2016-2017 Impact Report


During the 2016-2017 academic year, the University of Houston Libraries launched 17 teams to move critical initiatives forward within each of four goal areas. Project teams implemented new services and spaces, while planning teams completed foundational work for future projects.
The University of Houston Libraries Strategic Plan has four main goals:
- Position UH Libraries as a Campus Leader in Research Productivity
- Assure the Quality and Relevance of Collections for Campus and Global Communities
- Position UH Libraries as a Campus Leader in Student Success Initiatives
- Transform Library Spaces to Reflect Evolving Modes of Learning and Scholarship



Position UH Libraries as a Campus Leader in Research Productivity
Services and programs pertaining to research productivity represent one of the Libraries’ greatest areas of potential growth, and we have already seen significant movement on this goal, as is reflected in our performance indicator.
Notable successes include:
- Development of the Digital Research Commons
- Implementation of Omeka, a digital scholarship platform
- Development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for research partnerships
- A digital asset management system for improved online access to unique collections
- Promotion of open access to UH scholarly data, publications, and products through the development of Cougar ROAR (Research Open Access Repositories), a new platform for the Libraries’ Institutional Repository and UH Dataverse
These efforts led to an increase in the number of interactions that contribute to the research lifecycle, including one new MOU, an increase in research consultations, and an increase in the number of objects uploaded to the repository.
Measure | Outcome Goal | FY16 | FY17 | Percentage Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Increase the number of interactions that contribute to the research lifecycle | 10% Yearly Increases 50% Overall 5-Year Increase |
867 | 1,340 | 54.56% |

Assure the Quality and Relevance of Collections for Campus and Global Communities
The Libraries’ collections are one of the most critical and robust resources offered. Making collections more relevant and accessible is a multifaceted endeavor. Teams investigated strategies for how we acquire and manage collections, and made recommendations to improve electronic resource workflows, retention strategies, and embedding research collections into the curriculum. A team also developed a plan for aggressively building and promoting materials related to energy and sustainability.
The results of these efforts are reflected most notably in the first indicator. We are being more intentional in dedicating funding to research priority areas. We allocated an additional $545,619 for STEM materials, an increase of 9.68%. We also saw an increase in the number of visitors to the Special Collections Reading Room.
Measure | Outcome Goal | FY16 | FY17 | Percentage Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Increase collections budget in areas identified as research priorities | 5% Yearly Increases 25% Overall 5-Year Increase |
$5,634,888 | $6,180,507 | 9.68% |
Increase use by external users | 1% Yearly Increases 5% Overall 5-Year Increase |
19,968 | 20,311 | 1.72% |

Position UH Libraries as a Campus Leader in Student Success Initiatives
We focused on projects that were critical to improving the success of specific user populations. Data from our strategic planning process indicated the need for improvements serving online learners, distance learners, graduate students, and those students engaging in co-curricular programming.
Results of these efforts are reflected in the positive growth of both indicators. Activities related to embedding library instruction into classes include online and face-to-face information literacy instruction. The increase is largely due to our efforts to expand online learning in biology courses. Out-of-class research and skill-building programs grew thanks to the work of a team that investigated our current programming and identified new ideas for programming while also improving our ability to track our success in this area.
Measure | Outcome Goal | FY16 | FY17 | Percentage Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Increase number of activities embedding library instruction into classes | 2% Yearly Increases 10% Overall 5-Year Increase |
808 | 939 | 16.21% |
Increase number of attendees at out-of-class research and skill-building activities and services | 10% Yearly Increases 50% Overall 5-Year Increase |
419 events | 593 events | 41.53% |

Transform Library Spaces to Reflect Evolving
Modes of Learning and Scholarship
We have made significant strides in transforming spaces for both learning and scholarship. Progress is most evident through the performance indicator tracking the amount of square footage that has been transformed, including space in the Architecture and Art Library, the new Digital Research Commons, upgrades to MD Anderson Library group study rooms, and a new makerspace. Teams also investigated and proposed enhanced exhibit space, expanded Special Collections storage space, and new technology for learning throughout the Libraries. A feasibility study for renovating the MD Anderson Library first floor is also underway.
In addition to physical spaces, a team evaluated the accessibility of all Libraries’ web pages, bringing them into compliance with federal standards. Improvements to the usability of the website contributed to an increase in perceived usability of the Libraries’ website.

