Library Executive Council
Minutes of the Meeting - April 27, 2004

Present: Goetsch, Lowry, Rough, Ruschoff, D. Vikor, Wilson, and Williams
Facilitator: Ruschoff, Scribe: Vikor, Timekeeper: Williams

Guests Bonnie Chojnacki, Gretchen Kalonji (Univ. of Washington), and Denny Gulick (UM Professor of Mathematics and EAST Co-chair) joined LEC for a discussion and briefing on the UW Worldwide program that is integrating that institution’s international programs with their undergraduate curriculum. They are creating pilot programs with partner universities. No specific proposals for UM collaboration have been developed yet. The program is interested in partnerships that include library involvement (e.g., development of digital resources). UM Libraries initiatives that were briefly discussed were the Prange Collection website developed with MITH, VBIC, Research Port, and DRUM.
Outcomes: None (informational topic only)

Paula Hayes, chair of the editorial board, presented the group’s annual report. The following issues were raised and corresponding suggestions made:

• Production editorship is currently shared between two members of the board. There will only be one individual available for production editing when the membership on the board turns over. LEC suggested that this particular work be distributed over a larger group of individuals, constituting a production team.
• It was further suggested that the board investigate other production software options (other than Pagemaker) that could also simplify production and perhaps make the tasks more desirable for others.
• E-only distribution was identified as a prospect to investigate. It was suggested that the board consider doing this on a trial basis for four issues during the summer months. The staff could then be surveyed regarding their preferences for distribution.
• Hayes raised the possibility of assigning a GA to assist with the production of issues. It was concluded that this would not be a prudent use of limited GA resources.
• The point was made about the changing nature and frequency of communications. We may want to think in terms of a frequent FYI type mode, supplemented by a monthly LM issue.

LEC reviewed the proposed format for the LEC website, including meeting agendas and minutes.
Outcomes: Approved. Lowry will draft a brief descriptive introduction.

Dave Cooper and Jennie Levine, PTIC co-chairs, presented the group’s annual report. The following issues and points were raised:

• PTIC would like its name changed to Desktop Services Committee.
• The success of the committee’s work is dependent on the effectiveness of the “points of contact,” especially for the larger divisions.
• Training is an important aspect of the group’s work. This has been pointed out especially during e-mail migration.
• Replacement of existing desktop equipment will occur routinely as needed.

Photocopy Services Desk. Wilson presented a request to establish summer hours as 11:00am-4:00pm. It was also proposed that backup staff be considered in case of an emergency. The question was posed about the need for staff to be bonded. The goal of photocopy services is self-service as much as possible.
Outcomes: The requested summer hours were approved, with the flexibility of extending them on certain high-demand occasions (e.g., History Day). Williams will check on the bonding issue. Wilson will investigate the possibility of using backup staff.

President’s Forum and Council of Deans. Lowry noted the following news items from recent meetings of these two groups:

• Campus faculty are recipients of 10 NSF fellowships and 4 Sloan awards.
• The outcome of the tuition funding bill is still unknown.
• A positive result of the recently concluded legislative session is that the campus will have greater control over staff positions and academic program approvals.
• Funding for the biosciences facility was approved and also for a study of the I-95 corridor through College Park.
• The previously planned 1.6% COLA was changed to a flat $752 for all University employees. The merit pool will be 2.25%. The Provost will retain .25% for retention and related purposes.
• $4 million from Academic Affairs will be needed in FY05 for “efficiency” purposes.
• There might be a budget reduction in FY05 of 1% or less.

Room Rental Fee Waiver. The fee will be waived for the Leadership Development Institute follow-up session offered by campus Personnel Services.

Goodwill Committee. LEC and the Leaders Group are asked to assist in the recruitment of new committee members, including library faculty.

May All-Staff Meetings. The May meetings on the 13th and 18th will be devoted to the Gifts-in-kind Report and an Update from ITD.

DRUM Graduate Assistantship. Clarification was requested regarding recruitment for this GA. LEC is determined to find funding for this. It is not known if any candidates from the pilot recruitment project have been interviewed. Williams will follow up with Johnnie Love and Karla Hahn.

6. Topic: Announcements
Williams reported she will be in Atlanta most of the week of May 3 for the national diversity in libraries conference, at which she will make a presentation. She also noted the Facilities Advisory Committee will meet April 28 and will take up the question of funding for part of Hornbake V renovation. Williams announced that the count from Sue Baughman is that most leaders will be present for the April 27 session.

Submitted by Desider Vikor

return to top