Florida International University Libraries

1997 - 1999
PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT

PART I: MISSION, ORGANIZATION, TRENDS AND GOALS

A. MISSION

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

March 8, 1994
The Libraries are the primary information centers for students, faculty and staff at Florida International University. Since efficient access to information on a global basis is critical to learning and research, the Libraries are indispensable to the University mission. Library services and collections play a crucial role in instruction; in scholarly communication; and in the education of the University community to identify and acquire information in support of learning and research.

The Libraries provide resources and services in an environment that fosters free and open inquiry, and serve as a catalyst for the interpretation, integration, and application of knowledge in all fields of learning and research.

In performance of their mission, the libraries:
  1. Develop collections of sufficient quality, size, and diversity to support both the teaching and research requirements of a comprehensive university. This requires materials that embrace the full spectrum of information media;
  2. Organize and provide convenient access to major national and international information and research resources through a variety of communications media and reciprocal agreements;
  3. Teach the research skills necessary for the members of the university community to utilize information resources independently, critically, and efficiently using both traditional and evolving technology. In doing so, they provide an avenue not only to professional achievement but also to life long learning;
  4. Provide leadership in designing and acquiring information technology that is cost-effective or cost-beneficial;
  5. Provide a staff that collectively possesses the specialized skills necessary for the Libraries to function in a diverse, global, and increasingly complex information environment;
  6. Create an environment within the library and beyond that encourages research and learning;
  7. Develop programs and offer services that foster the cultural environment and the pursuit of learning in the university and in the community.

B. EXTERNAL TRENDS

The University Libraries function in an economic milieu that increasingly imposes far more limitations than those imposed by what is technically possible. Library systems are now capable of delivering to workstations throughout both libraries, and via the University network to office and home, a major array of citation and full-text materials. The information environment in which they function, however, is increasingly proprietary. This proprietary environment, to an ever greater extent, makes distinctions between information delivery within the libraries, within the university, and within the greater University Community where that community lives and works.

The avenues that could mitigate this situation have been slow to provide relief. Among those that have been exploited:
  1. Cooperatively negotiated l icensing agreements. The FIU Libraries have the purchasing power of the Florida State University System behind them. The Florida Center for Library Automation (FCLA) bargains with database vendors to get the most advantageous prices. It does so in concert with other major buyers.
  2. Fair use agreements to facilitate interlibrary loan and electronic reserves. These have, in both cases, so far been elusive.
The above developments take place in a world of learning where library dependence on print sources is inescapable. Rather than reduce the cost of scholarly journals, full-text electronic format tends to cost more money.

Fitting an all-too-familiar pattern is Academic Press's recent proposition to the State University System. Academic publishes 180 scholarly journals, of which 164 are subscribed to by at least one SUS Library at a present cost of $500,000. Academic is willing to provide electronic access to journals subscribed on paper for the cost of print subscriptions plus 10%. SUS Libraries can elect not to receive print versions, but must still pay for them.

It is nonetheless true that advances in the state of the library art make library holdings more accessible and useful than ever before. The challenge imposed by the external environment is to provide the access and delivery mechanisms that technology now makes possible and that clearly are expected by library users. The cost of providing continuing access to information currently being provided by our libraries has risen faster, in the past two years, than legislative appropriations for library collections. This is one of many instances where the presence of a major library materials purchase endowment would make a critical difference in developing appropriate library collections.

C. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND AREAS OF EMPHASIS

The challenge for the university libraries is to provide as much information as widely accessible as possible and to educate the University Community to take full advantage of new and traditional sources available. For the next few years, most information will be in print format. However, at the present time, 10% of the library information dollar goes for material in electronic format and this will increase.

Libraries are superbly positioned to provide to university communities the benefits of the old information technologies and the new, each enhancing the other. Electronic resources will continue to be provided through the Florida Center for Library Automation supplemented to an increasingly significant extent by locally available resources, such as those to be provided by the IBM Digital Library Software and related equipment. The libraries will work with IRM to maximize the payoff of both resources for the benefit of library users, while continuing to develop print collections of increasing strength.

The provision of information literacy to the University Community is an increasingly important library function which is the focus of a major library effort. This effort generated approximately 20,000 contact hours of information literacy education during the past year and will continue to have a major impact on skill levels of those we teach.

