COMMITTEE: LIBRARIES COMMITTEE
MEETING DATE: October 18, 2006
PERSON PRESIDING: Marianna Walker
REGULAR MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Salman
Abdulali, Juan Daneri,
Michael Duffy, Marianna Walker, James Wirth
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS IN
ATTENDANCE: Larry
Boyer, Kathy Cable, Elmer Poe, Dorothy Spencer, Beth Winstead
ACTIONS OF MEETING: Minutes of the September 20 meeting were
approved
Walker welcomed Dr. Boyer to the committee; Boyer introduced himself.
He noted that the Library has not yet received its budget from the
University.
The leak in the third-floor ceiling of Joyner Library was noted; Boyer
and Winstead commented on this event and mentioned
that there are steps in place to deal with it; Dr. Spencer remarked that the
Health Science Library is working on a disaster plan.
Spencer reported on activities in the Health Science Library; Nursing
and Allied Health are now close to Laupus. Spencer commented that the library
is no longer a warehouse and study hall; it functions more as a clearinghouse
with electronic media widely available. The virtual library is growing and
available 24/7. She noted that there is an acoustical problem in the open plan
of the new building that has generated complaints from users trying to study in
the 3rd floor open stacks areas. Despite this, students are once
again asking for Laupus Library to extend its hours of operation. The
preference is for extended hours on Sunday and Thursday. Historically, the cost
of running the building at night was not justified by the number of actual
users. Spencer said that the library will survey use by patrons before making
any changes to service hours.
The library is also working with ITCS to revitalize the Computer Lab in Brody for use by medical students as a
24/7 study center as soon as the swipe card system and security cameras can be updated.
Unfortunately, Brody is a controlled
space that does not benefit all students.
Walker asked if the committee could hold its next meeting in the new
Health Science Library. It was agreed that the November meeting would be held
at 3 pm on November 15 in the Health Sciences Library, Room 1506.
Boyer said that he is still in the process of visiting the different
areas of the library. He would then like to visit schools and departments
throughout the University. The liaisons will be involved in this process and
strengthened as a result of the connections that are made or enhanced.
Walker commented to Boyer how the Libraries Committee has sought to
have an ex-officio member from the Research Council. The committee discussed
the response from the Committee on Committees at its September meeting to the
Libraries Committee proposal for representation. Committee members felt that
the libraries and the Libraries Committee should be made aware of research
policies, goals and planning at the University level.
The committee adopted Winstead’s
recommendation for inviting the Research Council to establish a working
relationship with the University community.
Spencer noted that the administration could better explain the funding
formula for research and how money earmarked for research can be returned to
the libraries and colleges.
Walker would like the committee to review policies and procedures for
document delivery and interlibrary loan with both libraries. There is some
confusion among faculty about the services available. Winstead
and Spencer noted that there was a choice of services; we could explain why
services operate differently, and how external delivery is carried out. Spencer
noted that document delivery is declining due to the success of the virtual
library. With the virtual library, we can access material electronically and
the delivery time is 2 or more hours. Winstead noted
that we still have to borrow books for scholarly purposes.
Walker asked that the committee consider the difficulties existing for
departments who use books in both libraries and explore options for libraries
services that are available to faculty who access resources in both Joyner and
Laupus.
Another important item for future discussion is the parking shortage
that exists around Joyner and the Health Sciences Library.
Committee members will think of further goals for 2006/2007.
The meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm
NEXT MEETING: November 15 at 3 pm in Health Sciences
Library, room 1506
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Duffy