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Welcome to VU Library.
As we begin a new year and a new decade I think it is important to consider
all the changes and opportunities this presents for us. At VU Library we are in
the process of determining our future for the next 3 to 5 years by developing a
strategic plan. One of the key sources of information for our plan is client
feedback received in the 2009 Client Satisfaction Survey. Other key
considerations are the changing technological landscape; the challenges VU faces
in research; and the changes in the ways students learn and teachers are
teaching. We aim to have our strategic direction completed by the end of
February 2010, with the outcomes to be advised in the March issue of the Library
News Service.
The 2009 survey again showed considerable satisfaction with the services
offered by the Library. One of the notable outcomes was the strong engagement of
the respondents with the Library – based on the number of times and the
regularity of visits to the Library both physically and online. VU Library
continues to rank in the top 25 percentile (for the third year running), based
on the weighted performance index. This means that compared to other university
libraries using the survey for their clients, VU has consistently achieved
strong endorsement from respondents. There was also, as in previous years,
strong support for VU Library staff.
Compared to the
survey we
ran in 2008, there were notable improvements in ratings for: opening hours;
library staff; access to resources and services when off campus; and wireless
access. Improvement though is required in the number of computers and printers
available and also the provision of quiet study spaces. The Library will work
over the next year to improve these areas and, in particular, will increase the
number of computers at Footscray Park Learning Commons by 100.
2010 will see the completion of one of our largest
Learning Commons projects yet. Updates on the developments at Footscray
Park are available on the Library website:
WWW.VU.EDU.AU/LIBRARY. This new
Learning Commons will feature 1100 learning spaces; 6 large scale collaborative
teaching spaces; and an engaging mix of social and study areas at the heart of
the campus.
We look forward to the year ahead and the opportunities to support your
teaching, learning and research. We invite you to take advantage of all that the
Library has to offer: resources; study spaces; technology; copying and printing;
as well as a wide range of services including help from our friendly staff to
find the resources and information you need.
We really do value your feedback, so please
contact us with any suggestions and comments.
Ralph Kiel,
University Librarian
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