Items with special emphasis or changes are in italics. See also the 2002-2003 unit Gs&Os.
Provide a collection of information resources that 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), humanities and social sciences, and for general reference.
2. Select new reference materials in all appropriate formats (including print and digital).
1. Maintain the "Main Library Reference" collection of print and digital tools on 1-East to meet the needs of reference staff and users with both advanced and introductory needs.
2. Maintain access to selected in-depth "Consulting Reference" volumes in their new location on 1-East.
3. Identify standing orders in Reference to cancel, to offset increased costs (including changes in online databases provided by Me /AccessMichigan).
4. Develop an "online collection" suitable for remote users, online users, and the chat service. Write digital collection development guidelines in collaboration with Collection Coordinators.
5. Work with Government Documents staff to offer full access to GPO depository materials on the Web.
6. Involve interested staff in digital and print selection decisions, including funds used for scrmo (Kendall), travel guides (Ladenson), college and career guides (Flynn), biography tools (TBA), law tools (Harrison), funding center (Harrison), and. refmo (Sowards).
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 at the 1-East desk.
2. Provide "virtual reference" through scheduled e-mail and chat services.
3. Monitor "off-the-desk" reference activity (direct contact with bibliographers including telephone and e-mail).
4. Provide guides in paper and on the Web to help independent users.
Specific objectives:
1. Promote and assess ongoing "virtual reference" services.
2. Apply the new Web page directory structure to Web-based research guides.
3. Develop a system for "PC Help" through the 1-East Desk.
4. Consider future options for the Electronic Resources Help Room and the Instruction program.
5. Develop Assistive Technology Center help through the 1-East Desk.
6. Assist library users with collections that have moved within the Main building, including use of signs and maps.
7. Conduct reference staff training to improve subject knowledge and reference techniques, including training new staff.
8. Be sure that our training addresses federal depository guidelines and requirements.
9. Collect, analyze and report figures for "off-the-desk" reference activity to ARL.
Organize, maintain, control, preserve and secure the collection for maximum utilization.
1. Maintain a reference area that is attractive and promotes successful use of reference resources.
2. Process, bind, reshelve and maintain the print collection.
3. Work with Systems to make digital resources as easy to use as possible (including log-ins, remote access, printing and downloading).
1. Select, transfer and weed print materials to make the best possible use of available space.
2. Scrutinize the Consulting Reference collection for titles that can be merged with the Open Reference set, transferred or withdrawn.
3. Rearrange the 1-East desk area and the Closed Reference collection to streamline service.
4. Apply library policies about noise, food and drink, and Internet access.
5. Be aware of emergency and disaster procedures and responsibilities.
6. 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 through programs at the campus, local, state, regional and national level.
1. Develop ideas for promotion and wider awareness of reference services.
2. Use links on Web pages to promote "virtual reference" and increase chat traffic.
3. Contact 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. Cooperate with the MSU/DCL College of Law library to offer complementary service.
2. Share information with other CIC reference units about the CRL Reference archive and virtual reference projects.
3. Participate in state-level initiatives such as InMich and MeL/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 links on library Web pages to highlight our "virtual reference" services (e-mail and chat).
2. Include as many Web research guides as possible in the Electronic Resources pages.
3. Manage the transfer of Web guides to new URLs when the Web directory structure changes.
4. Pursue licensing, authentication and network access decisions that meet the needs of remote users.
5. Assist off-campus MSU affiliates with use of the proxy server.
6. Support the work of LDLS and the Virtual University.
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 building space assigned to reference to accomodate recent changes, including the transfer of Consulting Reference to 1-East, increased use of virtual reference, streamlined access to Closed Reference titles, and improvements in the desk area.
2. Hire sufficient staff who will have reference service duties, to meet scheduling needs.
3. Train new and currrent staff in all disciplines handled at the combined reference desk.
4. Manage funds for student labor, supplies and equipment, printing, binding and travel responsibly to reduce the impact of cuts in the university budget.
5. Represent reference service priorities in library and university committees and meetings.
6. Support professional development for reference staff through active participation in programs and meetings at the library, on campus, and in local, regional and national organizations, and through support for scholarly activities.
7. Conduct RECAP, PDP and merit evaluation processes for reference staff correctly and on time.
8. 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/mlrgo03.html
Page editor: Steven Sowards
This page created 19 May 2003: URL updated 4 March 2004.