4. Goals and objectives, issues, and key strategic initiatives 2006-2008

Goal 5: Quality management

Ensure that the Library meets or exceeds the requirements and standards of best practice in the Australian academic library sector.

Objectives

To lead and support the creative management of the university’s scholarly information
To provide a planning and continuing improvement framework for activities and services
To provide an energised, innovative work environment
To manage resources in a cost-effective manner
To continue to improve Library marketing and communications programs
To provide an effective staff performance and development program

Key issues

The Library is committed to developing and employing high quality staff to ensure excellent service standards. Staff require a structured, ongoing program of professional development, in addition to opportunities to contribute throughout the Library and participate in innovative projects and working groups.

Librarians need to be well versed in current learning styles and to possess the requisite teaching skills to impart information and to develop, facilitate and lead library skills classes.

Information and communications technology (ICT) is profoundly embedded in the Library’s activities and services. Understanding and managing ICT creatively and well are and will continue to be major tasks.

The Library needs to understand the changing policy, regulatory and financial environment in which it and the university exist, and to manage accordingly.

The Library has a commitment to working within a marketing framework in order to best meet its clients’ needs. This entails regular surveying, targeted communication and responsive planning. The Library has improved its performance in these areas through the appointment of professional communications and marketing staff.

Strategic initiatives 2006-2008

5.1 Contribute to planning and quality activities:

Prepare for the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit in 2006color:blue"> and implement relevant recommendations
Maintain, implement and review the Library risk profile and legal compliance risk register

5.2 Undertake benchmarking to reach best practice standards:

Respond to results of staff survey undertaken in 2005
Undertake customer survey in 2007
Compare targeted areas with similar functions in other organisations

5.3 Improve professional development:

Further engage staff in the performance management process
Target training and development programs to meet organisational objectives
Implement leadership development programs
Ensure all staff are appropriately trained in new technologies
Implement appropriate training for staff involved in information literacy activities