Strategic Directions
Enrich Our Collections
Enrich and curate library collections that enable intellectual endeavors and inspire new discoveries.
Goals:
- Provide enhanced visibility and discoverability of library collections using a suite of software tools and collections-centered programming.
- Establish a coordinated digital initiatives strategy that elevates discovery and access of unique and special collections.
- Optimize the storage of physical materials as responsible stewards of our collections, while meeting the needs and expectations of users.
- Strengthen collection development practices and strategies for sustainability and streamlined operations.
- Expand the visibility of diverse perspectives and voices through inclusive collection development practices and engagement with representative communities.
Brian Gray, Associate Dean, Collections
- Evaluation of digital repositories to deliver a decision on what platforms to sustain and determine what type of content is stored in each.
- Hire of an associate dean for collections to provide holistic management of collections, including leading a shared philosophy of print retention, digital collections, special collections, and digitization priorities for distinctive collections.
- Established the digital initiatives team by defining roles and reallocating personnel.
- Expand the reach and increase the frequency of physical library exhibits.
Expand Our Impact
Expand our impact as a trusted academic and research partner through promotion, engagement and collaboration.
Goals:
- Foster awareness of and improve UC Libraries’ reputation through heightened promotion of library services, collections and expertise.
- Connect students, researchers and faculty with library services, collections and expertise through increased engagement and focused research.
- Expand UC Libraries’ reach and maximize effectiveness through enhanced UC and external partnerships and collaborations.
Carly Fledderjohann, Digital Content Specialist
- Hire of a communications specialist to elevate the UC Libraries brand and increase the reach of our programs and services.
- Investigation of UC Libraries’ participation in the university’s micro-credentialing initiative.
- Update the UC Libraries external communication plan.
- Expand evidence synthesis services through a network of trained faculty.
- Assess research data needs and develop a university-wide strategy to support research data on campus.
- Develop a coordinated process to increase involvement in face-to-face outreach activities.
Strengthen Our Organization
Strengthen an inclusive library enterprise through an investment in our people, practices and spaces by creating a shared purpose with active participation and accountability.
Goals:
- Build and foster a culture of assessment and data-informed decision making that ensures collections, services and spaces meet or exceed user needs.
- Develop a transparent and participatory decision-making structure for UC Libraries based on shared values, priorities and vision.
- Recruit, develop and retain library faculty and staff by strengthening skills and creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Pursue opportunities to financially sustain UC Libraries that allow for future growth and development.
- Enhance the student employee work experience and maximize their contributions to the libraries.
Lindsay Taylor, Research Data Analyst
- Hire of an assessment and evaluation specialist to strengthen assessment practices, increase data informed decision making, and communicate the libraries’ impact.
- Review and restructure of committees to reduce silos and improve transparency within the organization.
- Build a culture of assessment and evaluation within UC Libraries.
- Address organizational file storage challenges.
- Revise the internal communication plan.
- Establish support for grant funding through training, technical support and incentive funding.
- Develop a fundraising visioning document in partnership with the UC Foundation (pictured).
- Create a centralized training and orientation plan for student employees.
Support Our Students
Support academic readiness, create access and foster success and belonging of a growing student population through utilization of library services, collections, spaces and expertise.
Goals:
- Play a role in addressing student affordability through the development and adoption of open
educational resources. - Develop student learning beyond the classroom.
- Enhance student belonging and inclusion through library programming and services.
- Develop and execute a vision for library spaces that fosters an adaptive, accessible and productive user experience.
Jeanne Brooks, Associate Dean, Operations and User Services
- Hire of an associate dean for operations & user services to enhance organizational structures and promote consistent user experience across service points.
- Hire of a website and user experience specialist to enhance the Libraries’ digital spaces, the “front door” of the libraries for a growing number of online students.
- Pilot a student experience position.
- Use data from Open Education Resources (OER) grant pilot to establish a sustainable program at UC Libraries.
- Expand the student advisory board.
- Develop a long-term vision for physical library spaces.
