Implementation Plan for Goal 2.

Space for Collections and Users

The Library will develop a comprehensive plan for space utilization and collection management in an environment of limited capital expansion.

Strategy	Responsibility	Time Frame	Tasks
Space Planning and Utilization Committee	Strategy and Planning Council (through AUL for Collections)	Form group by end September 2005	Deputy University Librarian, Library directors, and Heads of Special Collections and Annex serve ex officio. Includes rotating member from Baker. May create project teams as needed. Charge: assess, share information about, and plan for use of physical space in VU libraries and staff work areas.
Assess current use of physical space in all VU libraries, Special Collections, and Annex	Space Planning and Utilization Committee	Complete by Nov. 15, 2005	Survey affected units about current utilization of space and anticipated space needs. Analyze effectiveness of current allocation and use of space and make recommendations as appropriate
Project long term library space needs and develop a plan for the use of space	Space Planning and Utilization Committee assisted by project teams as needed	Complete by March 30, 2006	Consult with Research Services Committee to define best practices for space dedicated to user services as well as individual and group study. Consult with Committee on Collections to define best practices for designating space for physical collections, identifying priorities for Annex transfer, and participating in the proposed ASERL virtual storage program. Address Annex capacity and the need for additional remote storage space.
Develop guidelines for use of space and committee’s oversight role	Space Planning and Utilization Committee	Complete by March 30, 2006	Consider space as a limited campus-wide library asset and articulate principles for the use of space in all libraries in this context. Determine the extent of the committee’s oversight role in reviewing the libraries’ space planning and in allocating Annex space.
Determine how the library should configure space to accommodate evolving campus programs such as the Freshman Commons and college halls.	Space Planning and Utilization Committee	Ongoing	Monitor campus building plans and engage the library in specific projects when appropriate.
Develop assessment methodologies	Space Planning and Utilization Committee assisted by project teams as needed	Complete by June 30, 2006	Determine best methods of regularly assessing effectiveness of space utilization and projecting future uses of space through user surveys, focus groups, etc.

John Haar

September 2005