4. Goals and objectives, issues, and key strategic initiatives 2006-2008

Goal 4: Physical environment

Enrich the total study and campus experience through provision of innovative and welcoming facilities that both stimulate learning and respond to study and research needs.

Objectives

To provide study spaces which meet the differing needs of user groups for group and individual study
To provide reliable high quality physical libraries, technology and workstations
To provide a secure and safe environment
To provide facilities for people with special needs
To provide responsive hours of opening
To house the collection to standards that ensure preservation of resources for long-term research value.

Key issues

With online delivery of courses and provision of online resources, a high percentage of students who work part-time, off-campus learning students and a large percentage of overseas students, it is paramount to provide an excellent, reliable electronic infrastructure to support the online systems, and to provide timely assistance to Library users. The challenge is to provide the appropriate support for these services over extended hours at times that are convenient to the students themselves.

Some Library buildings are aged and require refurbishment. The study space provided in all libraries should include areas that are functional, pleasant and comfortable, where students can work in groups, but that also contain areas conducive to individual study and research. Implementation of the principles in the Facilities Master Plan and learning commons concepts will alleviate cramped areas and improve study conditions in the libraries, and bring synergies with other service areas.

Self-directed learning in a computerised learning environment requires commitment to provision of high numbers of late model, reliable computers or access arrangements for students to the university network, including use of networked printers.

With increasing demands for space for study, computer workstations and collections, large-scale weeding programs and appropriate storage facilities in close vicinity to campuses are in urgent demand.

To alleviate the pressing space problems, major weeding and storage projects will be undertaken over the next few years.

Strategic initiatives 2006-2008

4.1 Improve facilities within available resources, adhering to the Facilities Master Plan:

Roll out the notices policy as part of the signage portfolio for all libraries
Review refurbishment of the Hargrave-Andrew Library against Facilities Master Plan in 2006
Continue planning for the refurbishment of the Matheson Library
Design the refurbishment of the Caulfield, Law and Pharmacy libraries
Monitor campus developments through campus and faculty planning committees

4.2 Participate in learning commons developments in collaboration with support services and faculties:

Review the Berwick Library and Learning Commons
Plan and monitor learning commons developments at Monash Malaysia and Monash South Africa
Incorporate elements of learning commons in other branches where possible

4.3 Contribute to planning for the new campus libraries in Malaysia and South Africa

4.4 Develop and implement a long-term space and storage strategy

4.5 Review and plan future strategies to improve computer facilities and electronic equipment provision

4.6 Investigate and recommend a seamless printing solution to the university

4.7 Continually review opening hours to meet users’ needs