Rationale

The University Libraries wish to create a Library Impact Statement (LIS) for use when new courses, programs, majors or degrees are proposed. Our objective is to work with faculty to evaluate the needs of new programs in advance of their adoption. Working actively rather than reactively, we may assure that our collections and services provide the support necessary for our students in all programs. We may also plan a budget accordingly, without reallocating funds from existing areas.

Procedure

As faculty prepare to submit a course or program proposal, they should complete the LIS Request Form and email it to the subject selector or Collection Management Officer. The librarian will then prepare an assessment of: a) the suitability of existing resources; b) the new resources required to support the course or program; c) the information skills education required by the students; and d) the funds needed for library materials and services. The librarian then creates the LIS and returns it to the faculty for inclusion in the course or program proposal.

LIS requests should be submitted early in the proposal process. We recommend that the request be made at the time of the Department review. Consider that an LIS should be ready to submit to Faculty Senate, with the complete proposal, a week prior to submission due date for courses and two weeks prior to submission due date for programs.

Faculty Senate requires submitting the LIS with proposals to demonstrate an acceptable level of readiness for courses and programs. The Curriculum and Standards Committee and Graduate Council, not the Librarians, adjudicate proposed courses and programs.

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 courses and programs. We also must be aware of the growing challenge of online 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.