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PLANNING FOR THE LIBRARY'S FUTURE

Libraries are in a time of rapid and profound transition. No longer are libraries primarily print repositories to which users must come physically. Rather, they are becoming gateways to electronic and network-accessible collections and services.

Planning for this change has been an ongoing process for UTHSCSA Library staff for many years. The continued rise in the costs of scientific information has added a sense of urgency to this process.

This section of the UTHSCSA Library's website will help to keep you up to date on the current status of planning for the Library.

At the June 12, 2002 meeting of the UTHSCSA Faculty Senate, the senators approved a resolution that an ad hoc committee be formed to study the pros and cons of three different plans for the Library's future. They stipulated that the committee should be comprised of a) representatives of each plan, b) librarians, c) a representative of the Faculty Senate, and d) representatives of student organizations. Dr. Steven Wartman, Executive Vice President for Academic and Health Affairs appointed the committee in September 2002. Cheryl Burns, Associate Professor, Clinical Laboratory Science, was appointed chair of the committee.

On April 9, 2003, Burns delivered the draft "Strategic Plan for the UTHSCSA Libraries" to the Faculty Senate. The draft plan includes a revised mission, vision and four strategic goals with objectives. The plan stresses the importance of the collection, access to information, library services and the educational/learning environment of the library. All UTHSCSA faculty, students, staff and residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and send comments or suggest changes to Cheryl Burns at burnsc@uthscsa.edu by May 30th.

Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Library Committee Draft Strategic Plan

The three previous plans include:

Library Plan A

Library Plan B

Library Plan C

Special Library Committee Report 

Collections Subcommittee Report  

Connections Subcommittee Report 

Physical Operations Subcommittee Report 

Background articles from Library News

June 2002

"Planning for the Library's Future" Pg 1

"Why Consider Major Changes in the Library Now?" Pg 6

"Usage of Electronic Resources" Pg 7

July 2002

"Planning the Future: Background Information" Pg 1

"How does the Library's collection compare?" Pg 2

"Are Longer Hours Needed?" Pg 3

August 2002

"Planning the Future: More Background" Pg 1

"Should the Library Provide Computers to Users?" Pg 2

"Regional Responsibilities of the Library?" Pg 3

September 2002

"Planning the Library's Future: Library Staff Considerations" Pg 1

"Library Organization by Function" Pg 6

October 2002

"Library Consortia - The Power of More Than One" Pg 1

November 2002

"Planning Background: Collection Expense" Pg 1

May 2003

"Faculty Senate Reviews Draft Plan for the Library" Pg 3

2000 Faculty Survey
1996 Faculty Survey (not available on the web)