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Contents

Introduction

Review of 1997-98 Goals

Highlights of 1997-98

Statistics of 1997-98

Goals for 1998-99

Conclusion

 

Introduction

 

The library staff set out in 1997-98 to make significant strides toward fulfilling the goals and objectives in the Three Year Plan. As the highlights portion of this report suggests, they were quite successful in moving the library ever closer to a state of excellence. Progress was attained for two chief reasons: (1) action plans were in place so the staff knew where they wanted to take the library and (2) they worked hard and smart to produce measurable results. As Dean of Library Services, I'm extremely proud of their accomplishments.

Of the many achievements, the standout has to be the acquisition of funds to obtain a new integrated library system. The UMD library staff particpated in writing the successful funding proposal for five libraries, and were leaders in selecting the new system (Endeavor). We hope that the new ILS can be introduced to the UMD community during the 1998-99 academic year.

Another major development was the upgrading of the old south lounge into a reading/reception area. The Chancellor provided the funds for the physical improvements (e.g., new carpeting, window shades, window replacement). We are hopeful that funds can be located to complete the project with new furniture and a public address system.

Another major event of the year was the serials reduction project. Based upon a three-year user study, over $100,000 worth of low-use serials were eliminated. This was the second year in a row that such a reduction was necessary. The teaching faculty were cooperative and helpful in this process.

Lastly, the reorganization of Access Services, the process that fused two departments together (along with collections and equipment) must rank among the most significant alterations of the year. It provides one-stop circulation services for users, new opportunities for staff utilization and cross-training, and the conservation of space for a planned Archives & Special Collections expansion on the first floor.

While the year was replete with success, there were some setbacks: loss of a reference librarian (scheduled to be replaced in July, 1999), loss of space in the basement and another static budget that is being ravaged by inflation. All in all, however, this was a most productive year.

 

On the 1996-97 Annual Report I listed the following goals for 1997-98:

1. Develop a technology plan.

Results: Completed.

2. Finish lower level (basement) appearance project.

Results: Partially complete...awaiting Facilities lighting installations and painting.

3. Complete circulation and reading/reception area remodeling projects.

Results: Circulation is completed. Physical plant remodeling in the Reading/Reception area is complete...awaiting funds for furniture.

4. Write a 3-5 year staffing plan.

Results: Completed.

5. Move archives/Special Collections to the first floor if space is available.

Results: Space is not available but plans are underway with CITS to make space available this academic year.

6. Relocate Interlibrary Loan to the third floor.

Results: Completed.

7. Implement a documents delivery program.

Results: Completed...announced to campus community on October 1, 1998.

8. Expand library instruction to meet General Education requirements.

Results: Completed.

9. Complete audiovisual equipment installations in classrooms.

Results: Completed.

10. Relocate Systems to fourth floor if space is available (dependent upon Archives moving)

Results: Awaiting the Archives move (see #5).

11. Submit a minimum of five funding proposals.

Results: Completed...two proposals funded.

12. Fuse general circulation and AV circulation.

Results: Completed.

13. Conduct a 25th anniversary celebration.

Results: Completed...fused with the gala.

14. Update the library emergency plan.

Results: In process.

15. Continue the space planning process.

Results: Completed...and in process.

16. Complete a fund raising publication.

Results: Completed.

 

17. Develop a local fund raising effort with the assistance of prominent community persons.

Results: In process.

18. Seek funding to implement ADA compliant seating and equipment.

Results: Completed with partial success.

19. Conclude the Authority File/BNA project in cataloging.

Results: Completed.

20. Revise the Collection Development Policy Statement.

Results: In process.

21. Develop a unified fine and fee policy for print and AV materials.

Results: Completed.

22. Develop a mission statement for the Information Services Division.

Results: In process.

23. Examine and evaluate the reference collection.

Results: In process.

24. Continue team-building and in-house reference training.

Results: In process.

25. Revise and redesign library brochures and other handouts.

Results: Partially completed, other projects in process.

26. Explore possibilities for shared electronic resources with other libraries and consortia.

Results: Completed.

27. Explore the use of satellite teleconferencing for-a-fee.

Results: Not completed in lieu of other priorities.

28. Study the range of potential services for off-campus and distance education students.

Results: In process.

29. Continue the development of the library Web page.

Results: Completed.

30. Install and reconfigure the MultiLIS Web-based interface.

Results: Completed.

31. Determine the scope of audio-visual services to be provided by the library.

Results: Completed.

32. Explore options and implement strategies for maintaining network and server security.

Results: Completed.

33. Explore options and plan for the acquisition of a new library system to replace MultiLIS.

Results: Completed.

34. Establish a replacement schedule for library equipment and software.

Results: Completed.

35. Expand access to electronic government information.

Results: Completed.

36. Explore the options for a new AV booking and scheduling system.

Results: Completed...contained in the new system.

37. Review the library organization structure for improved service and efficiency.

Results: Completed.

38. Explore alternatives for the management of the Access Channel.

Results: Completed...being transferred to student control.

39. Invest in Windows NT training.

Results: Completed.

