ASSUMPTIONS

1. Plan covers next 3-5 years
2. Modest or no growth in staff
3. Continuing rapid change in technology
4. Continued steady growth in in-library installed equipment base
5. Continued rapid growth of local and remote networked access to library services
6. Continued growth in hardware and software maintenance overhead
7. Close collaboration with AcIS, AIS, and departmental computing staff
8. No change in current University approach to funding hardware replacements and upgrades (i.e., upgrades from capital funds rather than automatic amortization/replacement cycle.

OBJECTIVES

INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM & NETWORK

1. Complete implementation of CLIO/NOTIS system
2. Prepare for move from mainframe NOTIS to Unix-based, distributed library system in ca. 3 to 5 years, while maintaining a high level of service on the existing system
3. Move fully to network/Ethernet connections for in-library terminals; retire ageing 7171 telecommunication controllers

OTHER PATRON-ORIENTED SYSTEMS

1. Provide full networking capability for CD ROM resources
2. Implement powerful and flexible systems for online documentation & user guides
3. Assist reference staff in creating innovative and effective hypertext and AI study and research tools.
4. Assist in developing interactive services for public and staff.
5. Assist in providing increased off-site use of electronic and printed resources.
6. Work on evaluating, adapting and developing new library-related Internet research tools; develop distribution and training programs to speed their acceptance and use
7. Work toward "electronic reserve" services for undergraduates.
8. Provide network access to all possible electronic texts available to the Libraries
9. Help rethink strategies for networked electronic bibliographic & document control, subject access, and document delivery.

1. The Digital Library
2. The Scholarly Workstation
3. Client/server database implementation
4. Accessible Workstations for the disabled
5. Multimedia platforms
6. Distributed servers for user-driven management & research reports
7. Document transmission
8. Document scanning and conversion
9. New technical standards
10. Planning for information technology in renovated Butler

STAFF PRODUCTIVITY SUPPORT

1. Implement fully networked PC workstations for staff ("workgroup computing"), with effective OA, administrative and research tools.
2. Develop effective microcomputer programming skills to provide customized library administrative where suitable commercial products are unavailable or unaffordable.
3. Develop more effective technical consulting capacity to assist users with special needs and goals.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

1. Generate routine and on-demand reports from both mainframe and micro systems to improve library management, quality control, and budgeting.
2. Provide datasets directly to library staff for their manipulation; provide software and training in data analysis and reporting.
3. Work with other parts of the university to contribute or obtain management information relevant to the Libraries.

INTERNAL LSO OPERATIONS/STAFF DEVELOPMENT

1. Improve CLIO and Micro-Net help desk functioning by implementing problem-tracking and online documentation, consolidating functions where useful, and collaborating with other campus help desks.
2. Improve staff technical and project-management skills by formal and informal training opportunities.
3. Allow for more decentralized decision making within Library Systems.
4. Encourage professional activities, publication, etc.
5. Improve outreach to colleagues at other institutions, to share ideas and solutions.
6. Develop an environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded.

TRAINING

1. Support ongoing and expanded training program for library staff in existing library systems
2. Promote generalized staff and patron awareness and understanding of new information technology
3. Work with public services staff to develop effective tools for user training and self-help
4. Strengthen existing CLIO, RLIN, Micro and MSW liaison programs with improved training and documentation.

EFFECTIVENESS

1. Find improved ways to determine user needs
2. Communicate better with users both individually and collectively (through reports, updates, bulletins, etc.)
3. Improve communication within office
4. Find improved ways to educate users' expections about LSO capabilities and performance
5. Find improved ways to measure Library Systems effectiveness
6. Develop more personal contacts in AcIS, AIS, and department computing centers.
7. Implement more efficient ways to do remote diagnosis and troubleshooting of network, hardware, and software problems.
8. Help improve effectiveness of University computer repair vendor
9. Find better ways to "manage change" within the office and externally
10. Implement libraries-wide process for determining overall automation priorities

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