Access to Library e-resources from off-campus continued to grow in 2002. Since access was made available via NDS login in July2001—massively extending the range of resources available and giving 24-hour and off-campus access—use of Library e-resources grew substantially. During May 2002 RMIT staff and students accessed e-resources on 82 268 occasions; during October the number is even higher at 93 087. Use in the pre-exam periods of May and October was noticeably higher than in other months.
On-campus and off-campus access to Library e-resources in 2002
In the first semester 2002, access to e-resources from off-campus was close to double that of access from within the Library and was 43% of total attempts to access e-resources. When this is added to access from within the University but outside the Library walls, 69% of all access was from outside the Library. By the end of 2002 the total number of times e-resources were accessed from off-campus was almost the same as the number of accesses from on-campus at 312 254 and 314 571 respectively.
Access to Library e-resources from within the Library sites, from on-campus outside the Library, and from off-campus in 2002
While both off-campus and on-campus access to e-resources are increasing, the number of students entering the physical Library spaces hasn't changed significantly, which means use of the Library is increasing substantially. As the range and variety of Library e-resources continues to grow—along with awareness and understanding among the RMIT community—changing usage patterns are emerging and Library usage seems likely to continue to expand.
Other Library services that students can now access at any time, from anywhere via our website include the ability to place holds on books, renew items on loan, request documents or books from other libraries, ask questions via email, and place an order request for new items to be purchased. All of these Internet enabled Library services are also showing similar increases in usage.
Usage of Science Direct, one of the major databases of peer reviewed research articles, has been rising substantially each month. In May 2002, 9627 full text articles were retrieved from Science Direct, compared to 3035 in May 2001: a 317% increase. The licence was increased in late 2002 to the full package of over 1500 journal titles.
With the significant increase in our range of electronic resources the ability to retrieve and evaluate information and its sources is more important than ever. We continue to offer training to develop information literacy in Library customers to ensure their effective and efficient access to information.
Information research skills sessions 2002: number of attendees by Faculty
Information research skills sessions 2002: number of sessions by Faculty
Faculty
Number of attendees
Contact time (hours)
Number of sessions
Art, Design and Communication
3 724
200
205
Applied Science
1 320
107
99
Business
4 503
300
292
Constructed Environment
895
83
63
Cross Faculty
421
58
47
Engineering
1 423
49
48
Education, Language and Community Service
1 197
130
91
Life Sciences
2 451
197
192
Total
15 934
1 123
1 037
Information research skills training conducted by the Library in 2002
During 2002 the Director, University Library, continued to work on the Knowledge Management Project for the University. This work included hosting a forum for University staff to increase the level of understanding of Knowledge Management.
The Library hosted consultancies on a fee for service basis in the development of Learning Resource Centres in Vietnam. Hue University Learning Resource Centre Project staff visited for leadership and management training in a nine day study tour in March. Ms Huynh Thi Can – Manager Information Resources, Ms Tran Thi Cam Lai, Manager Information Services and Dr Huynh Dinh Chien, Director, returned for three weeks in September 2002 for follow-up training.
Hue University Learning Resource Centre Project staff meet with Library staff in March
Promote innovative use of information resources by linking information provision with learning programs, from the stage of the design of these programs through to their completion.
New online interactive guides and tutorials, including an EndNote tutorial, Using IBISWorld,and a guide to identifying and obtaining theses, were developed and made available from the Library website.
Info-trek, an online interactive tutorial on researching in the Library and on the Internet, was also developed and made available. Info-trek includes modules on referencing and plagiarism.
The Library has been active in promoting and facilitating links to electronic resources for use in courseware. e.g. Sitebuilder, Lexis Nexis, (see ‘RMIT University Library and your online course’ in the DLS). In addition, linking is also made to course/lecture notes via e-Reserve. A constant process of evaluation and feedback from academic staff and students ensures we provide relevant resources.
20 Liaison Librarians were involved in a number of course and program renewal activities.
7 Liaison Librarians were active members of program quality assessment teams.
Links from DLS video streaming objects to the Library Catalogue were provided.
Communication between the Library and customers was strengthened through regular reporting at LINCs (Library Information Committee meetings), andrepresentation on relevant University committees.
To ensure collections are current and relevant, a variety of methods are pursued. These include obtaining current lists of prescribed and recommended texts, and working with Faculty staff to identify appropriate resources from publisher subject profiles. A collection assessment pro-forma is now included in the Yellow Book to assist with keeping resources relevant to programs being offered at RMIT.
e-books were reviewed for potential benefits to Library customers and some e-books were added to the collection in 2002.
A Library Project Team in conjunction with LTS and the Copyright Management Service resulted in the creation of a safe system to store and communicate works digitised under Part VB of the Copyright Act. The migration of Part VB material from DLS and Faculty servers to the Library’s e-Reserve commenced. Staff were trained in copyright compliance.
The EL302 Lecture series were made available online and accessible on-campus and remotely via the Library Catalogue as part of a trial of streaming media. All Learning Centre PCs were configured to stream digital media.
