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

Clemson University Libraries 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 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 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 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 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 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 “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 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 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 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 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 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 Libraries

Clemson University Libraries 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 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 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.