HARRELL LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN

For FY 05/06-07/08 

GOAL ONE:  We will enhance the user’s experience with the Libraries by becoming a more user-centered and responsive organization.

Objective A:  Empower users to customize their library experience by providing adaptable technologies and services.

• Compile information on ways that users can customize their access to information and distribute the information through a brochure, workshops, etc. 
  Methods of customization can include the setup of personal accounts in PubMed, the CAT, OVID; journal “Table of Contents” alert services, automatic search alerts (SDIs), notice of new resources in the library, journal lists by subject, subject portals, and more.

Objective B:  Provide a knowledgeable and service-oriented faculty and staff.

• Hershey library faculty should plan to continue to attend at least one professional meeting a year as well as other workshops, CE sessions, etc. as needed.

• Staff members should attend at least two workshops/training sessions/online presentations per year that are available through Penn State, University Libraries, or the Hershey campus.  External training should be attended as work-related need is determined.

• Work with main campus and Mediasite to provide presentations on relevant topics such as customer service.

• Add staff/employee recognition and morale building events which reflect on library services and workloads.

Objective C:  Facilitate barrier-free access to library resources and services at the user’s point of need.

• Develop a “Library House Call” service.

• Establish liaison relationships with key departments such as Administration.

• Implement a virtual reference service at the Hershey campus.

• Expand reference hours.

• Provide a clear and accurate interface to all Web-based products that are available.

• Purchase a de-sensitizing security system.

• Add more hours for part-time staff during Academic Year – exam time, etc.

• Continue to work with IT and Human Resources to streamline access accounts and authentication for library services.

• Conduct surveys and focus group discussions to assess user needs and develop relevant priorities.

Objective D:  Develop physical environments at all locations that are comfortable, welcoming, and accessible.

• Conduct a thorough study on the use of library materials; discard obsolete material; convert to digital formats when feasible.

• Work with facilities planning to insure that library space is efficiently and effectively being used.

• Add more signage to the library.

• Increase lighting and seating options for laptop/wireless users.

• Maintain our very pleasant physical space – add color.

• Promote “Library as Place” concepts on campus

• Have a quiet study room – with ethnic art work.

• Add more computer stations to the first floor.
   

Objective E:  Promote and market the richness and diversity of the Libraries’ resources, services, and faculty/staff expertise.

• Continue to develop a promotion/public relations plan to increase library visibility through presentations, bulletin boards, displays, committee participation, handouts, orientations, fairs, and Hershey-wide newsletters and alert services.

• Contribute at least one article to the Crescent about the cost of resources; repeat information on library web page and bulletin board.

• Implement new modes of promoting Harrell Library recognition such as adding the GTH banner to the password sign-in screen when accessing electronic resources and consider using blogs and RSS feeds.

• Promote the addition of a link to the library on other Hershey departmental web pages.

• Provide Library Updates/News at Faculty Organization meetings periodically.

• Conduct a “Library Information” event in the Hospital on a regular basis – suggestions include: wireless access by the Starbucks Café – register patrons, demonstrate what we have, answer questions, show I want it, full text, etc.; have demos in the cafeteria.

GOAL TWO:  We will advance information literacy and lifelong learning.
 
Objective A:  Expand information literacy competencies throughout the curriculum to support teaching, research, and lifelong learning.

• Expand library orientations and “open house” events to include new target groups such as new employees, residents, and staff at outlying clinics.

• Conduct at least one Technology Fair each year.

• Conduct sessions with cooperation from IRT as needed on the setup and use of wireless technologies with laptops, PDAs, etc.

• Work with medical school and nursing faculty to integrate searching strategies/information literacy into the curriculum.

• Develop online tutorials on the use of various library resources and databases. 

Objective B:  Advance and participate in e-learning initiatives through the University.

• Promote staff viewing of “MediaSite” and other Web-cast presentations given by University Libraries.

• Encourage staff to make use of IT-based workshops and other distance education options such as World Campus or web-based training.

