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Contents

Introduction

Review of 1998-99 Goals

Highlights of 1998-99

Statistics of 1998-99

• Library Collections
  
• Library Services

Goals for 1999-2000

Conclusion

Introduction

The library staff set out in 1998-99 to make significant strides toward fulfilling the goals and objectives stated 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 main reasons: (1) action plans were in place so the staff knew where they wanted to take the library and (2) the staff 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 implementation of the new Endeavor Voyager library system. It represents months of planning and hard work. The plan is to have all modules of the integrated system up and running during the 1999-2000 academic year.

Another major achievement was the remodeling of the first floor circulation area. This project provided new carpeting, lighting, new furniture and a modern ADA-complaint circulation counter. It was partially funded through contributions made by the Library Associates support group, and forms the keystone in a larger plan to remodel the first floor.

An additional accomplishment that fits into the first floor space plan was the creation of a large study space where government documents stacks once stood. To complete this project, government documents were cataloged and interfiled with the book collection on the upper floors. This development created two major benefits for patrons: (a) the creation of a large, popular study area and (b) improved access to government documents by cataloging them in Library of Congress classification and making them accessible through the electronic catalog.

Another major event was the replacement hiring of four key library positions: a reference librarian, a photographer, a video specialist, and a secretary. The photographer and videographer work in a recently reorganized photographics unit of the library. The new reference librarian plays a major role in the library instruction program. The new secretary works in the Reference department. All four staff members are making important contributions toward the creation of library excellence.

Lastly, the addition of a significant number of electronic resources for users, including electronic databases, indexes, electronic back issues of journals, and full-text newspapers and journals. We anticipate this trend to continue. Many of the electronic resources added this year were made financially feasible through membership in various consortia.

While the year was replete with success, there were setbacks: another static budget necessitated further reductions in book allocations and has placed the library on the brink of yet another serial reduction. It is vital that the library budget be increased if the integrity of library collections is to be preserved. Further, the continued introduction of non-library units into library space has created severe space problems requiring additional funds to remodel library space. The lack of viable space coupled with static collection funding constitute our two main problems.

 - Donald G. Sweet, Dean of Library Services

Review of 1998-99 Goals

On the 1997-98 Annual Report I listed the following goals for 1998:

1. Implement a new library system (Endeavor).

Results: Completed.

2. Complete staff reorganization.

Results: Completed.

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

Results: Completed (ongoing as funding permits).

4. Complete a first floor space plan.

Results: In process.

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

Results: Completed library portion (awaiting CITS move).

6. Add electronic journals to the collection.

Results: Completed (ongoing as funding permits).

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

Results: Completed.

8. Implement document delivery (ILL Express).

Results: Completed

9. Fill vacant reference position.

Results: Completed.

10. Fill Professional Technician position.

Results: Completed.

11. Fill vacant Clerk position.

Results: Completed.

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

Results: In process.

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

Results: Completed.

14. Upgrade the viewing equipment in the Browsing Area.

Results: Completed.

15. Submit a minimum of six funding proposals.

Results: Completed.

16. Develop a procedures manual in interlibrary loan.

Results: Completed.

17. Continue weeding collections.

Results: Completed (ongoing).

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

Results: Completed (being refined).

19. Inventory book collection.

Results: not completed.

20. Catalog and process a backlog of government publications.

Results: Completed (ongoing).

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

Results: Completed (ongoing).

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

Results: Partially completed (long-range plan still to be created).

23. Continue to revise library brochures and other handouts.

Results: Completed (ongoing)

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

Results: Completed.

25. Upgrade public and staff workstations.

Results: Completed.

26. Enhance Library Web services.

Results: Completed.

27. Revise the mission statement of Library Systems.

Results: Completed.

28. Acquire workstations for people with disabilities.

Results: Not completed (awaiting this year's funding).

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

Results: Completed (ongoing).

30. Increase book circulation figures.

Results: Not completed.

Highlights of 1998-99

Human Resources

• Hired a reference librarian (replacement)

• Hired a photographer (replacement)

• Hired a video specialist (replacement)

• Promoted the previous photographer to Graphics Artist and Coordinator of Photographics

• Hired a secretary in Information Services (replacement)

• Two librarians served as members of the Faculty Senate

• One librarian continued as a member of the Faculty Federation Negotiating Committee

• Librarians served as members of every Federation or Senate committee, including Affirmative Action, Curriculum, Honors, Space and Women and were active in professional organizations ranging from ACRL and the Art Libraries Society to the Medical Libraries Association and the Northeast Map Organization to the Special Libraries Association and the Women’s Fisheries Network

• Dean of Library Services served on the AFSCME negotiating committee.

