Improvements since the Library Survey 2008
Since the Library Survey in April/May 2008 efforts have focused on the top five areas which respondents identified for improvement.
Improving access to computers
- This will be improved at Bundoora once the Library refurbishment project is completed in 2010. In the meantime, an additional 14 computers will be installed and 86 upgraded. Audio enabled PCs are being extended.
- At Bendigo, additional work areas with powerpoints for user laptops have been established on both floors of the library.
- At Albury-Wodonga the computers in the Library Training Room are now available for general use when the room is not being used for library classes. All student use computers were updated over the Christmas break.
- More computers have been provided at Mildura and minor building works have been undertaken to provide a more suitable environment, with extra space and better airconditioning.
- Wireless network is being installed at Shepparton and an additional computer is available for student use.
Providing sufficient multiple copies
- The Library at all the campuses is purchasing more print copies of prescribed and recommended readings, and other items where there is demonstrated high demand.
- We are purchasing more e-books and more copies of high demand books in e format.
- We have increased the number of holds a patron can place on an item. This should also improve availability of high demand materials.
Increasing electronic journals
- The Library now provides access to more journal titles in electronic form. This will continue to improve in 2009 as more titles are transferred from print to electronic, and become available at all campuses.
- The Library now has more electronic backfiles of journals. These backfile collections will continue to expand in 2009.
Improving individual seating
- This will be improved at Bundoora once the Library refurbishment project is completed.
- At Bendigo a small amount of additional seating has been provided, but the overall space constraints limit major improvements.
- At Albury-Wodonga additional study spaces adjacent to power and suitable for laptop use have been added.
Improving the Library collection
- Collections of books and journals continue to be actively developed and expanded to support current teaching and research, and new university initiatives such as dentistry and oral health. The Library purchased more books including e books in 2008 than in previous years.
- Weeding out of date and low use books is ongoing at all campus libraries.
- More e journal titles, including earlier years, are now accessible and will continue to expand in 2009. More journal titles will be transferred from print to electronic format in 2009.
- More journal backfile purchases are also planned during this year.