Appendix A … … … … … ... … … 15
Appendix B … … … … … … … … 16
1. Introduction
“Greater diversity is more than a social and moral question; it is a necessity for the continued relevance of libraries and librarians to a rapidly changing society.”[1]
Like malls, restaurants, and many other social settings, the library provides a public space in which individuals may engage in a range of social and informational activities. [2]
The recent revolution in information technology -- using computers, CD-ROM, electronic databases, and the Internet to make a greater variety of information more readily available -- has presented libraries with powerful new tools to meet patron information needs, beyond traditional printed materials. Now, even the smallest library can reach beyond its walls to provide its clientele with global information resources once available only from the largest libraries. But not without challenges and costs
2. An overview of Cavendish Campus Library
[3]
Figure 1 Cavendish campus library layout
The Library supports the School of Biosciences, the School of Integrated Health and the Cavendish School of Computer Science.
Subject coverage: biomedical and biological sciences, biotechnology, community care, food nutrition, public health, complementary therapies, computing, information and database systems engineering, mathematical and decision sciences, and electronic systems.
The library has developed a service to support researchers and their specific needs during their time with the University. This currently consists of web pages aimed at researchers and an information skills training day.
The web page gathers together a range of information and further sources that will be of direct relevance to researchers. Information includes
- Contacting subject librarian
- Library locations, opening hours and layouts
- InfoLinX: gateway to electronic sources such as useful databases
Figure 2 infoLinx layout
- Becoming a researcher: a brief bibliography
- Using software to organise your references
- How to cite bibliographic references
- Transferable skills
- European Computer Driving Licence
- Conference and funding information
- Information on Training Days
- Thesis binding
Photocopying facilities are available at the library. Students who have an arrangement with their local authority may claim back the cost of photocopying and libraries will issue receipts accordingly. The Copyright License Agreement allows extended provisions for enlarged photocopies for partially sighted students. In all cases users should take advice from the Disability Liaison contact or their Library Manager.
The library has a Special Needs Area with assistive computing provision, with software and equipment for helping people with physical disabilities and sight impairment including dyslexia. The areas were developed on the recommendations of the Computer Centre for People with Disabilities (CCPD)
The three types of user for the Cavendish campus Library are:
- Library Manager
- Librarian
- Library User
Table 1: User characteristics
3. MOST Analysis of Cavendish Campus Library
3.1 Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Westminster is to provide high quality education and research in both national and international contexts for the intellectual, social and professional development of the individual and for the economic and cultural enrichment of London and wider communities.
The mission of Cavendish campus library is “To provide opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation.” The library realizes its purposes by providing access to materials and information supporting the instructional, service, and research programs of the University. Library addresses these services primarily to the students, faculty, and staff of the university, and secondarily to the citizens of the state and region.
3.2 Objectives
- To have new password for university and for ATHENS.
- More remote working, CASE searching of job.
- Allow access to part time students.
- Remote chatting to a librarian.
- Good wireless networking.
- Incorporating droping sessions to the course.
- Blackboard links to resources.
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Special software for visual impaired (As said by Ann Sainsbury in the tutorial)
- Maintain special collections.
- Continue social activities with library student workers.
- Provide courteous, friendly service to all patrons as evidenced by the number of complaints.
- Routinely update security procedures.
- Promote information literacy.
3.3 Strategy
- Increased communication between the faculty and the library.
- Good point-of-use instructions for library equipment and service.
- Adequate amount of operational information access equipment (change machine, copiers, reader/printers, etc.) along with instructions for patron use.
- Special facilities to meet campus needs(quiet study areas, silent study areas, discussion spaces, meeting spaces, laptop ports)
- Adequate hours to provide access to library collections.
- Work with faculty to develop learning assignments incorporating information literacy.
3.4 Tactics
- Train students to be courteous as well as competent.
- Provide courteous, friendly service to all patrons as evidenced by the number of complaints.
- Online questionnaire.
