RIT Libraries Strategic Plan 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15 Movable Type Copyright (c) 2004, liz Commitment to Customer Service 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:59:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.41 2004-11-17T16:59:00Z The Library strives to offer excellent services. In addition to the quality of the facility and collections, it is equally important that the library staff provide accurate, efficient and friendly interactions with our customers. The Library is committed to continual... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals1 The Library strives to offer excellent services. In addition to the quality of the facility and collections, it is equally important that the library staff provide accurate, efficient and friendly interactions with our customers.

The Library is committed to continual improvement of its customer service philosophy using measurable action steps to ensure consistent service to our customers.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Goal E3.2: RIT will create greater opportunities for interpersonal communication within the campus community.

Goal E1: RIT will create an environment within the university community that enhances school spirit and pride among all of its members and constituencies.

]]> Increase Library Hours of Service 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:58:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.21 2004-11-17T16:58:00Z The Library proposes to increase hours of operation and provide late night access to the entire first floor to provide study space for students and access to our resources. Currently, Sunday through Thursday, the Library closes at midnight, with access... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals1 The Library proposes to increase hours of operation and provide late night access to the entire first floor to provide study space for students and access to our resources.

Currently, Sunday through Thursday, the Library closes at midnight, with access to the after hours room overnight. We propose to keep the first floor of the Library open until 3 am. Additionally, the Library now opens at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday and the proposal is to open one hour earlier on those days.

Data shows that building usage during break weeks continues to decrease. However, we will monitor this item to make the necessary adjustments.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective C4.2: Dedicated research space and shared collaborative spaces should be allocated for cross-disciplinary interaction and scholarly engagement by faculty, students, and staff. Many recent increases in university space allocated broadly to student collaborations, socialization and interaction have reaped obvious and immediate benefits.

Objective B8.2: RIT will inventory its graduate support services to ensure adequacy and availability for an expanded student population.


]]> Building Improvements 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:57:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.39 2004-11-17T16:57:00Z The Library will advocate for grants and other funding to improve the library environment and facility such that it will be more aesthetically inviting, comfortable and ADA-compliant. Library users have consistently reported that the library is dark, cold, and uninviting.... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals1 The Library will advocate for grants and other funding to improve the library environment and facility such that it will be more aesthetically inviting, comfortable and ADA-compliant.

Library users have consistently reported that the library is dark, cold, and uninviting. The two least inviting areas of the library are the entrance and the stairwells, which are poorly lit and unattractive, yet library users must go through both of these areas to use the library. Java Wally’s is definitely a comfortable place to relax and have conversations, but the space is not designed for studying, especially late at night. Not all areas of the library are handicapped-accessible; for example, there are not door openers on the library entrance or the restrooms.

With some simple changes of paint and lighting, the library can become a more welcoming, comfortable place to work, meet, and study. Additionally, improvements can be made to the library’s facilities to improve its accessibility to all users.

Improvements would include some or all of the following changes:

  • Paint some areas through-out the library in warmer colors (i.e. accent walls).
  • Provide more ergonomic study seating.
  • Add furnishing and warm “white lights” to specific areas to create ambiance based on the function of the area.
  • Advocate to improve lighting in study areas throughout the building.
  • Advocate to renovate the lobby.
  • Paint the stairwells (possibly murals done by students).
  • Advocate for the installation of push buttons for the Library entrance door to allow access for the handicapped into the Library and Java Wally's.
  • Advocate for the installation of push button for door to bathrooms.
  • Advocate for the installation of a TTY on A level for elevator access.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective C4.2: Dedicated research space and shared collaborative spaces should be allocated for cross-disciplinary interaction and scholarly engagement by faculty, students and staff. Many recent increases in university space allocated broadly to student collaboration, socialization and interaction have reaped obvious and immediate benefits.

Objective B4: RIT will intentionally integrate its academic and social communities.

