Updates in Academic Affairs: March 30, 2015
Inside Updates: Introducing University Libraries' forthcoming search system, a timeline and other details of the Academic Program Review and Planning process, Assessment in Action Day.
University Libraries' new search system goes live in May
Library Search, the new search and discovery system for University Libraries, will be rolled out the week of May 18.
Scholars and first-time users will benefit from the system's intuitive and comprehensive interface that enables a simpler, more unified portal to library information and resources.
Some features of the new system include:
- Basic searching for quick, convenient access, and advanced searching for more sophisticated and scholarly needs
- “One click” limited searching results for peer-reviewed publications only
- A “virtual browse” function allowing patrons to remotely browse books on the shelf in the libraries
- “Tag” options for organizing materials for easy access, or for sharing materials with research partners or students
- Alerts sent by email when new materials added to the database match a patron's search criteria
- Easy access to WMU digital collections
- Additional options for saving and exporting search results
Library Search will replace the Books+, PowerSearch, Classic Catalog, Journals and Articles search tools that are currently on the University Libraries’ homepage.
Content in many of University Libraries' databases will be discoverable through Library Search. However, research databases, such as JSTOR and Scopus, will remain accessible through Databases A-Z, Library Guides and by direct bookmarks. Interlibrary Loan will continue to function as before, and course reserves will still be available through the link on the left menu of the University Libraries homepage. Library Search also will be made available via GoWMU and Elearning.
The current system and its associated applications, including Books+, Classic catalog and PowerSearch, will not be updated and will be closed out in June.
To ensure a smooth transition to Library Search, subject librarians are available to meet, upon request, with departments, individual faculty members, instructors or students interested in learning about the system. Workshops and individualized training also will be available at the start of the fall semester.
Updates regarding the transition to Library Search will be available from subject librarians, posted on the University Libraries website and communicated through campus news throughout the summer.
For additional information or to schedule a meeting about the new system, contact University Libraries at wmich.libanswers.com or (269) 387-5178.
Academic Program Review and Planning next steps
by Dr. Timothy J. Greene, provost and vice president for academic affairs
As a campus community, Western Michigan University is strongly committed to offering quality education programs. It's at the core of our mission.
To ensure continued excellence for our students, in accordance with the University Strategic Plan and to meet the Higher Learning Commission's criteria for accreditation, the University must engage in a process of Academic Program Review and Planning.
My sincere appreciation goes to the many faculty members, staff members and administrators who have contributed to the program review process thus far, and I thank you for your continual engagement going forward.
On the Office of Institutional Effectiveness web page, you'll find a letter I recently penned sharing the latest developments in APR&P and detailing next steps in this process. You can access the letter here.
Save the date—Assessment in Action Day is April 3
Members of the University community are invited to attend the sixth annual Assessment in Action Day from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the Fetzer Center.
Additionally, winners of the University Assessment Steering Committee and Assessment Excellence Awards will be announced at the conference, and the 2014-15 Assessment Fellows will display posters highlighting their assessment projects.
Assessment in Action Day is offered free of charge, but registration is required for participation in a continental breakfast and luncheon. Using your Bronco NetID and password, register at the following link: https://wapps.wmich.edu/workshops
For more information about the conference, contact Karen Stokes-Chapo at @email or (269) 387-3867.