Midland College
2010 – 2011 Academic and Student Support Services Assessment
Fasken Learning Resource Center
The Fasken Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides library collections appropriate to the programs of Midland College, library services responsive to the needs of
students and faculty, and learning/information resources compatible with the College's Statement of Purpose. Collections include or are enhanced by on-site
collections, substantial electronic resources, participation in the State library network, and interlibrary arrangements.
Assessment Summary
Key 2010-11 Findings
Learning Resource Advisory Committee critique resulted
in acquisition of 3Dready Sharp projector, CPU, and
Designmate software. Some industry (Texas
Instruments/ DLP technology) case studies suggest
improved test scores and higher level of interest for
students provided with a 3D learning environment.
Plan for Improvement
Provide library demonstrations of 3D technology to
faculty in math, science, and other disciplines as
additional software becomes available.
Following website improvements, database searches
should increase significantly. Library access through
Blackboard has been delayed pending implementation of
new version (Blackboard Learn 9.1).
The LRC website will be further improved, through
creating additional links, updating library tutorials, and
exploiting Blackboard Learn 9.1 to improve access to
resources by distance learners.
Faculty and staff trained in the use of Bowker Book
Analysis System (BBAS), found it to be an effective tool
for investigating library holdings and other core titles in
their specific areas of interest.
Increase advertising of BBAS and provide additional
training sessions.
Updates on Plan for Improvement
Demonstrations were provided to the Math and Science
faculty in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. Faculty members
saw benefits from use of the software but we curious on
how to bring the software to the classroom versus
bringing students to the library.
Implementation of Blackboard Learn 9.1 has proven to
be challenging. Faculty members have had trouble
transitioning courses and course material from older
Blackboard versions. While the LRC website has
incorporated additional links, until the problems with
Blackboard Learn 9.1 has been rectified access to
resources by distance earners will continue to be limited.
Large group training sessions for the BBAS were offered
during the fall 2011 in-service week. Small training
sessions and one-on-one training sessions at the library
have proven fruitful and had positive response from
faculty members. Training with Social Sciences staff has
been challenging. Coordination with the Social Sciences
dean to conduct faculty training continues.
Page | 1
Department: Fasken Learning Resource Center
Assessment Detail
GOAL 1:
Year: 2010-2011
Midland College will provide an academic and occupational focus for business and professional learning environments through the following options: (1) certificates in
career and technology programs, (2) transfer course work and Associate of Arts and Associates of Science degrees, (3) Associate of Applied Science degree, and (4)
Bachelor of Applied Technology degree.
Strategic Objective 1:
Be attentive to an address the needs of the local community through programming of certificates, degrees, and continuing education.
Measurable Outcome
Assessment Activity
Assessment Results
Use of Results
After revising and improving the quality of Members of the LRC Advisory Committee
Per minutes, the LRC Advisory Committee Continue review by LRC Advisory
the library’s Web links, including tutorials, and Distance Learning Committee, in
critiqued materials and requested
Committee. Collaborate with Distance
students and faculty will increase their
addition to student volunteers, will review addition of 3D projection room and
Learning Committee to evaluate the
utilization by 10%, as evidenced by the
and critique library instructional
outsourcing of basic applications.
library’s website.
number of online sessions recorded by
materials, such as information sheets,
the college’s internal Web usage/audit
bibliographies, and resources lists. Needs
system as reported by the Webmaster.
for additional materials or alternative
delivery formats will be identified.
The LRC website will be further developed
through additional links to tutorials,
information gateways, and educational
websites. Assessment will include
surveying target audiences and
monitoring usage of library tutorials.
LRC staff will work with the Webmaster
and Instructional Designer to fully exploit
Blackboard for links to library resources.
The LRC website was enhanced by
• over 30 new links to tutorials,
• gateways, and educational, websites.
• Library database,
• searches increased significantly,
• Ebsco, up by 95%
• Gale/Infotrac up by 39%,
• the count on tutorials usage is no
longer available due to changes in the
Web audit software.
• On the Spring 2011 Student Survey,
results for Webpage layout, Web
tutorials, and Web links, 28.7 % rated
these “Superior” and 68.9 % rated
these “Average.”
Initial discussions were conducted, but
further work was held pending full
implementation of Blackboard Learn 9.1.
Continue upgrading LRC webpage. Assess
LRC webpage through questions on the
Faculty and Student surveys.
Consult with Distance Learning
Committee re: library access through
Blackboard Learn 9.1.
Page | 2
Department: Fasken Learning Resource Center
Assessment Detail
Year: 2010-2011
GOAL 2: Midland College will provide flexible educational opportunities by combining traditional methods with effective and innovative teaching methods, including
interactive distance learning, computer-based instruction, and developmental assessment and response.
Strategic Objective 2:
Support innovative approaches to instruction through professional development opportunities, stipends, and release time.
Measurable Outcome
Assessment Activity
Assessment Results
Use of Results
Upon completion of BBAS training,
The LRC Director and staff will conduct
Ten training sessions were conducted.
Conduct a minimum of 12 additional
improved satisfaction of faculty and staff
BBAS training sessions for 12 or more
Training sessions were well received;
training sessions will be conducted,
through participation in the library
faculty members from the business, math, additional recommendations resulting
seeking participation of 3 academic
acquisition process will be realized, as
science, government, sociology, art,
from
BBAS
training
are
anticipated
in
Fall,
divisions and 1 technical studies division.
measured by a score of 4.0 or higher on
music, and other academic programs at
2011.
the Faculty Satisfaction survey
Midland College.
administered in Spring 2011.
The BBAS program will be advertised to
Budget uncertainties caused a delay in
Retention of the BBAS subscription in
Midland College faculty and staff, and full widespread advertising of BBAS.
2011-2012 will allow for wider advertising
participation will be encouraged.
of the service in Fall, 2011. Post BBAS
information on LRC’s home page and the
Teaching & Learning Professional
Development Center’s home page. Invite
a cross-section of faculty and staff to
participate.
The Faculty Satisfaction survey will be
Results of the survey were positive, with
Administer Faculty and Student
administered during the Spring 2011
most responses either “Superior” or
Satisfaction surveys again in Spring, 2012.
semester to assess the impact of greater
“Satisfactory.” Anticipate continued
Compare results to 2011 findings.
participation in the library acquisitions
improvement as more faculty become
process.
aware of collection strengths through
BBAS training.
Page | 3