LibServices LibServices  
  University Home Page > Student & Learning Support Portfolio > LibServices Go to Quickfinder Go to our Contacts Page Search our site Go to Internal site

About us
Contact us
IRM team
Mt Helen Library Services team
TAFE Library Services team

UB Library

Welcome to Library Services

Library Services, located within the Information Services section of the Student & Learning Support Portfolio, supports the learning, teaching and research programs of the University of Ballarat through the provision of high quality scholarly information and resources.

The University Library offers an integrated library service across all campuses. Campus libraries are located at the Mt Helen, SMB, Horsham and Stawell campuses.

Library Services staff are grouped into four teams: the Information Literacy Team, Information Resources Management, Mt Helen Library Services and TAFE Library Services. These teams provide services across the University's six campuses.

Our organisation chart outlines the organisational structure of the University Library.


Library Information

The University of Ballarat Library aims to provide a range of high quality scholarly information resources and services to the University of Ballarat community. In doing so, the Library recognises the importance of our clients - staff and students of the University are central to all that we do. We endeavour to deliver services that recognise the diversity and needs of all client groups; we strive to be both responsive and innovative in our service delivery and to be a vital contributor supporting the University's mission to offer high quality learning and research opportunities.


Client Charter

In accordance with the Information Services Client Charter you can expect us to:

 Provide courteous, professional and well trained staff at all times
 Provide a prompt and efficient response to enquiries
 Provide services and manage resources to support learning and teaching

 Provide a well-organised website of current information
 Provide skilled support and instruction in the use of print and electronic resources
 Provide a safe and comfortable study environment

 Evaluate services in response to feedback from users
 Provide equitable access for users with special needs whenever possible
 Openly communicate with you about our services
 Provide referral where appropriate to another staff member


Planning

Planning is undertaken annually in conjunction with broader University development of annual Statements of Strategic Intent (SSIs). This planning is undertaken at a level that clearly maps library aims and objectives to those of the University. Operational planning focuses on the direct library client experience and information resource management and access.

  2007 University Library Statement of Strategic Intent and Priority Plan PDF graphic
  2008 Library Operating Plan PDF graphic


Quality and Feedback

The University Library is committed to the provision of quality services and continuous improvement.

 Library Client Survey

This national survey instrument helps us to evaluate client satisfaction across a range of indicators including library facilities and equipment, staff, communication, service delivery and quality and virtual library. Over 1,200 responses were received from staff and students across all campuses of the University for the August 2006 survey. Results for 2006, when compared to 2002 and 2004 results, have shown a further improvement in satisfaction with the overall quality of library services, placing University of Ballarat in the top percentage quartile when benchmarked against all other Australian University libraries. Some service gaps were identified in the survey and focus groups conducted over 2007 have provided additional valuable feedback that has formed the basis of operational change and project work.

 Library feedback

The Library has a robust feedback process. Students and other library clients provide feedback on library services and resources via an online feedback form available from the library website. Responses to feedback queries are placed on the library website for public viewing, and issues raised are addressed via library management group, teams or individuals as appropriate.


Projects

 Campus library refurbishment projects:

  • Mt Helen campus library
  • SMB campus library

  UB Research Repository

Through 2006 the Library participated in discussions related to UB preparation for the Government's Research Quality Framework (RQF). In early 2007 the Library joined the DEST funded Australian Research Repositories Online to the World (ARROW) project and commenced work on the installation and population of a local repository. There are a number of key drivers for repository implementation including the lengthy lead in time for print publishing, enabling articles and other research outputs to be available worldwide increasing the visibility of UB research, and increased communication amongst researchers. More information is now available on the UB Research Repository Project webpage.