Library Executive Council
Minutes of the Meeting - May 4, 2004

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

Bush described testing of a hand-held scanning terminal for collecting barcode information on current journal issues used and reshelved and transferring that data into Aleph for reporting and manipulation. ITD is identifying a vendor for this product. Unit cost is approximately $800. TSD will need to develop barcoding and reporting specifications and shelf-marking procedures. Tentative start date is 7/1/04. Cooper reported that two self-check units have been installed across from the McKeldin circulation desk and a third will be added. The units will be available to the public over the summer with full implementation/promotion targeted for fall semester. Input is needed from circulation staff regarding system messages, functionality, special formats labels, and the location of other machines. We await the arrival of Tanner Wray, Access Services Manager, for this discussion.

There are four GA candidates that meet the criteria for the project. Possible placements for the candidates were discussed.

Six administrative reviews have taken place this year. Lowry will report on the results of the review in an upcoming Library Matters. One review is in progress and the review committee for another review in the Public Services Division was discussed. Goetsch will invite committee members to serve.

Wilson reviewed membership cost and benefits. A concern was raised re: the potential conflict of interest with Proquest. Ruschoff will clarify and report back to LEC.

Goetsch reported on recent meetings on library services at Shady Grove. College Park is renegotiating its memorandum of understanding to serve as the coordinating institution for SG. Also, a memorandum of understanding with HSHSL at UMB is being revised. Discussions are underway with Montgomery County Public Schools to house their professional development library when Shady Grove III opens in 2007. Considerable interest has been expressed to have Shady Grove serve as a “regional library” for county government and business interests. Lowry and Goetsch will meet with SG Executive Director Stew Edelstein regarding the library’s coordinating responsibilities and future plans and uses for the library when it moves to SGIII.

There is no change in previously reported information about the cost of living and merit increases. The Libraries will receive the same budget funding we were allocated on July 1, 2004. We will then be assessed a 1.2% base budget reduction on that figure. This assessment is to help with rising utility costs, the university’s fund balance, and to create a pool of funds that will be reallocated to areas of high priority. It is uncertain if any of those funds will come to the library to counter rising acquisitions costs.

An administrative travel request to send Dave Cooper to the intellectual property conference at UMUC was approved.

Staff interested in attending the Professional Concepts Exchange can request support through their director by providing a brief explanation of the relevance of the conference to their work. LEC agreed that individuals will be granted release time and have ˝ of their conference fee paid by the library.

8. Topic: Agenda for LEC Meeting on May 11, 2004
Leader: Vikor

The May 11 meeting will be used as a planning meeting for the annual LEC retreat.

Submitted by Lori Goetsch

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