PC Working Group (PCWG): Description and Purpose

The PC Working Group has an integral relationship with the Libraries' Integrated Information Systems Department, specifically with respect to the function and maintenance of microcomputers and microcomputer networks within the libraries. Members bring knowledge of local area needs, experiences, and solutions to the larger group in order to facilitate improvements and new initiatives system-wide.

Background

The PC Working Group was established as an outgrowth of the planning document, "Personal Computers in the Rutgers University Libraries" prepared by the Systems Department in August 1984.

Membership

The PC Working Group is composed of:

• Unit Computing Specialists from Alexander, Dana, Douglass, LSM, SCC, and TAS;
• PC Coordinators designated by individual departments or libraries;
• Faculty representatives from each of the 3 campuses (Camden, Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway);
• Systems' Unit Computing Manager;
• Systems' Microcomputer System Administrator.

The Chair of PCWG will serve a two year term and will be selected by the members at the beginning of the fiscal year, or may be appointed by the Associate University Librarian for Digital Library Systems. Any member may serve as chair.

Functions

• Exchange and share information on local PC applications, hardware and peripheral needs, new technologies, and computing trends.
• Provide recommendations for training needs and training program organization and, when appropriate, facilitate training.
• Keep the faculty and staff informed of technical issues as they arise.
• Recommend policies and acquisitions relating to hardware and software for the Rutgers Libraries system, including but not limited to maintaining the list contained within Microcomputer & Peripherals Support in the Rutgers University Libraries.
• Coordinate system-wide standardization and integration where possible.
• Respond to items referred by the Associate University Librarian for Digital Library Systems or other persons or groups.

Reporting Relationship

The PC Working Group reports to the User Services Council, with additional oversight provided by the Associate University Librarian for Digital Library Systems.

Housekeeping Functions

Meetings are regularly scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month. Meeting agendas will be prepared and distributed to the membership and to the rul_everyone mailing list in advance of each meeting. Draft meeting minutes will be submitted to the membership for review within 3 days of the meeting, with additions and corrections submitted to the Chair. Consensus will be reached and a final copy will be submitted within 7 days by the Chair to the RU Libraries community via the rul_everyone mailing list.

Policies and guidelines established by PCWG will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

An annual report will be submitted to the Associate University Librarian for Digital Library Systems.

Role of the PC Coordinator

• Provides the first level of support on local PC issues (e.g., training, installation, software, and equipment problems), and reports problems to the Systems Department as needed.
• Maintains an awareness of the needs of constituents with respect to software, hardware, and peripherals.
• Recommends training as needed.
• Shares communications and provides information to the faculty and staff regarding PC issues.
• Acts as Unit and/or Campus liaison and Systems Department contact.
• Represents the Unit and/or Campus on the PC Working Group and attends PCWG meetings.
• Assists Systems in maintaining a current local hardware inventory database.
• Coordinates new local PC installations and PC swaps, facilitating equipment installations as performed by Systems, and recommends allocations for new and recycled PCs.
• Completes the Exit Procedure form for any Libraries' faculty or staff member who resigns, retires, or leaves the employment of the Libraries, as well as for any faculty or staff member who transfers to another department or library.