The variety of services we provide will continue to be mirrored in the Libraries' Home Page through which broad access to collections and information concerning them may be found.

D. LONG TERM GOALS

  1. Continue to acquire and provide access to information through state-of-the-art equipment, drawing on and contributing to the shared resources of the Florida Center for Library Automation and other organizations. The Libraries should continue to develop and use, to an increasing extent, local information resources and locally-stored data.
  2. Continue to develop print collections which, for some years, will be the cornerstone of information service in full-text provided to the University.
  3. Resume the growth of library staff to accommodate increased need for assistance in exploiting major new information resources and to provide the information literacy essential for life-long learning. Create in the staff an expanding range of specialized skills through education and new appointments.
  4. Complete the University Park Library and ensure that it is appropriately furnished and equipped to serve as the major research library of FIU.
  5. Continue to explore and develop creative partnerships with internal academic units and external agencies to enhance library information service to the University.
  6. Work with University Advancement to provide a library materials purchase endowment of $3 million during the Capital Campaign. Such an endowment is an essential prerequisite for the development of a research library collection serving the needs of a comprehensive university.

E. ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES

  1. Contribute to a reorganized IRM organization as a working partner in it; seek productive synergies and opportunities to reduce duplication of effort.
  2. In concert with the Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer, identify the optimum means of providing systems support for the FIU Libraries in both the maintenance and production categories.

F. ANNUAL OPERATIONAL GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Administration

1996-97 Goal 1: The libraries will adopt new technologies as they become cost-effective and cost beneficial
Objective: Develop a graphical user interface for public access to library services by September, 1996.

Coordinator. Laurence Miller, Team: Systems Group

1996-97 Outcome: Done

Public Services

1996-97 Goal 2: Undertake activities aimed at improving access to the libraries
Objective: Install appropriate signage approved by the NC Sign committee and James Younger, campus architect by September, 1996.
Coordinator: Susan Weiss, Team: Nancy Hershoff Elaine Winske

1996-97 Outcome: The signs are on order

1996-97 Goal 3. Increase use of Lexis/Nexis databases by investigating possibility of providing telnet access via the WWW. Recommendation to be submitted no later than December, 1996
Coordinator: Patricia Iannuzzi, Team: Scott Kass, Dan Murphy

1996-97 Outcome: Done

1996-96 Goal 4: Increase value and scope of the FIU Libraries Home Page
Objectives:
  1. Provide access to subject specific collections for Internet sites and develop criteria for acceptable sites by December, 1996.
    Coordinator: Salvador Miranda, Team: Subject Specialists

    1996-97 Outcome: The criteria is done.

  2. Identify unique web projects that will add content to the home page by December 1996
    Coordinator: Laurence Miller, Team: Systems Group

     1996-97 Outcome: In process

  3. Develop departmental home pages by December 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Carrillo, Team: All Department Heads

    1996-97 Outcome: Partially implemented, in process.

1996-97 Goal 5: Minimize duplication of materials in print and electronic formats
Objective: Review and cancel when appropriate mint abstract and index titles that are also available in electronic format by May 1997.
Coordinator: Salvador Miranda, Team. Serials Committee

1996-97 Outcome. Done by the WAN/Serials Committee.

1996-97 Goal 6: Organize and expand the map collection at the University Park Library
Objectives:
  1. Draft a collection development policy for maps by September 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Mosley. Team: Salvador Miranda and Jennifer Fu

    1996-97 Outcome: In process

  2. Weed existing map collection by December. 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Mosley. Team: Jennifer Fu. Martha Castiello

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

  3. Purchase new maps in various formats (print and electronic) by March 1997
    Coordinator: Jennifer Fu

     1996-97 Outcome: In process

1996-97 Goal 7: Increase access to government documents via LUIS.
Objectives:
  1. Complete the Marcive profile for federal documents. 1987-89 by December. 1990
    Coordinator: Sherry Mosley. Team: Elaine Winske

    1996-97 Outcome: none

  2. Pursue possibility of tapeloading bibliographic data for Florida state documents from 1989 to date Submit recommendation by December. 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Mosley. Team: Elaine Winske

    1995-97 Outcome: in process

1996-97 Goal 8: Develop a GIS and Statistics Lab in the University Park Library
Objectives:
  1. 1996-97 Outcome: Done

