In pursuit of the goals of its Mission Statement, the Ottenheimer Library held its annual Strategic Planning Retreat in the Donaghey Student Center on July 9, 2008. All employees of the Library were encouraged to attend in order to provide a variety of responses.

Jim Lynch, UALR’s Director of Institutional Research, opened with a detailed presentation on enrollment trends at UALR and comparable state institutions in Arkansas.

Next, Wanda Dole, Dean of the Library, introduced Julia Blixrud, from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the facilitator of the retreat, who presented a review of the day’s agenda.

Ray Thompson and Mary Moak, representing MGT of America, Inc., a consulting firm which “specializes in helping clients within the higher education market,” reported on MGT’s independent evaluation of how well the Library serves its users.

Attendees next heard progress reports from the four task forces on strategic planning.

Donna Rose, Head of the Cataloging Department, speaking as the chair of the Assessment Task Force, stressed the fact that “assessment is continuous, does not end.”

Maureen James, Head of Collection Development, reported as the chair of the Collections Task Force on the books approval plan, revisions of policy, and other developments.

Mary van Enk, Library Academic Technician in the Cataloging Department, spoke in the absence of the chair of the Training Task Force on developing the skills of the Library’s staff.

Suzanne Martin, Director of Administrative Services, spoke as the chair of the Facilities Task Force on projects such as the upgrading and expansion of the computer lab.

Judy Williams, Director of UALR’s Office of Communications, told how to “spread the news” of the Library’s needs and accomplishments.

Everyone then took part in a general discussion, moderated by Julia Blixrud. With this, the retreat came to an end.