Objective C:  Build a stronger infrastructure to support Libraries’ instructional initiatives.

• Develop a program of regular “lunch and learn” sessions.

• Organize regularly scheduled library workshops.

• Seek to have at least one Hershey faculty member serve on an instruction-related committee at University Park.

Objective D:  Promote intellectual freedom and the ethical use of information.

• Conduct one session per year on copyright and intellectual property issues at the Hershey campus.

• Place Copyright Notice on the password sign-in screen when accessing electronic resources.

Objective E:  Collaborate with local and state initiatives to advance lifelong learning.

• Review LCME and other credentialing/accreditation requirements related to libraries and information services to maintain compliance.

GOAL THREE:  We will enrich and advance Penn State’s contributions to the worldwide community of scholars.
 
Objective A:  Enhance collections that support the teaching, research, and outreach focus of the University.

• Complete weeding projects of outdated and little-used materials in the monograph and reference collections.

• Build on our strong print collection by adding more titles and multiple copies of books to the reserve collection and regular book collection. Update gaps in coverage identified through the weeding projects.

Objective B:  Collaborate in the development of digital library content, services, and technologies.

• Continue to participate in contracts for electronic resources for all of PSU.

• Investigate digitization of HMC archival and older journal content.

• Identify and collaborate with UP initiatives to establish institutional repositories for HMC-created content.

Objective C:  Identify and develop scholarly communications and open access initiatives.

• Develop an “open-access awareness” program at the Hershey campus.

• Support open-access initiatives such as BioMed Central.

Objective D:  Broaden access to the world’s information and collections.

• Continue participation in NN/LM regional interlibrary loan systems.

• Regularly, monitor and update links to free relevant Web-based content.

• Purchase added content when feasible – such MDConsult, ejournal backfiles, etc.

Objective E:  Preserve information and artifacts for current and future generations of scholars.
 

• Implement the initiative to digitize, store, and catalog select materials from the Harrell Library archives. 

• Create a Web site for public access to the online materials.

• Organize a more formal program for the collection of archival materials representing the history of the Hershey campus.

• Preserve and maintain print journal collection when digital access is unavailable or not of high quality; or when the print is not available elsewhere in the region.

GOAL FOUR:  We will collaborate to create and manage a technological infrastructure that is responsive to the changing needs of the Libraries’ users and of its employees.
 
Objective A:  Maintain software, hardware, and service structures to support flexibility and agility in response to change.

• Adopt the use of SFX, MetaLib (federated searching system), and virtual reference at the Hershey campus when feasible.

• Adopt the use of the SIRSI Acquisitions at the Hershey campus when feasible.
  Convert staff workstations to laptops with wireless capability as deemed appropriate.

Objective B:  Ensure stability and the availability of critical services and support in a complex networked environment.

• Develop a plan of support with the Hershey IT and University Libraries IT departments to ensure stable support of Harrell Library technology needs. 

•  Hire a systems librarian; or train an existing librarian with more systems knowledge; and/or build closer ties with the University Libraries IT personnel. 

• Work with the Library Advisory Committee to represent the library well and to include student representation when identifying user needs.

Objective C:  Empower employees and users to efficiently, responsibly, and effectively manage their technology and information needs.

• Develop a mechanism of sharing technology-related tips and information consistently among library staff – possibly through email or staff meetings and to the library public through the Web site or e-publications.

• Organize a “new products” test group.

• Add technology FAQ’s to the library website.

• Increase opportunities for working relationships with main campus and other PSU campuses  -- example: centralized training workshops.

Objective D:  Build technology infrastructure to support multiple modes of delivery of resources.

• Work with IRT to build increased support and use of PDA-based services including support for wireless network access.  Develop a PDA user group.

• Build and maintain a catalog of digital learning resources created at the Hershey campus.

• Explore options for information delivery in the automated patient record system (electronic LATCH program).

 
GOAL FIVE:  We will foster diversity.

Objective A:  Create a welcoming climate that promotes civility and respect for everyone.