  2. Establish use policies and procedures by December. 1996
    Coordinator: ]Jennifer Fu. Team: Sherry Mosley

    1996-97 Outcome: In process

1996-97 Goal 9: Provide open and easy access to as many resources as possible
Objectives
  1. Move video tapes to open shelving by June 1997
    Coordinator: Lee Keene. Team: Mayra Nemeth

    1996-97 Outcome: The cataloging of tapes is well underway. Could not physically move tapes due to need for new security system

  2. Explore the possibility of establishing an orientation program on the public terminals through such programs as Powerpoint with a recommendation by December 1996
    Coordinator: George Pearson. Team: Dan Murphy. Signe Swanson

    1996-97 Outcome: powerpoint software arrived February 1997. New date. December, 1998

1996-97 Goal 10: Develop an Everglades Information Center.
Objectives:
  1. Develop a proposal to include scope and mission of the center by July 1996.

  2. Coordinator Patricia lannuzzi. Team: Gail Clement. Salvador Miranda, Sherry Mosley

    1996-97 Outcome: Done.

  3. Develop a proposal for funding collection management and information services for the center Submit recommendations by July, 1996.
    Coordinator: Patricia lannuzzi. Team: Gail Clement. Salvador Miranda, Sherry Mosley

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

1996-97 Goal 11: Improve supervision of staff and functions within the University Park Library's Access Services Department
Objective:
  1. Revise department head position description and submit for approval by September, 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Carrillo

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

  2. Develop a plan for covering the department head function by October. 1996, and fill the position by December 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Carrillo

    1996-97 Outcome: Position reassigned, goal changed

  3. Revise USPS position descriptions as necessary and request position audits as appropriate starting in September, 1996
    Coordinator: Sherry Carrillo

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

1996-97 Goal 12: Review staffing and functions within the North Campus Library.
Objectives
  1. Fill the night/evening librarian reference position by December 1996
    Coordinator: Susan Weiss, Team: Ron Martin, Dan Murphy, Signe Swanson, Aleda Titre

    1996-97 Outcome: Original search unsuccessful. New search underway Position to be filled by July 1997

  2. Fill the serials/acquisitions librarian position by December 1996
    Coordinator: Lee Keene. Team: Marcy Bonnano. Peter Matcau, Salvador Miranda. Ivy Torres, Susan Weiss

    1996-97 Outcome: Original search unsuccessful- New search underway Position to be filled by July 1997

  3. Review all office assignments in Reader Services Coordinator: Scott Kass. Team: Lee Keene

    1996-97 Outcome: Done.

  4. Review the structure of Reader Services/Reference as to staffing, hours of service. types of service, and service delivery. Recommendations for any changes to be submitted by September 1996
    Coordinator: Scott Kass, Team:NC Reader Services/Reference Dept., Sherry Carrillo

    1996-97 Outcome: Has not yet been addressed New deadline is July 1998.

Technology Services

1996-97 Goal 13: Provide both efficient and quality cataloging for all new materials and older materials in the backlog to the extent possible with current staffing and funding levels
Objectives
  1. PLan minimum-level cataloging projects for materials that do not need full-level cataloging including FIU theses, UMI theses, Rand papers, Special Collections pamphlet collections, and others as identified by Cataloging Public Service, and Collection Management staff by December 1996.
    Coordinator: Kass Evans and Mirtha Hernandez

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

  2. Review work assignments to see if there is a way to increase productivity by December 1996.
    Coordinators: Kass Evans and Mirtha Hernandez

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

  3. Identify. and quantify materials that currently lack a record in LUIS such as maps, data tapes. administrative software, and gift music LPs. Present a list of these to the Director and Assistant/Associate Directors which can be used for long-term planning of Cataloging priorities by summer 1997.
    Coordinator: Bob Mead-Donaldson

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

  4. Examine the way that cataloging statistics are being kept by all departments and devise a better approach for collection and reporting them by December 1997.
    Coordinator: Assistant Director for Technology Services. Team: Kass Evans, Nancy Hershoff, Calvin Burkhart, Sherry Mosley. Elaine Winske, Mayra Nemeth

    1996-97 Outcome: Done

1996-97 Goal 15: Develop a managed approach to authority control and the maintenance of a "clean" LUIS database
Objective
  1. Provide training for all professional catalogers in the creation of original authority records which would include a review of AACR2 and LCRI guidelines for establishing new headings. Begin actively adding original authority records to NOTIS by December 1996.
    Coordinator: Kass Evans, Team: Mirtha Hernandez, Nancy S. Hershoff, Bob Mead-Donaldson, John Radencich

    1996-97 Outcome: Not accomplished Coordinator/trainer resigned December, 1996.