Several software additions were made to PCs, including MYOB at the Business Library, Serve at Carlton Library and Endnote at all sites.
In partnership with other University staff, teach students to become information literate as a basis of career long learning and real world problem solving.
Information research skills sessions were offered to academic and teaching staff: 15 725 attended 1023 sessions over 1106 hours.
The Library participated in the CAUL Information Literacy Assessment Project pilot survey using first year Education students at Bundoora.
The Library section of RMIT 101 was updated which resulted in the development of Info-trek modules. These have been made available for use within the University and by students at RMIT International University Vietnam. It was demonstrated at the October Teaching and Learning Forum, at many of the end of year LINCs, and Liaison Librarians have recommended it to those involved with Program and Course Renewal.
Information Literacy content for the University’s Teaching and Learning website was developed to assist program renewal activities.
Liaison Librarians attended a workshop detailing how QUT are evaluating and mapping student assessment tasks against the Information Literacy standards. Presented by Judith Peacock, Information Literacy coordinator at the Library of QUT, the aim was to assist Liaison Librarians develop assessment tasks related to Information Literacy.
Discussion of the program renewal process at RMIT between Liaison Librarians and the Program Renewal group occurred, which highlighted the role the Library can play in assisting in the development of a capability driven curriculum, particularly in the area of information literacy.
A workshop for Liaison Librarians to understand the program quality assurance process was held by the Program Quality Unit.
Increase knowledge base available to researchers for the development of new knowledge, by using IT to improve access to information worldwide.
Document Delivery Services began using LIDDAS (Local Interlending and Document Delivery Administration System) in September 2002. Approximately 50% of requests to Australian libraries are now processed through the LIDDAS system (largely to other LIDDAS sites). Document Delivery Services began using LIDDAS as part of a trial for further implementation in 2003. LIDDAS will eventually allow the direct requesting of items not held by RMIT from the researcher’s desktop.
A program of promotion of print and electronic resources to research and development areas occurred.
Collections in strategic research areas were developed using Strategic Initiatives funding.
Discussions with the Higher Degrees Unit commenced regarding a proposal to digitise RMIT research theses and participate in the Australian Digital Theses Project.
A new contract provides RMIT with access to all Elsevier Science, Academic Press and Harcourt Health Sciences titles available on the ScienceDirect platform, increasing the number of full-text titles from 679 to over 1500. ScienceDirect usage also rose substantially during 2002, with 68 959 full text articles retrieved by the year’s end.
A subscription to PQD Digital Dissertations Complete was purchased.
Processes for purchasing audiovisual items such as DVDs and films were improved to speed up turnaround time.
Provide learning environments which are integrated with client-focused services, and which enhance effective learning and fairness for all customers
Feedback was analysed and responded to through planning and budget processes. ‘Top ten’ issues such as more books, improved computing facilities, study space, security and photocopying continued to be addressed. Outcomes of feedback were reported to Chancellery and student groups. A summary of the results of our survey, including our response, is available.
Following an online survey about short term loans, the three-day loan period was converted to seven days, with streamlining of administration processes.
Online resources and services
The Library website was redeveloped (based on feedback) and successfully launched in March as part of the overall refurbishment of the RMIT website. It is continually assessed for ease of use and access.
New databases, e-journals and e-books, including trials, were promoted, targetting key teaching, learning and research resources, and including demonstrations and information sessions.
A Business Case for the ILMS (Integrated Library Management System) was developed and cost estimates were included in 2003 Strategic Initiatives budget submission. Substantial work progressed to upgrade database quality in preparation for the migration to a new ILMS system. The interface for databases and e-journals was enhanced.
Cross database searching packages were evaluated.
Data cleansing of the Catalogue occurred to ensure it reflected actual holdings.
e-QUERY chat was developed to extend the electronic reference service allowing online enquiries to be answered in real time for 2003.
An evaluation and feasibility study of guides to finding information commenced.
Networking infrastructure to all sites was upgraded to improve student access to digital services and Netware 5 was installed on all Novell servers.
Learning environment
PCs at all Library sites were replaced or upgraded to current RMIT Standard Operating Environment.
Adaptive Technology PCs were purchased for each major site.
Refurbishmentand upgrades to equipment and security were undertaken for group viewing rooms.
Learning Centre and staff workstations were checked to ensure they met the required specifications for media streamed objects.
Business rules, policies and procedures were developed for the Business Library Wireless project.
Learning environment plans (highlighting mix of student learning spaces) were prepared for some sites, with others to follow.
The Library Security Risk Review recommendations were implemented. CCTV cameras were installed at Swanston Library, with other sites to follow. Duress buttons were installed at service desks and the number of walkie-talkies increased.
Training facilities were enhanced with ceiling-secured data projection.
Investigations into an online PC booking system were revisited.
E-mail notification of available ‘holds’ was introduced.
Current trends and models of service delivery at other university libraries are investigated on an on-going basis. e.gnew mobile-phone use policy was developed and trialled.
A signage prototype for the Business Library was developed in consultation with Property Services.
