I. DRC: email box
The DRC email box was set up for librarians to copy their email reference responses to the Digital Reference Committee in order for DRC to get a better accounting of the number of email reference requests. It seems that over time, however, the number of emails coming through have died down considerably, with Special Collections being the only group still consistently copying the email box. DRC owns the email account and during the recent email upgrade the address was migrated. The group agreed that since the email box is not being used it should be closed down. Since Special Collections has kept up with copying DRC on its email reference, Joan will contact the division to see if keeping it open is a necessity for them.

II. IRS-T Open Forum
Cindy, Joan, Laura, and Jenny were all able to attend at least portions, if not all, of the Open Forum on July 12th. All agreed that it was well organized and that attendees did address many of the ongoing issues, although no consensus was reached. IRS-T will come to a recommendation at their next meeting, which is scheduled for July 26th. The group discussed whether or not DRC should provide IRS-T with a recommendation as a group. The group agreed that individual members of DRC who wish to express a recommendation to IRS-T should do so via the IRS-T reflector before the July 26th meeting.

III. Maryland AskUsNow! Liaison Report
Joan updated the group on the new login procedures Maryland AskUsNow! participants will use and that the transition to the new email routing system will happen in September. In addition, Joe Thompson will be holding workshop trainings for Maryland and any DRC member interested in attending should email Joan.

IV. Best Practices / Coaching Sessions
Joan presented a draft outline for an in-house 2 hour workshop sponsored by DRC on “Digital Reference: Staying Current and Improving Your Skills.” The group reviewed the handout and offered up suggestions which Joan will work into the draft. DRC will take this up again at an upcoming meeting.

Next Meeting: September 8, 2005, ITD Conference Room