LSU Libraries Long Range Action Agenda 2004-2010


Mission

As the library of the flagship institution in the state, we provide comprehensive access to information essential to teaching, research, and service at Louisiana State University. Through our human resources and maximized use of technology, the library staff meets these needs for the University community, extends information services to the state, and makes unique holdings available to the world.

Vision/Values

  • Commitment to excellence in quality services to meet customers' needs.
  • Use of progressive and innovative technologies to provide best access to information sources.
  • Recruitment and retention of a committed staff that applies ever higher professional standards to the continuous improvement of service quality.
  • Leadership for the advancement of our libraries and the library profession.
  • Equitable and easy access to information for all.
  • Collaboration as a means to maximize resources, reduce risk for individual libraries, and enhance effectiveness of library services.
  • Use of standards and best practices in the management of information.


I. Information Resources. Maximize availability of information resources regardless of ownership, location, or format to our user population, including the provision of reasonable accommodations for users with special needs, by the most efficient and cost-effective means.

Objective 1.1. Select, maintain, and provide access to collections, regardless of format.
Performance indicators.
  • Provide appropriate and extensive electronic databases/indices for LSU community.
  • Provide remote access to electronic materials not already available remotely.
  • Increase access to electronic books and serials.
  • Provide stable, single access interface [portal/gateway?] to electronic resources.
  • Redefine collecting patterns and user needs to match available resources, greater or lesser.
Constraints.
  • Funding and decision making process.


Objective 1.2. Evaluate use of collection.
Performance indicators.
  • Utilize system-generated reports to make collection decisions.
  • Ongoing weeding project to release space for newer collections.
  • Weed items available electronically if a permanent source for the material is available.
  • Identify materials for possible remote storage.
  • Provide electronic storage for locally created electronic databases.
  • Collaborate with other academic libraries in shared archive of print copies of JSTOR and other electronic serials.
Constraints.
  • Time; method for discarding weeded items; staff resources; funding.


Objective 1.3. Collect, preserve, and provide access to unique state and regional resources.
Performance indicators.
  • Establish appropriate digitization projects to provide access to collections, projects that are flexible enough to incorporate changing technology.
  • Phase in cataloging of map collection at reasonable pace.
  • Records are in database for majority of manuscript groups.
  • Submit a proposal for a University Records Center with professional records manager to handle University records.
  • Periodically review and modify LLMVC collection development policy to include unique resources that are born digital and the technology necessary for their preservation.
  • Develop and implement a statewide collaborative preservation program for unique materials.
  • Identify under represented/minority groups and possible related collections for consideration for adding to the collection.
Constraints.
  • Staff resources; money; technology; space.
  • University support.


II. Facilities. Manage the libraries buildings and equipment to support institutional goals and a safe, healthful, and accessible learning and working environment.

Objective 2.1. Reconfigure and refurbish existing areas to make more efficient use of space and to improve appearance of area.
Performance indicators.
  • Review use of library space, including evaluating the presence of computer labs if university requires laptops.
  • Reconfigure floors to meet needs of library clientele [e.g., floors restricted to single or group study, etc.]
  • Respond as appropriate/possible to users' needs as expressed in user surveys.
Constraints.
  • University support.
  • Funding.


Objective 2.2. Modify facilities to meet requirements of growing collections, expanding services, and increasing number of patrons and personnel.
Performance indicators.
  • Add additional security.
  • Upgraded fire safety equipment.
  • Improved office spaces for staff.
  • Upgrade some public furniture for some lounge areas and study areas.
  • Replace/repair furniture.
  • Repair/replace compact shelving.
Constraints.
  • Funding.
  • Space.


Objective 2.3. Develop plan/proposal for remote storage facility.
Performance indicators.
  • Existence of remote storage facility either at the LSU campus level, the LSU system level, or at state public academic institutional level, with reasonable retrieval schedule and electronic delivery of articles.
  • Remote storage facility or arrangements for storage of data.
Constraints.
  • Funding.
  • University support.


Objective 2.4. Complete an overview of the library facilities needs.
Performance indicators.
  • Either plans in place for new library/information facility or complete renovation of Middleton for current needs.
Constraints.
  • Funding and university support.


III. Staff Development. Enhance library effectiveness by recruiting and developing qualified staff.

Objective 3.1. Recruit and hire qualified, diverse, service-oriented staff and faculty.
Performance indicators.
  • Recruitment program in place for different types of staffing.
  • Diversity emphasis in recruitment.
Constraints.
  • Resources.
  • Nationwide competition for such staff/faculty.


