Sections in italics have been substantially restated since the 2001-2002 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. 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.
2. Maintain a complementary non-circulating "Consulting Reference" collection in Basement-West to support the work of subject bibliographers and advanced researchers. These books may be older, narrower in focus, or demand greater prior knowledge (including a range of languages).
3. Develop an "online collection" perspective serving remote and other online users, compatible with chat reference, and reflecting costs, reliability, licensing, interface quality, and the potential to replace print titles with online equivalents. Cooperate with Collection Coordinators to write digital collection development guidelines.
4. Involve all interested staff in selection and weeding decisions, including consideration of online databases. Continue division of funds into refmo (Sowards) and scrmo (Kendall), with special attention to travel guides (Ladenson), college and career guides (Lorenzen), biography tools (Young) and law tools (Harrison).
5. Identify standing orders in Reference for cancellation, to pay for databases no longer be provided gratis through AccessMichigan.
Provide bibliographic services and personal assistance to aid library users in identifying, locating and using resources.
1. Provide scheduled public service for walk-up traffic on 1-East, as well as through the use of e-mail and "virtual reference" (chat).
2. Provide "off-the-desk" reference assistance, including the use of telephone, e-mail and virtual reference options.
3. Help independent users by providing guides to reference tools, in paper and as Web pages.
Specific objectives:
1. Carry out and evaluate plans for improved e-mail and "virtual reference" (chat) services.
2. Support the new Web page directory structure to improve access to Web-based research guides.
3. Help users overcome problems related to the lighting construction project.
4. Lead reference staff in discussion of competencies and standards: this includes both new "virtual reference" services and the need to cover a wide range of disciplines. Address shortcomings through training.
5. Support the Instruction unit in educating users about library resources through course-related B.I. sessions, LCTTP, printed and online guides, and techniques such as collaborative learning.
6. Collect, analyze and report "off-the-desk" performance measure tallies to measure reference activity (especially e-mail) that takes place away from the 1-East desk.
7. Work with the Assistant Director for Public Services to install maps and signs.
Organize, maintain, control, preserve and secure the collection for maximum utilization.
1. Maintain an attractive reference area that promotes successful use of reference resources.
2. Process, bind, reshelve and maintain the print reference collection to keep materials available to library users.
3. Assist Systems to make digital tools as easy as possible, including remote access, printing and downloading.
1. Select, transfer and weed print materials to make the best possible use of space on 1-East. WG-7, the Main Stacks and Remote Storage.
2. Enforce library policies about noise, food and drink, and access to the Internet.
3. Be aware of emergency and disaster procedures and responsibilities.
4. Apply preservation standards to the reference collection.
Promote the use of the University Libraries and their information resources.
1. Take part in publicizing resources and services to all 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. Publicize reference services through B.I., orientation, signs, print guides and Web pages.
2. Reach new library users through Fall Welcome and course-related bibliographic instruction.
Share resources with other institutions to improve access for our users.
1. Participate in existing cooperative partnerships such as CIC, CRL, and MLC/MLA.
2. Pursue potential new partnerships with institutions, consortia or individuals.
1. Work with the DCL/MSU Library to offer complementary access to law reference materials.
2. Cooperate with other CIC library reference units on joint projects such as the CRL Reference archive, and exploration of virtual reference.
3. Be aware of state-level initiatives such as InMich and AccessMichigan.
4. 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. Use e-mail and "virtual reference" (chat) to promote remote access to library public services.
2. Make sure that licensing and network access for online resources meet the needs of remote users.
3. Manage log-in and authentication to balance access and security issues with the needs of remote users.
4. Assist MSU affiliates off-campus who need to use the proxy server to reach licensed materials.
5. Support the work of LDLS and the Virtual University.
6. Develop more free-standing Web guides and make them more apparent to remote users.
Provide an appropriate space and environment, and administrative support, for research and study/services and activities.
1. Identify essential equipment, space, technical resources, and personnel to support 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 and training of staff, service to under-represented populations, and the application of ADA guidelines.
1. Modify the reference desk area on 1-East to support virtual reference, streamline access to Closed Reference titles, and increase convenience for staff.
2. Add tall shelf units selectively on 1-East to relieve crowding.
3. Train new and continuing staff in all disciplines handled at the combined reference desk.
4. Project and meet reasonable budget figures for student labor, supply and equipment, print, travel, binding and other accounts.
5. Identify support staff capabilities or student assistant hours to support the work of librarians.
6. Represent reference perspectives in appropriate library and university committees and task forces.
7. Publicize and discuss innovations in professional practices with reference unit members.
8. Improve skills by supporting 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 and on time.
10. Support staff participation in campus 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/mlrgo02.html
Page editor: Steven Sowards
This page created 30 May 2002; last modified 10 December 2002; URL updated 4
March 2004.