Standard 4: Educational Media Services

Mission

4.1 The institution makes available the library and information resources necessary for the fulfillment of its mission.

4.2 The published mission and objectives of the library are consistent with those of the institution.

Outcomes Assessment and Planning

4.3 The library continuously and systematically evaluates its effectiveness by identifying outcomes consistent with its mission, gathering data to measure those outcomes, and using that data to improve library resources, instruction, and services.

4.4 The library’s outcomes assessment process reflects and contributes to institutional planning.

4.5 The institutional outcomes assessment plan includes components outlining the role of the library and information resources in maximizing student learning and institutional effectiveness.

Teaching and Learning

4.6 The library staff is integrally involved in the teaching and learning of the institution.

4.7 The institution provides opportunities and demonstrates that library staff and faculty collaborate to: ensure that materials and services support curricula/curriculum frameworks; integrate information literacy into the learning process; assess the effectiveness of teaching and learning; and use information gathered to develop a plan for curricular and instructional improvement.

4.8 The library provides orientation and instruction in the use of resources which develop skills enabling users to become lifelong learners with the ability to locate, select, evaluate, organize, apply, and present information effectively.

Resources and Access

4.9 The institution ensures that students use library resources as an integral part of their education.

4.10 Resources and services are readily available to the learning community wherever programs are located or however they are delivered.

4.11 These resources (i.e. collections, technology, and services), owned by the institution or guaranteed through formal written agreements, are appropriate in quality, level, scope, diversity, quantity, and currency to support and enrich the institution's mission.

4.12 Cooperative relationships and access to external resources are encouraged as a means of complementing rather than substituting for the institution’s own adequate and accessible collection and services.

4.13 In addition to curriculum support, the library provides materials that support faculty teaching and the intellectual, cultural, and personal development of the community.

4.14 Faculty, staff, students, and administration participate, through formal and informal means, in the development, assessment, and improvement of library services and collections.

4.15 The library has a written policy governing the selection and deletion of all materials.

4.16 The institution demonstrates that the library’s hours of operation meet the information needs of students, faculty and staff.

Staff

4.17 The institution demonstrates that staff size is appropriate to serve effectively the learning community.

4.18 Library staff is credentialed and/or professionally and educationally qualified to support the teaching and learning mission and goals of the institution.

4.19 The institution clearly defines the responsibilities of library personnel and provides evidence that opportunities for ongoing professional development are pursued by staff.

Facility and Environment

4.20 The institution provides accessible facilities with a welcoming atmosphere that encourages inquiry, study, and learning among students, faculty, and staff.

4.21 The physical layout includes multiple-use space accommodating individual and group study.

4.22 The overall size of the library supports the teaching and learning of the institution, including space for efficient use of collections, staff operations, storage, and administrative and educational technology.

4.23 The library facility and equipment is up-to-date, properly maintained, repaired in a timely manner, and secured.

Financial Support

4.24 The institution provides sufficient and consistent financial support for staff, collection development, instructional resources, and the maintenance and enhancement of facilities, technology, and equipment.

4.25 The library staff participates in the development of the institution’s annual budget.