Minutes of Alfred University Library Faculty Meeting
February 3, 2011 @ 3pm. – Scholes Library Conference Room
Present: Stephen Crandall, Mark Smith, Ellen Bahr, Beverly Crowell, Laurie McFadden Excused: Pat LaCourse
1. Personal librarian – discussion of readiness to adopt the “personal librarian” concept similar to that
developed at Drexel U. There was consensus on value of the concept. However, there was also agreement that more detail would be necessary on the libraries responsibilities to such a project, the anticipated impact on workload and details of a successful implementation process. Brian agreed to research the practical aspects of implementation.
2. Program Review -‐ Steve reviewed the Provost request for "program review” for AU libraries. After some discussion it became obvious that it was not clear what steps such a review would entail or what format is desired for presentation. Steve will investigate.
3. Strategic Plan 2010-‐201 Review: Steve announced commencement of strategic plan review and update process for AU Libraries. While considering how to proceed, questions arose as to the desired format and objectives of this planning review. Discussion also uncovered a general dissatisfaction with the current ’09-‐
‘14 plan. A primary concern with the current plan is its focus on current practice rather than on issues of future growth and development of library service. Steve will try to find out what other administrators are doing in way of plan review. Others will share ideas for goals and process toward a review of the current plan. Some considerations for an updated plan include: formatting, length, readability, shifting priorities, and connections to other academic plans including the overarching AU Strategic Plan.
4. Branding -‐ Steve and Laurie briefed the group on plans for a Library “Branding” Retreat. The event is designed to help implement strategies presented at the Library Branding workshop series that Laurie has been attending. The workshop is for both libraries will be led by members of the Rochester Ad Council.
Potential dates were discussed as well as the need to collect library survey data to inform the development of a survey tailored to inform the workshop discussion.
5. Reports: Faculty Senate: Laurie briefed on 2 proposals before the Senate including handbook language for
“AU Incomplete Policy” and a proposal to delay “Tenure Forecast” determinations from Fall until Spring of the 3rd year of P&T cycle.
6. Scholes Library Search Status: Mark offered an update on the Scholes librarian search. Seven Skype interviews were conducted. Finalist Candidates were identified and campus visits were being scheduled for the week of February 14th.
7. Color Printing Status: Steve reported on legwork he has done to investigate cost effective color print solutions. The result was without much success. Mark reiterated that Scholes library simply cannot afford to absorb the costs of color printing without sacrificing limited funds for research materials. The discussion also included a brief sharing of “woes” and “hiccups” related to recent implementation of printing to from laser printers to Toshiba copiers.
8. SAILS Results Discussion: Brian briefed on his methodology for comparing 2010 vs. 2007 SAILS results.
Steve led a discussion of how we might disseminate SAILS results to the greater University community as per President Edmondson’s suggestion. As time and scheduling makes a Bergren Forum impractical this semester, it was decided to draft an executive summary suitable for distribution to campus constituents.
Brian agreed to develop a draft summary.
Respectfully Submitted, Mark A. Smith
