Clemson University Libraries

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University CLEMSON UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES LIBRARY SUMMIT CONCEPT Joe Boykin Dean of Libraries Clemson University jboykin@clemson.edu

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Clemson University In Context: • Land-grant university for South Carolina • 17,000 students (13,500 undergrad and 3,500 graduate) • 900 faculty • Majority of doctoral programs in sciences and engineering • Main library and branch for architecture

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • The Clemson Summit Concept • Concept initiated by President • Summits are organized around a university function • Bring university constituents together to focus on one area

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • The Clemson Summit Concept continued: • Library Summit I was the second university summit • and was designed to identify major themes for • the Libraries in the future. • Attendees included: faculty, students, staff, trustees, • former president, administrators including • President and Provost. • We followed Library Summit I with Library Summit II • which consisted of the entire library staff.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Results from Library Summits I and II: • Strategic Plan for 2000-2004 • Business Plan for 2000-2004 • Included detail tasks and dollar amounts • Resulted in the Library being included in the • Academic Affairs “Road Map Funds” for the • next four years. Received $1 Million the first • Year and $500K each of the next 4 years • Library continues in the future as a major component • of the “Road Map Funds”

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • LIBQUAL+ and Clemson University Libraries • First LIBQUAL+ followed Library Summits I and II • Used LIBQUAL+ results to determine if the choices • we made from the summits were correct. • We determined that the LIBQUAL+ results • validated the themes and detailed objectives • resulting from the summits.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • 2003 LIBQUAL+ Results • Received our 3rd LIBQUAL+ Results • Paid close attention to the results of questions • where either the perceived level was below • minimum levels • Also paid attention to the results of questions • which were above minimum but were showing • a declining number.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • “Disconfirming Expectancy” • Increased credibility by providing negative • information. • We wanted help from faculty and students to • understand the 2003 LIBQUAL+ results. • Because of success of Library Summit I and II • decided to have Library Summit III.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Summit Planning: • Planning Committee • Determined date and location (university conference • center) • Determined schedule (3:00PM – 7:00PM) • Determined meal • Set Agenda • Recommended participants (by group) 60 total • Organized discussion topics • Prepared and sent formal invitations

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Summit Goals: • Verify improvements since 2000 summits • Use ideas generated to extend existing Strategic and • Business Plans • Use ideas generated to allocate 2003-2004 Road Map • Funding

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Summit Process: • Organized around three LIBQUAL+ areas: • Information control, affect of service, Library as • Place • Had two tables of 10 participants per topic • At half way point had participants change tables. • Table leaders where library staff who also recorded • ideas. • Each table was asked to come up with 9 ideas plus • one “off the wall” suggestion.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Summit Process: • Provided the participants with the 2003 Libqual • results. • Had a smaller “results” document that highlighted • the areas which were below minimum levels or showed • decline and asked them to concentrate on these areas for • their suggestions for improvement. • We also provided them with a brief explanation • of the Libqual charts and tables.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • What Happened: • Providing “negative” information from LIBQUAL+ • results was very positive. • University supports and rewards honest examination • of opportunities to improve. • A real “assessment culture” at Clemson which looks • to “close the loop.”

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Library Town Meetings: • Critical to success of Summit • Had 3 Town Meetings with Library Staff • Staff added ideas and enhanced many of those • suggested at the Summit.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • Benefits of a Summit • Library plans based on LibQual+ survey results • and Summit discussions provide good structure • for showcasing positive outcomes in assessment. • Participants tend to take ownership of their ideas • An organization that makes its weaknesses public • and asks for advice gains positive regard. • Input from Summit participants provides richer and • more detailed data.

Clemson University Libraries Clemson University Clemson University Libraries Clemson University • What we learned: • Have less library staff, more users • Shorten second session somewhat • Provide more training to table leaders • Schedule so President and Provost can • participate.

Clemson University Libraries