Standard 5.E.1 - Planning and Evaluation

MSU Billings uses a system of annual reporting for academic units, including the Library. The Provost receives the reports and reports on the Academic Affairs Division to the Chancellor at the end of each fiscal year.

Results from regular University-wide reporting, surveys, and planning processes are used in planning for future library needs. The Library Committee advises the Library Director and staff on a regular basis.

As with the individual colleges, the Library formed an Advisory Board of community members some years ago, which also formed a crucial part of the Library’s planning process. A new Library Advisory Board is to be named shortly, and a new phase of library planning will be initiated.

Evidence: 1.2 Library Annual Reports

Standard 5.E.2 - Management and Technical Links

The need for management and technical linkages among information resource bases is recognized at the highest levels of University administration. Much of the communication between the units happens through membership on various groups such as the Provost’s Council and the ability of directors of units to speak for information resources during planning. No formal group exists just for these units, but the CIO and Library Director both maintain a presence with academic, student affairs and other groups to ensure there is representation and awareness of information needs.

There is considerable cooperation between both the Library and IT with their counterparts at other MSU campuses and throughout the University system. The CIO and Library Director frequently represent their campus units in meetings, conference calls, and other planning opportunities. Media and telecommunications both fall under IT responsibilities. The Library also links to many local and regional information resource bases. For example, the planning process for the Community Library on the West campus has been ongoing for several years, drawing on the expertise of administrators, architects, lawyers, as well as professional librarians. Employees of the Library meet regularly with counterparts at the Parmly Billings (Public) Library to explore avenues of collaboration and partnership.

Standard 5.E.3 - Surveys and Research

The institution relies on the Library and IT departments to report on quality and usage measures, to conduct surveys such as the Association of Research Libraries’ LibQUAL survey, and to use the results of such outcomes to improve the quality and effectiveness of the resources. When cooperative arrangements or distant sites are proposed for new programs — for outreach or for program expansion — both the Library and IT departments are involved at the appropriate stage. Web- based resources have made distant access to library resources quite seamless, and the University has found students and instructors are more comfortable using resources from a distance, requesting instruction or advice, and utilizing the resources.

Evidence: