Newcastle University

To improve the quality and range of learning resources, in digital and print form

• Increase the availability of e-book content, evaluating and consolidating the use of demand-led subscription based e-book services (2013-15)
• Refine and promote the “Books on Time” service to improve responsiveness to demand for core texts and student requests (2013-15)
• Target areas of weakness in provision of resources, responding particularly to new areas of teaching (2013-15)
• Migrate systematically from print to electronic provision of high-demand texts (2013-16)

To develop new tools for the organisation, discovery and use of learning materials

• Develop and enhance Library Search as the primary point of access for library managed content (2013-14)
• Make available applications for mobile devices to enable effective access and use of learning resources (2013-15)
• Ensure the effective integration of library services with the development of the VLEs and other services in the Digital Campus (2013-16)

To provide new learning environments and facilities

• Improve provision for consultation of special collections and archives (2013-14)
• Review and remodel social learning spaces in the Robinson Library (2013-15)
• Develop a programme of refurbishment for the Law Library to improve the study environment (2013-15)
• Contribute to the development and renewal of learning spaces and postgraduate study facilities across the campus in association with ISS, ESS,  Students Union and other partners (2013-15)

To improve access to resources and services

• Review and further enhance library opening hours, focusing on vacation periods, ensuring value for money by utilising minimal staffing levels and self-service operations (2013-15)
• Develop the provision of “roving” support services to improve access to personal support for students (2013-15)
• Deliver services via mobile devices to enhance communications, marketing and access to enquiry services (2013-15)
• Develop 24/7 information and enquiry services through collaboration and the application of new technologies (2013-15)

To support the development of key skills for employability

• Embed effective and sustainable support for information and digital literacy into academic programmes (2013-16)
• Exploit online training and tutorial systems  to enhance provision on campus and support students at a distance (2013-15)
• Develop new approaches to the delivery of information literacy to ensure sustainable levels of staff input (2013-15)
• Maintain the support for academic writing skills provided by the Writing Development Centre (2013-15)
• Provide opportunities for work experience for students through employment, placements, bursaries (2013-17)

To contribute to academic planning and curriculum development

• Review the  roles and skills sets of the library liaison and support staff to enhance their ability to contribute as part of the academic learning team (2013-15)
• Engage effectively with Schools to contribute to new methods of curriculum delivery, particularly with regard to information and digital skills (2013-16)