University
Library Committee Minutes
February 9, 2000, 3:30 PM
Submitted by Susan Staples, Dept. of Mathematics
Faculty committee members present: A. Barkman, S. Woodworth, E. Couch,
and S. Staples. C. Miteff represented the graduate students and M. Emerson was
presented as the new undergraduate representative. R. Seal and J. Koelker
represented the Library.
C. Miteff raised the issue of student employee wages at the library. In
particular, he pointed out that in order to maintain continuity and quality in
service to library patrons, returning student employees should be given raises.
He noted that several well-qualified library assistants had taken other higher
paying campus jobs instead of returning to their library positions. The Library
Committee supported his idea and the committee chair, A. Barkman, agreed to
write a letter to R. Seal to this effect.
R. Seal discussed possible new initiatives for the year 2000 and provided a
staff memo covering these issues. The list of possible initiatives include:
a}experiment with a portable ebook system
b) explore the use of mini-cameras in non-Library computer labs which would
allow remote access to speaking with reference librarians
c) obtain feedback on the web site
d) expand the concept of the online catalog to search non-TCU holdings simultaneously
e) increase the use of ebooks from Netlibrary or other services
f) improve access to full-text journals
g) create more space for the collection reduce the handling and binding of print journals for those titles available
electronically enhance access to all full-text materials
help patrons create personalized library web pages
R. Seal updated the committee on JSTOR's holdings. The electronic journal
storage system now offers 117 journal titles.
R. Seal presented the schedule for upcoming Friends of the TCU library events.
On Friday February 18, 2000, Joyce Roach will be the featured speaker at a
dessert and coffee reception. Daniel Shore of National Public Radio and author
of "Forgive us our press passes" will be the keynote speaker at the annual
banquet. The banquet is planned for Tuesday April 25, 2000 in the Kelly Alumni
Center.
R. Seal reported on the progress in deploying the $400,000 telecommunications
and technology infrastructure grant from the state agency. Roughly 50% of the
funds were used to upgrade dormitory computer lines, 11 new PCs will be added to
the labs, 10 laptops will be purchased, and the 15 computers in the reference
cluster will be replaced. A color printer was also added.
R. Seal informed the committee on changes in the copying facilities at the
library. Better quality digital photo copiers were added and a new color copier was installed. The money changers were upgraded to accept several denominations
"I of coins and dollar bills. (In the past only dimes were,accepted.) The
vendacard system is also being replaced by a direct billing system that works
with student ID cards.
Funding for the coffee bar/cafe project was discussed. currently $20,000 (50%
of the needed funds) has been given by a donor and the library is seeking other funding sources. Marriott has backed out of the project.
R. Seal announced that the TCU Library Faculty Survey will be in mailboxes soon.
This year's survey inquires more about electronic technology and media resources.
A donation to renovate the Music Library has been
received. R. Seal told the committee that further research is being
undertaken to decide how to use this gift.
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