At the request of the University Library and in consultation with the Faculty Senate Library Committee, the Curricular Affairs Committee has endorsed the use of Library Impact Statements by faculty members in concert with submitting proposals for new courses and proposals for new degree programs.

Rationale: The University Libraries wish to create a Library Impact Statement for use when new courses, programs, majors or degrees are proposed. The objective is to work with faculty to evaluate the needs of new programs in advance of their adoption. Working actively rather than reactively assures that collections and services will be able to provide the support necessary for the students in all programs.

Procedure: As faculty prepare to submit the New Course Proposal [or other] forms, they should complete the questionnaire designed by the Libraries and submit it to the Subject Selector or Collection Development Manager.

NOTE: Download .doc versions of the Library Impact Statement materials from the University Libraries website.

The librarians will then prepare an assessment of:

• The suitability of existing resources;
• The new resources required to support the program;
• The information skills education required by the students; and
• The funds needed for library materials and services.

The Curricular Affairs Committee and Graduate Council, not the Library staff, will be the adjudicators of the proposed programs. However, The Curricular Affairs Committee and Graduate Council will expect a sign-off from the Library by attachment of the completed Impact Statement.

Summary and Conclusion: The Libraries endorse the concept of expanding or redesigning the curriculum as a vital and necessary aspect of academic work. Particularly as trends emerge which universities wish to adopt, we should be advocates for the creative and futuristic ventures devised by our faculty. At the same time, it is the Libraries’ responsibility to assure that the corresponding materials and services required by new programs can be met effectively by the University. Failure to plan and budget appropriately can result only in shortchanging students and diminishing the potential of the new programs. We also must be aware of the growing challenge of distance learning clientele and be prepared to offer a broader range of services than before. Thus, now more than ever, the Library Impact Statement affords the opportunity for collaboration and prospective planning to the University, its faculty, and its students.