Collections

• Obtained additional funding from the College of Engineering and the Center for Portuguese Studies

• Received special funding from the UMASS Parents Association

• Cataloged a major portion of the government documents collection for inclusion in the general collection

• Reduced serials expenditures by another $100,000

• Brought up 140 electronic journals and the Boston Globe

• Obtained unique archival items from Joseph Souza, first Chairman of the Board

• Added new databases through consortium membership

• Received more than 500 donated Portuguese videotapes

• Enhanced collections by having six collection proposals funded, including a $20,000 grant to purchase cranberry research materials.

• Received 947 gift volumes, including 345 Portuguese volumes

• Weeded 5,580 titles from the collection

• Obtained JSTOR (electronic journal back issues) because of special funding from the Provost

Technology

• Implemented the Endeavor Voyager library system

• Acquired a digital camera and graphics server for photographics

• Installed a new switcher for the cable-cast system

• Upgraded overhead projectors, TVs and VCRs in many classrooms

• Installed a state-of-the-art data/video projector in the Browsing Area

• Expanded the electronic reserve program

• Added new databases

• Installed a new library security system at the second floor exit

• Commenced ordering library materials off the Web

• Switched proprietary OCLC system over to Internet-based access

Building

• Converted the former first floor government documents area into a popular study space; moved documents to upper floors

• Renovated the Circulation area (i.e., carpeting, new circulation desk) with financial assistance from the Library Associates

• Created a periodicals browsing area

• Carpeted the staff lounge and the library conference room

• Completed (with a consultant) a floor plan for the new archives/Special Collections unit

• Added new furniture, blinds, lighting, tapestry, art and plants to enhance the building

• Painted certain areas in the library

• Designed a plan to remodel photographics space

Services and Planning

• Created ILL Express (document delivery)

• Joined SEMLS (library consortium)

• Expanded electronic reserves

• Improved ILL service by installing Ariel

• Created new one-stop borrowing in Access Services by folding the Audio-Visual counter into the Circulation Desk

• Produced an Information Services mission statement and a procedures manual

• Wrote and distributed several installments of Library News and Library Tidings

• Scheduled and co-hosted (with the Faculty Senate) the Brown Bag Lecture series

• Taught more than 180 library instruction classes

• Conducted a successful "Amnesty period" for overdue materials prior to migrating to the Endeavor system

• Provided clear, easy to read, instructions for the equipment in the AV carrels

• Produced a slide show to be used in conjunction with Library Associates’ fundraising activities

• Conducted an all-university fundraising night at a Pawtucket Red Sox game to raise funds to purchase videos for the Popular Collection

• Updated the Access Services Student Handbook

• Conducted library instruction for New Bedford High School students

• Worked with the Library Associates to offer several cultural and fundraising activities

• Won (Access Services) the school spirit contest

Goals 1999-2000
(Not in order of priority)

Human Resources

• Upgrade and fill the vacated Associate University Librarian position

• Hire a part-time person in the Interlibrary Loan department to meet the rising service demand

• Continue to invest in staff training and development

• Update the two-year staffing plan

• Seek 2000-2001 approval to hire the positions articulated in the Staffing Plan

Collections

• Expand the popular video and books-on-tape collections

• Seek an increase in the materials budget

• Complete the revision of the Collection Development Policy Statement

• Review material allocations in Reference

• Develop an area on the first floor to attractively display a selection of "educational" videos

• Continue to increase electronic products (pending funding and Collection Committee approval)

• Complete the Authority File project in Cataloging

• Continue to add relevant electronic collections and aids to collections

Technology

• Implement all modules of the Endeavor Voyager system, including media booking

• Upgrade first floor data-projection equipment

• Improve staff copiers and provide a copy card operated vending system for the public, networked printers

• Convert to thin-client technology in the public areas

• Purchase new equipment for the video specialist

• Seek special funding to obtain an image server and related products

• Explore digital microfilm reader capabilities

• Acquire computer workstations for users with disabilities

• Upgrade photographic equipment

Building

• Continue to upgrade the aesthetics of the building

• Create and implement (pending funding) a space plan for the first floor

• Create and implement (pending funding) a space plan for the Technical Services area

• Construct a new archives/Special Collections area on the first floor (pending funding)

• Move serials from the lower level to the vacated fourth floor space (pending Archives move to the first floor)

• Remodel the Photographics unit on the lower level (pending funding and the Archives move)

• Purchase study furniture for the Reading/Reception area (pending funding)

• Carpet the first floor area vacated by CITS (pending CITS’ move off the first floor)

• Investigate the possibility of removing large study carrels from the upper floors to make room for collection expansion.

• Complete electrical work near the Reference Desk (pending Facilities cooperation)

• Build a permanent wall for the Administrative Office to improve security and appearance (pending funding)

Services and Planning

• Train staff and patrons on the new Endeavor system

• Expand the electronic reserves service after proper copyright compliance guidelines are approved.

