should not interfere with the proposed Remodeling Project. The CITR office will move to a permanent home within the next three years.
OBJECTIVE 1: To help disseminate information concerning resources available in the University Archives (UA), create a web site for the UA that will provide the campus with an accessible way to see what material is appropriate for the UA and how those items should be transferred.GOAL 7: FRIENDS GROUP (Academic Master Plan 2005, Goal V; Strategic Plan 2006-2009, Goal VI; V2012)
Comments: Work continues on this project.
OBJECTIVE 2: Continue to process materials in the UA.
Comments: Work continues on this project.
OBJECTIVE 3: Continue to solicit materials from across campus that are of value to the UA.
Comments: The Library Director and University Archivist will implement plans to assume the administration of the University’s records management and retention plans.
OBJECTIVE 4: Add videos of symposiums and other special campus events to the UA and fill in any gaps that exist.
Comments: The University Archivist and Library Director continued the long, slow process of seeking approval for the University’s revised retention plan from the Texas Tech University Systems Office and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. In the meantime, they continue to work with offices around the campus to prepare for implementation of the plan.
OBJECTIVE 1: Work with Friends Group to plan and hold possible book sale in the 2008 Spring Semester. (SP: G6).
Comments: The Friends book sale was held in late January 2008 and was one of the best ever.
OBJECTIVE 2: To continue support of the Friends Group’s meetings, workshops, and other activities. (SP: G6)
Comments: In addition to their annual membership meeting, the Friends held another successful genealogy workshop. Attendance at their functions continues to grow each year. The group provided valuable assistance in the purchase of materials and incidental expenses for the WTC and the Library. The group also continued their support of the Joe Bill Lee and Henry Ricci scholarships.
OBJECTIVE 3: Work with the Friends Group and the University Development Officer to plan and implement an endowment campaign to enhance the personnel resources and operations budget of the West Texas Collection. (AMP: GV R22).
Comments:There was virtually no progress on this objective.
