The Library has identified five major service roles to guide its strategic planning:
Comprehensive Library Information Support Center
The Library provides comprehensive information support services to a primary clientele that includes all who are engaged in teaching, patient care, research, administration, and public service at The University of Texas Medical Branch. The Library promptly provides clients with appropriate information in suitable formats, endeavoring to meet clients' needs as fully as possible. The Library provides access to information resources that are not a part of its collection via electronic and other networks. Services include preparing information products tailored to specific needs, screening and selection of information, providing in-depth consultation on information management issues, providing accurate answers to specific questions and assisting clients in the use of the Library, its resources and services.
Self-Service Information and Study Center
The Library provides self-service library research and study opportunities. It maintains hours of operation which reflect its commitment to meeting the needs of its clients. The building, collections and electronic information systems are designed and organized to facilitate unassisted use of the Library. Sufficient seating and work space are available to meet demands during peak periods. The Library's catalog and selected literature citation databases are available to remote sites via the campus communications network.
Information Resources Instruction Center
Library staff provide instruction in information acquisition and management skills. Staff teach clients who are using traditional library materials, bibliographic and other databases, the online catalog, and other electronic resources. Instruction is also provided in the use of personal productivity software to efficiently manage information. The Library prepares written materials to assist individuals in using the Library and its resources.
Key Health Science Resource Center for the National Information Community
The Library participates in, and ensures access to, national information networks. The Library and its staff are active participants in local, regional and national information networks and organizations. The Library participates in appropriate interlibrary lending networks and is a member of appropriate cooperative collection development programs.
Regional Health Information Support Center
The Library provides library information services regionally. The Library maintains an active outreach program for health professionals in Southeast Texas. The staff provide answers to brief, factual questions, provide online searches and documents for a fee, provide assistance in using the Library and make referrals to other information sources where appropriate. The Library provides consultation services to other libraries. The Library is open to the public and students from unaffiliated institutions. Clients not affiliated with The University may use materials in-house.