Items with special emphasis or changes are in italics. See also the 2003-2004 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 in cooperation with Government Documents to serve library users and staff with either advanced or introductory needs.
2. Identify standing orders in Reference to cancel during Spring and Summer '05 to offset increased costs.
3. Develop an "online collection" concept to support remote and online users and the chat service, with Collection Coordinators' input for digital collection development guidelines, Government Documents unit input about GPO depository trends, and better pricing models for new tools like xrefer.
4. Involve interested staff in digital and print selection decisions, including scrmo (Coffey), travel guides (Ladenson), college and career guides (Flynn), biography tools (Sowards), 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 including a desk for walk-up service on 1-East, email, and chat.
2. Monitor "off-the-desk" reference activity by bibliographers and others.
3. Provide and improve research guides for independent users, in paper and on the Web.
4. Improve skills of reference staff through regular training.
Specific objectives:
1. Promote reference services, including both walkup and "virtual reference" options.
2. Develop more online guides and FAQs for users with "PC Help" and network questions.
3. Provide input about the future of the Electronic Resources Help Room.
4. Explain and/or teach new library procedures and resources including ILLiad, ERM and Open URL, the state-wide MeLCAT, Library of Michigan connections, and network security measures.
Organize, maintain, control, preserve and secure the collection for maximum utilization.
1. Maintain an attractive reference area that promotes successful research.
2. Process, bind, reshelve and preserve 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, especially transfers from "Consulting Reference" to Open Reference and Main.
2. Rearrange the area behind the 1-East desk to make better use of space.
3. Apply library policies about noise, food and drink, Internet access, patron viewing of disturbing Web sites, emergencies and disasters, and preservation.
Promote the use of the University Libraries and their information resources.
1. Publicize MSU Libraries' resources and services at the campus, local, state, regional and national level.
1. Help task force to develop ideas for promotion of all reference services, both walkup and virtual.
2. 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.
2. Pursue potential new partnerships with institutions, consortia or individuals.
1. Cooperate with the College of Law library to offer complementary services.
2. Share information with other CIC reference units about current issues and projects.
3. Participate in state-wide initiatives such as MeLCAT and cooperation with the Library of Michigan.
4. Cooperate with librarians from other institutions through visits, workshops and conferences.
Provide remote access to library resources.
1. Support and improve our existing outreach and extension programs.
2. Develop new ideas to extend high-quality services to remote users.
1. Improve the number and quality of our Web research guides, including access to them through the Electronic Resources pages, MAGIC and new resources like ERM.
2. Pursue licensing, proxy and authentication, and network security decisions that serve 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. Train new and currrent staff in all disciplines handled at the combined reference desk.
2. Manage funds for student labor, supplies and equipment, printing, binding and travel responsibly to reduce the impact of cuts in the university budget.
3. Represent reference service priorities in library and university committees and meetings.
4. 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.
5. Conduct RECAP, PDP and merit evaluation processes for reference unit staff correctly and on time.
6. 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.
7. Work with Systems to solve problems with network security, printing, spyware, and viruses; collaborate to use ZoneAlarm, wireless and improved chat applications.
URL = http://www.lib.msu.edu/sowards/services/mlr/mlrgo04.html
Page editor: Steven Sowards
This page created 15 April 2004; last updated 15 October 2004.