40. Conduct a user (faculty) satisfaction survey.

Results: Completed.

Highlights of 1997-98

 

Human Resources

• Hired a reference librarian.
• Promoted a reference librarian to Associate Librarian.
• Appointed the temporary Archivist to permanent status.
• Upgraded two support staff to more accurately reflect responsibilities.
• Hired a temporary part-time reference librarian as a sabbatical replacement.

Collections

• Reduced the low-use serials collection by over $100,000. (based upon a three year study).
• Obtained additional funding from the Center for Portuguese Studies ($10,000), the College of Engineering ($10,000) and PDRA ($6,900).
• Acquired and processed three (3) major gifts collections: journals in psychology; books on the Holocaust; and fiction and non-fiction books.
• Received special funding from the UMass Parents Association and the UMass Dartmouth Library Associates.
• Began to revise the Collection Development Policy Statement.
• Weeded the circulating and government documents collections.
• Added classics to the video collection.
• Cataloged many items from government documents for relocation to the reference and circulating collections.
• Processed several collections in archives/Special Collections.
• Acquired 30 linear feet of university records and manuscript collections in Archives.
• Began to weed stored collections in the basement.
• Updated holdings in the Boston Library Consortium (BLC) Union List of Serials.
• Increased our interlibrary loan activity with BLC by 12% over last year (BLC lending now comprises 40% of our total ILL transactions...our activity with SMCL remains a constant 32%).
• Loaned 6,781 items and borrowed 3,989. We are one of the top twenty OCLC lenders in NELINET, the New England Library Network.
• Obtained and acknowledged a gift to the Archives from former Trustee Joseph Sousa.
• Acquired a gift of cumulative indexes to Chemical Abstracts, valued at approximately $56,000.

Technology

• Authored the Library Technology Plan.
• Participated in the creation and revision of a successful UMass Libraries information technology bond proposal.
• Wrote the RFP for a new integrated library system.
• Upgraded and reconfigured new library information servers.
• Implemented major additions and revisions to the Library Web Pages.
• Completed a project to upgrade all library workstations to Windows 95.
• Implemented a campus-wide audio-visual equipment installation plan.
• Developed cost-effective printing services for public access workstations.
• Worked with OCLC, Blackwell North America, and CITS to implement authority control updating.
• Installed CLIO, a new interlibrary loan management and statistical software program.
• Acquired a state-of-the-art film processor for Photographics.

Building

• Created a temporary current periodicals reading area in response to faculty suggestions.
• Built a new office area in Access Services to support the AV merger.
• Completed the physical remodeling portion of the reading/reception area.
• Vacated the Studio and Control Room.
• Added new (and repaired) furniture in public areas.
• Installed new stacks on upper floors.
• Moved Interlibrary Loan offices to the third floor.
• Created an Information Services conference/classroom area in the vacated ILL office.
• Installed a new security system on the second floor.
• Upgraded the Media Viewing area with new furnishings and equipment.
• Completed the first phase of the seating plan, bringing seating capacity closer to minimum standards.
• Completed preliminary plans and drawings for relocating and expanding archives/Special Collections.
• Completed the merger of circulation services.
• Worked with Auxiliary Services to install vending machines in the lower level (basement) study area.

Services and Planning

• Published a four-color library brochure, to be used for fundraising and general informational purposes.
• Wrote and distributed eight (8) newsletter issues.
• Drafted an overall fund raising plan.
• Designed a brochure and displays for the Gala.
• Scheduled and hosted the Brown Bag Lectures.
• Managed publicity, posters, and member mailings for four (4) Associates events.
• Maintained a schedule of library exhibits that were changed monthly.
• Created bookmarks and a brochure advertising the change in service for Audio-Visual Services.
• Designed and displayed food policy posters.
• Joined a new consortium (SEMLS).
• Formed a working group to develop electronic reserves.
• Created an electronic suggestion "box" for ongoing user feedback.
• Wrote a successful proposal to acquire a computer workstation dedicated to CD-ROMs obtained through the Government printing office depository library program.
• Organized and labeled the popular videotape collection into general categories for browsing purposes.
• Purchased a tape cleaning machine for the purpose of cleaning and preserving the videotape collection. Each tape that circulates is cleaned before it is returned to the collection.
• Sponsored SMCL (consortium) staff meeting to discuss library technology issues.
• Solicited faculty input via a questionnaire.
• Taught one hundred and sixteen (116) library instruction classes scheduled.

