The Library aligns its priorities with those of the University, as specifically outlined in the Plan for Academic Enrichment. Download the full version of the Library's strategic directions and priority action items in PDF format.

Current Strategic Directions:

1. Provide Effective Access to Scholarly Resources
Show Action Items:

1.1. Revise collection budget allocations utilizing standard collection development analysis techniques

1.2. Consult with faculty to determine selection of journal titles to be cancelled

1.3. Examine and implement a range of effective and economical methods of providing access to scholarly content
      1.3.1. Explore additional consortial cooperative borrowing/purchasing models (e.g. journal packages, e-book packages, and using WCA data for "Canada")

1.4. Expand and maintain locally produced digital content

1.5. Increase support for acquiring, maintaining and delivering e-resources

1.6. Expedite handling of unprocessed resources

1.7. Review current circulation policies and methods of delivering locally held and borrowed materials

1.8. Simplify users' ability to discover and navigate library resources and services




2. Position the Library at the Core of Teaching, Learning, and Research
Show Action Items:

2.1. Aggressively promote library services and collections

2.2. Connect every new faculty member and graduate student with a subject librarian

2.3. Develop instructional design materials to improve information fluency

2.4. Develop sample MyCourses and wiki templates to demonstrate possibilities and facilitate integration of library services into courses

2.5. Collaborate with the Office of the VP for Research to assist faculty with intellectual property and copyright issues (e.g., NIH compliance, Open Access)

2.6. Expand outreach and partnerships with other offices/individuals on campus, in particular:
      2.6.1. Dean of the College (e.g., e-portfolio, Sciences Resource Center)

      2.6.2. Leadership Alliance

      2.6.3. Writing Center

2.7. Develop programs to meet and anticipate the needs of the Brown community in the areas of digital scholarship

2.8. Collaborate with faculty to create a plan to support "e-science" research (i.e., working with large amounts of data in a highly distributed network environment)

2.9. Continue involvement with exhibits and programs campus-wide (and community-wide)

2.10. Proceed with university records management program




3. Enhance Our Technological Infrastructure
Show Action Items:

3.1. Make innovative use of technology to improve operations and workflows

3.2. Implement campus-wide digital repository

3.3. Ensure that the library's web presence meets accessibility standards and provides an accurate, informative, up-to-date, and compelling experience for all users

3.4. Implement instructional image collection and migrate from Luna

3.5. Create web services for mobile devices

3.6. Collaborate with the Office of Continuing Education to support delivery and storage of online and distance courses

3.7. Complete investigation of Aeon automated Special Collections circulation system and recommend whether to purchase




4. Transform Library Facilities
Show Action Items:

4.1. Coordinate efficient selection and transfer of low-use and other appropriate materials to off-site storage, freeing on-campus library space for new uses or services

4.2. Begin planning and advocating for additional off-site storage module

4.3. Work with BioMed administrators and faculty to plan for library element of new education facility

4.4. Plan John Hay Library renovations, including staff and collections relocation

4.5. Pursue incremental improvements throughout all library facilities




5. Seek Opportunities for Stewardship and External Funding
Show Action Items:

5.1. Prepare and produce publications that showcase the library's collections and services and identify donor opportunities (e.g., Internationalization pamphlet, stamp collections, Harris collection)

5.2. Update the History and Guide to Special Collections

5.3. Explore collaborative projects on description, preservation, or reformatting of physical and digital assets with appropriate partners on campus

5.4. Explore grant possibilities, especially in areas that support:
      5.4.1. Opportunities to enhance and promote Special Collections

      5.4.2. Preservation and conservation needs

5.5. Develop plans for the John Hay Library Centennial (November 2010)

5.6. Plan for a Library event and Library Advisory Council meeting in New York City (Fall 2009)




6. Assess Outcomes and Improve Library Operations
Show Action Items:

6.1. Develop budget plans in accordance with University-wide priorities and available resources

6.2. Use evidence-based assessment to evaluate programs and practices, find efficiencies, and make informed decisions about continuing, enhancing, or eliminating services

6.3. Conduct regular usability testing of library website and seek user feedback on targeted services and topics of interest

6.4. Develop standard reports that track and describe the library's collections, services, and operations, including a library-wide annual report for FY 2010

6.5. Develop an "administrative data farm" to collect, store, describe, update, access, and report administrative data files

6.6. Implement appropriate aspects of Everyday Leadership project recommendations and seek continual improvement in decision-making, internal communications, goal-setting, and project management

6.7. Seek training opportunities for staff that further develop skills in the areas of supervision, management, and leadership