Mia Haapanen, Pirkko Kultamaa, Tuulevi Ovaska and Kirsi Salmi
Libraries have changed due to many things, one of them being the shift from printed to electronic resources. Libraries become learning centres, providing more space for customers…
Abstract
Purpose
Libraries have changed due to many things, one of them being the shift from printed to electronic resources. Libraries become learning centres, providing more space for customers and less for stacks. Though information seeking habits have changed, especially students need places for studying and group work. In the case of Kuopio University Hospital Medical Library the shift has been influenced by space requirements for other hospital functions. The reduction of current physical space has led to revised collection policy that is now taking its final steps when the library is preparing to move to a new space. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a 650 m2 library space was remodelled to a 450 m2 without major negative effects on services. Second, the hospital has assigned the medical library a new location where a new library space and learning centre will be renovated. Less space for print collections means that reliable delivery from print resources is crucial.
Findings
Due to the merger of two universities’ collections to one multi-campus collection and to quick delivery service from the National Repository Library as well as good logistic services the authors are able to provide the customers with a possibility to use wide collections even if the own print-collections are small.
Research limitations/implications
The paper describes the collection policy and the service model of one library.
Originality/value
Small visible collections can be a challenge as the shelves are few. Creating awareness through marketing is essential. Campaigns, QR codes, big screens, user education, social media and everyday individual guidance are among the tools of creating wider awareness.
Details
Keywords
Arja Juntunen, Tuulevi Ovaska, Jarmo Saarti and Liisa Salmi
To present the process of creating the quality management system of the Kuopio University Library (Finland) and its auditing.
Abstract
Purpose
To present the process of creating the quality management system of the Kuopio University Library (Finland) and its auditing.
Design/methodology/approach
Case study of the Library's quality management system's building process, with some survey‐based material.
Findings
The European Union has decided that some kind of quality management system should be established in its higher education institutions. This sets new challenges for the university libraries. The paper presents the fact that quality management can be used as a tool for leadership within the Library, improving the Library's processes and marketing the Library within the University.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is based on conditions in Finland.
Practical implications
The paper gives an example of what implications national and international higher‐education policies have on a university library.
Originality/value
The paper provides a model for quality management and quality system documentation.