University Librarian's Cabinet: Minutes of the June 6, 2006 Meeting

Present:: Agnew, Boyle, Fultz, Gaunt, Mullins, Sewell, Tehrani, Zapcic
Videoconferenced:: Golden
Absent:: Puniello
Guests:: Melissa John, RUL/SCILS Intern; Dr. Michael Pazzani, Vice President for Research and Graduate and Professional Education

University Librarian's Report – Gaunt

Gaunt introduced Melissa John, RUL/SCILS intern, who is in the third year of her internship program and is completing a three-month rotation with the University Librarian over the summer; John will be attending meetings with Gaunt to learn about the libraries from an administrative perspective.
Deans Council: Gaunt attended last Deans Council meeting of the year on June 5; there was discussion of what is known about the budget; there is thinking that some restoration will be made to Rutgers and the difference made up in tuition. Hoping to keep tuition at a reasonable level – possibly below double digits.

VP Pazzani thanked Gaunt for inviting him and expressed the importance of the libraries to a research university; his goal as Vice President for Research and Graduate and Professional Education is to enhance Rutgers' research and increase its impact. Cabinet members discussed different topics with VP Pazzani: the faculty survey; the digital repository; finding a way to work the libraries into budgets for grants; promotional activities to reach key groups; collaboration and effective use of resources; private funding; the NJKI; and VALE. VP Pazzani gave a PowerPoint presentation on "Research and Information" with an overview on increasing the impact of Rutgers; the history of publishing in computer science; and NIH and NSF policy issues related to open access. He focused on areas where library collaboration at the university would be important for research; discussed scholarly communication and the Internet and sharing and archiving data; and pointed out that articles freely available online are more highly cited, and that for greater impact, authors and publishers should aim to make research and data easy to access. There will be follow-up discussions on data curation possibilities, author agreements signed by faculty, open access advocacy, and ways to make it easy for faculty to deposit publications in RUcore.

Golden updated Cabinet on the budget news from the Administrative Council meeting he had attended that morning; including the impact of a $3.5M reduction; there is concern that an increase in tuition will negatively affect the summer and winter programs, and that students will be able to attend smaller private schools for what it would cost to attend Rutgers.
The New Brunswick deans have layoffs in their plans; some have already began implementation.
Individual budgets won't be known until after July 1.
Cabinet reviewed priority purchases with year-end funds.
Agnew discussed the possibility of moving to a leasing program for computers; for now, it was agreed to purchase 50 computers for critical needs.
Computers in the SCC Information Handling Labs will be replaced if necessary.
Computers will be purchased for the Digital Microform Reader Printers.
Remaining funds will cover other membership/maintenance obligations.

Boyle discussed with Cabinet the proposed new food and drink policy, which was developed by an access services committee that looked at what was going on in other libraries. Under the old policy, food and drink are not allowed in the libraries. Under the new policy, food is still not permitted; however, drinks are permitted in spill-proof mugs only in the libraries, with the exception of certain locations, such as Special Collections and University Archives, the Art Library, OIT computer labs, and the Library Annex. Approved spill-proof containers include spill-proof mugs with secure lids, sports bottles with a drinking spout, and water in capped plastic water bottles. Cabinet would like the policy to emphasize that food is damaging to the collections. Cabinet agreed that the policy can be expanded to include spill-proof containers and that staff will be asked to implement. Boyle will redraft the policy to reflect comments that were made. As of July 1, marketing of the new policy will begin in the form of bookmarks or 3x5 cards, signage available from the website, a tri-fold brochure, and Web news for July 1 introduction.

Troy reviewed the Type 4 Library Procedures that were developed following the May 23 Cabinet meeting discussion and explained the applicability to the Libraries. The guidelines cover reporting rules, benefits, breaks, employment of relatives, and layoffs. Implementation will begin July 1. Troy should be contacted to answer any questions related to Type 4 employment so that we are in compliance with University Regulations.

Gaunt

Gaunt attended the PALCI Spring Members' Meeting at the end of May; there was discussion on the EZ-Borrow software upgrade to take place next fiscal year (summer '07); there may be data testing over the course of this year. Cooperative collection development and potential digital library projects for PALCI was also discussed.
Gaunt will attend a VALE retreat this Thursday, June 8; will be looking at strategic directions for the future; nine people submitted proposals for recommendations, which are posted on the VALE Web site for review.
Gaunt will attend the RLG Membership Meeting in New York on June 16.
Cabinet members have been invited to the June 21 Planning and Coordinating Committee meeting to brainstorm on a broad discussion of how the faculty structure might change related to reorganization.
Karen Hartman received a grant from the University's Research Council for "Capturing Intellectual Capital: Retired Faculty and Digital Libraries."

Agnew

Boyle

Marilyn Wilt was selected to receive the 2006 LAMA Group Achievement Award for creating a promotional video for LAMA. She will receive the award at the President's Program on Sunday at ALA.

Fultz

Golden

The Walt Whitman Arts Center, which is located on the Camden Campus, is undergoing exterior and interior renovation; police were called because students were thought to be painting the building with graffiti; however, it was art for an art class!