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About Conn Library

Mission

Conn Library, as an integral part of Wayne State College, serves the campus and the region with instructional, research and general information needs. The Library facilitates the interaction of students and faculty, supports and enriches the academic programs of the college, serves as a partner in the information seeking process and encourages intellectual development for lifelong learning.

Improving the Library User Experience Through Better Library Services

Strategic Plan, Conn Library, Wayne State College

I. Aggressively pursue ways to provide library users with access to information.

  • Maintain and improve campus-wide user outreach and education, providing opportunities for the library user community to learn information-seeking skills through concentrated library instruction.   (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Consistently seek to improve services to actively deliver information to all users including WSC Learning Communities, Distance Education Students, and the South Sioux City campus.  (WSC Strat Plan – Increase position of WSC as regional service provider)
  • Research and implement new library services as technologies develop.  (WSC Strat Plan – Enhance Technological Infusion)
  • Work to determine needs and expectations of the user community.  (WSC Strat Plan – AQIP – Establish an institutional culture of systematic quality improvement)
  • Continually develop our educational programs to foster lifelong learning and Information Literacy. Information Literacy is defined as "an intellectual framework for understanding, finding, evaluating, and using information...through critical discernment and reasoning. Information Literacy initiates, sustains, and extends lifelong learning through abilities which may use technologies but are ultimately independent of them" (American Library Association, 2000)  (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Support the research needs of area high school students, public libraries, and community members through a variety of outreach programs. (WSC Strat Plan – Increase position of WSC as regional service provider)

II. Expand, preserve, and promote the library collections with a primary focus on meeting the needs of our curriculum.

  • Preserve special collections to ensure access for future generations.  (WSC Strat Plan – Implement conservation/preservation)
  • Continue as active liaisons with the faculty in the materials acquisition process to keep the collection current and viable.  (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Strive to collect materials that represent the diverse pool of writing, publishing, and producing in the world of science, literature, fine arts and human activities.  (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Work to keep the collection viable via purchasing, organizing, withdrawing, replacing, and relocating items as necessary. (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)

III. Participate in campus-wide technology development.

  • Develop educational programs that will not only instruct and inform the academic community about online resources, but also enable them to use online resources successfully.  (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Regularly evaluate the adequacy of computer hardware and automation systems, including the online catalog, public computing resources, and staff/office equipment.  (WSC Strat Plan – Enhance Technological Infusion)
  • Investigate cutting-edge technology developments in the library field.  (WSC Strat Plan – Enhance Technological Infusion)
  • Strive to protect patron privacy to the highest degree possible, for both online and in-person transactions. (WSC Strat Plan – Provide Safety and Security)

IV. Implement library facility improvements and participate in the overall plan for library upgrades.

  • Advocate for improved library facilities to support changing patterns of teaching and learning.  Provide a variety of spaces to promote both quiet individual study as well as group learning and social interaction (WSC Strat Plan – Continue Campus Master Plan Programs)
  • Encourage a building environment that promotes learning, is welcoming, comfortable, and secure (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Ensure adequate storage spaces for archival, print, audio visual, and digital collections and to provide for growth of the collection. (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Vibrant Intellectual Climate)
  • Fulfill ADA requirements as issues are identified.  (WSC Strat Plan – Provide Safety and Security)

V. Develop and retain knowledgeable staff.

  • Continue to hold regular in-house meetings, staff development workshops and training days.  (WSC Strat Plan – Value Human Capital)
  • Encourage staff to attend national and local meetings and workshops.  (WSC Strat Plan – Value Human Capital)
  • Frequently evaluate job descriptions and work environments to reflect changing library roles.  (WSC Strat Plan – Value Human Capital)
  • Encourage open communication lines to allow for effective cooperation. (WSC Strat Plan – Promote Effective Campus Communication)