University Librarian's Cabinet: Minutes of the December 2, 2003 Meeting

University Librarian's Report - Gaunt

Gaunt discussed a draft proposal from RUCS to explore how the university supports teaching and learning with technology. The proposal was to bring together a group of faculty and administrators with an interest in the topic to explore how various units might support this theme. While there was an interest in doing so, Cabinet considered how this might interface with or is tangential to another discussion topic on the agenda, the Learning Framework and our work on our information literacy. Gaunt asked for any comments to improve the draft proposal.
The Coordinating Committee will have a follow-up discussion on its upcoming agenda regarding documentation for librarianship in reappointment and promotion packets. This is a continuation of the development of the list of questions applicable both to the peer group and the candidate in the reappointment and promotion process and the logical next step. Comparisons with what the teaching faculty does both to mentor junior faculty as well as the process for documenting things such as teaching might be helpful for the libraries discussion.

Boyle led a discussion on a "Learning Framework for Information Literacy and Library Instruction Programs at RUL," a report developed by the Learning Framework Study Group. Cabinet enthusiastically received the report and the work of the study group was commended. Boyle noted the research that went into examining ACRL guidelines, other criteria and programs in libraries around the country, and then recommending a framework for RUL using How People Learn (HPL) developed by the National Research Council and the Framework for E-Learning created by Badril Khan of George Washington University. There was considerable discussion of using outcomes assessment and non-library focused terminology, and the engagement of the teaching faculty as we develop. A small group composed of Lynn, Françoise and Jeanne will work on next steps to move the process forward with Cabinet support.

Cabinet reviewed the draft background document based on input from directors and AULs for the December 9 planning meeting between Gaunt and Dr. Furmanski. Several suggestions were made for items to be added in a few areas and where the emphasis should be placed. Several areas related to collection development planning – timelines, new programs, new faculty, and university priorities – were included. A few redundancies were eliminated, and some illustrative examples added. The report will be revised and submitted to Dr. Furmanski later in the day. Following the outline suggested, items included fall under the categories of strategic goals, noteworthy academic initiatives, plans for collections, restructuring issues, library faculty recruitment, personnel actions, staffing, facilities planning, and operating funds

Libraries now have phpESP, which is an online survey support application that allows the rapid deployment of an online survey. The survey can be created, modified, tested, and activated by the survey creator. It can support large surveys (100 questions) and large respondent groups (4,000+) without a problem. The collected data can be viewed online in various simple cross-analysis and cross-tabulations. For more advanced analysis the data can be downloaded as a CSV file (Comma Separated Values) and imported into Excel or Access.
Rutgers librarians and library staff can now download and use the RUL Logo from a Libraries Web page under Public Services, Procedures. By posting this Web page, the Rutgers University Libraries grant Rutgers librarians and library staff permission to use any of these logos, within the guidelines provided, in publications, documents, Web pages, and other communications they create for the Libraries. All other Rutgers employees, and all outside individuals or agencies, should request permission to use any of these logos from Harry Glazer, Libraries communications coordinator, before copying or downloading a logo from this page.

The ability to check out wireless and Ethernet cards in the Robeson Library is being investigated.

The recent shutdown at Douglass Library stopped RUCS data to 20 buildings in the area.

Matthew Sheehy arranged an edited "Cataloger's Judgment, Music Cataloging Questions and Answers from the Music OCLC Users Group Newsletter," authored by Jay Weitz.

Thanked Cabinet for their participation in the New Brunswick Library Director interview.
There will be a special quartet of members from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in the Dana Room on December 3. Players will be performing on the "Golden Age Collection" of Stradivarius, Guarneri and other historic instruments.