• Work with the Library Associates’ leadership to increase membership, fundraising, and programming

• Create a new Three Year Plan...tie funding to planning objectives

• Assess the performance of specific services (e.g., library instruction)

• Develop guides (electronic and paper) for specific resources and services

• Assess the reference collection and its use

• Cooperate with academic departments to design further advances in information literacy programs

• Create a manual for student interns

• Establish payment procedures for private post-secondary institutions whose students rely on UMD library services

• Develop an instruction policy for non-UMD institutions

• Improve library services for UMASS distance education students

• Create a video tour of the library for public relations, instruction, and fundraising projects

• Recreate the Library Systems mission statement

• Explore restructuring Library Systems to officially include all digital services within its charge.

• Develop a donor "wall" to honor major library donors

• Host an all-University celebration to commemorate the new Endeavor Voyager library system

• Conduct sessions with department liaisons (faculty) and the Faculty Senate Library Committee to seek ways of increasing book circulation

Library Collections

	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98	1998-99
Book Titles	239,121	244,741	248,739	250,679	255,565
Book Volumes	365,682	372,566	377,274	378,571	383,907
Bound Periodical Volumes	67,067	69,663	72,506	71,072	70,701
Total Volumes	432,749	442,229	449,780	449,643	454,608
Microform Titles	264,118	264,888	265,385	266,804	266,838
Microfiche Sheets (gov’t docs inc.)	571,487	600,587	627,157	656,152	682,835
Microcards	76,640	76,640	76,640	76,640	76,640
Microfilm Reels	23,830	24,123	24,396	24,879	25,286
Total Microform Items	671,957	701,350	728,193	757,671	784,761
Audio Recordings	8,534	8,600	8,622	8,713	8,758
Film and Video Recordings	5,037	5,235	5,286	5,465	5,674
Other Media	132	121	121	125	171
Computer Files	975	1,143	1,288	1,505	1,631
Cartographic Materials	1,051	1,054	1,057	1,057	1,057
Government Document Titles	54,088	54,855	55,491	55,905	56,646
Government Document Items	77,269	78,364	79,273	80,056	80,925
Serials Titles	3,036	3,118	3,125	2,967	2,925
Manuscripts & Archives (ln.ft.)	725	758	801	831	904

Library Services

	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98	1998-99
General Circulation	70,189	74,462	73,310	67,482	59,166
Reserve Circulation	17,162	18,507	20,788	23,324	25,492
Total Circulation Transactions	87,351	92,969	94,098	90,806	84,658
Interlibrary Lending	6,217	6,087	6,322	6,718	7,627
Interlibrary Borrowing	4,038	4,793	5,180	3,989	3,769
Total Interlibrary Loans	10,255	10,880	11,502	10,707	11,396
Classes Taught	*	*	*	116	183
Student Research Consultations	*	*	*	288	160
Peer Instructor Consultations	*	*	*	360	283
Gate Count (figures unavailable for FY94, FY95,FY96, FY97)					308,232

Conclusion

The collections in the UMD Library are excellent for undergraduate education. Weakness appears in the support for graduate education and advanced research. Consortium membership (four) and improved interlibrary leading helps undergird graduate student and faculty research. Still, additional funds are needed to strengthen on-site collections.

Technology has been significantly strengthened over the last few years. Information technology bond funds made available to UMASS Libraries has formed the major funding base for these improvements (e.g., new integrated library system). Another chief reason for technological advancement can be attributed to affordable prices for electronic products made possible through membership in various consortia. As anticipated in the 1997-98 annual report, full-text journals were introduced, audio-visual equipment in the browsing area was upgraded, and the switching equipment that controls video-transmission to campus classrooms was replaced.

Library services have been highly rated by faculty and students in three separate questionnaires. 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 continues to improve through regular general staff, committee and divisional meetings, as well as a well-developed informal e-mail communication network. In addition, two publications (Library News and Library Tidings) communicate with the campus community and with Library Associates (friends support group). An ever-evolving library WebPage records a wealth of relevant information about library staff, collections, and services. Newspaper stories, brochures, and displays round out efforts to communicate library achievements and upcoming events to a larger public.

Building improvements have taken the form of new construction, carpeting, furniture, plantings, painting, and art. A team effort by the librarians and the custodial staff has improved building cleanliness and overall appearance. But, there still is a long way to go. The building needs new carpeting and additional remodeling. The latter is of the highest priority due to space lost to other non-library units occupying space in the library.

Space is a major concern. The building is still in need of additional art work and other touches to make it more comfortable and attractive.

Fund raising has been slowed due to several factors beyond the library administration’s control. Several small (the largest being $20,000) proposals were funded. Through cooperation with the Library Associates, external support was doubled from the previous year. The effort to make the library a major University fund raising priority continues.