Library Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2012

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the Porter Henderson Library is to provide the Angelo State University community with access to information in all formats. In consultation with the University community, the Library builds and maintains collections and services to meet the University’s curriculum and research needs. The Library does this by acquiring and organizing resources, providing direct as well as mediated access to information, participating in cooperative programs with other libraries, and teaching users to locate, obtain, and evaluate information. The Library works with the University administration and faculty in the development of information policy for the campus. As a service unit within a regional, state-supported university, the Library offers the surrounding community access to needed informational resources and services.

Library Vision Statement

The Porter Henderson Library at Angelo State University strives to be the heart of learning on campus. The Library provides its users with a collaborative environment, where students, faculty, and staff can access an extensive collection of quality information resources in a variety of formats, interact with knowledgeable staff, and use the latest available technology. The Library aims at being an important recruitment and retention tool for the University by identifying and meeting the changing information needs of the campus community.

GOAL 1: IMPROVE USER ACCESS TO INFORMATION (MG 1, MG 3, MG 5, MG 7, CO 1, CO 5, & SD 5)⁽¹⁾

OBJECTIVE 1: To help with retention and improve student success rates, continue to evaluate Library usage and satisfaction with services through user surveys. (MG 3, MG 7, CO 1, CO 4, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: In FY 12, the Library will survey faculty satisfaction levels with services and resources. The Library will use a survey instrument similar to those from previous surveys using a five point Lickert scale with 1 being least satisfied and 5 being most satisfied. The Library will continue informal gathering of user satisfaction with the Learning Commons.

Intended Results: Success will be defined as a mean above 3.75 and/or more than 70% of all responses at the 4 or 5 response level.

OBJECTIVE 2: Implement assessment of student learning of library skills in USTD 1201 class bibliographic instruction sessions. (MG 3, MG 7, CO 1, CO 4, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: In FY 12, the Library will work with the First Year Experience Office to implement the use of an assessment instrument in bibliographic instruction sessions with USTD 1201 classes. The assessment instrument will be a brief quiz given following the class that will ask several objective questions based on basic learning objectives common to all bibliographic instruction sessions, and a subjective section asking them to write down the two most significant points covered in the class. Success will be defined by the number of students scoring 80% or more on the quiz.

Intended Results: The data gleaned from this assessment will help the Library understand student knowledge of library research skills discussed in bibliographic instruction sessions.

OBJECTIVE 3: Continue online catalog clean-up projects. Continue adding materials from unprocessed donations and collections. Continue using Shelflister to maintain order and identify missing materials. (MG 5)

Assessment Measure: For the catalog cleanup project, staff in Technical Services will be expected to finish two drawers from the card shelf list by the end of the academic year. During the academic year, the Executive Director and other appropriate staff will ensure that all donated collections/materials are reviewed for possible adoption to a collection or sent to the Friends of the ASU Library group for their annual book sale within two months of donation. Staff members in Circulation will use the Shelflister software to review selected collections and call number ranges throughout the year. Any problems will be sent to appropriate units for correction and/or resolution.

Intended Results: All of these projects are needed to insure accurate holdings information in appropriate finding tools, timely processing of materials awaiting processing, and item availability in designated collections.

OBJECTIVE 4: 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. (MG 1, MG 3, MG 5, CO 5, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: In the 2011 Fall Semester, two of the open source link resolver packages will be tested. The Head of Library Technical Services hopes that with the addition of the new Acquisitions Librarian in October 2011, time will be available to work with the Electronic Serials Librarian on the workflow issues. Recommendations will be finished by the end of the 2012 Spring Semester. After discussions with the Executive Director, an implementation date will be selected for later in FY 12 or FY 13.

Intended Results: Improve ease of user access to the various online resources available through the Library’s online catalog (RamCat) and the campus portal (RamPort).

OBJECTIVE 5: To enhance existing academic programs and in preparation for the accreditation processes in the various campus colleges and departments, evaluate selected collections through examination of materials. Recommend new titles for purchase as well as titles for de-selection or “weeding.” (MG 1, MG 3, MG 7, CO 1, CO 4, & SD 1)

Assessment Measure: Upon contact by an academic department or program, the Library’s Collection Development Team will gather necessary data and send a report to the unit and/or faculty member(s) requesting assistance within the stated parameters. Time permitting during the 2012 Spring Semester, the Collection Development Team will select a subject area with graduate programs and work with selected faculty members to weed the subject area and purchase more relevant materials.

Intended Results: The Library must insure it has and/or provides access to the most appropriate materials to support classroom assignments and projects and to meet the research needs of students and faculty.

OBJECTIVE 6: Using unspent Materials Budget allocations (if available) to academic departments, work with the University Library Committee to administer the “Library Excellence Fund.” (MG 1, MG 4, & SD 1)

Assessment Measure: Each spring semester, the Executive Director asks the University Library Committee to appoint a subcommittee to work with him and the Head of Library Technical Services to allocate the Excellence Fund. Academic departments will submit requests no later than the first week in May. The subcommittee will make final recommendations no later than the first week in June.

