Cornell University Library
Annual Report 1998-1999
Objectives for 1999-2000
Highlights of the past year
goal 4: Foster a productive and collegial work environment in which staff has the flexibility and support to achieve their assigned responsibilities.
Environmental Improvements A major upgrade of one of CUL's largest units, and one at high risk for repetitive motion injuries, was completed in August 1998. Central Technical Services, Gifts and Exchange, Authorities, and Catalog Maintenance installed 78 new ergonomically correct workstations. Other work areas upgraded include Olin Interlibrary Loan, Preservation administration, and External Affairs.
Professional Week Library staff who conducted research or presented papers at professional conferences participated in a weeklong showcase in which they shared their findings with their colleagues.
July 1999 issue of College and Research Libraries listed the "Most Productive Libraries 1993-1997," based on the number of peer-reviewed articles in the professional library literature. The Cornell University Library, (with twice as many publications as Harvard), was ranked second, with a total of 32 publications with lead authors from Cornell.
Performance Plans and Reviews An increasing percentage of staff now have current performance reviews on file.
Training Program The Library hired a Staff Development Specialist who has conducted a training needs assessment. Based on survey results, she has initiated a strong program of training services and classes.
Diversity The director of Library Human Resources has attended conferences on increasing diversity and convened an advisory group to recommend strategies for increasing diversity in the Library. The University Librarian has allocated funds to support an internship or an entry-level librarian in an underrepresented category.
