Information Services: mission, purpose and values

Mission

The Information Services mission is to maximise our value by linking with the University of Melbourne’s Growing Esteem strategy and its triple helix through leadership, innovation and quality in information services, systems and technologies, namely, libraries; cultural collections and archives; e-learning services; e-research services; and corporate information management.

Note: The metaphor of the triple helix is used, to emphasise how the three strands of Learning and Teaching, Research and Research Training, and Knowledge Transfer work to reinforce each other.

Purpose

Information Services’ purpose is to:

• Partner the University in creating a world-class environment to support scholarship in all its forms

• Build partnerships and services to position the University as an e-research leader

• Enrich the quality of the Melbourne student experience

• Ensure the University is well positioned to use information effectively in its scholarship, management and decision-making

• Demonstrate our value to the University through our commitment to high quality, client-focussed service, to innovation, collaboration, professional growth and continuous improvement.

Values and behaviours

The following values and behaviours inform the way in which we operate as a division of the University of Melbourne.

Add value for our clients

We work with our clients to add value to their teaching, learning and research efforts.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Seek to understand and satisfy internal and external client needs

• Make it easy for clients to work with us and share their problems

• Articulate clearly service guidelines

• Use Information Services’ resources responsibly

• Explore and implement opportunities to improve service productivity and minimise duplication

Commitment to Information Services' mission

We know how everything we do contributes to our mission and purpose.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Support the Information Services goals over local and personal agendas

• Focus our work on strategically important activities and effective use of sustainable resources

Innovation and flexibility

We look at new ways of working and adapt to changing circumstances.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Provide a supportive and responsive management environment

• Positively question the status quo

• Create opportunities for innovation through an inquiring mindset

• Take risks without being risk-prone

Our people

We recognise each other's worth.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Recognise effort and results

• Support each other to resolve difficulties

• Give feedback and ask questions in a constructive manner

• Investigate problems in the system when undesired results occur rather than putting the blame on the individual

• Give our colleagues the benefit of the doubt rather than jumping to conclusions about their motives

• Foster a culture of information, knowledge and skill sharing

• Always demonstrate professional behaviour to our clients and colleagues

• Appreciate there is diversity in work cultures within the University

• Seek opportunities to build a sense of community spirit

• Take responsibility for one's own actions

• Provide a safe and healthy workplace

Continuous learning

We strive to improve our skills and knowledge.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Encourage and reward learning

• Share lessons learned with colleagues

• Be self-directed learners

Open and honest communication

We communicate in an open and honest manner.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Listen to other people's points of view

• Discuss our problems in a frank but sensitive manner

• Free exchange of information across Information Services

• Seek first to understand then to be understood

Teamwork and collaboration

We work and collaborate together to achieve common goals.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• Demonstrate a willingness to take the initiative to implement solutions

• Value colleagues' contributions

• Contribute to a stimulating, creative and dynamic work environment

• Think broadly and not just locally when making decisions

• Demonstrate a genuine desire for the best outcomes

Trust, respect and integrity

We have confidence in one another's ability and commitment to do as they say.

The behaviours associated with this value:

• We will do what we say

• Treat people with kindness and courtesy

• Behave in an ethical manner

• Maintain confidentiality

Management and decision-making principles

Information Services management and decision-making structures will facilitate:

• A strategic response through integration and achievement of plans and priorities within budgets

• Devolved accountability within a single framework which seeks to:

• provide increased involvement of staff in decision-making

• increase motivation and commitment of staff through 'ownership' of decisions

• increase the accountability of staff for their performance

• enable decisions to be made faster and therefore be more responsive to the needs of stakeholders

• Teamwork, within and across structures

• Flexibility, responsiveness and innovation

• Maximum use of resources and increased productivity through participative planning and reduction in duplication

• Strong links between our clients and Information Services