Providing physical libraries, technology and workstations
Developing a Facilities Master Plan
In 2003 a consulting organisation was contracted to develop a report on design principles and guidelines for the Monash University Library. An audit of the branches, completed by the consulting organisation with input from all branch managers, was used to develop a Facilities Master Plan. The Facilities Master Plan sets the principles and standards for future works within the libraries and will be used as a reference tool for architects to work from.
A secondary manual was commenced to define furniture, fitments, signage and wayfinding and should be completed early 2004.
Refurbishment of the Hargrave-Andrew Library was selected as the first project. A new entrance to the library will be developed adjacent to the existing café, which has been remodelled to make the precinct more attractive to students. A significant redistribution of the functional areas of the library has been foreshadowed. Work will commence on the library in 2004, and continue into 2005.
The intent is to commission a refurbishment for the Matheson Library in 2004, with work to be undertaken in 2005, and to refurbish other libraries in a rolling program, or as opportunity arises.
Improving equipment for student use
2003 saw major improvements to equipment available in branches for student use:
- Computer workstations
The library undertook a computer audit and analysed student computer ratios at all libraries, setting a computer to student ratio, of 1:70 as a minimum. It is envisaged that this goal will be achieved by 2005. As at 30 December 2003 the student to computer ratio was 80:1. This is an improvement on the 2002 ratio of 92:1.
| |
2003 |
2002 |
| Computer workstations for students in the library |
434 |
370 |
| Computer workstations in training rooms in library |
*168 |
*168 |
* this number includes 70 computer workstations provided by the law faculty in the computer lab located in the Law Library.
As a result of the audit another 89 computers were installed at the Caulfield Library and computers in the Matheson Postgraduate room were upgraded. A number of other library branches were identified for additional computers - Hargrave-Andrew, Law and Pharmacy branches. Additional computers were installed at the Pharmacy Library (including new printing facilities). The Hargrave-Andrew Library will have additional computers installed in 2004. Over 280 staff computer leases were renewed, making this the largest roll over of computers seen in the library at any one time. A total of 173 computers were purchased for the student environment. All loans and information desks were provided with flat screens, and over 60 flat screens were purchased for staff use, the start of a major upgrade in the staff environment. In addition,by the end of 2003 all staff and student computers in the library were standardised to include Windows 2000 or XP, including antivirus software.
- Wireless networks
Monash Information Technology Services installed wireless network access points in at least one public area on each of the Victorian campuses to enable enhanced levels of mobility and IT security. In 2003 wireless hubs were installed at Caulfield, Pharmacy and the Peninsula branches. Due to the high use of laptops, docking areas were also installed, which included power points, security locks and network points.
- Photocopiers
The library underwent contract negotiations for new digital photocopiers and appointed a new supplier of digital photocopiers for the student environment and multifunctional digital photocopier / printers for the staff areas for the period 2004 - 2008. A supplier was also appointed to provide photocopy cards over the next four years. All branches except Gippsland Library (whose copiers are maintained by the Gippsland campus administration) will also have new photocopiers installed before semester one 2004 commences. The new copiers are simple to use and break down less frequently. The Pharmacy Library, which had previously had a coin operated machine and no printing facilities, was upgraded to be on a par with other branches.
- Printers
New, high volume and additional printers were installed at Matheson, Hargrave-Andrew, Law, Caulfield and Berwick branches, and additional printers have been installed at the Peninsula and Pharmacy branches to cope with increasing demand for printing. Printing has increased by 83 per cent since 2002.
- Microform equipment
State-of-the-art equipment for converting microfilm and microfiche into a digital format was purchased in late 2003. With this equipment the library's vast collection of microforms can be viewed, digitised, emailed and printed. The machines, known as Microscanners, have the same functions as old microform readers, with the addition of in-built digital scanners. Eight microscanners will be available to library users - six machines in the Matheson Library and two in the Caulfield Library - in early 2004.
Extending the Peninsula Library training room
A proposal to the Peninsula Facilities and Services Division requesting $32,000 to extend the existing Peninsula Library training room, including provision for an additional 11 computers, was developed. The proposal was approved and work will commence in 2004.
Upgrading work areas at Pharmacy Library
In 2003, the Pharmacy Library was allocated significant funding for renovating the staff areas and the loans desk. Work commenced in November 2003, and will be ongoing into 2004, with carpeting and new furnishings planned.
Improving facilities to meet demand at the Caulfield Library
The Caulfield Library, as the branch with the largest recent increase in usage, was targeted for improvements to accommodate the increasing demands on its facilities, including:
- refurbishment of the level three flexible learning area provided an improved environment for group study and group work areas;
- upgrading computer facilities in the 12 postgraduate study rooms; and
- increasing the number of computers in the training room from 18 to 24, allowing hands on training for larger groups.
Providing a secure and safe environment
Ensuring safety procedures are in place
The operational plans for all branches included strategies to review emergency evacuation procedures and ensure that correct procedures were included for incident reports. A system of risk assessment has been introduced across the university to ensure that new or changes to existing work practices are firstly assessed for any potential hazards. Further to this, changes to the physical environment are assessed by Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHS&E) Policy Commitee and the local OHS&E zone committee to ensure compliance to OHS&E regulations for both staff and student areas in consultation with those affected. |
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Caulfield Library Manager, Robet Hornett and library users enjoy level 3 refurbishments. |
Providing facilities for people with special needs
Provide assistance to students with a disability
A designated library staff member from each branch provided assistance to library users with a disability. Library staff reported large increases in requests by students with special needs for material to be available in alternative formats as well as heavy use of the adaptive technology rooms available in most branches in 2003.
The library has contributed to the drafting of the university's Inclusive Practices: Disability Plan 2003 -2006.
Providing Adaptive Technology Rooms
All adaptive technology rooms were upgraded with new equipment and software, with a new room opened at Berwick.
The Pharmacy Library, as the only branch not able to provide an Adaptive Technology Room, held negotiations with the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) regarding services for users that are provided by Adaptive Technology rooms in the larger libraries. To date a satisfactory solution has not been found to provide these facilities at the Parkville campus. |
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Second year Music student, Ross de Vent and his guide dog, Questa, in the Matheson Library Adaptive Technology Room. New PCs were installed in all Adaptive Technology Rooms in 2003. |
