LIBRARIANS' ADVISORY FORUM
FINAL MEETING MINUTES: September 24, 2001
Meeting was called to order at 2:05pm
1. By-Law Revision Review (major points listed below)
I. Name change to Professional Forum (PF) II. A Purpose of the Forum III. Membership V. A. 2d & 2e Duties of the Chair in regards to Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) VI. A.1. Meeting changes to Quarterly VII. B.2b. Professional Development Committee (PDC) responsibility changes IX. Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) I. The Librarians Advisory Forum was dissolved and subsequently replaced by a new committee named the Professional Forum.
II. The purpose of the Professional Forum was outlined. (details may be found in the Professional Forum Bylaws)
III. The definition of Library professional was defined as all exempt staff. Individuals with exempt status will be notified and will now become members of the Professional Forum.
V. A new subcommittee was formed named the: Professional Advisory Committee. All members of the Professional Forum (minus Supergroup members) will constitute the Professional Advisory Committee.
VI. The Professional Forum will meet quarterly.
VII. The Professional Development Committee will no longer review & sign travel requests. Those forms should be routed to the appropriate supervisor for approval.
A motion was made to accept the By-Law revisions as presented. Motion passed.
2. Mentor Program
Ramona proposed a Mentor program for Paraprofessional and Professionals. She was asked by several paraprofessionals to bring the proposal to the Professional Forum. The purpose of the such a program would be to 1.) improve relationships between professionals and paraprofessionals, and 2.) allow the paraprofessionals to explore opportunity and interests. Ramona queried the group for interest in pursuing the mentor program. Should a task force be formed to explore the idea? It was decided that a task force would be formed to explore the possibilities of a mentor program. The task force will be comprised of 4 staff members (2 paraprofessional and 2 professional) Interested participants should contact Ramona Holmes.
3. Announcements
Ramona Holmes announced Dr. Bill Moen will be the speaker for the Professional Forum's October 22nd meeting. She also stated the Information Organization & Preparation Program is working to correct the EBSCO file issue.Gary Spurr stated his presentation to the Texas German Club was very successful
Tommie Wingfield invited everyone to attend the Tech Fair, Wednesday, October 17th from 11am to 3pm in the University Center. Invitations will be sent shortly.
Tom Wilding announced the library has received the TIF monies for upgrading the 3rd floor classroom, creation of a digital classroom with 28 workstations and a portable classroom with laptops plus the development of a portal project by Digital Library Services. These funds must be used by August 2002.
Sally Gross announced the Archivist search committee has been formed and the job announcement posted. Members of the committee include Gerald Saxon, Fern Mayhugh and Sally.
Carolyn Kadri is working on the Tejano project with Digital Library Services. Carolyn spoke about her adventures at the Library of Congress. She helped create a database for their pamphlet collection which is over 100 years old. Carolyn stated they went on several side trips which included the USGS, National Geographic Society plus an extensive tour of the Library of Congress. She shipped more than 1200 maps to Special Collections.
Leveta Hord announced the search committee is review the Information Resources candidates and will be sending the recommendations to administration shortly.
Kit Goodwin announce the Texas Map Society Meeting, October 6th, 2001
Ann Kelley stated Information Services is in the process of hiring 4 LA positions. Patricia Walsh (LA III) started Monday, September 24th, Rustin Kimball (LA III) will start Wednesday, October 3rd. We are waiting to hear from the other two candidates.
Mary Jo Handke announced Information Literary would be interviewing a candidate on October 5th and invited everyone to view the Banned Book Display on 1st floor.
Lisa will write a letter of thanks to Kay Punneo for her services in providing refreshments for Library Advisory Forum meeting.
Meeting adjourned 3:10pm