MAJOR COMPLETED INITIATIVES FOR 2004-2005:
Library Server. After nearly four years of negotiating, University Computing has purchased and installed a Linux server that is being managed and maintained by the library. The installation was completed in March 2005. We have several projects that we will be working on over the next few months. Please see the Library Technology Initiatives (attached) for more information.
OpenURL/Link Resolver: LinkSource. We continue to review and monitor our link resolver and knowledgebase. We have added some important features and we are always striving to refine the service.
Library Discussion Server/Weblog. We continue to experiment with various modes of electronic communication for the library faculty and staff. A staff wiki was established in 2002-2003 and we are using it for several purposes, including collaboration with system administrators in University Computing. Additionally, we continue to pursue the use of weblogs (blogs) as a way to disseminate information and solicit input. Thus far, blogs have been set up for information literacy discussion, distance education and liaison discussion.
Computer upgrades. The Library continues to upgrade and improve access to computing power for faculty and staff. The public areas of both libraries are slated for new PCs? during spring or summer 2005. Seventeen (17) Apple iMacs are currently being configured for possible installation on the 5th floor of the library.
Technology Budget. A budget request has been prepared for 2003-2004 bond monies (attached), although very few items have been received and installed. A highlight of the budget will be a new color printer for the faculty and staff.
Wireless access. Though not technically an accomplishment of the library systems department, we are pleased that wireless network access has been extended to cover most public areas of the library.
Web page activity. LiveStats? web statistics ceased being collected in December 2004; therefore, we have little evidence of web page activity. Anecdotally, however, during university-wide web team meetings, it was clear that the library is second only to the university home page in activity.
Database & Service Usage. A quick snapshot shows us that Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) still accounts for over 20% of our total database usage, followed by EBSCO Combined Databases, JSTOR and A-toZ, with less than 10% each. In addition, statistics tell us that ERes? has been accessed more than 53,000 from the library homepage and CONSULS has been requested nearly 6,000 times. The raw statistics are available at http://149.152.216.200/staff/stats and are attached.
ERes?. The service continues to be popular with faculty, even with the growing interest in WebCT? on campus (see access statistics above). We will continue to monitor the level of sustained interest in ERes?.
ILLiad?. We have successfully installed the third major upgrade to the ILLiad? system – 7.0. We continue to monitor the system and keep current with releases.
GOALS & INITIATIVES 2005-2006:
_Please note_: Many of our initiatives for the coming year will grow out of having access to the new library server. We have planned projects, but the scope and development of the projects may necessarily change as we learn and experiment with the new environment.
Web page development. With the installation of the new library server, active development of the library’s web site can commence. We will be moving the web site to the new server and will be investigating new delivery and presentation media. We will also be working on a way to move all our current web links to a database for easier maintenance.
Online instructional tutorials. The Systems department will work with the library faculty to create prototype online tutorials/instructional presentations for various disciplines. This program could expand into appropriate web-based presentations for distance and extension site students, as well as for the on-campus student population. To that end, we are currently learning the Macromedia Flash program.
Instant messaging (IM) for reference. At the Computers in Libraries 2005 Annual Conference, there were several sessions regarding the use of free instant messaging services (AIM, Yahoo, etc.) for reference service. We would like to investigate the possibility here and gauge interest by running a trial period.
Computer upgrades. The Library will continue to upgrade and improve access to computing power for faculty and staff as appropriate and necessary.
Printer upgrades. We continue to pursue the purchase and installation of HP9000s that are more heavy-duty and can accommodate 2000-sheet input trays.
Continued Research & Development. We will continue to review, test and analyze new services and technological opportunities for the library.
Submitted May 2, 2005
Veronica Kenausis