Objective 3.2. Expand staff development program.
Performance indicators.
  • Established basic staff development program in place with enhancements as needs evolve.
  • Staff development opportunities provided for staff moving into supervisory responsibilities.
  • Online staff development resources where possible.
  • Develop baseline competencies and provide training for staff in information literacy and/or technology skills.
Constraints.
  • Time, staff commitment, funding.


Objective 3.3. Enhance communication among staff and library units.
Performance indicators.
  • Encourage exchange of information among staff.
  • Continue Applause to alert staff of recognition and publications by staff.
  • Use of forums for more information exchange and discussion of current topics.
Constraints.
  • Staff commitment.


Objective 3.4. Review salaries of staff and faculty in comparison to peers.
Performance indicators.
  • Annually review salaries in relation to peers.
  • Provide salaries comparable to peers.
Constraints.
  • Time and funding.


IV. Public Service/Reference. Make information services and resources available and maintain infrastructure that accommodates technology.

Objective 4.1. Provide proactive instructional program for patrons.
Performance indicators.
  • Upgrade classrooms, including instructor-controlled lecture/workstations.
  • Create a discipline-related course or intensive workshop for graduate students to help prepare them for their information resource research.
  • Provide more web-based tutorials and more web-based sections of credit course.
Constraints.
  • Staffing.
  • Funding.
  • Technology.


Objective 4.2. Provide ongoing opportunities for input and feedback.
Performance indicators.
  • Conduct user surveys on a regular basis.
  • Solicit information from faculty and graduate students re: collection needs.
Constraints.
  • Time.
  • Cooperation of faculty and graduate students.


Objective 4.3. Provide appropriate information services anywhere/anytime for LSU faculty, students, staff, and, where feasible, to external users.
Performance indicators.
  • Promote 24/7 access to electronic resources.
  • Aggressive outreach program.
  • Electronic reference in place, publicized, and utilized.
Constraints.
  • Time.
  • Creativity in attracting patrons' attention.


Objective 4.4. Focus training on improved customer relations to ensure quality service to library users.

Performance indicators.
  • Establish training program to create organizational culture dedicated to customer service.
  • Ongoing overview cross training program.
Constraints.
  • Training.
  • Creativity.
  • Attracting attention, interest of academic community.


Objective 4.5. Educate patrons concerning collections and other information resources.
Performance indicators.
  • Collaboration of library faculty with discipline faculty in incorporating library/information related projects into course development and syllabi.
  • More visible promotion of services to academic community.
Constraints.
  • Commitment, cooperation, time.


V. Financial Resources. Seek budgetary resources that will allow for the development of library support for all programs within the University with special attention to areas targeted for excellence.

Objective 5.1. Work with LSU administrators to increase ongoing funding for LSU Libraries.
Performance indicators.
  • Increased library budget to meet collections, services, operational, and staff needs.
  • Review possible library fee with university administrators.
Constraints.
  • Funding.
  • Politics and university commitment.


Objective 5.2. Work with LSU Foundation to identify library donor needs for next capital campaign and for ongoing fund raising.
Performance indicators.
  • Get administrators involved in fund raising efforts for LSU Libraries.
  • Get attention of LSU Foundation in fund raising efforts for library system.
Constraints.
  • University and Foundation commitment and support.


Objective 5.3. Cultivate present and potential new donors.
Performance indicators.
  • External Relations Coordinator will have in place an ongoing program of cultivation.
Constraints.
  • Time and support.


Objective 5.4. Encourage the pursuit of grant and contract opportunities.
Performance indicators.
  • Workshops for staff interested in grant writing.
  • Successful grant recipients meet with and mentor interested staff.
Constraints.
  • Availability of workshops.
  • Staff commitment.


VI. Leadership/Partnership Development. Provide leadership and promote partnerships in developing, sharing, and preserving library and information resources.

Objective 6.1. Continue active participation in networking & consortial governance & activities.
Performance indicators.
  • LSU Libraries faculty serve on LOUIS, SOLINET, ASERL, and similar committees or boards.
Constraints.
  • Faculty activity level and persistence; time.


Objective 6.2. Broaden participation of librarians in university, state, regional, and national leadership roles.
Performance indicators.
  • Representative percent of LSU Libraries faculty serving on Faculty Senate committees.
  • Representative percent of LSU Libraries faculty on organization/association committees, holding offices, or on boards.
  • Work closely with organizations such as the Louisiana Center for the Book to promote literacy within the state.
  • Participate in university data storage and disaster recovery plans.
  • Participate in cooperative campus technology support and training of IT staff.
Constraints.
  • Faculty commitment, activity level, and persistence.
  • Time.