Minutes of October 25, 2007 Meeting

Present:

Françoise Puniello (Chair), Judy Gardner, Valeda Dent, Tim Corlis, Kevin Mulcahy, Myoung Wilson, Jeff Teichmann and Bill Puglisi (recorded minutes).

Excused:

Mary Beth Weber, Ryan Womack

Agenda

• Introduction of members
• Review of project
• Brainstorming session on vision of the Reference Room and Lobby
• What information do we need
• How will we organize our work
• Timetable
• Future meetings

Françoise started with a brief introduction and asked each committee member to write down five ideas that they believed could improve the appearance and functionality of the reference room and lobby.

The following suggestions were noted for the lobby:

• Visually interesting
• Exhibits
• Personal help
• Better floor treatments
• 24-hour access
• Welcoming area / fireplace
• "Wow" impact
• Plasma monitor for news & events
• Ease directional confusion / better signage
• Self check-out
• Meeting/waiting areas for casual interaction
• Better lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Kiosk - directions

The following suggestions were noted for the Reference Room:

• Multipurpose / flexible space
• Group studies
• Card catalog determination
• Computer access
• Defined spaces for help (quick & place for consultations/appointments)
• Carpet
• Smaller - mobile Reference Desk
• Different space-different users
• Reference collection (resize-relocate-repurpose)
• Smaller print ref collection
• Focus on student's study space (expertise vs. materials)
• A.V. viewing
• Cell phone booths
• Combine Ref Rm & lobby
• Café

Handouts were distributed to the committee members on related topics and several books were available for members to check out. Everyone was asked to give thought to the future of reference, not only what our current needs are but what our needs may be in five or ten years.

Some sub-groups were formed on the following topics:

• Reference services and ways to reduce reference collections - co-chaired by Kevin & Myoung
• Study reshelving of reference books - chaired by Jeff
• Ethno-graphic studies / small pilot program - chaired by Valeda
• Lobby sub-group - chaired by Judy
• Determination of card catalog - chaired by Mary Beth Weber with help from Françoise

Françoise stated that Julia Zapcic, Director of Development, was seeking funds for this project but the exact amount of funding could not yet be determined. Also proposed were "field trips" to other academic libraries to garner insight as to how other institutions utilize their space. The idea to consult with architectural firms who specialize in libraries was also mentioned.

Next meeting - TBA - probably in early-mid December.