University Library Committee

Minutes

January 24, 2000

PRESENT: Zena Ariola, Rebecca Dorsey, Mary Jaeger, Gina Psaki, Leland Roth, George Shipman, Richard Sundt.

GUESTS: Faye Chadwell, Head, Collection Development; Nancy Slight-Gibney, Head, Acquisitions Department; Mark Watson, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services.

The meeting was called to order by George Shipman, for Gina Psaki, at 3:50 p.m. The minutes from the November 22, 1999 meeting stand approved as written.

SERIALS CANCELLATION UPDATE

Faye Chadwell, Head of Collection Development, responded to several questions regarding the serials cancellation lists that departmental representatives recently received. There was some confusion in determining which dollar figures designate the amount to be cut. Faye suggested that departmental reps contact their subject specialist, or herself, with other questions they may have.

Shipman distributed a handout showing the serials cancellation timetable. A question was asked if another round of cancellations will be necessary. Shipman stated that the two primary factors that influence the decision to proceed with the cancellation process are the increases in publishing costs (which average 10% annually) and the augment awarded by the university. It is expected that another round of cuts will be necessary in three years. Several reasons why publishing costs are so expensive include increases in paper costs and postage rates, exchange rates, and the increase in number of pages per issue. Publishers are also striving to maximize their profits. At this point in time, most publishers are not allowing subscribers to only receive electronic versions of serials; they still require that the hard copy subscription be maintained. Mark Watson distributed a copy of an article from March 1999 LIBRARY ISSUES, entitled "Serials Wars: The Academy Strikes Back." This article helps explain the rising costs of journal subscriptions.

PUBLIC DISTURBANCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FACILITIES POLICY

Shipman distributed a draft policy on "Public Disturbances in University Library Facilities" for the committee to review. Shipman added that we have always prohibited certain behaviors in the libraries, but with the increase in petition signing requests and vendors trying to sell/distribute items, we feel it is necessary to have a formal written policy in place. This policy will help the library maintain an environment conducive to reading, research and study. Melinda Grier, UO General Counsel, has reviewed and given her approval to the document. G. Psaki responded that she believes the policy is well written. She moved that the ULC endorse the policy as written; the motion was seconded; all were in favor.

BIG12 PLUS LIBRARIES CONSORTIUM

Shipman distributed a copy of a memo discussing the UO Library’s possible membership in the Big12 Plus Libraries Consortium. There are currently 23 member libraries from the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Three other PAC10 institutions have already been accepted into the consortium - Arizona State, University of Arizona, and University of Southern California.

Shipman stated that the services would be similar to Orbis. There would be several benefits to joining the Big12 Plus:

• UO faculty and students would have improved and quicker access to materials not in Janus or Orbis
• UO library staff would be able to participate in specific library programs and development/training opportunities with their colleagues from the other member libraries, and
• there would be the opportunity for institutional collaboration; e.g. consortial purchasing of databases would create substantial savings.

Representatives from the Big12 Plus will be doing an onsite visit to the UO in the near future to determine the level of our interest and commitment. The ULC will be involved in that process. S. Gray will notify the ULC when the visit date has been set.

G. Psaki asked if this consortial arrangement would involve an "Orbis-like union catalog." Mark Watson responded that would be unlikely given that the member libraries do not share the same software systems. To begin with, we would still need to search each system separately: Janus, Orbis, then Big12 Plus library catalogs.

M. Jaeger made a motion that the ULC endorse the library’s plan to pursue possible membership in the Big12 Plus Library Consortium; R. Sundt seconded the motion. All were in favor.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

Shipman reminded the ULC of the interview dates for two applicants for the position Curator of Special Collections & Archives. He also reported that the search committee for Head, Architecture and Allied Arts Library, has recommended that search be reopened. In addition to the AAA Head vacancy, the AAA reference librarian position is also vacant. Cara List has been hired as a temporary reference librarian in AAA. It has not yet been determined when that position will be advertised.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Submitted by

Sheila Gray