Measure | Outcome Goal | FY16 | FY17 | Percentage Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Increase building usage (as a result of new spaces, new technology, signage, and integrated systems) | 0.4% Yearly Increase 2% Overall 5-Year Increase |
1,890,250 | 2,164,407 | 14.5% |
Increase perceived usability of Libraries website | 0.4% Yearly Increase 2% Overall 5-Year Increase |
58 | 71 | 22.41% |
Increase/transform percentage of dedicated user space* (including branches) | 25% 5-Year Increase in Dedicated/Transformed User Space (approximately 50,000 sq. ft.) | 2,828 | 23,183 | 719.77% |

Dean’s Reflection on Progress
I am very pleased at the progress we have made this year towards implementing the goals in the Libraries 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. We created a robust structure and will adapt the initiatives as circumstances and institutional priorities necessitate change. Each of our goals aligns with the University’s major initiatives, and all support student success and research. UH Libraries is a hub for knowledge creation and preservation. We believe that by working together with campus partners, we can help everyone at the University to thrive.
We jumped out of the starting gate with 17 teams, resulting in many recommendations that we will be able to use to achieve our goals. I’d like to highlight a few of our teams.
The Digital Research Commons (DRC) is an outgrowth of two goals, transforming spaces and research productivity. The genesis of the DRC came from the excellent report of our Digital Scholarship Services team. Their work has provided UH Libraries with a roadmap from which to create new services that are in high demand by campus constituents.
I established a Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI) whose charge embraces a broad interpretation of diversity. CODI strives to increase awareness and sensitivity among employees, to connect with University diversity offices and student groups, and to help recruit and retain a diverse workforce in an inclusive environment.
In conjunction with, and complementary to the Strategic Plan, I established philanthropic priorities that focused on support for Special Collections, student success, and transforming our spaces. Thanks to the McGovern Foundation and an anonymous donor, we have been able to transform almost two dozen group study rooms by adding technology, new furniture, and a painting refresh. We also garnered funding to enhance our Special Collections.
Energy and Sustainability
Hispanic Collections
Houston Hip Hop
Houston and Texas History
Carey Shuart Women’s Archives
and Research Collection
Performing and Visual Arts
Rare Books Collections
University Archives
LGBT History
As we begin 2018, I’d like to highlight other important activities that we will be embarking upon:
- Launching the Digital Research Commons and its services
- Launching the makerspace within the Learning Commons
- Moving forward with Open Textbook initiatives
- Garnering philanthropic support for the University Libraries
Using our Strategic Plan as our guide, and with the talented colleagues we have at UH Libraries,
I look forward to continued achievements and progress.
Vision
A community nurtured by curiosity and creativity that drives lifelong learning and scholarship.
Mission
University of Houston Libraries advances student success, knowledge creation and preservation, and globally competitive research.
Values
COMMUNICATION
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
CURIOSITY & EXPERIMENTATION
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
EXCELLENCE IN COLLECTIONS
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
STAFF EXCELLENCE
Teaching and Research Activities
Web Visits
Pageviews

The Spirit of Houston: A Retrospective 40 Years in the Making comprised documents and ephemera from the Marjorie Randal National Women’s Conference Collection in the Shuart Women’s Archive and Research Collection, and was curated by UH students.
Image and Imagination: The Art of Valentin Gertsman honors the life and work of Dr. Valentin Gertsman (1925-2013), a Russian-American surgeon who enjoyed a distinguished second career as a fine arts photographer.

Faculty and Student Perspectives
UH Libraries staff have been essential partners in student and public outreach programming I have been involved in through the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program and the Center for Public History. All staff – archival, communications, technology, and otherwise – have been incredibly focused on effective collaboration. As a faculty member, I have been additionally impressed with how attentive Special Collections staff have been to enhancing student engagement.
– Leandra Zarnow, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of History
WGSS Affiliate
University of Houston
Working as a technology consultant at the MD Anderson Library has been a great experience for me as a student of UH. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The job has allowed me to further develop various skills such as communication, customer service and critical thinking. I have the pleasure of working alongside fellow classmates to assist our patrons with various problems. This has been beneficial for me because those skills will be very important when I join the workforce. It is very exciting and rewarding to work for such a great school. GO COOGS!
– Ricardo Lopez
Student, Management Information Systems