  2. Serve as a test site for FCLA for a program to batch claim authority records for new headings, Develop new workflow and/or alter responsibilities when the program is ready by January 1997.
    Coordinator: Kass Evans

    1996-97 Outcome: Due to resignation of Department Head software program not initiated at this time

Library Outreach To The University Community And Services To The General Public

1996-97 Goal 16: Develop a cruise industry archive.
Objective: Continue to explore the feasibility of an archive's agreement with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Agreement for the development of the archives of RCL to be finalized by August 1996.
Coordinators: Laurence Miller and Vicki Silvera

1996-97 Outcome: Ongoing. awaiting RCL 's response to FIU's proposal

1996-97 Goal 17: Proactive involvement in the teaching and development of courses that can make use the Special Collections and the University Archives
Objective: The History Department wishes to develop courses in historical editing manuscript research, and local history and explores small projects with NHPRC funding. Agreement to be finalized by December 1996,
Coordinators: Alex Lichtenstein (History Dept.) and Vicki Silvera

1996-97 Outcome: Suspended May revisit in Iight of new hires in the history Department.

1996-97 Goal 18: Work with the Centers and ORU's to develop a collection of small personal collections of local history.

1996-97 Outcome: Women's Archives: Judge Mattie Belle Davies Papers Will be the inaugural collection of this archive

Objective African New World Studies is working to develop a local archival collection. The collection of papers and photographs from Ms. Eunice Liberty is seen as the cornerstone collection. Discussions with Ms. Liberty are ongoing.
Coordinators: Marvin Dunn (ANWS) and Vicki Silvera

1996-97 Outcome: Ms Liberty announced that FIU will receive her papers The arrangements for the donation are still to be concluded

New Goals

1997-98 New Goal 1: Expand existing orientation tutorials on public terminals. December. 1998
Coordinator: Patty lannuzzi Team: Scott Kass, Steve Morris. Stephanie Brenenson.

1997-98 New Goal 2: Review the structure of Reader Services/Reference on both campuses as to staffing, hours and pattern of service. Recommended changes to be submitted by July 1998,
Coordinator: Sherry Carrillo Team: Scott Kass. Patty Iannuzzi, Sherry Mosley. other staff as appropriate.

1997-98 New Goal 3: Identify funds for staff training program to be well underway by December, 1997
Coordinator. Laurence Miller. Team: Toni Downs.

1997-98 New Goal 4: Review the administrative structure of systems in the Libraries and make recommendations for improved coordination and delivery of systems support, July, 1998.
Coordinator: Laurence Miller Team: Sherry Carrillo, Toni Downs.

1997-98 New Goal 5: Explore joint opportunities with UCS and Telecommunications to enhance services to the University, implement service improvements.
Coordinator: Laurence Miller. Team: Sherry Carrillo. Toni Downs, IRM Unit Heads.

1997-98 New Goal 6: Develop and implement a mentoring program for new staff December, 1998.
Coordinator: Laurence Miller, Team: Sherry Carrillo, Toni Downs, Salvador Miranda, Dept. Heads

1997-98 New Goal 7: Institutionalize cooperative programs with academic units; expand intensive information literacy programming at University Park beyond Arts and Sciences and Engineering December, 1998.
Coordinator: Patty Iannuzzi. Team: Stephanie Brenenson, Sherry Carrillo.

1997-98 New Goal 8: Establish an advisory committee concerned with library service on the North Campus to supplement the consultative efforts that have traditionally been undertaken with the Faculty Senate Library Committee. September. 1997
Coordinator: Toni Downs.

1997-98 New Goal 9: Work with US on applications using IBM Digital Library Software December. 1998
Coordinator: Laurence Miller Team: Sherry Carrillo, Toni Downs, Jackie Zelman

Report Prepared by: Toni Downs, Laurence Miller
Date Submitted: May 1, 1997

About The Libraries  Library Home  FIU Home  Site Contents 
 

This page is maintained by:
Web Manager
libweb@servms.fiu.edu
Last updated: August 11, 1997
http://www.fiu.edu/~library/about/goals.html