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The Library Strategic Plan for 2008 defined ten
priorities. Significant progress was made in fulfilling these
during the year.
1. To contribute to the University’s education and research
performance by implementing the Library’s Research and Education
Support Plans.
Implementation of the Education and Research Support Plans
continued during 2008. The Plans will be reviewed in 2009 within
the context of the Library’s overall planning framework.
2. To improve the user experience by upgrading facilities in
accordance with the Facilities Master Plan.
The refurbished CL Butchers Pharmacy Library in the Manning
Building at the Parkville campus became operational in August and
was formally opened in December. Planning for a new Law
Library commenced as part of the anticipated move of the Law
Faculty to a new building on the Caulfield campus in 2012.
The Facilities Master Plan was reviewed and an audit against
the Plan was made at each branch. Improvements were made to
signage, furniture and entrances as part of the audit.
3. To contribute to improved student performance through
information literacy and learning skills programs.
The Learning Skills Unit operated for its first full year as a
Library service. A range of successful programs, many including
both information literacy and learning skills, were developed and
implemented in partnership with all faculties. Notable amongst
these were the Bachelor of Business Foundation Year in the Faculty
of Business and Economics, the Biological Science unit in the
Faculty of Science and the Research and Writing first year unit in
the Faculty of Law. As planned, a review of learning skills
commenced towards the end of 2008.
4. To improve access to a broader range of information
resources through the implementation of the resource discovery
framework.
Work continued throughout the year to improve the presentation
of the catalogue and increase the ease with which users gain
access to information resources. Improvements included
implementation of a spell check facility for searching and
inclusion of thumbnail images of items. Federated search and link
resolution services continued to be investigated and consideration
was given to acquiring an overarching resource discovery layer
application, with a decision to be made in 2009.
Library resources are now being loaded into Google Scholar to
provide users with an alternative search mechanism.
5. To contribute to the success of the Malaysia and South
Africa campuses by supporting the development of their library
services.
A number of activities contributed to the growth and
development of library services on the Sunway Campus in Malaysia
and the South African campus during 2008. Visits between
Australia, Malaysia and South Africa were made by staff. A review
of learning services at Sunway was undertaken, and a report and
recommendations made to the Education Committee at Sunway. Regular
teleconferences between the campuses and participation in General
Library Committee meetings have strengthened collaboration and
interaction.
6. To help to develop national and university information
management capability through the ARROW project and digital data
management strategic initiatives.
The national ARROW project, led by Monash University Library,
concluded in December 2008. ARROW was established in 2003 to
develop, test and install software that would enable Australian
universities to establish integrated institutional repositories.
Sixteen universities have adopted the platform for their
repositories. ARROW and the related DART and ARCHER projects, also
led by Monash University, informed Government thinking regarding
the Research Quality Framework.
During the year a Data Management Coordinator was appointed.
The Library’s DARE project commenced and aims to extend the role
of contact librarians to include research data management advice
for researchers. 7. To review the Monash
University ePress to ensure that it best meets the needs of the
University.
A review of the ePress was undertaken in 2008 and strategies to
implement the recommendations will be developed and applied as
appropriate in 2009 to ensure that the role of the press in the
University continues to evolve.
8. To review and resolve ongoing collection management and
storage needs.
A long term storage strategy has been completed and endorsed by
the University. Participation in the development of CAVAL’s new
CARM storage facility was approved and final negotiations with
partners are proceeding towards completion of the new facility in
2010.
9. To ensure that the Library’s service offer is effectively
communicated.
Communication strategies and mechanisms were reviewed and a new
communication framework was developed and implemented. A post
implementation review of the electronic notice boards found a
positive response to this mode of communication. All Library
publications were reviewed and a communication matrix completed.
10. To develop the ability of staff to continue to provide
outstanding services in a rapidly changing environment.
Values and behaviours workshops for all Library staff, and the
establishment of a mentoring program, were key initiatives in
staff development. New senior managers participated in a
leadership and development program and the Library implemented a
new model for conference attendance for all staff. |
