Zahnow Library Mission, Goals and Objectives
Library Mission Statement
The mission of the Melvin J. Zahnow Library is to provide information resources and services that support the teaching and research needs of the students, faculty and staff of Saginaw Valley State University.
Zahnow Library Goals and Objectives for 2009-10
1. Provide a range of information services that promotes student academic success and retention.
o Participate in the grant-funded BiblioBouts project with UM School of Information faculty and SVSU English 111 faculty to test the effectiveness of using games to teach information literacy skills.
o Create and use games to teach basic library concepts, such as LC call numbers and library terminology.
2. Continue to provide library support for new online/hybrid courses.
o Promote embedded librarian service to faculty who teach online courses through personal contact.
o Develop course-related research guides using LibGuides software and integrate into online courses.
3. Continue to improve library instruction program.
o Continue to identify new avenues of obtaining student and faculty feedback on library instruction sessions.
o Request funding to hire a student tutor to assist with the first session of the library component of English 111.
o Promote library instruction services to faculty teaching upper division courses.
4. Establish new modes of communication and interaction with students and faculty.
o Promote use of the library’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.
o Investigate technology to make library resources accessible to mobile device users.
5. Evaluate and strengthen library collections to meet the teaching and research needs of the university community.
o Evaluate all print and electronic journal subscriptions and standing orders in collaboration with faculty.
o Evaluate target subject areas in the general collection in collaboration with faculty and withdraw titles meeting established de-selection criteria.
o Promote and monitor usage of ICPSR.
6. Enhance the accessibility of library resources.
o Implement new search and discovery tools (Encore and ResearchPro).
o Use LibGuides software to create web-based guides to promote awareness and use of library collections, online resources, services, etc.
o Revise library web pages to incorporate new Web 2.0 technologies.
o Evaluate and select a system for cataloging and digital display of special collections.
o Complete inventory of records management materials housed in the library.
7. Promote innovation through professional development and continuing education of library staff.
o Provide increased support for staff participation in workshops and conferences to expand job knowledge and encourage innovation.
8. Maintain an inviting physical environment that facilitates learning and social interaction.
o Begin developing plans for redesigning the Reference sunken area.