Library Strategy

The UHI library service comprises the academic partner libraries and a central team in Executive Office. The dispersed nature of the service requires close collaboration across the UHI network to deliver cohesive and equitable services across diverse locations and user needs. There is a wide range of skills and expertise throughout the service providing in-depth support to students, staff and researchers in the physical and online spaces. Some recent developments include a new Library Services Platform; single sign-on for eResources; an improved inter-site loan process; a live chat service staffed by librarians across the partnership; and the introduction of the Lean Library browser extension which integrates library resources and services at point of need. These improvements have streamlined operations, improved resource discoverability and enhanced accessibility. They have also raised awareness of the online library amongst students and reduced the number of technical queries handled by library staff, allowing greater focus on services.

The service has been commended for its integrated and responsive approach, as noted in the 2021 Enhancement-led Institutional Review (ELIR), and also reflected in recent National Student Survey (NSS) ratings which have improved from 69% in 2016 to 87% in 2024. However, like many academic libraries, the service faces ongoing challenges, including a reduction in staffing levels (both qualified and support staff) at many of the partner libraries and increasing cost of resources that put the service at risk of deterioration. The full impact of some of these changes is still to be felt.

The strategy aims to build on recent progress, address ongoing challenges, and align library services with the UHI 2030 strategic aims.

The library strategy aligns with UHI's CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect, and Excellence, and contributes to the following UHI 2030 strategy priorities:

• SP1: Teaching, Learning and Student Support
• SP2: Research and Innovation Impact
• SP3: Enterprise and Growth
• SP4: Environmental Sustainability
• SP5: Operational Excellence

It also supports the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Strategy values, including flexible learning, personal growth, and digital innovation. The strategy ensures library services cater to on-campus, remote, and overseas users, enabling them to thrive academically and professionally.

This strategy outlines our forward-looking aims through to 2030. Some initiatives are already in place, while others will be developed in partnership with stakeholders.

1. Library Collections

• Develop a UHI-wide collection policy balancing electronic and print resources, safeguarding special collections, and respecting the autonomy of partner libraries.
• Adopt a digital-first approach to resource provision where appropriate, enhancing accessibility while continuing to support and promote the value of partner library print collections.
• Ensure that the collections help preserve the history of the Highlands and Islands region and reflect a wide range of voices and perspectives.

2. Embedding Resources

• Integrate library resources into the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and other platforms for greater accessibility.
• Enhance live chat and other support services, including automation for out-of-hours support.
• Collaborate with Learning Technology to ensure seamless access to digital collections and resource lists within online learning environments.

3. Digital and Information Literacy

• Deliver workshops and support materials to improve research, critical thinking skills and ethical digital practices, including resource usage, referencing, copyright, intellectual property rights, and responsible AI use.

• Ensure students and other library users have the skills required to use library services and eResources effectively.
• Promote awareness of academic integrity in the use of AI and digital research tools.

4. Student-centred spaces

• Where resourcing allows, work with academic partners to create technologically equipped study spaces tailored to a diverse range of learning needs, including postgraduate and visiting students.
• Ensure accessiblility standards are met in both physical and digital spaces.

5. Promotion and Trust

• Maintain the library service reputation as a neutral, reliable source of information.
• Actively support services through digital and physical channels, including social media.
• Ensure user privacy and data protection align with our GDPR responsibilities.

6. Measuring Success

• Set KPIs and gather user feedback to continuously improve services and maintain high National Student Survey (NSS) scores.
• Use analytics to highlight the positive impact that the library and learning technology services have on student retention and attainment.
• User experience testing and feedback of services and resources.
• Explore opportunities to increase and enhance external and alumni memberships across the partnership, and measure success through growth in community engagement.

1. Research Support

• Enhance access to scholarly journals, databases and interlibrary loans.
• Provide training/guidance on literature reviews, search strategies, and digital research tools.
• Support the Research Office to maximise the impact of research activity.
• Support FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles in data sharing and discovery.
• Increase promotion of library services to Postgraduate researchers in collaboration with the Graduate School.
• Support the archiving of research data in partnership with the UHI Archivist and Research Office.

2. Open Access and Rights Retention

• Expand Open Access publishing and repository use to help develop a culture of Open Research.
• Develop a rights retention policy to empower researchers and improve research visibility.

3. Safepod Services

• Increase awareness and usage of the Safepod facility at UHI House, which offers secure access to sensitive datasets, removing geographical and financial barriers faced by remote researchers.

1. Partnerships

• Engage at a senior level throughout the institution to ensure the service is embedded in institutional planning.
• Formalise relationships with other university departments to integrate services and minimise duplication of effort.
• Strengthen collaborations with NHS Highland and SRUC to share resources and expertise where it benefits our users.
• Generate income via research grants and other external funding opportunities.
• Participate in the Sconul Access scheme to provide reciprocal access to students across the country.
• Improve interlibrary loan schemes and services to improve cost-effective access to resources.

2 Alumni and community

• Publicise eResource access for alumni and streamline library access for walk-in users.
• Expand library access opportunities and improve engagement with local communities.

3. Career Support

• Collaborate with careers service to provide industry-specific resources and skills training.

4. Sector engagement

• Participate in nationwide procurement and purchasing agreements to ensure value for money.
• Support Open Access initiatives, such as the Scottish University Press, to improve access and dissemination of knowledge.

1. Green Initiatives

• Promote energy-efficient practices and recycling.
• Increase digitisation efforts to reduce reliance on print materials.
• Ensure sustainability issues are factored into system and resource procurement.

2. Financial Sustainability

• Leverage national frameworks and purchasing routes (APUC, JISC, SHEDL etc) for cost effective resource purchasing.
• Explore efficiencies through shared services with our partners.

1. Efficient Systems

• Streamline library processes and resource discovery to enhance user experience.
• Implement Artificial Intelligence and automation for enhanced resource discovery and library support services.
• Explore the responsible use of Generative AI tools to enhance support services and ensure library guidance compliments the institutional approach.
• Integrate library systems and technology with UHI platforms for seamless user experiences.

2. Accessibility and Inclusion

• Ensure our services, resources and systems meet accessibility standards, supporting diverse student needs.
• Enhance provision of assistive technologies and multilingual resources.

3. Staff Development

• Invest in ongoing professional development to ensure staff are equippped with evolving skills in digital learnign and research support.

4. Special Collections

• Collaborate with the University Archive to ensure collections are discoverable and well maintained.

5. Analytics and Resource Management

• Use data analytics to optimise services and demonstrate value to the institution.

The UHI library service will play a pivotal role in advancing the strategic aims of the university. By providing equitable access to a diverse range of resources and fostering an inclusive learning environment, the service will continue to drive student success, lifelong learning, and research excellence.