Intended Results: The Excellence Fund, composed of unused departmental allocations, allows academic departments to recommend for purchase library resources normally too expensive to acquire and/or to round out the collection.

OBJECTIVE 7: Continue to explore opportunities to partner with member institutions in the Texas Tech University System for joint purchases of resources and access to information. (MG 1, MG 3, MG 6, CO 1, CO 3, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: The Executive Director and other appropriate staff members will work with their counterparts from the Texas Tech University System to develop a plan for the System Library Resources Project. The finished report is due by 16 January 2012 to Dr. Tim Hudson, Vice Chancellor.

Intended Results: Any new cooperative agreements should increase ASU Library users’ access to information, hopefully at a reduced cost.

OBJECTIVE 8: With the latest release of the Voyager automation system, evaluate the user interface on RamCat to provide the easiest and clearest access to the Library’s holdings and resources. (MG 5)

Assessment Measure: Evaluate the new interface and make any needed changes to improve user access by the end of the 2012 Spring Semester.

Intended Results: Improve ease of use of RamCat.

OBJECTIVE 9: Meet or exceed the average expenditure per FTE student of identified “stretch” peer institutions. (MG 1 & MG3)

Assessment Measure: Meet or exceed the average expenditure per FTE student of identified stretch peer institutions. For Comparison purposes, will use the latest available data from NCES and/or Texas Academic Library Statistics.

Intended Results: This will demonstrate Library and University commitment of support for services and resources in comparison to identified stretch peer institutions.

GOAL 2: IMPROVE USER SERVICES (MG 1, MG 3, MG 5, MG 7, CO 1, SD 1, & SD 5)

OBJECTIVE 1: To help with professional and support staff development continue staff development programs. Additional work is needed in analyzing workflow issues in Technical Services. (MG 3, MG 5, MG 7, CO 1, & SD 3)

Assessment Measure: Continue a series of staff development programs to improve overall operations and performance. The Head of Library Technical Services will evaluate workflow in order to most efficiently utilize Voyager and Banner.

Intended Results: Improve overall staff performance and expertise.

OBJECTIVE 2: Finish implementation of the recommendations from the Task Force on the redesign of the Library’s RamPort Tab and web pages. Determine the best primary focal point for the ASU community’s access to Library resources and services. (MG 7)

Assessment Measure: Complete implementation of recommendations and determine course of action on appropriate focal point before the end of the 2012 Spring Semester.

Intended Results: Improve library users’ ease of access to library resources.

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. (MG 7)

Assessment Measure: Each Library department and unit will continue to revise and update process and service procedures. (See individual department and unit reports.) One or two Library departments will move their procedure manuals to a WIKI format by the end of the 2012 Spring Semester. The Executive Director will complete revisions to and submit for approval at least three more Library policies to the University Library Committee before the end of the 2012 Spring Semester.

Intended Results: Intended to keep Library policies in line with University and System rules while insuring accepted best practices in academic libraries.

OBJECTIVE 4: Continue to investigate and implement services and resources to support ASU distance learning students and programs. (MG 3, CO 1, CO 2, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: The Executive Director will work with the Distance Education Committee on a review of copyright compliance issues. The Library will participate with Information Technology’s Project Office in a campus-wide effort to address streaming video issues and storage for periodicals and other serial publications moving from print to PDF or similar formats. Recommendations on solutions will be available by the end of the 2012 Spring Semester.

Intended Results: The Library will have resources and services in place to support existing and new distance learning programs.

OBJECTIVE 5: Improve students’ and faculty members’ information literacy skills. (MG 1, MG 3, MG 4, MG 5, CO 1, SD 1, & SD 5)

Assessment Measure: Assessment Measure: Continue to offer an increasing number of general and subject/resource specific training sessions. Continue the replacement of existing online tutorials with new, media-rich online tutorials and begin development and implementation of new subject area tutorials. Implement the use of the new software package, LibGuides, before the beginning of the 2012 Spring Semester.

Intended Results: The Library will have resources and services in place to support existing and new distance learning programs.

OBJECTIVE 6: Determine the best course of action for the Texas Document Collection. (TBD)

Assessment Measure: Appoint a taskforce in the fall 2011 to determine disposition of the Texas Documents Collection. The Texas Document Program was discontinued following the 2011 Legislative Session.

Intended Results: To preserve the most important resources for use by the ASU Community and area residents.

OBJECTIVE 7: Work with Information Technology on implementing (in fall 2011) the Continuous Operation of the Library proposal. (TBD)

Assessment Measure: The Library and Information Technology will use the learning Commons to provide overnight study space and technology access for the ASU community. Operation should begin on 11 September 2011.

Intended Results: The Learning Commons provides a better space (technology rich environment with collaborative learning spaces) for students needing a late-night venue for study, research, and work on projects than the MCS computer lab.

GOAL 3: IMPROVE LIBRARY COMMUNICATION (MG 5)

OBJECTIVE 1: Continue to publish the Library Newsletter.

Assessment Measure: Publish two issues in the fall semester and one issue in the spring semester.

