SubscribeDean’s Update: A Look Back at Fiscal Year '12
The planning for a new year is traditionally accompanied by reflection on what happened over the past twelve months. Fiscal year 2012 was a milestone year for the future of Drexel University Libraries. The year began with the Libraries’ Future Search Conference, which helped to develop four strategic directions, and the year ended with the announcement of the finalized strategic initiatives that will guide the Libraries' activities for the next five years. The four directions are not just concepts in a plan, but are already framing the road-map that illustrates where the Libraries is going.
The most traditional road for any library to pursue is that of providing access to ideas and authoritative information. The Libraries has started work on building an archive for Greek life at Drexel, an initiative that will extend access to materials so that future generations of Dragons and historians can view the rich history of Drexel’s student life.
Building learning environments is an exciting road that is important to the future of the Libraries, and fiscal year 2012 was the first full year of the new Library Learning Terrace, which was used by over 3,000 learners. In addition, the Libraries have envisioned a completed renovation of W. W. Hagerty Library.
Toward strengthening connections to scholarship, the Libraries launched ScholarSip events, which brought together faculty and professional staff and shared Drexel research
And finally, the Libraries are taking an important route to use the voice of clients to build an innovative, collaborative and evidence-based organization, which continuously seeks to improve the quality of services provided and to develop staff skills to manage work effectively.
These are just a few of the details we are assembling in preparation for this year’s annual report, which we expect to release this fall. The report will summarize the planning for the Libraries’ coming adventures and offer the first glimpse of the pathways to our future.
Danuta A. Nitecki, Ph.D.
Dean of Libraries
