Progress Update 2016 - Stony Brook University Library Strategic Design 2015 - 2018, Access Services

Access Services provides students, faculty, staff and other library users with access to the library's resources and services, such as circulation, interlibrary loan, document delivery, reserves and stack maintenance to meet their research needs.

Access Services works to achieve our mission by collaborating with other library and university departments and with external partners to develop user-focused services that promote efficiency, ease of access and cost effective delivery of services.

Promote Academic Engagement
Create a uniform user experience based on equitable and consistent policies and procedures throughout the Stony Brook University Libraries

• Uniform library practices across all library branches
  • Extended borrowing period for undergraduates from 30 days to semester loans
  • Updated circulation notices on West campus; HSL in progress
  • Created service-related email account for Circulation, Reserves and Interlibrary Loan improved efficiency in responding to patron inquiries
  • All branches now using ILLiad to deliver Lending & Document Delivery material
  • Resource Sharing Policy & Procedures Manual in progress
  • Online Guide to Access Services created to assist personnel working at service desks
  • Created online internal Access Services Employee Manual with information about departmental policies and procedures

Promote and market Access Services' services and offerings so that patrons are aware of the resources available to support academic pursuits

• Increase outreach with student groups, faculty and community

  • Access Services staff member serving as advisor to Native American Student Association (NASO)

  • Involved in numerous outreach events including the Scavenger Hunt, International Games Day, and Native American Heritage Month

  • Reader’s Advisory signs posted in stacks with QR codes linking patrons to online guide

• Develop strategic alliances to enhance resource sharing and access to resources
  • ​Health Sciences Library joined the West campus libraries as a member of SHARES, a resource sharing collaborative 

Build, Preserve, and Provide Access to Rich and Diverse Collections

Collect, analyze and interpret data for improvement of library services, such as collection assessment, shelving space assessment and access policies

• Conduct a user survey specific to Access Services
• Work with selectors and liaisons to evaluate collection and deaccession to create more space and keep collection relevant
• Evaluate storage and shelving needs at HSL

Develop services and policies that make access to our collections easier and equitable for patrons

• Review alumni, Friends of the Library and courtesy borrower privileges
• Update Access Services' web pages to be well organized and facilitate access to information
   

Develop Responsive Library Spaces for Diverse Communities

Evaluate use of space in Access Services' location and revise to meet user needs

• Create plan for updated furniture, charging stations and/or access to more outlets
  • Renovation of North and Central Reading Rooms include additional outlets, powered furniture and multi-functional space for patron use
• Investigate implementation of self-check out
• Identify areas for dedicated student use
• Create a Library Use Only area

  • Library Use Only space set up outside the Resource Sharing office (3^rd floor, Melville Library) includes table, chairs and microfilm reader.  A dedicated printer will be installed soon.

  • Audio-visual Viewing Room converted to combined viewing/silent study space with carrels for AV viewing and tables for silent study

  • Single Service Desk implemented as part of NRR renovation

  • Similar single service point in plans for CRR renovation

  • Added a service desk on 2^nd floor of CRR to aid patrons during renovation

Investigate options for offering locations for library service outside the library walls, such as additional book drops on campus and book delivery

• Create plan for a book delivery service (to departments and/or library branches)
• Develop plan for expanded Document Delivery service and promote​​

  • Document Delivery now available to all patron levels: Faculty, Graduates and Undergraduates

    • Upcoming: Marketing the services

Foster an innovative culture of learning and assessment
Attend conferences, workshops and other training to increase knowledge of services and develop alliances with colleagues at other institutions.

• Increased staff attendance at conference, workshops and other training

  • All Access Services staff attended a number of DoIT , Lynda and WebJunction

  • Training provided to staff on using Aleph and cash register procedures

  • Several staff members attended Women’s Leadership Symposium (March 2016)

Provide training to Library staff to increase awareness of circulation, reserves and interlibrary loan services

• Departmental open house to explain services and promote collaboration

  • Open House held in October 2015

  • Upcoming: training for Library staff on single service desk procedures

Standardize equipment and resources to enable staff to efficiently and effectively perform their duties

• Coordinate with IT to ensure all staff have same programs and versions of software
• Update equipment to meet industry standards