PRESENT: Deb Carver, Paul Dassonville, Becky Dorsey, Dan Pope, Gina Psaki, Michael Raymer, Richard Sundt, Marc Vanscheeuwijck.
MEMO TO PROVOST
Deb distributed the second draft of the library-funding memo to the Provost that she and Gina wrote. The committee approved it as written, with one change: to include "nationwide" when discussing the problem of finding alternatives to high-cost commercial journals. Everyone agrees that this is not just a campus community effort.
EDITORIAL DATABASE AND SENATE RESOLUTIONS
Deb distributed copies of the editorial database that the library has been compiling over the last several weeks. She added that the database is 90-95% complete. The library's overall impression is that the UO does not have a very large representation on editorial boards of the more expensive publishers. She passed around a pamphlet published by ARL, which provides information to editors of scholarly journals about alternatives to signing publishers' contracts. [Copies will be sent to the ULC members.]
Gina asked how this data could be used. Deb suggested that the ULC/Library sponsor a session in the fall on the issues discussed in the Senate resolution "Crisis in Commercial Scholarly Publishing and Serials Cost." See http://libweb.uoregon.edu/ulc/dir00/ulcmemo-fin.html All agreed and suggested that faculty from social sciences, sciences, and humanities who currently serve on commercial and societal editorial boards be invited to participate.
Mike reported that he has started having conversations with editors of journals for which he reviews, regarding the Public Library of Science initiative and what the publishers are doing to address the escalating subscription costs to academic libraries. He plans to continue this dialogue and recommends other faculty members do the same.
Deb provided an update on negotiations with Elsevier regarding the possibility of purchasing Science Direct. We are now looking at a pricing structure based on use. Elsevier has stated they will not penalize us for cancelling back journals, as we had originally been informed. Science Direct is a full text database of all Elsevier articles. The University of Washington would like to purchase this jointly with the UO. The Library has not made a decision at this time and is still involved in negotiations with all parties. The ULC is in favor of investigating this purchase further - with the understanding that the agreement would not dictate that we must continue to pay for the paper subscriptions. Deb will keep the ULC informed of these negotiations.
LIBQUAL LIBRARY SURVEY
There have been several complaints about the recent library use survey that was randomly circulated online to faculty, staff and students. Most complaints were about the technical difficulties in completing the survey, its length and the repetitiveness of questions. Gina had circulated an email she received from Prof. Morrogh outlining his concerns about the survey, specifically that the survey does not take into account which library location the respondents are referring to. Deb responded that library staff felt the UO should participate in the survey, which was developed by ARL. This is the second year of a 4-year project to develop a well-rounded instrument to measure the quality of library service. If these concerns are not addressed before the next round of surveys, it is unlikely that the UO will participate again. Gina added that it would be helpful if it could be customized for each library and a place to write specific comments. For example, she would like to see our library open longer hours the weekend before fall term begins. Deb responded that this type of survey would be difficult to customize during the development phase. In response to Gina's specific request, Deb stated that the library will plan for additional hours on the weekend prior to the start of fall term.
RETENTION OF CARD CATALOG
Deb reported that library staff has a complete set of card catalog microfiche which was filmed in 1975. [note: this is not the COM catalog] Due to space constraints, there are now discussions taking place on whether we need to keep the card catalog on the 2nd floor. There are approximately 200,000 items in the card catalog that are not included in Janus. Everyone agrees that it is important to retain the information. The question is if it is necessary to keep the information in the card catalog form when that area could be used to house additional shelving units. Discussion followed on the advantages and disadvantages of removing the card catalog and relying on the filmed version. The main concern centers on how this particular fiche is organized. Deb will ask library staff and report back to the ULC. It was suggested to query library departmental representatives on eliminating the card catalog. Deb was also asked to find out the percentage of the items in the card catalog that represents the Deweys.
APPOINTMENT OF ULC CHAIR FOR 2001-2002
Gina asked if there are any volunteers to serve as chair of the ULC next year. It was suggested that Mike consider this appointment, but he responded that he prefers not to, given this was his first year on the committee. He did suggest that the ULC appoint a subcommittee next fall to further the discussions on scholarly publishing issues - which he would be willing to chair. As there were no volunteers, it was agreed to have Deb convene the first meeting fall term at which time a new chair will be appointed.
Deb thanked Gina and the committee for their hard work and guidance throughout the year.
The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
Submitted by
Sheila Gray