Present: S. Bartz, E. Calhoun, K. Denda, H. Dess, J. Gardner, T. Glynn, S. Harrington (recorder), K. Hartman, M. Kesselman, T. Kuchi, K. Mulcahy, L. Mullen, J. Niessen,
P. Piermatti, F. Puniello, J. Shepard, J. Sloan (chair), E. Stec, F. Tehrani, L. Vazquez, R. Womack, C. Wu

The meeting was called to order by NBLF chair Jane Sloan shortly after 9:30 a.m.

1. The agenda was adopted as submitted.
   
   
2. The minutes of the April 2007 NBLF meeting were approved as amended.  The amended minutes will be sent to S. Bartz for posting on the NBL page.
   
   
3. AUL Report (F. Puniello)
   We will spend the entirety of the allotted budget for the fiscal year, which is positive.  The East Asian Librarian and Social Sciences Data Librarian positions are in negotiations.  F. Puniello, as chair of the Public Services Council, has appointed a group to explore chat reference, and has also set up a second life experimental group, co-chaired by M. Kesselman and E. Stec.  Additional volunteers are welcome.  Changes to the public use of machines are in progress. A. Butman is looking at the issue, and will work with OIT.
   F. Puniello will meet shortly with the reference team leaders to discuss reference for the coming academic year.  In closing, F. Puniello congratulated the numerous NBLF members who received awards during the 2006-2007 academic year.
   
   
4. NBLF Chair Report (J. Sloan)
   Since there were no volunteers to serve as NBLF Vice-Chair/Chair-elect, J. Sloan has kindly agreed to assume this position.  Therefore, in the 2007-2008 academic year, R. Womack will serve as Chair, and J. Sloan will serve as Vice-Chair/Chair-elect.  J. Sloan will then assume the position of chair in the 2008-2009 academic year.
   
   
5. NBISG (T. Glynn)
   T. Glynn has agreed to chair the revived Information Services Group (ISG) effective July 1, 2007.  After some confusion (mostly on the part of the recorder) about the difference between the initialisms ISG (Information Services Group) and ISSG (Information Services Steering Group), the following clarification was offered.  ISG functions as a subset of the NBLF, and as such, as a parallel group to NBCG.  All NBLF members whose duties intersect with information services are de facto members of ISG.  The ISSG, the core steering committee of ISG, is composed of the chair, the reference team leaders (from Alexander, LSM, Douglass, Kilmer, and one representative of the “branch” libraries), the Head of Access Services, a representative of the PC Coordination team, and a representative of the CKDB team.  It was noted by one participant that in the past ISSG representation has been configured around the physical libraries, but perhaps the concept and term “branches” no longer best serves our purposes, rather, perhaps task force or responsibility areas should instead be represented.  Furthermore, we must define the difference between RUL and NBL initiatives.

   Incoming chair T. Glynn wished to discuss two main issues: 1) How the ISSG and ISSG might profitably schedule meetings, and 2) what issues might be discussed and considered at these meetings.  T. Glynn wanted to make it clear that both the ISG and ISSG meetings are open to all.    It was recognized that that the groups would likely engage in two main types of discussions: ‘nuts and bolts’ discussions versus broader, issue-oriented explorations.  ISSG would likely handle more of the ‘nuts and bolts’ concerns, with larger conversations falling to the ISG, although it is expected that issues and discussions would flow both ways between the groups. 

   There was some concern that by the time agendas are distributed, an individual’s schedule may already be set, making ISSG meeting attendance a challenge.  There were two main proposals for ISG meetings: either they should be held in the context of the NBLF meetings (with a reserved line on the NBLF monthly agenda), or they should be held after (or perhaps before) the NBLF meetings, so that those who do not wish to attend may depart.  There was little consensus on which of these options was preferred, therefore, one participant offered that however ISG meetings initially proceed, the method of operating should not be set in stone, and we should leave ourselves flexibility to try to hold ISG meetings one way, and if that does not prove productive, to try another way.  A question was called that ISG should have a separate steering group (ISSG) to foment ideas to bring to the larger group (ISG) in the context of permanent, recurring agenda item on the monthly NBLF agenda entitled “ISG Update.”  The resolution passed with two members opposed.  It was suggested that the first meeting should be held at the beginning of the academic year. 

   Some of the larger issues that might be considered by ISG include: virtual reference, reconfigured phone reference, future directions for reference services, combined service desks, staffing modalities, and measuring and balancing workload in reference and information services.

   A few related issues were also raised during the course of the discussion, namely: the utility of working with courseware and classes, the necessity of including an instruction librarian in ISG and ISSG discussions, the necessity of ‘keeping up’ with our online resources, such as subject research guides, and the fact that reference sampling days often fall on weekends (when the LSM reference desk is closed) which undercuts our efforts.  M. Kesselman also wished to share a brochure published by Mississippi State uses publicize its libraries and library services.

6. Goal Setting for Planning Committee/Strategic Plan (F. Puniello)
   We will set goals in line with the RUL strategic plan and assign ‘champions’ to each goal.

   • Mentor new hires and continue to fill open lines with personnel who advance the work of NBL
   • Increase diversity of NBL workforce
   • Maintain a unique and individual voice for NBL and a focus on NB services
   • Commit to improve the physical spaces in our libraries and make them more conducive to student study (this goal will be worked on with AUL for Facilities Management, examples are Kilmer Library group study spaces and long-term planning for new science library)
   • Work with SAS faculty and administration to serve their needs and partner in information literacy and larger educational efforts (Aligns specifically with goals IIIC/IIID)
   • Closely examine and study staffing patterns for reference
   • Study issue of a potential new reserve service (with Access Services) for laptop lending
   • Examining possibility of discretionary/special funds to enhance NBL programmatic efforts

   At future meetings we will assign a champion to each goal.

7. Access Services Update (J.Gardner)
   Access Services heaved a big sigh of relief as it has made it through another exam period.  K. Mulcahy and J. Cassel recently gave information services sessions to staff members, and staff members were roundly commended for instantly incorporating this training into their information service efforts.
   Access Services will recommend free article delivery, provided funding is available.  Summer reference and access services hours have been posted.

Personnel Actions (F. Puniello)
F. Puniello asked the tenure-track and tenured librarians to meet in session to discuss newly established options for non-tenure track personnel.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sara Harrington