• Continue to invite displays on bulletin boards and in the display cases from diverse groups according to PSUCOM/HMC policies.

• Continue to allow faculty release time to provide translation services to non-English speaking patients in clinical areas.

Objective B:  Advance a shared and inclusive understanding of diversity within all aspects of the Libraries’ operations and among all employees.

• Encourage library faculty and staff to attend programs related to diversity.

• Continue faculty participation in writing on behalf of Dean’s Council on Diversity

Objective C:  Recruit and retain a diverse workforce at all levels.

• When filling new positions, work with Human Resources to comply with University hiring policies regarding diversity.

Objective D:  Contribute to the University’s programs for student recruitment and retention.

• Continue to tour prospective students through the library.  Work with Medical Education department to provide up-to-date information about the library resources, services, and physical environment.

Objective E:  Develop services and collections that foster intercultural and international competencies.

• Reorganize materials related to consumer health to develop a section of the “general reading area” of the library that is focused on consumer health information in multiple languages.

• Continue to add materials to the collection related to healthcare in various population groups.

• Continue to add links to multi-cultural, non-English language resources on the library Web site.

Objective F: Create and promote leadership opportunities for all Libraries’ employees.

• Encourage library faculty and staff to attend Center for Leadership workshops when offered.

Continue library presentations during Center of Leadership Orientation sessions.
 
 
FINANCIAL GOALS:  Assure minimum level of support at each location.

Objective A:  Link funding and minimum levels of facilities.

• Participate in review of staff positions and salaries being planned by the Human Resources office at the University Libraries at main campus.

• Use AAHSL statistics and other measures of accreditation to gage levels of facilities and levels of service with goal to meet or exceed those of median library.

• Create comparison documentation of similar college of medicine/ medical center library facilities to educate  HMC administration

• Continue to support profitable ILL services by maintaining print collection

Objective B:  Correlate database usage with funding at periodic intervals.

• Assess usage of resources and modify subscriptions accordingly to make the most efficient use of library funds to meet user needs.

Objective C:  Monitor periodical budget with respect to duplication.

• Review journal collection each year for duplication of formats and modify subscriptions to reduce duplication and cost if possible.

Objective D:  Create campus specific endowment-work with institutional development officer.

• Library director will work with Hershey and University Park funding offices to explore/build interest in/obtain endowment monies for the library.

• Liaison with strategic services to improve library public relations for collection needs and funding opportunities.

Objective E:  Partnering with other campus groups for specific collections.

• Continue partnership with Consumer Health Library on campus.

• Continue partnerships with groups supporting specific parts of the collection – Physicians for Social Responsibility, Society for Distinguished Educators, Center for Leadership Development, Kienle Foundation.

• Build new partnerships with Cancer Center and other centers being developed at Hershey.

• Continue and expand joint contract negotiations with main campus for electronic resources.

Objective F:  Determine baseline for minimum technology – alternate funding to maintain.

• Develop a plan for Harrell Library technology development, management, and support with both the Hershey and University Libraries IT departments.

Objective G:  Grants and awards to libraries.

• Work with Grants and Contracts office to investigate options for grant funding.

• Seek possible funding for digital or other projects.

Objective H:  Enhance communication of availability.

• Work with Grants and Contracts offices at both Hershey and University Libraries to develop a mechanism for regular communication of funding opportunities to library faculty.

Objective I:  Work with UL development offices for fund raising at campus libraries.  Explore the idea of someone in the Libraries responsible for University College Libraries development.

• Identify at least three areas in which to seek gifts and donations.

• Work with Hershey and UL development offices to acquire funding for those areas.

Objective J:  Mine University Archives for retail uses.
            n/a

Objective K: Explore possible fee-based services; recognize impact on PSU libraries of decline in public library funding, e.g. increased usage and resident PA demands for services.

• Continue to provide profitable fee-based services for area law practices and medical practices.

