Particular attention was paid to the previously agreed key evaluation topics:

• Expansion of the Library’s infrastructure for research and publishing, and advancement of  open science
• Coordinated development of the service portfolio of the Main Library and the 36 Special Libraries
• Strategic positioning of the Vienna University Library in the regional, national and international context and targeted expansion of collaboration

Evaluation

The evaluation of the DLE Library and Archive Services was carried out by an international panel of experts chaired by Anja Smit, Director of DANS - Dutch national centre of expertise and repository for research data. Other members were Prof. Achim Bonte (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin) and Wilhelm Widmark (Stockholm University). The evaluation was based on a self-evaluation report and a three-day site visit to the University of Vienna during which the experts held discussions with internal and external stakeholders, focusing on the agreed key evaluation topics.

Results and recommendations

The experts attest to the University Library's positive development prospects and recognise its role as the central knowledge infrastructure of the University of Vienna.

The experts recommend prioritising the expansion of the digital infrastructure for research and publication and strengthening IT capacities. In addition, the University Library should be given a formalised role in the coordination of open science activities and develop a university-wide roadmap.

The experts suggest that the organisational integration of the main library and the specialist libraries should be further promoted. Flexible staffing models, the reduction of physical locations and a stronger focus on digital services are key points.

The University Library should strengthen its international visibility and reputation by targeting a small number of selected areas of innovation. Priority-setting is recommended within existing university networks such as Circle U., The Guild, and CENTRAL.

Outlook

The results of the evaluation were discussed in detail by the Rectorate with the leadership of the university library. The expert suggestions for improvement were included in the implementation agreement. The agreed measures will be monitored as part of the target agreement process. The evaluation report and DLE statement are available to university members at https://qs.univie.ac.at/en/evaluation/administration-service/evaluation-reports/.