 

Library Collections

	1993-94	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98
Book Titles	229,014	239,121	244,741	248,739	250,679
Book Volumes	359,769	365,682	372,566	377,274	378,571
Bound Periodical Volumes	64,487	67,067	69,663	72,506	71,072
Total Volumes	424,256	432,749	442,229	449,780	449,643
Microform Titles	260,248	264,118	264,888	265,385	266,804
Microfiche Sheets (gov’t docs inc.)	536,387	571,487	600,587	627,157	656,152
Microcards	76,640	76,640	76,640	76,640	76,640
Microfilm Reels	23,452	23,830	24,123	24,396	24,879
Total Microform Items	636,479	671,957	701,350	728,193	757,671
Audio Recordings	8,666	8,534	8,600	8,622	8,713
Film and Video Recordings	5,665	5,037	5,235	5,286	5,465
Other Media	138	132	121	121	125
Computer Files	779	975	1,143	1,288	1,505
Cartographic Materials	1,043	1,051	1,054	1,057	1,057
Government Document Titles	52,808	54,088	54,855	55,491	55,905
Government Document Items	75,440	77,269	78,364	79,273	80,056
Serials Titles	2,809	3,036	3,118	3,125	2,967
Manuscripts & Archives (ln.ft.)	725	725	758	801	831

Library Services

 

	1993-94	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98
General Circulation	76,175	70,189	74,462	73,310	67,482
Reserve Circulation	19,598	17,162	18,507	20,788	23,324
Total Circulation Transactions	95,598	87,351	92,969	94,098	90,806
Interlibrary Lending	5,967	6,217	6,087	6.322	6,718
Interlibrary Borrowing	4,068	4,038	4,793	5,180	3,989
Total Interlibrary Loans	10,035	10,255	10,880	11,502	10,707
Classes Taught	153	*	*	*	116
Student Research Consultations	358	*	*	*	288
Peer Insructor Consultations	477	*	*	*	360
(figures unavailable for FY95, FY96, FY97)

Goals 1998-99
(Not in order of priority)

 

1. Implement a new library system (Endeavor).

2. Complete staff reorganizing.

3. Continue to upgrade the building, including furniture and equipment.

4. Complete a first floor space plan.

5. Move CITS from the first floor and prepare to move archives/Special Collections into the space.

6. Add electronic journals to the collection.

7. Assist the Library Associates in developing an annual plan.

8. Implement document delivery (ILL Express).

9. Fill vacant reference librarian position (to commence work after July 1, 1999).

10. Fill Professional Technician position to be vacated on August 31, 1998.

11. Fill vacant Clerk III position.

12. Complete the revision of the Collection Development Policy Statement.

13. Remodel the Circulation area; design and install a new circulation desk.

14. Upgrade the viewing equipment in the Browsing area.

15. Submit a minimum of six funding proposals.

16. Develop a procedures manual in interlibrary loan.

17. Continue weeding the collections.

18. Convert manual check-in of serials to an automated system.

19. Inventory the book collection.

20. Catalog and process a backlog of Government publications.

21. Complete integration of the government documents paper collection into the general, serials, and reference collections.

22. Develop a mission statement, policies and procedures manual, and a long-range plan for Information Services.

23. Continue to revise and redesign library brochures and other handouts.

24. Design a Web page and print brochures for AV services.

25. Upgrade public and staff workstations.

26. Enhance Library Web services.

27. Revise the mission statement for Library Systems.

28. Acquire workstations for people with disabilities.

29. Explore the range of potential services for distance education students.

30. Increase book circulation figures.

 

Conclusion

 

The Three Year Plan of the UMD Library focuses attention upon seven major areas: Collections, Technology, Services, Staff Development, Physical Plant, Communication, and Fund Raising.

Even with two consecutive serial reductions, the collections in the UMD Library are excellent for undergraduate education. They are relatively weak in the support of graduate education and advanced research. Consortium membership (four consortia) and interlibrary lending helps undergird graduate student and faculty research. Still, our collections need to be strengthened in these areas, particularly the support of graduate programs.

Technology has been considerably strengthened over the last few years due to the addition of electronic databases, CD-ROMs, and computer upgrades. A dramatic leap forward is expected in 1998-99 when the Endeavor integrated library system is implemented. Electronic full-text journals also are on the agenda for 1998-99. Audio-visual equipment in the browsing area will be upgraded as well as a portion of the A-V classroom equipment. Of concern is the switching equipment that controls video transmission to campus classrooms. It is old and needs replacement.

Library services have been rated very highly by faculty and students. To maintain this status, the library administration supports a number of staff training and development activities as well as a vigorous ongoing review of service needs and improvements, including services for persons with disabilities.

Communication has been vastly improved through regular general staff, committee and divisional meetings as well as a well-developed e-mail communication network. In addition, two publications (Library News and Library Tidings) were created to communicate with the campus community and with the friends of the library (Associates). Newspaper stories, brochures, and displays help communicate library achievements and upcoming events to the larger public.

Building improvements have taken the form of new construction, carpeting, plantings, a food and drink posted policy, improved lighting, painting, cracked glass replacement, furniture repair and replacement, and improved cleaning by the custodial staff. A team effort has resulted in major improvements but there still is a long way to go. The building needs new carpeting, automatic doors (ADA), and additional remodeling. The roofing project was much needed, but there still are leaks during rainstorms. The building is badly in need of art work and other touches to make it more comfortable and attractive. The library administration has devoted a modest amount of money for art purchases.

Fundraising has been slowed due to several factors. A few small proposals have been funded and plans are underway to write several this year (two have been submitted and another is almost ready for submission). The library administration has worked with the Library Associates to develop an annual fundraising plan. They selected a new circulation desk as their main fundraising project. Other efforts to financially support library projects are underway.