Marylandia & Rare Books Conference Room Hornbake Library

Present: Ann Hudak (facilitator), Travis Johnson, Beth Roberts, Joan Stahl, Cindy Todd (recording)

Topic: Review of meeting with LEC.
Beth reported on yesterday’s meeting with LEC during which she and Julie represented the committee by presenting its annual report. Beth felt that the meeting went well. LEC encouraged us to continue with our lecture series. Charles expressed interest in the Question Point pilot.

As follow up to the LEC conversation regarding a reference service model that would seek better integration of virtual reference, we agreed that Beth will go to IRS-T to discuss this committee’s experience with chat reference.

Topic: Discussion of last Digital Dateline lecture & possible future lectures.
Joan reported that 48 individuals attended the March 17th Digital Dateline lecture by David Lankes. Half of those in attendance were not part of the UM libraries or CLIS. Surveys indicated that attendees found Lankes to be dynamic, interesting, and entertaining. The committee was disappointed that more of our own staff were not present at the event. We speculated on why the low UM turnout. Some possible causes were suggested: meeting burnout, lack of interest in subject, conflict with other library meetings, tired of hearing about the subject.

We discussed future lectures. Our surveys indicate an interest in a presentation relating to legal issues that surround digital reference. One previously identified lecturer is Linda Arret. Linda has plans for a fall project that would relate to legal issues. Steve Coffman is a possible lecturer, however we need to see if he is still actively engaged in digital reference issues. Those present at the meeting favored preparation of a Digital Reference Committee response to the Ubiquitous Library that would be presented at a summer time all-staff meeting.

Topic: Ref Tracker Trial.
We decided that there was insufficient possibility of actually getting this product for us to spend the time testing it at this point. We agreed to reconsider this in six months.

Agenda for next meeting
May 5, 2004 10:30-noon, McKeldin
Facilitator: Neal Kaske
Notetaker: Ann Hudak

DigRef to IRS-T. Plan a presentation Lecture Series. Next Steps Update on evaluation project for AskUsNow