]]> Improve Library Signage 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:56:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.32 2004-11-17T16:56:00Z The Library will replace all directional and informational signage throughout the building with a new, consistent system. However, this is a capital expenditure and will require investigation of funding sources. Temporary measures to be implemented would include the following: Create... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals1 The Library will replace all directional and informational signage throughout the building with a new, consistent system. However, this is a capital expenditure and will require investigation of funding sources.

Temporary measures to be implemented would include the following:

  • Create a uniform template for signage that changes on a frequent basis.
  • Create color coded signage for the stacks to facilitate browsing the collection.
  • Create directional signage from the current magazines and journals to their corresponding back issues.
  • Provide printed library maps on all floors, near the stairwells and the elevators.

An element of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal:

Goal B6: RIT students will have easy access to accurate and useful information regarding all aspects of university experience.
]]> Enhance Group Study Spaces 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:55:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.47 2004-11-17T16:55:00Z The Library will create specially equipped spaces for students, faculty and staff in which to meet, develop ideas, collaborate, and practice presentations. Additionally an online room reservation system will be created for the scheduling of these rooms. Surveys indicate that... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals1 The Library will create specially equipped spaces for students, faculty and staff in which to meet, develop ideas, collaborate, and practice presentations. Additionally an online room reservation system will be created for the scheduling of these rooms.

Surveys indicate that faculty and students value quiet study space and collaborative group meeting rooms. The need for quiet isolated space with little or no disturbance was a common thread. Additionally, surveys indicate the need for equipment in the study rooms.

These study rooms may include some or all of the following items:

  • Ergonomic study seating
  • White boards
  • Podium
  • Adaptive and accessibility technologies
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Multimedia equipment
  • Projectors
  • Webcam

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective C 4.2: Dedicated research space and shared collaborative spaces should be allocated for cross-disciplinary interaction and scholarly engagement by faculty, students and staff. Many recent increases in university space allocated broadly to student collaboration, socialization and interaction have reaped obvious and immediate benefits.

Objective E 3.2: RIT will create greater opportunities for interpersonal communication within the campus community.


]]> Specialized Programs for Grad Students 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:54:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.37 2004-11-17T16:54:00Z The Library proposes to develop specialized instruction programs for graduate students and graduate assistants to include the following: Specialized Orientations In-depth (half or full day) orientations on doing Library research, given before the start of classes, should be developed for... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals2 The Library proposes to develop specialized instruction programs for graduate students and graduate assistants to include the following:

  • Specialized Orientations
In-depth (half or full day) orientations on doing Library research, given before the start of classes, should be developed for the varied graduate student populations based on information from graduate advisors in each college.

  • Specialized Instruction for Students
The Library will institute specialized in-person instruction programs to support graduate students during the research and writing of Masters Theses and Ph.D. dissertations.

  • Specialized Instruction for Graduate Assistants
Programs to support faculty research by offering graduate assistants specialized instruction to make them more productive and to free up faculty from training their assistants in the use of information resources.

  • Partnering with Graduate/Research Advisors
Partnerships with graduate and research advisors should be developed in order to anticipate, develop and adjust elements of specialized instruction programs.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective C4.1: Resources allocated to support scholarship will reflect the increased levels of scholarly activity....

Objective B3.8: Orientation for transfer and graduate students will be strengthened to ensure smooth transition for students to RIT whenever they enter.

]]> Extend Services for Grad Students 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:53:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.19 2004-11-17T16:53:00Z The Library proposes to address the unique needs that graduate students have for individual study and research. Reserved graduate study spaces in libraries are the norm in a majority of institutions with graduate programs. The ability to check out a... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals2 The Library proposes to address the unique needs that graduate students have for individual study and research. Reserved graduate study spaces in libraries are the norm in a majority of institutions with graduate programs. The ability to check out a substantial number of materials for longer loan periods is also consistent with other university library practices. Students coming to RIT may well expect that the Library will have similar services.

