Librarian Meeting MINUTES for Web and Distribution:
Minutes of the Librarians’ Meeting of 7th September 2017
Present: Camila Jenkin (CJ), Mary McMillan (MM), Gary Medina (GM), Claudia Striepe (CS),
Absent: Analu Josephides (AJ),
The meeting was chaired by MM and CS took minutes.
AGENDA ITEMS
Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of the June 1st, 2017 meeting were approved with one revision. Minutes will be sent on to Ms. Baldwin to distribute to the LLR staff and to post online.
2. Status of Past Action Items
The status of past action items may have to be reprioritized due to severe staff shortages. It was decided to table this item for a future meeting when we have a full complement of librarians present to discuss the issue.
3. a. Tenure Track Librarian Evaluation.
AJ and GM will be evaluated this semester. CS and MM may both have to sit on both panels.
3. b. Part-Time Librarian Evaluation.
We will obtain a list of recently evaluated p/t librarians from Ms. Baldwin. It may be that only VR and BR need evaluation – this would be ideal given the aforementioned staff shortage.
4. Faculty Position ID.
The current vacancies are in the Systems/Cataloguing, Collection Development, and Music areas. The librarians discussed whether these were the positions needed going forward. All agreed that the Systems position was still an urgent need and would be made the highest priority. It was felt that the Collection Development position might be tweaked and renamed something like “Outreach/Programming librarian to better reflect the library’s future needs and current trends.
We will put forward the Music Librarian position as well. Given the amount of positions being sought throughout the college we felt there might be a slim chance of getting all three voted through. The position ID forms are due by the end of the month.
Action Item: CS to finish the Faculty position ID forms by the due date.
5. OPAC computers.
After a rocky start at the beginning of the semester when the 6 “thin-client” stations were replaced with new computers, things seem to have improved. Nevertheless the librarians noted some improvements they would like to see made to improve student/librarian access and interaction. All were grateful that IT technician Patrick was willing to work with us on improvements.
CJ suggested changing the current “beach scene” screen saver to a scrolling message, “wording still to be decided”, that could also serve as information to students on library procedures and the like.
It was affirmed that the 6 computers should be limited to catalog and database access only. It would be desirable to have the “log-in” box gone from the screen. MM and CJ will work with Patrick to convey the ideas, as they are “on the floor” and have seen the issues. It was also decided to invite Mr. Warren of IT and ask him for some “best approaches” to working with IT.
Action Item: CS to invite WW to a future librarians meeting. MM and CJ to contact Patrick and work with him on OPAC issues and ideas.
6. Print/Copy
All seems to be going smoothly, except for the missing print drivers. This has been reported to Ricky, and MM has put signs at the stations with no drivers. .CJ will email the p/t librarians re: the situation. , p/t librarians also have access to the MyPrint feature, with the possible exception of VR. Steve is back as a casual in the Copy room and is familiar with the Ricoh system. Carla has put up signage, which has been well-received by students. At present (since Tuesday) the Add Value station is not accepting dollar bills, Ricky can reset this remotely. Please work via Carla who is the point person on printing matters. Money from the old cards has, for the most part, been transferred across, but the odd situation will be dealt with (by Carla) on a one on one basis. No coins are accepted by the copy machines, all must preload their accounts. At this time no printing from phones, or flash drives is available. Try and discourage the use of guest cards If we continue to use “other cards” we should rename then Non-student card, or similar. If there are problems with these guest cards, please fill out forms in the box in the copy rooms and attach the card to the form for Carla to process.
Notwithstanding Steve, we are still short of student workers to help at the copy stations, but Carla is in the process of interviewing and conducting background checks.
7. Reference Assessment (Summer pilot)
This was tabled for the next meeting.
8. E-Resources Update
MM reported that Ricky is still working on the SSL certificate issue. MM is taking on some Web Master duties until a new Systems librarian is hired. All thanked MM .The possibility of using LibGuides as our web presence was briefly discussed. MM showed the minor changes she has made to the page – evened out the columns, added/Copy guide produced by GM, added an A-Z database list (LibGuide). MM asked for feedback on this item, or instance the addition of “tags” that hopefully will be useful to all researchers. The New Book list was discussed and it was agreed that this could be continued in the form of a LibGuide showing “select” new acquisitions.
MM noted that some database platforms have changed, for instance ArtStor, National Newspapers Expanded is now NewsStream, Business Source Premiere is still with Ebsco, but also has its own platform and MM may switch to using that.
MM shared a list (handout) of database “wish” items (LGBT Life with Full Text, Flipster, Mango Languages…), and will ask for trials of some so that we can all explore them and be ready to choose, should we have money.
MM shared a list of currently subscribed databases, noting current cost and projected costs assuming a 5% increase. Currently many of our popular databases are paid for via the State Chancellor’s arrangement of a free common set for all CCC’s, but this arrangement will be ending later this year. If we are to pay for these databases again, we will be forced to make decisions and cut some. MM may thus be asking for recommendations in the future.
MM and GM also compiled a list (handout) of some current print titles that are expensive and, in most cases, have a reasonable overlap with a database. After consultation it was decided to immediately cut 11 of the titles shown. If we hear complaints, it seems easy enough to reinstate them. This may help save databases in danger of being lost, as mentioned before.
9. OER/AB 978 Grant Work Update
MM has been working on the OER initiative, including mailing interested faculty links, workshop opportunities, conducting faculty surveys, and the like. MM will update us on progress periodically.
10. Organizational Membership
This item was tabled for a future meeting. MM will investigate the benefits (if any) of organizational memberships.
Action Item: MM will investigate the benefits (if any) of organizational memberships.
11. OTHER
CS noted a request from ECC TOP (The Opportunity Project) for LLR staff to man a table at the upcoming Student Support Expo. CJ will ask if any p/t librarians are interested, and GM will see if any classified staff are available, SK may also send someone from the LLR. They ask that we man a table and answer questions/supply handouts on services, on September19th from10 to 12
CS informed all of the upcoming Shake Out Drill on Oct 19th at 10:19am. Please inform all staff.
F. White has moved to his new position in the LMTC – congratulations Franklin. As noted there are some staffing difficulties to overcome, but the paperwork for Franklin’s replacement has been sent o HR.
WiFi to the library has been delayed until end Fall.
Cs/2017