Library Executive Council
Minutes of the Meeting - Jan. 27, 2004

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

Jack Baker and Frank Brewer joined LEC members, Y. Carignan, M. Dalto, and N. Kaske to discuss facilities issues in the libraries. EPSL was examined as a case study of problems existing across several libraries including water infiltration and condensation leaks, high temperature and humidity generating mold and bug infestations, and ceiling tile damage. The Libraries seek to exempt all library buildings from future campus-wide HVAC energy savings initiatives that triggered expensive massive mold and bug problems in 2003. Although the campus saved substantial funds on energy costs, the libraries spent thousands of dollars of our money to control book lice, rent dehumidifiers, and clean-up mold caused by the high heat and humidity. Baker noted that the entire Math building would need to be exempted since the library does not have a separate HVAC system. For the libraries Brewer committed to addressing these issues as available funds permit: replacing damaged ceiling tiles; lock windows so they can’t be opened; repair the EPSL patio roof; exempt the MATH building from summer energy saving program; rent and install dehumidifiers at the beginning of the summer; replace pipe insulation as needed; upgrade CCMS control to notify staff when HVAC units fail; and add additional air handlers and humidity controls in the future. Health issues will come first, then the preservation of capital resources (150 years and millions of dollars in library collections in EPSL alone). In other libraries:

• Art Library: Baker will examine charts of temperature and humidity fluctuations in the Art Library, ASY patio leaks, and controlling UVA exposure through large windows by reapplying appropriate films to them. The ASY patio leak will be moved higher on the campus priority list, and dehumidifiers will be installed there in the summer.
• Arch Library: UVA films will also be installed on the Architecture Library’s windows if necessary. The window in the Special Collections room will be locked.
• Renovations to the Chemistry Building Atrium should be complete in March. Basement flooding remains a known problem without an easy solution.

LEC reviewed the report and recommendations of the Project Advisory Team on Gifts to the Collections. Consideration of the online book sale will be continued at a later date as part of a larger discussion about revenue generating initiatives. All other recommendations were endorsed. Arrangements will be made to brief affected staff.

• Alesia McManus has resigned effective 2/13/04.
• Prospects for state funding of the Maryland Digital Library look promising.
• Maryland has approved a COLA for state employees of 1.69%, and a 2.5% merit increase as an un-funded state mandate.

Submitted by Allan Rough

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