Information Access

Information access is a key component of the Mercy Library Learning Commons, but it encompasses not just traditional print materials but unprecedented access to electronic serials, databases, DVDs, CDs and the resources of other colleges and institutions through our ILL system.  We are continuously reevaluating our collections to both weed outdated materials and to acquire digital materials whenever possible.  We have increased our ebook collections and are currently planning a significant expansion of our ebook holdings.  Investing and growing our digital assets will enable us offer students access to materials wherever they have access to internet at school, at home or from their portable devices.  This is a fundamental component of our strategic plan:

• Goal 2:  Build a unique core collection of electronic, DVD, streaming and print resources that are current, compelling, easily and globally accessible and directly relevant to curriculum and patron needs.

1. Transform the collection from print-based to electronic-based by weeding or discontinuing print items and acquiring new and innovative e-content.
2. Enable patron discovery of innovative resources from any location at any time by continually improving content access technologies.
3. Explore and apply the patron-driven, content-on-demand model of collection development to replace traditional librarian-driven methods.
4. Acquire relevant streaming media for just-in-time and regular needs of online and onsite courses and phase out video and audio collections.
5. Train staff in the use of cutting-edge digital assets and e-collection management and assessment tools.
6. Promote compliance with fair use of intellectual property by creating policies, providing technical support and informing patrons on the most efficient and ethical usage practices.

By enabling easier access to digital material, students are able to focus more on achieving success in their research and work as well as enjoying the process of knowledge discovery that lies at the heart of the learning commons model.

2010-2011 Updates:

Electronic Databases:

A number of our core, and most utilized databases - Proquest and Wilson - have been upgraded with new and improved user interfaces.  The interface upgrades are an iterative process by which database vendors continue to improve the funtionality and resources of their productst - to the benefit of the consumer.  As librarians, we must continually retrain ourselves and students in response to the upgrades.  These factors have let to increasing levels of more advanced searching, as follows:

• Overall, statistics indicate that students are increasing their use of Mercy databases to locate information, for example, from our most heavily used database – Proquest  - 361,715 searches in 2010 and 220,940 thru Sept 2011.  (See Attachment)

• In addition, the ratio of the number of searches to the number of downloaded articles – the Findability Index – has improved indicating that students are using databases more effectively to locate information.   220,940 searches with 99,147 full text articles from Jan-Sept 2011

E-books:

We continue to build on our ebook collection because of the many accessibility advantages it offers to students.  With ebooks, students are able to access needed materials anytime and anyplace that they have internet access.  For 2012, we will be engaging in a contractual partnership with EBL (Electronic Books Library)  - one of the biggest providers of ebooks.  Over 500,000 ebooks will be available for students as either short term loans or as permanent additions, depending on the number of times the title is accessed.  This is the essence of the Patron Driven Acquisition model which offers an incredible new opportunity to make the world's knowledge available to Mercy students.  Below is a table describing the increase in our ebook holdings:

Summary of Library Statistics - Please find in the Attachments section, a breakdown of our holdings as well as circulation statistics from 2007/8 through 2010/11.  You will note that while some items show a decrease in ciculation and holdings (e.g print books or monographs) ebook holdings have increased.