ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY OF LIBRARIANS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
TUESDAY, January 8, 2013
2:00PM
PALEY LIBRARY, LECTURE HALL
MINUTES
Attending: Jenifer Baldwin, Doreva Belfiore, Steven Bell, Aslaku Berhanu, Brian Boling, Mark Darby, Kristina DeVoe, Erin Finnerty, Cynthia Gingrich, Andrea Goldstein, Latanya Jenkins, Noa Kaumeheiwa, Delphine Khanna, Carol Lang, Molly Larkin, Krystal Lewis, Jill Luedke, Jessica Lydon, Gregory McKinney, David Murray, Penelope Myers, John Necci, Katy Rawdon, Fred Rowland, Brian Schoolar, Jackie Sipes, Margery Sly, Courtney Smerz, Sandi Thompson, Diane Turner.
- Approval of minutes (B. Boling)
All GA minutes are currently undergoing the review process.
- Introduction of new librarians
Jenifer Baldwin introduced Latanya Jenkins, the new librarian for Government Information & African American Studies. Latanya most recently worked at Morgan State University as Government Information Librarian. She is allergic to animals and has no pets.
Brian Schoolar introduced Erin Finnerty, the new Electronic Resources librarian. She has six years of experience in electronic resources, most recently at Richard Stockton. Brian joked that her initial tasks involve cleaning up messes left by her predecessor. She has a Walker coonhound named Julep.
- Remarks by the Interim Dean of Libraries (C. Lang)
Dean Lang met with Jim Creedon, Senior Vice President for Construction, Facilities and Operations before the break to discuss progress on the new library. Final details on the Snowheta contract are being finalized. A construction management firm has been selected. President Theobold decided to delay the planning period until the new library dean is hired.
President Theobold met with the Council of Deans on January 2nd and discussed the need to link affordability and excellence and importance of graduating students who are on the job market. President Theobold noted that a Master Planner for the University will be hired, and that a new Office of Strategic Marketing—encompassing marketing and communications staff from Institutional Advancement and Community & Government Relations staff—will be formed.
Interim Provost Dai has been informed about the proposal for emeritus status for librarians and is open to discussion of this possibility. The Provost search committee expects to have a shortlist for the position by late January or early February. Once a new provost is on board, various Dean searches will recommence.
- Discussion/Q&A with ACRL President (S. Bell)
Steven Bell presented on the topic “Everything You Always Wanted To Know About the ACRL President, But Were Afraid To Ask”. The presentation followed the series of questions below:
Does the ACRL President Actually Do Anything?
Steven described the position as being along a spectrum ranging from being Figurehead to the Functional. For instance, he has been added to conference calls merely because another organization president was in attendance and is often asked for quotes and blurbs (Figurehead).
However, the President is leader of a 12000 member organization with a multi-million dollar budget. Thus, Steven is responsible for preparing for meetings at ALA Midwinter, ALA Annual, and two ALA Executive Board meetings, in addition to the ACRL conference. He has been actively involved in the streamlining of ACRL’s committee structure and planning agendas for meetings. He also has the last say on which restaurant will be attended. (Functional)
How Much Time Does It Take To Do Whatever It Is The ACRL President Actually Does?
The answer varies depending on time of year, with workload increasing as conferences approach. Steven mentioned that the job is a 3-year commitment, and that he participates in weekly calls with the Executive Director, Past President, and President Elect.
When Does The ACRL President Start Being The ACRL President?
The term begins the day following ALA Annual after a year as Vice President/President Elect.
How Many Babies Have You Kissed As The ACRL President?
Only one—his grandchild—but not in any official capacity.
What Is Your Big Project As ACRL President?
This question comes from a misunderstanding of the current role of the ACRL President. At one time, each President introduced an initiative such as the ACRL Excellence in Libraries Award. Now there is no longer a budget to start new initiatives, and such initiatives would be counter to the current streamlining of committees. That said, Steven has tried to increase the focus on student learning and scholarly communication in the organization, and the increase awareness of metrics for proving the value of Academic Libraries. His President’s Program will deal with rethinking the ACRL brand and added value in higher education.
How much travel is involved in being ACRL President?
Steven will travel 10 times to Chicago, 5 times to D.C., visit 3 campuses nominated for the Excellence in Libraries award, and various multiple states for chapter programs. He has a travel agent to assist with planning.
Does the ACRL President have a crown, scepter, cape, or other regalia?
No. Steven was given an engraved novelty gavel, but not the official gavel used for meetings.
Can the all-powerful ACRL president get me on a committee?
No, the Vice-president/President Elect has more appointment responsibilities. ACRL Communities of Practice are self-governing and ACRL has been streamlined from 50 to 37 committees.
Can the ACRL President change the course of Academic Libraries?
No. ACRL is a member-oriented association focused on delivering value to its members. It hopes to support the members in such a way that they can change/improve librarianship.
What is so darn special about being President of ACRL?
It involves work, responsibility, and travel. However, to Steven, the important thing is being part of something bigger.
The floor was opened for questions, but none were asked.
5. Old Business
None.
6. New Business / Announcements
None.
7. Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.