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Robert B. Greenblatt, M.D. Library 2003-2004 Performance Metrics and Assessment The Library Management Council developed the following performance metrics in accord with MCG strategic initiatives. Specifically these will support significant progress toward an enhanced infrastructure for the Medical College of Georgia and align institutional resources with its mission. Assessment conducted June 2004 Budget Need: As one of MCG’s top strategic priorities is to become a premiere health sciences institution (upper half of respective peers), significant growth in the Library’s total recurring dollars is needed to be in the corresponding percentage of medical school libraries. Current: As illustrated in the composite health sciences library published in the 25th edition of the Annual Statistics of Medical School Libraries in the U.S. and Canada, MCG is 21% below the mean. Ranking number 58 (n=126) amounts to $2,866,913.
Metric: To increase Library total recurring expenditures until we reach the composite health sciences library (an additional recurring amount of $609,414). Secure at least 3% of MCG indirect research dollars to reach the upper half of peer group (an additional recurring allocation of $531,223). Assessment: We also narrowed the gap to reach the upper half of academic health science centers by $113,063 (need an additional $418,160 to reach the upper half of academic health science libraries). These gaps narrowed as a result of both an increase in MCG’s expenditures and a decrease in the AAHSL mean and median expenditures. Personnel The Library provides specialized knowledge by recruiting excellent faculty and professional personnel who are knowledgeable and productive in meeting the needs of Library users, and by hiring and training well qualified support staff. Need: New initiatives across campus and the university system have increased the sophistication level and number of questions the Library receives about using advanced technologies. Other upcoming technology based issues include PDAs being required for incoming freshmen in School of Medicine, the final phases of implementation of GILExpress, and the aim of hospitals and clinics to increase point of care information. Current: Amidst new and emerging technologies, Library personnel need continuous training to assist users with advanced technologies (e.g.s PDAs, wireless, and GILExpress). Metric: Identify and train appropriate library personnel to assist users with advanced technologies. Assessment: LTS offered a variety of classes specifically to target increased knowledge of Library staff fielding sophisticated or emerging technology queries from Library users. One-on-One training opportunities were offered also for subscribed PDA applications such as Ovid@Hand and MD Consult. Together this staff development totaled 92 learning sessions. Classes offered: -How to Burn CD’s – 8 -Password Login - 6 -Presenter to Go for the PDA - 11 -Off Campus Proxy Access - 10 -Printing and Scanning in the Computer Lab - 9 -Accessing GroupWise - 8 -All Things GIL Related – 20 -Is the Information on Your Computer Protected and Recoverable? – 20
Some faculty maintained and upgraded some of their advanced technology skills through self-study. The Library anticipates implementation of PDA and campus wireless infrastructure and for GILExpress, which will require additional training. Collections The Library provides access to journals, books, and other resources both in print and electronic format to meet the clinical, research, and teaching needs of MCG and MCGHI. The Library uses its collective bargaining power within consortia and library organizations to provide the best value for access. Need: As the rapidly emerging trend of the digital library continues, library users expect rapid access to electronic resources directly from the desktop. The 2002 LibQUAL+ survey revealed that faculty most desire electronic resources, especially journal titles. Current: Based on latest available data (FY02) the library's number of unique journal titles (1828) falls 29% below the mean number of unique journal titles of AAHSL institutions (2579). Of the Library's unique titles, 67% are available online and 33% of them are uniquely electronic. Metric: Add mission relevant journal titles at 10% per year until we meet the mean of our comparator institutions. Increase the number of total electronic journal titles by 10% (180 additional electronic titles for FY04). Increase the number of uniquely electronic titles by 10% (86 additional titles exclusively in electronic format.).
Assessment: Total Electronic Serials From FY02 to FY03, we added 573 titles, a 47 % increase MCG Total Electronic Serials (FY03) = 1,799 AAHSL mean = 2151 Comparator mean = 1680.5 MCG is 16% below the mean for all AAHSL and 6% above the mean for Comparator Institutions. Unique Electronic Serials From FY02 to FY03, added 264 titles, a 31% increase MCG Unique Electronic Serials (FY03) = 860 AAHSL mean = 1,372 Comparator mean = 871.5 MCG is 37% below the mean for all AAHSL and 1% below the mean for Comparator Institutions. In FY03 AAHSL, MCG is ranked 84th and 90th respectively in total electronic titles and uniquely electronic titles. Services The Library provides services to make resources available, teach lifelong learning skills, and assist users meet their information needs. Need: With the increase in electronic resources over several years, statistics indicated a changing pattern of how and when users seek assistance within and without the building. Current: The services desk has been reconfigured to improve the use of space and equipment, but based on recent analysis, peak use of electronic resources does not match the peak scheduling of library personnel. Scheduling of personnel does not yet provide optimum customer service or the most efficient use of personnel resources. Metric: Develop alternatives to the current scheduling of personnel to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of meeting user needs regardless of location and time.
