Minutes AU Librarians Meeting– November 18, 2020 Virtual Meeting, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm; Secretary – Mark
I. Opening Conversation
Dean Sullivan is fascinated by vampire bunnies.
II. Approval of Minutes from 11/4/20 Meeting
Minutes approved unanimously.
III. Dean/Director Updates
Director report: Mechele Romanchock
Check with team regarding plans for time off and remote vs in-person preferences over break.
Please make public services aware of needs of individuals/groups needing access within the library for remainder of the year while the libraries doors are closed
Signage will be prepared for post-thanksgiving service and hours, etc.
Reminder that extended library hours begin tomorrow – Thurs Nov. 19th – no coffee and snacks this year due to COVID.
SUNYLA updates
o Looking for stories on DEI and a general call for longer articles.
o Mentoring Award to be created for SUNY Libraries.
o CIT & SUNYLA Mid-winter conference call for presentations.
o Please mark calendar for Dec. 11th Virtual Happy Hour – 6:30-8:00pm.
Dean report: Brian Sullivan
President Zupan announced no furloughs through the holidays, hopefully beyond.
President restated that working at a distance during the holidays is acceptable.
Soon to be announced possibly!!: Free Turkey for faculty and staff
AU has an updated COVID dashboard – easier to read and understand.
SLC Annual Meeting December 7-9th – librarians invited to attend as they wish
OLIS Update “SLSS” now equals “SLS” – currently seeking additional funding for on-going expenses of the organization.
Board of Trustees update this afternoon, including presentation to trustees re: academic Innovations.
Brian met with Brian Saltsman (Chief Diversity Officer). Saltsman noted that the libraries has “cachet”
and is well regarded for leadership on issues of diversity. CDO office is interested in partnering with libraries on related programming in the future.
University currently working on details for safe return of students.
IV. Other Updates
ACRL Annual Survey & Data Collection (Mechele)
Change of timeline for data collection – we are beginning early – right now!
Review of data gathering assignments and each teams’ ability to retrieve data.
Librarians asked to review with teams and to identify needs for assistance in collecting data.
Libraries Assessment (Brian)
Brian, Mechele and Kevin have begun reviewing assessment data. Finding new trends.
“Healthy data collection” input. Over 3000 records processed for reference questions for 2nd year in row. Over 70 classes taught this year (“down a bit this semester from previous years.”)
Admin team is planning to share assessment data with entire staff.
Annual Report (Mechele)
Administrative Team Goal: Developing a model for a new Annual Report. Seeking to synchronize this activity between both libraries to create an AU Libraries Annual Report. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
A report format will be created that is easily digestible and shareable with constituents.
V. Discussion Topics
Collecting Faculty Papers – Role of Archives, Liaisons, Admins Discussion notes:
Inconsistent and looking for ways to be more intentional and universal in collection
May serve as library promotion.
Discussed criteria for materials are deemed collectible within each archive.
Note: processing collections like these, takes time and space resources.
May start by collecting documents such as CVs, show cards, and teaching rosters by courses and semesters.
Collection Management Planning
Provost Dobie has approved a search for Collection Management Librarian.
Discussed search committee composition, Mechele and Sam have volunteered, possibly Kevin.
Identified Linda Sootheran as a potentially important committee member. Useful to have external member outside the library, but from within College of Ceramics.
A new job description is being developed, and previous J.D. being reviewed.
Brian has agreed to be Collection Management team leader and supervisor for Spring 2021.
Brian has identified a set of activities and questions that need futher attention.
Respectfully submitted,