A concept brief for each Library site including electronic services was developed. It defines goals for each site’s services and facilities, including possible funding sources. Project briefs are to be further expanded into project plans as required.
The Library joined AARLIN consortium – a DEST SIIF (Systemic Infrastructure Initiative) project.
Consultancies on a fee for services basis were offered in the development of Learning Resource Centres in Vietnam. Training for Hue Learning Centre staff was completed.
Recruit, support develop and retain skilled and committed staff, ensuring that they work in an enriching and stimulating environment, free from discrimination
A new three-year staff development plan was developed. Staff were involved in brainstorming future scenarios and the consequent development needs resulting in a list of development areas. Priorities for 2003 were established
Activity reports have been produced for 2002 covering ‘type of activity’, ‘primary development focus’ and ‘in-service training’. Other reports and ‘Certificates of Participation’ are produced on request.
The 2001 mobility program was reviewed and recommendations made for the 2003 program. The 2002 mobility program was available to all staff with more than one year’s service.
Conferences
Library staff attended 19 conferences ranging from RMIT-organised conferences to nation-wide library conferences.
Training
The level of participation in in-service training activities increased. On average, each staff member participated in 7.4 hours of in-service training, compared with 6 hours in 2001.
A major training initiative was undertaken in basic IT skills including GroupWise email and calendar, Smartforce training packages and an introduction to the Library network. A total of 33 training sessions were conducted resulting in 220 staff hours of attendance.
The process of evaluating job design in light of changing service needs is on-going. All desk staff have attended ‘library 101’, and select staff have been trained at Level 1 helpdesk support, with further training scheduled.
In-house training on Media Technology equipment, bookings and facilities occurred.
Liaison Librarians had undertaken the ‘Etal’ (introduction to teaching).
Ten staff attended the Introduction to Project Management workshop run by RMIT Training. One staff member attended the advanced workshop.
Environment
Manual handling, risk assessment and security training all occurred. Manual handling activities were evaluated, improvements were made and equipment was identified and purchased. Areas of hazard were identified with some solutions implemented immediately while others inform work for 2003. The mail distribution system was outsourced and turnaround time improved—especially for cross-campus deliveries of loan items.
Flat screens were introduced at service desks to reduce eyestrain.
Library ‘greening’ initiatives were promoted through the sale of calico bags to clients. Policies and practices related to areas such as equipment purchasing, paper use, and energy consumption were developed and reviewed.
Maximise investment in Library resources to ensure that they correspond with the learning and research needs of the University
The quality and quantity of books in the collection improved with 18 348 new books and audiovisual items purchased.
Some collections were moved to reflect course relocations: youth studies moved to Swanston Library; music moved to Swanston Library; and fashion and textiles moved to Brunswick Library.
Self service loans facilities were extended through the installation of four new 3M Self Check Units. This led to a review of the end-processing of materials (in particular audiovisual items) to increase the range of items that could be processed by the Units. (A CD tattle-tape trial started at Bundoora to investigate improved CD security and lending processes).
Audiovisual and CD collections were weeded and required titles replaced where necessary.
Offair cataloguing was completed at Swanston Library and continues at Carlton Library.
Self-service viewing facilities were increased.
Savings from the AVCC National Site Licence purchase of Web of Science were used to extend full-text coverage on ScienceDirect.
Participation in CAUL/CEIRC consortia purchases continued.
The Serials Quality Review was completed, and implementation of recommendations commenced.
A review of photocopying services and tender were completed in conjunction with the Strategic Procurement Office. Rollout of new self-service digital copying and printing facilities to provide improved quality black and white and colour copies occurred.
A review of Outreach models occurred with recommendations made.
Total door count at Library sites 2001 (2 067 317) and 2002 (2 086 570)
The total door-count for 2002 was very similar to that of 2001. Meanwhile overall use of e-resources increased substantially. This means use of the Library is continuing to grow significantly as resources and modes of access are increased and extended. The Library’s embracing of new technologies has in turn been adopted by students and staff.
Library loans 2001 and 2002
Overall, loans increased by more than six per cent. Meanwhile, renewals increased by over 16 per cent. CAVAL loans increased by 37%. Promotion of new books through displays and promotion of easy self-renewal online may have contributed to this increase. Efforts to improve reshelving and weeding of collections may also have contributed.
Library service point queries 2001 and 2002 (Long reference > 10 minutes; Short reference < 10 minutes)
Enquiries are generally down slightly when compared with 2001. The increasing use of the Library through remote locations may have reduced the number of face to face queries. Also a significant number of queries are received by Liaison Librarians by email and phone, which are not included here.
Printing and photocopying by students in Library sites 2001 and 2002
Student printing and photocopying has decreased, continuing an overall pattern evident over the last few years. This is probably due in part to the increasing availability of course and Library resources online.
Media Technology screenings and bookings 2001–2002
The substantial increase in videobank screenings measured is probably largely due to improved statistics collection methods allowing statistics from self-service machines to be included. Also the increase in the number of DVDs and also digital recordings have improved quality of resources thereby increasing usage.