Assessment: Scheduling patterns were changed to focus the use of LTS and librarian personnel in their areas of expertise. Scheduling is also more reflective of heaviest times of use. The Virtual Reference Software Committee (VRSC) continued to investigate virtual reference chat products. In October 2003, LSSI / Tutor.com was recommended as the best product to meet the Library’s needs. Arrangements were made for the option to explore sharing seats/licenses on the product with other institutions for the benefit of shared expenses. Currently, the VRSC is discussing a collaborative effort with the University of Maryland’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library. A joint or individual institution implementation is slated for early Fall 2004. Need: MCG faculty are more frequently requesting customized instruction from the library which reflects the current emphasis on collaborative teaching, measurement of information literacy skills, finding clinical evidence and information resources specific to individual disciplines. Students learn these skills best through integration with their curriculum. Current: The School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine have integrated library skills components into the curriculum. The Library provides tailored instructional sessions upon request of individual faculty, but library resource instruction has not been integrated into the curriculums of the School of Nursing and School of Allied Health Sciences. Metric: Shift resources to curriculum-based instruction for School of Nursing and Allied Health by at least one integrated session per school through linking library instruction with an assignment or other graded assessment. Assessment: Added graded assignment for PA Introduction to Research Methods class. School of Nursing functioned with an Interim Dean during the year; the Library will foster partnership with incoming Dean. The Dental Information Module was taught for a 2nd year and will become a graded component of a for-credit course in Fall 2004. Need: Current professional literature and feedback from a number of user groups illustrate a demonstrated need for a seamless and customizable gateway for library resources. One tool for creating such an interface is a library portal, which aggregates results from multiple formats such as databases, library catalogs and web content, ranks results by relevance, and removes duplication. Another stimulus for implementing a portal at the library relates to bench marking. Three of MCG's "Comparator Institutions" and all of MCG's "Aspirational Institutions" provide a portal-like interface for their users. Current: A number of unintended outcomes develop as a result of providing access to a numerous and divergent resources. Some resources are buried deep in the library's webpage, making access difficult. Users become frustrated trying to find information that is not organized seamlessly by subject, discipline or target audience. Metric: The Library Web Steering Committee will collaborate with MCG IT for development of a campus portal and/or recommend a search portal for the library. Assessment: LTS and the Library Web Steering Committee continued to investigate portals for searching library resources including well know industry products such as SFX, Voyager’s EnCompass & LinkFinder modules, and WebFeat. WebFeat was recommended as the best product to meet Library user’s needs in Spring 2004. The federated searching product uses a friendly interface with a variety of customization options and supports using the native search engine of Library subscribed databases for more detailed searching. As a search portal, WebFeat provides the most comprehensive statistics package. WebFeat will be a priority purchase in early FY05. In addition, LTS recommended to the Web Steering Committee that the Library try the GALILEO Local Resource Integration (GLRI) product developed and supported by GALILEO. Individual E-pubs titles can be included in GLRI. It supports proxy access and resources can be grouped according to preference. LTS plans to explore further how this could integrate with WebFeat. Banner implementation may provide a campus portal. Need: Feedback from the LibQUAL 2002 Survey, user suggestions, and direct faculty and staff comments indicate the resources available from the Library are not apparent to the new or experienced user. Library resources should be more accessible, usable, and seamless for the user. For example, information about specific library services and programs are difficult to find. Current: Library Services and Programs are grouped together on one page, requiring the user to scroll down to find a service. Forms and policies are positioned several layers deep in the web structure. Metric: The Library Web Steering Committee will conduct a study to determine user preferences in searching for information on the Library website and make changes to improve usability. One change identified by the committee is to reduce the number of mouse clicks and pages viewed necessary to enable users to find information sought more efficiently. Assessment: A Subcommittee of Library Web Steering Committee conducted a campus survey in Fall 2003. Results showed several areas for improvement with the most commonly requested change being reduced barriers and fewer passwords to obtain access to resources. Site changes will be made based on survey feedback, site statistics, and best practice. Need: Library related CME/CE classes have been requested by MCG, MCGHI, and AHEC health professionals. Current: Health professionals need CME/CE credit in order to renew certification and licensure. They often inquire whether our library skills classes provide CME/CE credit. Metric: Provide CME credits for online searching. Develop CME credit course for off campus access to electronic resources. Develop CME course for PubMed, including online. Assessment: Library participated in CE program for Comprehensive Training Program in Implant Dentistry for 42 dental professionals. AHEC preceptor programs were accredited for CE with assistance of AHEC Coordinator of Learning Resources. Course materials/tutorials are being developed for MCG databases with potential for CE certification. Current PubMed tutorial could be used as component for health professionals. Facilities The library provides comfortable, attractive, and useful facilities for research, study, and contemplation, in addition to providing the equipment and technology needed in a contemporary library. Need: Students have indicated in the 2002 LIBQUAL survey that they need more small, private study spaces for both individuals and groups on the 1st and 2nd floors. Current: On the second floor, the library houses many older, less used items that take a large amount of space. Metric: Reengineer underutilized space to create more private study areas. Add at least 5 more lockable study carrels and at least one more study room. Assessment: One study room was added with faculty office transition. Phase I redesign is in progress (use of compressed shelving to develop new individual and collaborative study space). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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