Meeting Minutes January 27, 2004
1p.m. in the Haddad Room
| Present: | Absent: |
| John Anagnostopoulos | RuthAnn Althaus |
| John Eber | Judy Christie |
| Robert Hansen | Nelson Hathcock |
| Dave Kohut | Pat Philbin |
| Anita Morgan | |
| Mark Vargas – Chair | |
| Graham Peck |
A G E N D A
- Review of Goal 2 and Objectives
- Review of Goal 3 and Objectives
- Other
Review of Goal 2 and Objectives
Mark opened the meeting and stated Action 2.1.1 and 2.1.3 have been completed. Action 2.1.1 – James Kusik has been hired as a full-time tenure track librarian. He will work Sunday – Thursday, afternoons and evenings, and will supervise all employees as assigned. Action 2.1.3 – Book Processor has been converted to Technical Services Assistant. The difference is the Technical Services Assistant will have a more flexible assignment of duties.
Next Mark spoke of the full-time tenure-track librarian positions. It was previously discussed to hire three new librarian positions and to convert two reference librarian positions to tenure-track. Mark spoke of an option for Action 2.1.8 and 2.1.9, is to hire post-MLS graduates full-time for a reasonable salary and no benefits. Bob and Graham agreed. Bob suggested to consider a fellowship that is short term and at a lower pay scale. Mark replied when we advertise we receive many recent young graduates and Graham added it is hard to fill library positions with the bulk of applicants being young graduates. Mark pointed out having a post-graduate this person could do more of the day to day work, leaving the tenure-track librarians to do more of the higher end work.
John E. stated he does not see the advantage for the university to add more tenure-track librarians, due to the fact there has not been the “need” proven. John E. continued to say one advantage he could see is to better serve the students and faculty. Graham asked John E. if he was in favor of having MLS graduates? John E. replied, “Yes.”
Bob questioned in regards to the faculty status of a librarian. Mark stated when looking at other universities there seems to be more non-tenure tracks faculty librarians and the reason for this if the economy. Anita added at Dominican University the librarians are faculty, but not tenure track. Bob’s opinion is we should move away from tenure-track librarians and increase adjunct. Graham questioned, “What is the benefit for the university?” Mark replied that if you are looking for short-term, without tenure-track, you will not get a committed librarian and he also states by freezing tenure-track it would be the wrong way to go. John E. suggested keeping the existing tenure-track librarians, but putting a freeze on it in the future.
Dave stated Anita’s position in a non-tenure track and it is a very important position. He goes on to explain she supervises many areas as Technical Services Librarian and she is a vital part of our staff. John E. asked if this is a question of pay – lower pay, but doing the same work? Anita replied there is limited motivation because of non-tenure track and John A. agreed when he applied for his position it was due to the fact of a tenure-track faculty status. Dave pointed out a MLS degree are not an academic degree, but a license degree.
Graham’s opinion is a fellowship is a good idea however, if you depend on it, it maybe a mistake. People would move in and out too often. Bob agreed. Mark noted Action 2.1.8 and 2.1.9 could convert two positions into one. Also for Action 2.1.13 hire a current MLA student and it’s possible they can earn credit for their work. Graham agreed by stating these students would less likely to leave.
Review of Goal 3 and Objectives
Mark stated Action 3.2.3 Friends of the Library is a good program to develop and Action 3.2.5 is to get involved with the Mercy Mission and help develop and inner-city Catholic school library. Bob agreed and suggested we could get involved with Bishop Gorman Institute for Leadership Program.
Bob questioned in Action 3.1.1 why does it take two years to develop a marketing strategy if this is done internal? Mark replied there is a lot of work to do, ex: surveys, talk to faculty, staff and students. Graham asked, “What is a marketing strategy?” Mark answered, “To sell the library.” John A. added, “To become more integrated with the students.”
Other
Mark noted there are minor changes in the Goal and Objectives that will be updated before our next meeting.
Meeting will be scheduled for February 24, 2004, 2 p.m. in the Haddad Room.
Meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Karen Loranger
Library Coordinator