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Review of the Library’s Information Access Policy

Background Information

During 2nd Semester 2004, the Library conducted a review of the Information Access Policy in response to student concerns about availability of books. The review was conducted to examine book selection, acquisition and lending processes associated with the support of the University’s teaching, learning and research activities. A series of focus groups were held with each Faculty, NUSA, NUPSA and Ourimbah to consider a discussion paper

Proposal for the development of the University of Newcastle Libraries Information Access Policy (PDF).

An Advisory Group was also established with representatives from the Library, NUSA, NUPSA and academic staff, to consider the outcomes of the focus sessions and subsequently, recommendations of the review. On 20th December 2004, the Information Access Policy Advisory Group met and endorsed the recommendations of the report for implementation in 2005. A summary of the findings of the report (PDF) are as follows:-

Identifying information needs

The following strategies were identified:-

Course reading lists - there was strong support to work with the library to ensure that all course reading lists were updated. In 2005 the library will collect and review all course reading lists subject to availability of staffing resources.
Publishers alerts – the academic profiles for alerting Library Liaison officers and other interested members of staff of new titles in their disciplines to be updated.
Electronic books – the library will endeavour to increase the awareness of electronic book subscriptions.
Text books – a review of the text book ordering processes will be undertaken to ensure that the library acquires copies of recommended text books. A copy of every text will be placed in Short Loan (currently 75%).
New book lists – the library will promote the new book notification service to all clients
Inter campus loans service – this service will be significantly enhanced in 2005 with the introduction of the BONUS system providing access to the combined book holdings of UTS, UNSW and CSU. The quota for placing requests for items held in other libraries (University of Newcastle and BONUS participants) will be increased from 4 to 10 requests. Further information about BONUS is available here.

Revised loan privileges

Effective from February 2005.

Limit on renewals and increase in holds (reservations)
All loans will now be subject to a limit of renewals to ensure that material is returned to the library. For example, a 2 week loan to undergraduates can be extended to a maximum of 84 days after which, the item must be returned or presented for re-borrowing. The number of Holds available to all patrons has been extended from 4 to 10 to recall material on loan to another patron, as well as request items from other libraries including BONUS participants.

Combination of the Undergraduate and Honours privilege category
The number of items available for loan to Undergraduates has been increased from 12 to 15. The Honours and Undergraduate privilege categories will be combined to ensure that all undergraduate students have equal access to library resources.

Withdrawal of privileges for staff and introduction of fines for Postgraduate by Research
Loan sanctions approved by Academic Senate for staff who have overdue recalled books or are library debtors, will now be enforced automatically rather than on a case by case basis. Postgraduate students who do not return recalled items by the due date will now be fined. A limit of 75 book loans will also be implemented for staff.

Implementation and communication strategy
A communication plan has been developed to inform all stakeholders of the changes to loan privileges. It is anticipated that the changes will be implemented from 14.2.05. A copy of the Report from the Information Access Advisory Group has been forwarded to the President, Academic Senate who has advised that the report will be included as an item for discussion or noting at Academic Senate. The President has acknowledged that the recommendations will have been implemented before the meeting.

The Library has introduced several service enhancements to assist with the implementation of revised loan privileges. Courtesy email notices will be sent before an item becomes overdue reminding patrons to renew or return items. “My Library”, a personalised account on the Library’s INNOPAC system will be available for obtaining a list of items borrowed and returned, current loans and Holds. An amnesty for library fines for the first month (14.2.05 – 14.3.05) of semester will be enabled to ensure that students are not disadvantaged with the introduction of renewal limits.

For further information please contact:

Greg Anderson, Director Library Services on 49216465 or Greg.Anderson@newcastle.edu.au

Sharon Howells, Lending Services Manager on 49217147 or Sharon.Howells@newcastle.edu.au

Feedback can also be lodged at the Library's Suggestions and Feedback page.