University Library Committee 2004-2005

Minutes for April 26, 2005

PRESENT: Martha Bayless, Deb Carver, Keisha Janney, Andrew Marcus, Peter Mills, Judith Musick, Ray Weldon, Michal Young.

GUESTS: Andrew Bonamici, Associate University Librarian for Instructional Services.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. Judith Musick, chair, welcomed Keisha Janney, the new student representative. Introductions followed. Keisha hopes to remain on the committee during the 05/06 academic year.

Martha suggested that the library consider putting a notice on the online catalog display screen suggesting to patrons to search the card catalog, if their online search failed. There may be numerous faculty and students who are not aware that there are still many records not yet included in the online catalog. Deb will discuss this with the appropriate staff to see if the systems technology is capable of doing this.

LIBRARY'S PLANNING PROCESS
Deb announced that the library goes through an annual planning process to identify initiatives to work on throughout the coming year. She distributed a handout, outlining eleven potential proposals for 2005-2007 (pasted below). Deb asked the ULC to review and comment on the proposals before any decisions are made to move forward. There were no objections to any of the proposed initiatives. The UCL strongly supported:

digitizing slides collections
bringing the library to your desk top through document delivery
meta-searching (although it seems complex)
analyzing areas for students to study and pursuing a Learning Commons
redefining reference service - capture a technology and communication style that today\'s students can identify with; have librarians come to classes to give a brief overview of services - this would give the students a familiar face in the library
acquiring and analyzing datasets; concern with longtime survivability

POTENTIAL LIBRARY INITIATIVES FOR 2005-2007

1. Expanded access to digital audio materials
This initiative would investigate and potentially implement services such as
- Digitization of audio resources in Special Collections
- Digital reserve listening accessible via Blackboard.
- Improvements to the Douglass Listening Room (e.g., DVD viewing)
- Licensing of online audio music audio music services such as Naxos, Classical.com, and Smithsonian/Folkways Global Sound
- consideration of copyright implications

2. Redesign library website; stabilize website support and coordination
The University of Oregon Libraries' website is our primary virtual environment. This initiative would establish a permanent (rather than ad hoc) web team, and will begin a redesign process for a target launch of Summer 2006.

3. Integrate digital images into the routine instructional experience
This initiative integrates the creation of digital content into the routine operations of the AAA Library Visual Resources Center. Resolving issues of infrastructure (staff, equipment), content, intellectual access, sustainability, copyright, and appropriate instructional software requires library-wide support and collaboration. Since digital image content is an increasingly important element in teaching and research in all disciplines, developing a workable model targeted at AAA departments would serve as a useful pilot for promoting and supporting use of visual collections throughout the instructional program.

4. Document Delivery Program
This service would deliver electronic materials directly to faculty and student desktops, and hard-copy materials to convenient pickup locations. The initiative would require a review of existing lending policies, cost structures, etc.

5. Collaborative planning for student computing access
In partnership with the Computing Center and other campus stakeholders, this project would assess the current computer lab environment and explore potential for greater coordination and consistency in lab design, services, and policies.

6, Meta-searching
This initiative will investigate and possibly implement meta-search (or federated search) software, such as MetaLib, MetaFind, SingleSearch, etc. These are commercial software packages that allow users to search multiple resources simultaneously with a simple interface.

7. Study spaces in the library
This initiative will explore ways to increase access to group studies. Group-based assignments are increasing in many disciplines, and the current configuration of rooms does not satisfy growing demand for students to meet and work together on group projects.

8. Library services for UO's off-site & distance ed programs
The UO is offering an increased number of programs and courses outside of Eugene, and the students and faculty deserve a consistent level of support. In addition to library services and information access, the UO Libraries are responsible for many aspects of the UO's off-site and distance programs, including Blackboard, classroom technologies in both on-& off-campus facilities, send/receive systems for telecourses, and archiving of lectures with indexed streaming media. This project would involve collaboration with other campus stakeholders such as the Registrar, Computing Center, Continuation Center, Teaching Effectiveness Program, Provost's Office, as well as faculty and program coordinators in Portland, Bend, Canada, Alaska, and elsewhere.

9. IM & TM for Reference Services
IM = instant messaging TM = text messaging are "chat" technologies that many students are already using on their computers and cell phones. Several other libraries are using these tools to answer reference questions; this initiative would investigate the costs and benefits of a similar service at the UO.

10. Learning Commons
A "learning commons" typically involves a collaborative facility jointly developed and managed by a campus library, computing center, and sometimes other academic support units. Features include computer labs with high-end hardware for student multimedia production, collaborative computing spaces, rehearsal space for students preparing presentations, peer consultation and tutorial services, and electronic classrooms. At the UO, planning, designing, locating, and implementing this service and its facilities could involve participation of numerous stakeholders and user groups, including but not limited to Library & Computing Center lab managers, various library departments, University Planning, Facilities Services, writing program instructors, academic advising, Undergraduate Council, Academic Learning Services/Teaching Effectiveness Program; representatives of the students and faculty, etc.

11. Acquisition and management of datasets
The use and the creation of numeric and GIS datasets for research seem to be growing rapidly on campus. This initiative would improve the library's ability to acquire and manage datasets and/or offer a central registry for research datasets maintained in the Libraries' collections or elsewhere.

#######

The group also suggested considering an initiative to find a more systematic approach to educating students on how to use the library. Andrew responded that the library does coordinate tours and classes with the First Year Programs and Freshman Interest Group classes. Approximately 40-50% of first year students participate. It was also suggested to contact Residence Life about putting together a program on using the library. The residence hall advisors put on 2-3 programs each year for students. Library Council will be meeting soon to decide which initiatives to pursue over the next two years. Given the amount of time and staffing, it would be difficult to follow-through with all eleven proposals.

Submitted by Sheila Gray

Maintained by: Sheila Gray, skgray@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 01/09/2008