- Obtain as many course syllabi as possible
4. SWOT Analysis of Cavendish Campus Library
A SWOT analysis can be an excellent, fast tool for exploring the possibilities for initiating new programs in the vocational school. It can also be used for decision making within departments and committees or even by individuals. A SWOT analysis looks at future possibilities for the institution through a systematic approach of introspection into both positive and negative concerns. It is a relatively simple way of communicating ideas, policies, and concerns to others. It can help administrators to quickly expand their vision. Probably the strongest message from a SWOT analysis is that, whatever course of action is decided, decision making should contain each of the following elements: building on Strengths, minimizing Weaknesses, seizing Opportunities, and counteracting Threats.
Table 2 : SWOT Analysis of Cavendish Campus Library
5. PEST Analysis of Cavendish Campus Library
5.1 Political
- Sanctions concerning late return or renewal of books or other library material.
- Sanctions concerning the unauthorised removal of library materials.
- Sanctions concerning behaviour in the libraries.
- Licensing Issues.
- Copyright Act
- Educational regulations and protection.
- Government rules and attitude.
- Trade regulations.
5.2 Economical
- Inflation in the prices of books.
- Inflation in the prices of journals.
- Inflation in the price of upcoming software.
- Currency exchange rate.
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“Budget to maintain library is according to the need of the campus and number of students in the campus”(Ann Sainsbury)
5.3 Social
- Access only to registered students.
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Access to journals is basically for researcher (Ann Sainsbury)
- Diverse culture in the university
5.4 Technological
- Blackboard
- InfoLinx
- Microfiche and microfilm reader
- Information centre is situated in the lobby area of the library and contains a variety of free printed guides to information resources.
- Computer Manuals
- Network printers attached to the computers in the library, including those in the user support rooms.
- User support rooms on the lower level of the library.
- Consumables (e.g. floppy disks, acetates) available for purchase at the library counter.
- Integration of Palms and ID cards.
- Self issuing machines.
6. Conclusion
This study examines characteristics of Cavendish campus library in the University of Westminster. The qualitative analyses lead to the conclusion that the library generally satisfies the requirement of student population in the Cavendish campus in terms of accessibility and suitability. Also the pat year survey questionnaire result of library services of Cavendish campus shows considerable good results. Over 70% of respondents were generally satisfied with library services (APPENDIX A). The most common method of renewing books was use of the library catalogue system, with over half of the respondents usually using this method. This represents an increase of around 12% from the previous year, with fewer users renewing by telephone or in person with the book (Appendix B). However, there exist noticeable flaws in some areas. Cavendish campus library reports considerably small number of computers with regard to student population. Also it is not simply enough to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a company. It is necessary to minimize or avoid both weaknesses and threats. Weaknesses should be looked at in order to convert them into strengths. Therefore the recommendations for the Cavendish Campus Library in University of Westminster are as follows:
- The weekend library closure timings should be extended as international students who don’t own a PC at home have to go to Marylebone campus for accessing computers.
- Reference copies should be issued to students.
- Part time staff should be employed to restock the books on shelves which usually remain on computer desks.
- As the campus is undergoing construction for expansion a stock room should be made for library in that so that if any of the books is not there in the library, that book can be obtained from the stock room and could be made available for students.
- Training should be given to first time users of library services.
These improvements will ensure equitable profits to the library and guarantee high quality of services for all students in University of Westminster.
7. References
References from infolynx
[1] By: Turock, Betty J.. Library Journal, 12/15/2003, Vol. 128 Issue 20, p10, 1/5p; (AN 11750136)
[2] Lisa M. Given and Gloria J. Leckie "Sweeping" the library: Mapping the social activity space of the public library1, Pages 365-385
References from University website
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13] Library & Information Services (ISLS) - The Essential Guide 2003/4
8. Bibliography
- InfoLinx
- Library & Information Services (ISLS) - The Essential Guide 2003/4
- E-Journals
- Tutorial by Ann Sainsbury and Pat Barclay
Appendix A
GENERAL SATISFACTION WITH LIBRARY SERVICES
Figure 3
Appendix B
Figure 4 USUAL METHOD OF BOOK RENEWAL
# Source Taken from : http://www.wmin.ac.uk/library/questionnaire/docs/2003%20Full%20report.pdf
# Source Taken from : http://www.wmin.ac.uk/library/questionnaire/docs/2003%20Full%20report.pdf
