January 13, 2009

by Gerald Doyle

Academic Assembly of Librarians
General Assembly
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Paley Lecture Hall, 2:00 PM
Minutes

Attending: Carole Bell, Carol Brigham, Mark Darby, Andrea Goldstein (chair), Carol Lang, Molly Larkin, Jonathan Le Breton, Rick Lezenby, Byron Mayes, Gregory McKinney (recorder), Penelope Myers, Sandi Thompson, Thomas Whitehead,

Presentation:

  • Forum – Sandra McDade, Director of Temple’s Office of Sustainability will discuss some of the ways in which Temple is trying to achieve sustainability, and the progress her office has made in raising the environmental awareness of students, faculty, and staff: A copy of Sandra’s PowerPoint presentation can be obtained from Andrea. Also, anyone interested in the University’s efforts to promote sustainability should look at the website at http://www.temple.edu/sustainability.
  • Refreshments – Refreshments were served for everyone attending the forum. The AAL General Assembly began at 3:00 PM.
  • Approval of minutes from the November 11th meeting – The minutes from the November 11th General Assembly were approved.
  • Dean Alford’s remarks – Jonathan Le Breton substituted for Dean Alford who was unable to attend. According to Jonathan, Temple Libraries is doing very well compared to other libraries, as mentioned by Larry at the last meeting. The out-of-state travel freeze is still on. Exceptions can be requested but must show sufficient necessity; thus far we have requested a few exceptions, all of which have been approved by the Provost.  We have to demonstrate serious restraint and list out-of-state travel requests which have been denied internally. Carole Brigham asked where exceptions should be sent. Jonathan replied that he has been receiving them, packaging them for Larry’s review and approval, and then sending them to the  Provost who must approve them. Rick asked if a certain percentage of the budget was set aside for travel: Jonathan said our staff development expenditures, which include travel usually amounts to ca. 1 % which is normal for industry.
    • Another issue: there is a hiring freeze in place, which also has an exception process. The library has been approved to hire an Art Librarian and an RIS Coordinator, and a Media Specialist.  An associate Archivist in the Blockson collection was not approved for recruitment.   A cataloging BA has was just hired for the spring on non-teTemplen funds (private funding) and was therefore exempt from the hiring freeze and exception process. There have been some setbacks in facilities renovations and equipment purchasing; see Carolynne Martin’s email about the delay in updating offices.
    • Other budget issues: an estimate for material’s’ inflation has been submitted to the University Budget Office as usual.  The likelihood of obtaining a budget increase to cover inflation is slight given the economic climate, but we’ll have to see.   Jonathan has not yet heard of any further cut in this year’s budget or of a cut for next year, but it’s a real concern. The University Administration has not said anything about what to expect from next year’s budget.
    • Carol Lang asked about Inauguration Day. Sebastian responded that some TVs will be setup in the library and around campus. Jonathan mentioned that there are a number of other events coming up, for which Nicole will sendt out a schedule. Jonathan ended by mentioning that the University’s schedule for the transition of all staff email to MS Exchange Server and Outlook has been pushed back.  Byron will continue to monitor campus plans, but meanwhile there will be staff training sessions offered by Computer Services for using Outlook.  Early adopters are encouraged to take a class and begin using Outlook as a client in advance of the transition from Mirapoint TUmail to MS Exchange.
    • Carole Brigham asked when the Media Services opening would occur and whether there would be a ribbon cutting event. Sebastian said there would be a soft rollout, and suggested a bigger event in the fall when everything will be done.
  • Old business
    • Mark Darby asked about the progress of Emeritus status. He was told that a draft has been given to Larry.
  • New Business & announcements
    • There was no new business.
  • Adjournment
    • The meeting adjourned at 3:20 PM.
This entry was posted in Minutes.