•  Investigate and implement where feasible, other options for interlibrary loan and document delivery, such as LoanSome Doc, Access PA, etc.

GEORGE T. HARRELL LIBRARY

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER

A UNIT OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES AT THE HERSHEY CAMPUS

GOALS AND STRATEGIES, FY 05/06 – FY 07/08

 ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN

     The George T. Harrell Library was established over 35 years ago and has seen many changes in that time.  This year and the next three years will be a period of even greater change with an emphasis on refocusing and reinventing who we are as a library.  Cultural influences are making a great impact on how we do business:  the conversion to and popularity of electronic access to resources and the convenient remote 24/7 access to those resources; the growing surge of portable or wearable computing with PDAs, laptops, PC tablets, blackberries, and others;  and the creation of new searching methods and remote reference services such as Google Scholar, virtual reference, and MetaLib searching.  Digital projects are a growing option for both the creation and access to multiple forms of information including images, digital videos and slides and other learning tools.  Trends in scholarly publishing such as open access, institutional repositories, and open archiving initiatives will continue to impact change on what we do and how we do it. 

The library as a place is also seeing change as we reorganize and redevelop to make the most efficient use of space.  Stack space may decrease, but we will continue to need space for staff workflow, for both group and one-on-one instruction, and for the development of new services such as digital scanning projects. 

Our users are changing as well.  Each new generation has its own personality and characteristics.  Students in the present and in the near future want convenience and electronic access to information; they enjoy teamwork, and want portability.  Library users at Hershey are no different, though there is still a mix of “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” – those who were born and have grown up with the latest technology and those who remember information access before the Internet and use both print and the newer technologies.  Hershey users also have added expectations from the rest of the University because they are mostly a post-graduate population with the demands of world-class patient care and the standards set by the broader medical community to consider.  With the reorganization under University Libraries, we also must consider more closely than ever, the needs of the broader University populations that we serve in every decision that is made.

The goals and objectives of the 05/06-07/08 strategic plan outlined below, were globally set by representatives from units across the University Libraries.  The tactics listed below, however, are specific to the Harrell Library and will be regularly reviewed and modified as our situation demands; and will be accomplished per available funding.  Each of the goals, objectives, and tactics keep in mind the overall mission of the Harrell Library which is:

The George T. Harrell Library of the The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is committed to providing instruction and access to informational resources and services in support of the needs of faculty, students, and staff engaged in patient care, research, and education and to extending these resources and services, in so far as possible, to the biomedical community throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.

With the Harrell Library Strategic Plan for FY 05/06-07/08, we also seek to support relevant goals of the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine as stated in the document “The Next Generation: A Plan for Excellence” and in the Strategic Plan for 2004-2005 of the Unified Campus Academic Team.  Key elements that relate to Harrell Library operations include:

1. Provide a physically and emotionally comfortable, intellectually stimulating learning environment.
2. Teach students timely and relevant information, utilizing the most appropriate blend of educational modalities and technologies.
3. Promote life-long learning.
4. Use human and financial resources efficiently and responsibly.
5. Create a work environment that promotes professional and personal growth.
6. Collaborate actively.
7. Pursue excellence in everything we do.

We will be a “world-class” academic medical center library and learning facility. 

HARRELL LIBRARY FACULTY AND STAFF (full-time) as of August 2005:

(alphabetical order)

Leona Charles, Interlibrary Loan

Linda D’Ambrosia, Interlibrary Loan

Sharon Daugherty, Circulation

Esther Dell, Associate Librarian, Interlibrary Loan and Reference

Marie Fitzsimmons, Assistant Librarian, Reference and Technology Support

Elaine Julian, Cataloging

Patricia Kline, Cataloging

Virginia Lingle, Interim Library Director and Librarian, Technical Services

Robin Long, Interlibrary Loan

Deb Lovett, Assistant Librarian, Educational Services and Reference

Virginia Miller, Serials

Mae Risser, Serials

Karen Seador, Library Secretary

Franceen Wilson, Head, Circulation