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To ensure that the Library meets or exceeds the requirements and standards of best practice in the Australian university sector.
Provide a planning and continuing improvement framework for activities and services
The Library actively contributes data to a range of University, national and international surveys. The Monash University experience surveys and the Council of Australian University Librarians user surveys provide valuable, objective measures of Library users’ perception of the facilities and services offered.
The Library’s risk and compliance register is updated and completed quarterly.
Current Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators are in place. These are reported regularly to the General Library Committee and made available on the public Library website. Learning services was included in the Library’s service level reports for the first time in 2008.
Monash Experience Questionnaire
The Monash Experience Questionnaire, the University’s major survey, asks students about all academic aspects of University life. Students are asked to rate several items that relate to the Library in a section headed Student support/resources. Students reported positively on all items in this section and 70.8% were satisfied with student support/resources in general. As can be seen from the graph, the Library’s results are very positive and have been gradually improving since 2003.
Provide an energised, innovative work environment
Values and behaviours
As part of a staff development initiative, all Monash University Library staff participated in the development of values and behaviours statements to improve the work environment. Four core values were identified: Service, Excellence, Cooperation and Integrity. Under each of the values a number of elaborating behaviours were identified.
Continue to improve Library marketing and communications programs
Communications Framework development
A communications framework for the Library was endorsed to provide guidance to staff regarding methods of communication and effective communication channels within the University.
The use of electronic noticeboards in each branch was reviewed and the images improved to ensure that accessible, consistent information is communicated to users. A survey revealed a high level of acceptance of the range and content of the slides.
The suite of publications, in particular the library user’s guide (z card) and toolkit provided to users, was reviewed. This revealed that users preferred more targeted content and distribution rather than one publication that covered all aspects of the Library’s services. As a result the format and content of a number of the publications has been updated.
Effective staff performance and development program
In addition to the two major initiatives described below, a range of developments took place in 2008:
- Performance planning training was offered to supervisors.
- A number of team building workshops were organised.
- Participation was sought in working groups developing learning spaces.
- The Library’s Staff Development funding model was reviewed and funds were distributed according to the new model.
Conference attendance
To ensure fair and equitable access to work-related conferences, new guidelines were developed to clarify the requirements and selection process for staff to attend. Within this framework, a conference attendance selection committee was formed and all applications for conference attendance are now evaluated by the committee.
Management Skills Development
A management and leadership program was implemented, with two staff participating in 2008. The program consists of several streams: formal management skills training, participation in recruitment and selection activities, exposure to human resource issues, Library project activities and shadowing of HEW 7/8/9 coordinators and managers.
Lead and support the creative management of the university’s scholarly information
e-theses
The University’s requirement for theses to be submitted electronically was formalised in 2008 for implementation from 2009. Electronic publication of theses will allow the University to make its research output more widely available. Communication of the new requirement to staff and students was identified as a priority and to this end, the Library worked with the Monash Research Graduate School to develop information for the web site and training materials. New procedures and workflows for e-thesis submission were also developed.
Copyright
The University Copyright Officer is based in the Library and performs advisory, consultative and educational roles on Library projects and across the University. The copyright risk profile has been reviewed and updated, with key actions concentrating on communication and training. The Library induction program for new staff has been reviewed and now includes a component on copyright. The Copyright Advisory Group (CoAG) developed the Copyright Compliance Policy, which was endorsed by the University’s Strategy and Resources Committee. Targeted training for sessional staff and higher degree students and their supervisors was introduced. The Copyright website was updated to include information for new postgraduate students completing their PhD submissions and new FAQ’s were developed for readings and reserve staff. The Library Electronic Resources Misuse policy and procedures were tabled and endorsed by CoAG. The Library’s Terms and conditions of use page, relating to the use of Information Technology resources, was reviewed at CoAG and recommended changes were made to the website.
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