The Library proposes to:

  • Provide choices for graduate study spaces that include lockers.
  • Extend borrowing privileges to graduate students by offering 10-week loan periods and allowing up to 50 items to be borrowed.
  • Promote the use of the Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) Access Card. This card provides direct borrowing privileges from libraries in a five-county region.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective B8.2: RIT will inventory its graduate support services to ensure adequacy and availability for an expanded student population.

Objective A4:5: RIT will continue to invest in the academic support services many students need to succeed in our challenging academic programs.

]]> Thesis Support 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:52:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.38 2004-11-17T16:52:00Z The Library proposes to provide support through all phases of the research, writing and publication of RIT Masters Theses, Masters Thesis/Capstone Projects and Ph.D. Dissertations. In collaboration with the proposed Library Publishing and Scholarship Center, this service proposes to: Provide... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals2 The Library proposes to provide support through all phases of the research, writing and publication of RIT Masters Theses, Masters Thesis/Capstone Projects and Ph.D. Dissertations.

In collaboration with the proposed Library Publishing and Scholarship Center, this service proposes to:

  • Provide copyright and plagiarism information.
  • Promote student publishing by increasing electronic access to all RIT theses, thesis/Capstone projects and Ph.D. dissertations through the RIT Digital Media Library.
  • Provide subsidized access to theses and dissertations world-wide whenever possible.
  • Provide tailored research forums or classes for authors beginning their manuscripts.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Goal C1: RIT will achieve an Institute-wide shared understanding of scholarship and its expectations entailing documentation, dissemination, and peer review.

Goal C2: RIT will commit to scholarship as an integral component of the teaching and learning process.

]]> Provide Expert Research Services 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:51:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.20 2004-11-17T16:51:00Z The Library proposes to provide librarian-mediated literature searching to support RIT graduate students, faculty, and research staff engaged in university-sponsored applied research. This service would also be made available to university administration to more fully support their information needs. Benefits... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals2 The Library proposes to provide librarian-mediated literature searching to support RIT graduate students, faculty, and research staff engaged in university-sponsored applied research. This service would also be made available to university administration to more fully support their information needs.

Benefits include: increased access to databases, the professional skills and expertise of librarians, and convenience and time-savings. In addition, given the growing interdisciplinary nature of research today, librarian mediated searching would be of value to those who need to search outside their expertise.

This collaborative opportunity is one that will help make connections and build relationships as well as support the research objectives mandated by the RIT Strategic Plan.

An element of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal:

Goal C3: RIT will increase the quality and quantity of scholarship in order to enhance both the education of our students and the reputation of our University.
]]> Provide Student Interpreters 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:50:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.58 2004-11-17T16:50:00Z The Library will work with the American Sign Language Interpreting Education Program at NTID to have student interpreters volunteer to work at points of service within the Library as part of their course study requirements. This would mitigate the communication... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals3 The Library will work with the American Sign Language Interpreting Education Program at NTID to have student interpreters volunteer to work at points of service within the Library as part of their course study requirements. This would mitigate the communication barrier and improve customer service during staff interactions with deaf patrons and student workers.

]]> Revised Laptop Loan Policy 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:49:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.57 2004-11-17T16:49:00Z The Library proposes to allow circulation of all laptops outside of the building and to increase the loan period to four hours. Students frequently ask for laptops for presentations or general use in classrooms. By making all laptops available for... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals3 The Library proposes to allow circulation of all laptops outside of the building and to increase the loan period to four hours. Students frequently ask for laptops for presentations or general use in classrooms. By making all laptops available for classroom and presentation use, we are better serving the needs of undergraduate students who need these machines for academic work.

This is an important library service, as there is no other department on campus addressing this student need. The Library will continue to advocate for an increase in the computer cascade budget allocation to address the student demand for public use laptops.

]]> Supplies Vending Machines 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:48:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.54 2004-11-17T16:48:00Z The Library will install vending machines for the sale of common supplies currently being sold by the Library's circulation desk (pens, notebooks, highlighters, computer disks, etc.). This will allow us to expand supplies library users frequently require.... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals3 The Library will install vending machines for the sale of common supplies currently being sold by the Library's circulation desk (pens, notebooks, highlighters, computer disks, etc.). This will allow us to expand supplies library users frequently require.

