1. CLEMSON UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
LIBRARY SUMMIT CONCEPT
Joe Boykin
Dean of Libraries
Clemson University

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Clemson University Libraries
Results from Library Summits I and II:
Strategic Plan for
Business Plan for
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”

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 Road Map
Funding

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.”

14. Clemson University Libraries

15. Clemson University Libraries

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.