Project Spotlight...

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Library

As this newsletter is being issued, Randy Hoffman has come aboard as Project Manager of the technical library that IIa manages at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). IIa took over management of the contract in September, 2001 . Other members of IIa's team at GSFC are Lloyd Bass, Facility Manager; Heather Coleman, Acquisitions Librarian; Charles Early, Engineering Librarian; Sarah Endres, Access Services Librarian; Key Key Jeter, Administrative Specialist; Nick Peters, Interlibrary Loan Technician; Uthra Rao, Information Systems Specialist; April Tinsley, Library Technician; Lee Goldblatt, Library Assistant; and Kelly Yuille, Access and Navigation Team Leader.

IIa's work at GSFC includes the full operations of a sophisticated scientific and technical information (STI) library as well as a series of task order projects designed to develop and promote new resources and improved access for NASA scientists and engineers. Gail Hodge, IIa's Senior Information Scientist, and staff assisted in developing an overall five-year strategic plan for the library. The second stage of the process is managing specific implementation strategies and initiatives to meet the goals of the plan. An example of one such initiative is a plan for capturing the unique information maintained at GSFC through digital archiving and preservation activities.

IIa staff worked with the Library's Director to develop a Visiting Committee made up of experts in the field of information science. Under IIa leadership and coordination, the committee analyzed the trends in information science issues, developed organizational assessments, and prepared white papers to guide the library's direction for the future. New processes and technology plans and systems have been implemented by IIa staff , including adding modules in the integrated library system. IIa realigned GSFC staff into teams to improve processes, and to enhance organizational communication and customer service. We implemented a web-based tool for developing performance measures and indicators, promoting expedient access to reports and information, and promoting higher performance levels among all staff.

IIa staff develop a wide variety of products designed to benefit users of the facility, including web pages, bibliographic guides to the collection, and displays and presentations to promote the library and the services offered to users. IIa conducts user training and assistance. In addition, staff develop high level reports, white papers, marketing materials, training manuals, and comprehensive plans for promoting quality, operations, and security.

The Goddard contract is performance based. The government evaluates the performance every six months. In only their second performance period they achieved an "Excellent" rating in all categories. Congratulations to them for an outstanding year.