University Library Committee

February 25, 2008 1:00pm to 1:50pm

Present:        Hugh Davis (Chair), Chris Baum (Library Director),

Shirley Cavanagh, Rebecca Hedreen, Rob Snyder, Clyde Weed

New Library Addition - Update

Chris reported that the move to the new library addition is still scheduled for this May. Over the summer the contractors will need to remove more asbestos from Buley Library before the actual renovation can begin. They predict that the entire project may be completed by August 2010 – about 2 years. Hugh asked if the move to the new addition would provide more library seating.  We haven’t had the opportunity to count the exact number of seats in the new building, but the ground floor in the new library addition will be open for seating and patron use.

Flood Information

Chris has been meeting regularly with Paul Holmer and Cindy Schofield-Bodt to determine the cost for the material lost in the flood. She reported that they are ready to submit the final claim report, approximately $2 million, to the insurance company. This figure doesn't include labor or materials preparation costs.

ULC Bylaws/Constitution

Hugh reported that the Senate and the President and Provost are still negotiating about the latest ULC bylaws approved by the Senate.  He has contacted Wes O'Brien, the chair of the Senate Rules Committee, who indicated that the Administration has expressed some concerns about the ULC's charge.

All ULC committee members emphasized that we serve as an advisory and not an oversight committee. Our committee is here to support and advocate for the library. For example, the non-library faculty members of the ULC advocate for the library’s needs when they bring back our concerns to their departments. Members also agree that librarians should be on the committee to provide their knowledge and expertise. The current ULC library faculty membership includes 3 librarians. Rebecca was recently elected by the library faculty to serve on our committee. Shirley and Winnie are currently appointed members and will be replaced by an election when they resign from the committee. Hugh recommended that we ask Dr. Norton to come to our next meeting and discuss the ULC bylaws. He will contact the President and ask if we can meet with her after spring break, the week of March 24. We also could meet in her office, but we would prefer that she meet with the entire ULC committee before considering other alternatives.

Friends of Buley Library

Brief discussion occurred about the establishing of a Friends group. We have already done some preliminary research on Friends groups and had met with Megan Rock, from Institutional Advancement, for advice.  Chris recommended that the library establish its own internal committee to study the benefits of a Buley Library Friends organization. The ULC agreed that this was a good idea but would like to remain involved and supportive of this endeavor. Chris appointed Shirley to Chair a Friends of Buley Library Committee and get the process started. Shirley will contact all library staff to see if anyone is interested in serving on this committee.

Meeting adjourned at 1:50pm. Hugh will send us the exact date of our next meeting after he contacts President Norton.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shirley B. Cavanagh