Library Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012
Library Vision and Mission
Vision
- Dynamic and innovative, the Library extends beyond its physical boundaries.
- As the key provider of quality information and related services, we are proactive and flexible in fulfilling information needs.
- We work with La Trobe University students and staff to achieve teaching, learning and research goals.
Mission Statement
La Trobe University Library is committed to achieving the highest standards in the provision of information resources and services in order to advance the teaching, learning and research of the University.
Teaching and learning – core priorities and Library strategies
University priority
Develop sustainable high quality teaching programs
Library strategy:
In partnership with academic staff build high quality library collections that are aligned with curriculum development
Library actions 2009:
- Advise on library collections at the point of curriculum design
- Investigate automated processes for book and e-book selection, acquisition and processing
University priority
Establish a student experience program to improve employability and develop the skills and understanding of rounded citizens
Library strategy:
Contribute to graduate capabilities and life-long learning by embedding information literacy into the curriculum, in collaboration with academic staff
Library actions 2009:
- Implement generic, online information literacy programs based on international best practice
- Implement the Library Information Literacy Policy in each Faculty to achieve a systemic, sustainable and systematic model of undergraduate research skills education that is consistent at each campus
- Continue to embed information resources and services into the learning management system, wherever possible
- Work closely with academic language and learning skills staff to provide integrated services to students
University priority
Resource teaching excellence
Library strategy:
Promote and deliver information resources linked to curriculum delivery
Library actions 2009:
- Investigate and implement improved federated searching of digital resources
- Investigate and implement improved OPAC features based on available usability data
- Expand virtual reference services using Web 2.0 capability
University priority
Promote equity of access for students of ability
Library strategy:
Provide equitable access to information resources within flexible learning environments accommodating a diversity of learning styles and ensuring consistent levels of service
Library actions 2009:
- Plan for redevelopment of Bundoora Library to provide quality learning spaces that encourage collaboration and enhance learning
- Consider options for building redevelopment at Bendigo
- Investigate unmediated document delivery options including the BONUS scheme
Research – core priorities and Library strategies
University priority
Expand research quality and impact
Library strategy:
Build and promote access to research collections for development of new knowledge and the application of knowledge for the benefit of all
Library actions 2009:
- Acquire, organise and deliver high quality digital collections that match recognised quality of print collections, particularly in the University’s areas of research strength
- Maintain quality of print collections particularly in the University’s areas of research strength
- Prepare business case for long term storage of and access to print collections
- Review the need for quotas on Inter Lending Document Delivery Service material for postgraduates
University priority
Raise volume and quality of research and increase research income
Library strategy:
In partnership with researchers develop open access, institutional repositories of research outputs and provide advice on the curation and preservation of research data
Library actions 2009:
- Promote regulation changes that provide automatic deposit of higher degree theses into the open access institutional repository
- Provide easy pathways for the self-submission of research outputs into open access
- Establish current status of preservation and curation of research data and suggest options and architectures for the future
University priority
Establish targeted cross-faculty research institutes
Library strategy:
Promote Library resources and services that advance global, collaborative research
Library actions 2009:
- Contribute to the advancement of research information skills for staff
- Provide targeted services, research skills programs and (as building changes allow) specific study areas for postgraduate students
- Improve search and navigation of multi-disciplinary digital resources
Enabling priorities and Library Strategies
Staff
Library actions 2009:
- Recruit, develop and retain skilled and committed staff
- Review staff development policies
- Facilitate cross campus collaboration
- Implement succession planning strategies
- Explore the possibility of implementing (and budgeting for) a new library graduate position
Organisation
Library actions 2009:
- Reconsider staff synergies in the Web 2.0 environment
- Following consultation, implement recommendations of the functional review
Internationalisation
Library actions 2009:
- ensure offshore students receive equitable access to the resources they require for research and study
- contribute to and participate in international collaborative library activities
Marketing and communication
Library actions 2009:
- Develop communications strategy
- Monitor client perceptions and incorporate results of surveys into planning
- Promote library services and resources to users and non-users
Resources
Library actions 2009:
- Maximise return on investment in library resources and services
- Manage Library budget effectively and sustainably
- Manage Library environment flexibly for changing research and study needs
- Contribute to long term building plans and the University’s master plan for buildings