Library collection policies

The University of Melbourne Collection Policy 2006

Communication Strategy

1. Background and Purpose

Within the environment of “Growing Esteem” and the subsequent changes, clear and consistent communication will be a critical component in achieving success in the delivery of scholarly resources and information services.  The following strategy has been developed as an overarching framework to ensure the appropriate engagement of major stakeholders.  The purpose of developing a communications strategy that focuses on both scholarly resources and information services is to ensure the alignment of the University’s libraries capacities and core capabilities with the Growing Esteem priorities.  The key driver is the improvement of resource access, service quality and efficiencies.

The purpose of the communications strategy is to identify the means by which the Library can raise awareness about its activities and services. The fact that the Library works in so many fields presents great challenges to communications.  It is a large undergraduate collection, a major research library, a national service and development centre for the whole library community and has responsibilities for collecting and preserving the national published heritage.  Electronic services, the service needs of the library network and the information society, closer cooperation with the private sector and the mass media require increasingly targeted and high-quality communication and marketing.  The Communications Strategy will support the mission and objectives of Information Services and assist in the efficient running of the organisation.

2. What are we aiming to achieve?

The main purpose of this communication strategy is to:

• Develop a strategy for a clear and consistent communication message to our stakeholders and in doing so making the best use of resources for all communications;
• Understand the needs of the stakeholder communities and to provide them with appropriate information in an accurate and timely manner; and
• Ensure our messages are timely and relevant and present information clearly and consistently

3. Who are our stakeholders?

• Academics and researchers
• Administration areas of the University
• Information Services Staff
• Students
  • post-graduate
  • undergraduate
• Library Committees
• Student Support Services
• Members of the University of Melbourne Community including, Alumni and, Friends of the Library

4. Communications schedule

The following is an example of a communication schedule that could be employed to ensure adequate stakeholder engagement and involvement.  It aims to address each of the issues identified in the previous sections particularly in regard to specific stakeholders, what their needs, interests and concerns are, what kind of feedback the transition needs, what messages need to be conveyed, what formal reports need to reflect and inform project decisions, communication modes and timings.

The following schedule focuses on the Target Audience, Information Required, Information Provider, Frequency of Communication and the Method of Communication that is a sample of the minimum stakeholders for the proposed Engineering Collection integration with the ERC as part of the Eastern Precinct:

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