The following are the highlights of the Information Services Steering Group (ISSG). Members of ISSG addressed a variety of issues on behalf of the NBL Information Services Group.

1. Information/Reference /Research Services
   
   
• During this reporting period, over 32,000 reference and research queries were answered and close to 20,000 directional questions were answered by librarians, staff and Information Assistants. Additionally librarians provided well over 5,000.00 individual and advanced research consultations away from the reference desk. Altogether approximately 57,000.00 contacts were made between the NB information services librarians, staff and students, and the public.
• The NBL wide reference exchange has been in effect.
• NBL librarians continue to contribute to RUL "Ask A Librarian" service during this time based on the newly mandated 7 (NBL) 2 (Newark) 1 (Camden) staffing formula.
• In search for an alternate model of information services in the fast changing information environment, ISSG appointed a team of librarians to explore library outpost service options. A team of working group was established: they are StephanieTama, Trevini Kuchie and Laura Mullen; The chair of the ISSG and Stephanie Tama met with the Associate Dean of Rutgers College Lenore Neighborne and the Rutgers College Student Center Director Kathleen Kuhnert to make arrangement for the pilot project. A spring pilot project was then planned and implemented at the Busch Campus Center under the theme "Librarians without Borders." The team concluded that the library outpost service was used less than anticipated. The team's final report is available at http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~kuchi/Web_version/L_W_B_Report.html.
• Marty Kesselman and Ryan Womack (Natalie Borisovets and Marty Kesselman, co-chairs of the Real Time Reference Task Force) were active members in conducting a pilot real time reference service initiated by the RUL Public Services Council in the Spring Semester, 2002.
  
  
2. Instructional Services
   
   
• During this reporting period, NB librarians taught over 700 class sessions.
• Members of ISSG ( Scott Hines, Pat Piermatti, Kayo Denda, Kevin Mulcahy and Jeris Cassel) and the Director of New Brunswick Libraries (RyokoToyama) participated in the Rutgers College Parents' Information Fair held on August 31.
• Leslie Murtha coordinated the New Student Orientation Office of the Rutgers College and Scott Hines and Jackie Mardikian participated in the TA orientation.
• Douglass College based "Shaping a Life" course was again team taught by New Brunswick Librarians. For the first time, SCILS students were recruited as instruction assistants. Over eighty (80) sessions of this course was taught by New Brunswick Librarians. Eileen Stec was the coordinator.
• Stephanie Tama and Jeris Cassel coordinated instruction activities for writing classes across NBL.
  
  
3. Grants
   
   
• Funds from the successful 2000-2001 ACIC (Advisory Committee on Instructional Computing) proposal were received in August 2001. With this funding forty-seven (47) new public PCs were purchased and distributed throughout the New Brunswick Libraries to help students gain access to advanced databases.
• ISSG shepherded another successful ACIC grant entitled "To Build an Information Infrastructure for Undergraduates: A Proposal to Enhance Group and Individualized Library Instruction " in the amount of $50,000 for AY 2001-2002. An improved technical infrastructure is expected at four major facilities for individualized instructions at reference desk and outreach programs, and for classroom instructions with new instructional software NetOp. ISSG appointed a team of librarians to work on this proposal. The team members were Stephanie Bartz, Marty Kesselman, Leslie Murtha, and Stephanie Tama. Stephanie Bartz coordinated this successful team effort.
  
  
4. PC Coordinating Team
   
   
• Recommended and coordinated computer equipment purchases and reallocation of existing computers throughout the year.
• Compiled and submitted an end-of-year computer equipment request for NBL.
• Arranged for existing CD-ROM stations in Alex, LSM, Kilmer, and Douglass to be replaced with ELF funded PCs; also for additional PCs to be added to the Kilmer Instructional Alcove.
• NBL PC coordinating team initiated a cooperative arrangement between the NB PC Coordination Team and the Administrative Team so that Administrative Team members can serve as basic backup for PC Team members and write trouble tickets for machines in their building.
  
  
5. Personnel
   
   
• Members of the ISSG developed guidelines governing the reporting structures and responsibilities of temporary librarians. The guidelines are available as Section IX a) and b) of the NB Libraries Reference Manual.
• A new worksheet was introduced to develop a plan for the below the line voucher requests. While this worksheet was designed for the immediate benefit for the reference team leaders, it was also aimed to take a proactive approach in budget request in more systematic ways rather than being reactive to the available fund. One of the long-range goals for this worksheet is aimed at establishing an optimal staffing level for the purposes of information services.
• With the resignation of Beth Sawickie (LSM PC Coordiantor), and her departure in July 2001, Tony Joachim, the Douglass PC coordinator expanded his responsibilities and provided coverage for LSM. This was the result of NBL wide cross-training efforts in PC coordination that allowed us a capability of emergency staff coverage.
• A new LSM PC coordinator, Isaiah Beard was hired in November 2001.
  Pat Piermatti chaired the search and coordinated his orientation program.
• Reference Team Leaders at LSM(Pat Piermatti) and Alexander (Kevin Mulcahy) and Chair of the ISSG participated in the annual review of two librarian Vs. Pat Piermatti, Marty Kesselman (Douglass Team Leader) and Jeris Cassel (Kilmer Team leader) participated in the annual P4P review for information and technology specialist at each unit.
  
  
6. Monthly Meetings
   
   The NBL Information Services Steering Group (ISSG) met monthly (except October, 2001 and June, 2002) during this reporting period and addressed the following (among others) issues:
   
   
• The role and staffing of general reference desks-this discussion was initiated by Ferris Olin.
• Location and number of public access terminals with headphones were discussed.
• Review of emergency procedures and public safety post September 11 was discussed.
• Email alert and other features that can be activated in electronic databases-Trevini Kuchi initially brought this issue to the Group's attention. It is now referred to RUL Public Services Council.
• "MyLibrary" concept was discussed and demonstrated at the NBL faculty meeting
• The Group has been regularly updated on the development of D21.
• The NBL Reference Manual was updated on personnel issues and two new sections (NBL Reference Exchange and Ask a Librarian) were added.
• On behalf of NBL, the chair participated in the testing and evaluating Ariel 3.01's electronic document delivery system, and in the general discussion of the potential RUL membership in PALCI (Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium, Inc.) for consideration of direct borrowing privileges.
  
  
7. Goals and Objectives
   
   
• Continue to search for innovative alternate models of information, instruction and research services within NB academic community
• Continue to explore information service models appropriate for digital library environment
• Continue to refine the data collection for information/reference/research/ instructional services so that patterns and trends of these activities across NBL can be identified, and effective service programs can be designed
• Work toward the next level of integration of NBL wide training programs in information services; work closely with Access Services and identify common areas of training and service.
• Foster a culture that value learning and continue to seek ways to train librarians and staff on Internet based resource
• Develop and design more effective "marketing" and "public relations" programs regarding the role of librarians, and library information resources and services.
  
  

cc: Members of ISSG