Sections in italics have been substantially rewritten since the 2000-2001 Reference unit Gs&Os or are new.
Provide a collection of information resources which will support present and future research needs of the university community.
1. Provide a balanced, accurate, current and relevant collection of print and digital reference tools for library research in the sciences (especially the life sciences and agriculture), the humanities and the social sciences, and for general reference.
2. Select appropriate new reference materials in all the formats that we can accommodate (including print, CD-ROMs, networked databases, and World Wide Web pages).
1. Invite wide participation in selection and weeding decisions, including consideration of digital materials.
2. With the Collection Managers, establish collection development statements for electronic materials.
3. Maintain a "main library reference" collection of print and digital tools on 1-East that meets the needs of users (including introductory and exploratory research) and the work of staff on duty at the reference desk.
4. Maintain a complementary non-circulating "Consulting Reference" collection in Basement-West for books that may be older, narrower in focus, or demand more prior knowledge (including a wider range of languages), to support the work of subject bibliographers and advanced researchers.
5. When appropriate, move from print index and abstract tools to digital indexes and fulltext databases, balancing issues of cost, technical reliability, training, licensing, and access (including networking and ease of use).
6. Add a new 'ldlmo' fund for support of LDLS off-campus reference needs, out of the refmo and scrmo funds.
Provide bibliographic services and personal assistance to aid library users in identifying, locating and using resources.
1. Plan for email and/or realtime "electronic reference" services to supplement 1-East desk services.
2. Help independent users by providing guides to reference tools, in paper and as Web pages.
3. Provide "off-the-desk" reference assistance, including referrals to specialists, in-depth help by appointment, and services using realtime software, e-mail software, the U.S. mail, faxes, and the telephone.
1. Work with the Assistant Director for Public Services to design and install maps and signs for library users.
2. Collect, analyze and report "off-the-desk" performance measure tallies from participating reference desk staff and others, to measure the growth of reference activity in new media, beyond walk-up reference desk traffic.
3. Continue to discuss realistic service standards and expectations for reference services (1-East, Consulting Reference, online reference, and others), and address shortcomings through training.
4. Pursue basic competencies for as many research tools and disciplines as possible for all reference desk staff, through regular training by subject bibliographers and others.
5. In cooperation with the Instruction unit, educate users about library resources through course-related B.I. sessions, LCTTP, handouts and Web pages, and teaching techniques such as collaborative learning.
6. Pursue a mix of reference desk staff covering the disciplines taught at MSU as completely as possible .
7. Evaluate, select and offer email and realtime "electronic reference" services on a trial basis, addressing remote users' needs, realistic staffing and hours, and costs including Systems time and maintenance.
8. Maintain current, accurate reference Web-based guides about resources in all disciplines and the use of the Web.
9. Evaluate and implement advanced keyword searching (AVS) in the OPAC, including training for staff and users.
Organize, maintain, control, preserve and secure the collection for maximum utilization.
1. Process, bind, reshelve and maintain the print reference collection to make all materials available to library users.
2. Make the use of our computer-based tools as easy as possible, including remote access, printing and downloading.
3. Maintain a reference area that promotes pleasant, successful use of reference resources.
1. Provide a relevant and reliable collection of print and digital materials by selecting new or updated items for purchase; reshelving and shelfreading; binding and repairing materials; and weeding, withdrawing or transfering unnecessary materials.
2. Streamline use of the Closed Reference collection through weeding and simple circulation methods.
3. Enforce library policies about noise, food and drink, and access to the Internet.
4. Be aware of preservation, emergency, and disaster procedures and issues.
5. Manage space in Consulting Reference when appropriate, to relieve space problems in the Main stacks.
Promote the use of the University Libraries and their information resources.
1. Cooperate with other units to publicize resources and services to new and returning members of the MSU community.
2. Promote the MSU Libraries by participating in programs about libraries and their mission at the campus, local, state, regional and national level.
1. Cooperate with Collection Management, the Library Instruction unit, and librarians with liaison assignments to educate MSU faculty, staff and students about present and future library services.
2. Participate in Library Instruction activities, including Fall Welcome and course-related bibliographic instruction.
3. Teach MSU affiliates how to use the proxy server to reach library materials from off-campus.
4. Educate community users without MSU login authorization about available library services and materials.
Share resources with other institutions to improve access for our users.
1. Participate in existing cooperative partnerships such as CIC, CRL, and MRLT.
2. Pursue potential new partnerships with institutions, consortia or individuals.
1. Pursue "electronic reference" options that are consistent with effective resource sharing.
2. Work with the DCL/MSU Library to offer complementary, not redundant or competing, access to law materials.
3. Cooperate with other CIC library reference units to share knowledge, services (including archiving), and online tools.
4. Be alert to opportunities for cooperation with the other Michigan Research Library Triangle institutions.
5. Share insights and foster cooperation with librarians from other institutions through visits, workshops and conferences.
Provide remote access to library resources.
1. Participate in and improve our existing outreach and extension programs.
2. Develop new ideas to extend high-quality services to remote users.
1. Complement our existing remote access to library materials, by using email- and realtime-based "electronic reference" software to promote remote access to library public services as well.
2. Make sure that licensing and network access for online resources takes into account the needs of remote users.
3. In managing log-in and authentication, balance concerns about access and security against the needs of remote users.
4. Support the work of LDLS, the Science Access Center, and the Virtual University.
5. Teach users how to evaluate Internet-based materials independently.
Provide an appropriate space and environment, and administrative support, for research and study/services and activities.
1. Identify equipment, space, technical resources, and personnel to support the best possible reference service.
2. Encourage professional development through formal and informal recognition, compensation, training, and support of participation in conferences and other professional opportunities.
3. Support library and university commitments to diversity through hiring, training, service to under-represented populations, and the application of ADA guidelines.
4. Participate in appropriate local, state, regional and national programs about information access in society.
1. Modify the reference desk area on 1-East as necessary to improve service, including"electronic reference," simple and secure access to Closed Reference titles, and convenience for staff.
2. Continue staff training in all disciplines handled at the combined reference desk, including training for new staff.
3. Use APP&R, the budget, and space planning opportunities to maintain effective work areas for library users and staff, including sufficent PC workstations, networks, servers, and laser printers; other furniture; and other needed facilities.
4. Maintain accurate budget figures for student labor, supply and equipment, print, travel, binding and other accounts.
5. Pursue clerical support or student assistant hours to extend the ability of librarians to get their work done.
6. Represent reference perspectives in appropriate library and university committees and task forces.
7. Circulate professional literature among reference unit members.
8. Improve skills by support ing reference staff participation in local, regional and national meetings and workshops; scholarly activities; and staff development programs offered by the Library, University or private sources.
9. Conduct RECAP, PDP and merit evaluation processes correctly.
10. Support staff participation in MSU and Libraries programs addressing social issues such as students at risk, alcohol awareness, violence prevention, diversity programs, distressed student programs, and one-on-one assistance.
URL = http://www.lib.msu.edu/sowards/services/mlr/mlrgo01.html
Page editor: Steven Sowards
This page created 7 June 2001; last updated 29 October 2001; URL updated 4 March
2004.