Intended Results: The Library Newsletter keeps the University community informed about new services, developments, and resources in the Library.

OBJECTIVE 2: Develop a new “Guide to Library Services” web page.

Assessment Measure: A task force will present its recommendations for approval by the Executive Director by the end of the 2012 Spring Semester. Implementation will occur before the start of the 2013 academic year.

Intended Results: The web page link would provide the users with updated information on Library services and resources in an easier to access and use format.

GOAL 4: IMPROVE LIBRARY FACILITIES (MG 1, MG 2, MG 3, MG 4, MG 5, CO 1, SD 3, & SD 7)

OBJECTIVE 1: To support research, co-curricular activities, residential campus life, and student recruitment and retention efforts, work with Information Technology on the operation of the Learning Commons on the First Floor of the Library.

Assessment Measure: By the end of the fall semester, IT and the Library will work to have finished the installation of four “Express Lane” stations in the Learning Commons. Within the same time period, a third printer will be added to the print station area.

Intended Results: The “Express Lane” stations and the third printer will ease the overload on existing PCs/laptops and printers in the Learning Commons. Students will not have as long a wait for available PCs or a laptop to print a needed document. The additional printer will ease wait times and congestion in the print station area of the Learning Commons.

OBJECTIVE 2: Depending on available funding, finalize plans to make the best possible use of all existing space on the Library’s three floors.

Assessment Measure: By the end of October 2011, seek approval for implementation of suggested projects in the Fund Balance plans submitted in FY 11. This would include the remodeling of the existing group study rooms on Second Floor and in the basement and the creation of eight individual study work stations with PCs on Second Floor. Work will commence by the end of the FY 12 period but may carry over into FY 13.

Intended Results: With the technology rich environment of the Learning Commons, users will expect the same or similar levels of quality study space in other areas of the Library.

GOAL 5: CONTINUE TO ADD MATERIAL AND INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES (MG 1, MG 3, MG 7, CO 1, & SD 7)

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.

Assessment Measure: Web site development completed before the end of the academic year.

Intended Results: A web site will provide campus-wide access to the purpose, resources, and services available from the UA.

OBJECTIVE 2: Continue to solicit and process materials from the campus community that are of historical value.

Assessment Measure: Under normal circumstances, respond within one week of any contact. Under normal circumstances, process materials within one month of reception.

Intended Results: To document the history of ASU by preserving records with historical value.

OBJECTIVE 3: The Executive Director and University Archivist will continue to administer the campus records retention program.

Assessment Measure: By 30 September 2011, a revised Records Retention Plan will be submitted to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) for approval.

Intended Results: See response to Object No. 2.

GOAL 6: CONTINUE TO ADD MATERIALS AND INCREASE THE USE OF THE WEST TEXAS COLLECTION AND WORK WITH THE FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDS PROGRAMS (MG 1, MG 3, MG 7, CO 1, CO 3, & SD7)

OBJECTIVE 1: To continue adding, processing, and making available collections on local, regional and state history.

Assessment Measure: UUnder normal circumstances, respond within one week of any contact and process materials in a timely manner. Also explore the possibility of using the digital repository capabilities of the Texas Digital Library as a site for storage of digitized collections and resources from the West Texas Collection.

Intended Results: Provide a repository to preserve the records that document the historical development and significance of the region and its people. Process those collections so they are preserved, organized and available to researchers.

OBJECTIVE 2: To continue working with Region XV and public schools to increase the use of the Collection by teachers through workshops and “history trunks.”

Assessment Measure: Provide workshops as requested. Assist public school classes in developing research skills.

Intended Results: Provide assistance to area school teachers and students by bringing primary research materials into the classroom and providing workshops to improve teaching methods.

OBJECTIVE 3: To continue to serve as a resource for the History Dept.

Assessment Measure: Continue to work with classes doing historical research and to provide ongoing internship opportunities for history majors.

Intended Results: Provide opportunities to give history students a hands-on approach to historical research and to develop skills in archival work. Also, provide classes with the needed materials and expertise to complete research assignments.

OBJECTIVE 4: To continue and expand community outreach projects.

Assessment Measure: Offer three community programs within the academic year.

Intended Results: Encourage more cooperative outreach programs with the local community and region.

OBJECTIVE 5: To continue working with the Excellence in West Texas History Fellowship Board for the fourth year of awards.

Assessment Measure: Work with the Board to select two new recipients; host a dinner in April to announce the award winners and other events for the Fellows; work with publishers when manuscripts are completed and continue fund raising for the program.

Intended Results: The Fellowship program will stimulate renewed interest in researching and publishing West Texas history.

OBJECTIVE 6: Assist the Friends group with the annual book sale, genealogy workshop and other activities. Continue to act as liaison between the Friends group and the University.

Assessment Measure: In accordance with University, System, and State rules, provide support for Friends’ activities.

Intended Results: The Friends provide excellent community outreach by promoting Library and West Texas Collection activities, providing financial support and awarding scholarships for deserving students.

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 1.  MG=Master Goal, CO=Current Objectives, & SD=Strategic Directions.