Yale University Science Libraries

Strategic Plan, 2006

Making scientific information and library resources work for the Yale community.

Client Values:

-Certainty and reliability of information and services provided
-Current, up-to-date information
-Rapid and proactive service
-Convenience and proximity of libraries
-Friendly, courteous service
-Comparative high status of Yale science libraries to libraries at peer universities
-Responsiveness to researcher and student needs
-Welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and physical facilities
-Progress and improvements in services and collections

Goals and Objectives ranking scheme

Key:
(*1*) highest priority, do it now
(1) high priority, begin action as soon as possible
(2) priority, begin planning for action
(3) lower priority, but act if wonderful opportunity arises
(4) don’t act or plan yet
NOTE: Basic, ongoing activities (shelving, serials check-in, etc.) are not included in this list of strategic objectives

Summary of Coming Year

Emphasis of the first 6 months will be on staff training, predictive pattern journal check-in, new e-book and ejournal processing, the paper journal reduction initiative, Sakai development, and the creation of online tutorials. The second six months will emphasize ERM/SFX/MetaLib enhancement, reassignment of released staff time for special projects generated by Kari's Voyager reports, and completing LHR efforts.

Completed in 2005

Math circulation was implemented
Math monograph inventory was begun
Ask!Live reference implemented
MathMudd inventory was completed
journal paper reduction initiative was initiated
Biosis was migrated to WoS platform
preservation inventory of KSL Cage
preservation program initiated for the science libraries
Orbis local cleanup was accomplished for "No Call Number" books
KSL electric power was provided throughout the facility
ENG etherenet plug was provided
Math new staff desks were provided
LSF transfers were ramped up
prototype ELI Phase II (local Ariel article delivery) was tested
staff web site was enhanced with documentation
Sakai exploration begun
MetaLib clusters created and integrated into web site
web site enhanced and new templates with includes and CSS implemented
staff skills review process begun (cataloging and acquisitions)

GOAL A. EMPHASIZE SERVICES IN THE SCIENCE LIBRARIES

Policies

(1) Develop/publicize consistent, dependable service policies
(2) Create policy and procedure manuals and documents where needed

(1)Reference

Facilitate and encourage science reading
Enhance “extension” reference service (Ask!Live) plus internal IM option
Offer reference tours of each science library to staff to encourage referrals
Review coverage level and staffing (Kline)
Enhance reference expert system (MetaLib - related tools link)

Databases

(1 and 2) Increase access to database

-Investigate new databases
-Add new database access when appropriate (SFX/MetaLib/ERM)

(1 and 2) Publicize database access

Create online tutorials
Publicizedatabases and resources using Science Imprint
Create signs by paper journals indicating electronic alternatives

Instruction/Orientation

(1) Develop programs for special groups

lab groups
student organizations
graduate students (via registrars)
graduate research method courses
faculty seminars and meetings
new faculty and grad student orientations
administrative staff

(1) Develop programs on special topics

Develop online instruction for end-users
Develop “canned presentations”

Access

(1) Improve intellectual access to collection

Enhance federated access to catalogs or other libraries (MetaLib)
Create Sakai presence for library resources
Convert web site to XHTML
Expand domain of SFX and MetaLib sources and targets
Convert manual records into Orbis (maps and serials--volume holdings)

(1) Improve physical access to collections and documents

Manage collection growth by transferring low use materials to LSF
Provide seamless commercial document delivery services
Participate in resource sharing projects
Continue testing prototype article delivery systems (paper and pdf)

(1) Develop strong links with clients

Solicit student input (board or group)
Visit faculty department meetings
Communicate new services using Science Imprint
Improve signage

(2) Improve printed and visual communications to clients

Create display recognizing staff contributions to libraries

Staffing

(*1*) Develop staff skills

job exchanges and cross-training
advocate staff advancement
improve staff training through a program of orientations
build service quality orientation
use media and WWW where available (wiki test)
pinpoint areas where training is needed (computer literacy)

(2) Review and reallocate staffing levels where appropriate

library school interns
obtain additional funding

(2) Recognize staff contributions and services to clientele

(2) Insure that needed information is communicated

GOAL B. UPGRADE FACILITIES

Space

(*1*) Assess space needs

review existing data (tasks, hours)
do additional investigation (environmental scan)

(2) Plan for efficient use of space

consider needs for special media/formats
consider needs for group study areas

(2) Acquire/Redesign Space (if possible)

Improvements

(1) Create safe, healthy working environment

Eliminate vermin and rodents

(2) Facilities improvements in each science library

Evaluate need for new furniture
Improve/Redesign staff areas
Assess equipment needs
Evaluate handicapped accessibility

GOAL C. IMPROVE COLLECTIONS

Develop Policies

(*1*) Write science collection development policy

Formulate policies for acquiring in any formats
Identify collection responsibility overlap areas
Weeding policies
LSF policies
E-book policies
E-journal policies
P-Card policies and procedures (travel, equipment, books)

Preservation

(1) expand preservation program

Evaluate microfilms and digitization as means of preservation
Evaluate photocopying as means of preservation
review security and environmental conditions

Assess

(2) Conduct collection usage studies

Review serials for cancellations

Raise funds

(1 and 2) Develop adequate funding sources

University funds
Donors
Alumni
Friends
Grants

(1) Acquire

Reduce paper journals when online equivalents exist

Explore predictive pattern journal check-in

Explore e-book acquisitions

Explore Blackwells record loads and shelf-ready books

Explore resdesigned copy cataloging effiorts at point of ordering

(3) Acquire

Acquire different formats - maps, slides, av, electronic documents

Acquire materials in online formats to promote convenient access

revised April 7, 2006 ds