]]> Strengthen Collections 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:35:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.48 2004-11-17T16:35:00Z The primary focus of the Library collection acquisition practice has been on building a teaching collection for undergraduate students. With RIT's strategic focus on applied research and scholarship, the electronic and print collections will need to grow significantly in all... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals4 The primary focus of the Library collection acquisition practice has been on building a teaching collection for undergraduate students. With RIT's strategic focus on applied research and scholarship, the electronic and print collections will need to grow significantly in all areas.

To strengthen collections we propose to:

  • Advocate for an increase to materials acquisitions budgets, both print and electronic, incrementally over the next 5 years with the focus on building full-text collections such as complete JSTOR backfile, Social Science Citation Abstracts etc. as based on needs analysis vis-à-vis scholarship.
  • Build an entrepreneurial collection which will have importance to users across disciplines and departments on campus.
  • Expand the use of consortiums like Connect NY to increase access to shared collections, both print and electronic.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Goal C3: RIT will increase the quality and quantity of scholarship in order to enhance both the education of our students and the reputation of our University.

Goal C4: RIT will allocate resources to support scholarly activity, with particular attention to engaging students, adjusting workloads, and reducing barriers to cross-college collaboration in scholarship.

]]> Satellite Collections 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:34:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.35 2004-11-17T16:34:00Z The Library proposes to provide some level of organizational and access services for satellite collections. We are aware that in many departments, there exist in-house, informal collections of books, journals, learning objects, data sets, syllabi, theses, faculty post prints and... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals4 The Library proposes to provide some level of organizational and access services for satellite collections. We are aware that in many departments, there exist in-house, informal collections of books, journals, learning objects, data sets, syllabi, theses, faculty post prints and other material outside the budget and jurisdiction of the Library (satellite collections). They are often not cataloged or easily accessed by their intended users. They are collections of convenience amassed by specific colleges or programs. Faculty and graduate students would benefit from increased organization and bibliographic control of satellite collections.

The Library proposes to partner with colleges to determine opportunities for collaboration such as:

  • Catalog all the material in these collections, or catalog some or none at all.
  • Create separate finding aids for each collection, or integrate bibliographic information from satellite collections into Einstein.
  • Work more closely with faculty on collection development decisions and make faculty more aware of the process, or offer acquisitions services for materials for satellite collections (materials would be paid for by departments).
  • Provide access services to these collections by giving satellite library users the means to circulate them on-site, access them through the RIT Digital Media Library or allow them to continue to be circulated in whatever fashion the faculty users see fit.
  • Provide ongoing support for incorporating newly acquired materials.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective C4.1: Resources allocated to support scholarship will reflect the increased levels of scholarly activity… A reexamination of how university resources are allocated is required in light of our increased emphasis on scholarship.

Goal E3: RIT will continue to improve communications campus-wide via multiple forms of media and channels.

]]> Redesign Library Website 2004-11-22T16:09:42Z 2004-11-17T16:33:00Z tag:wally.rit.edu,2004:/strategicplan/blog//15.59 2004-11-17T16:33:00Z The Library will redesign and overhaul the appearance and components of its current website. Contingent on funding for the purchase of a commercial content management system (CMS), the end result will be a database-driven web site with enhanced and new... liz eadwml@rit.edu Goals5 The Library will redesign and overhaul the appearance and components of its current website. Contingent on funding for the purchase of a commercial content management system (CMS), the end result will be a database-driven web site with enhanced and new functionalities.

A CMS will provide a comprehensive method for organizing and presenting, providing for easy updating by library staff.

Some of the elements of the RIT Strategic Plan addressed by this goal include:

Objective B3.10: RIT will utilize technology to enhance academic support...

Goal B6: RIT students will have easy access to accurate and useful information regarding all aspects of the university experience.

]]>