The following minutes were approved at the March 18, 1997 meeting of the University Library Committee University Library Committee Minutes February 11, 1997 PRESENT: Lance Matheson, Business, Chair Eileen Hitchingham, Library Stephen Donohue, Agriculture & Life Sciences Thomas Gatewood, Education Bradley Klein, Faculty Senate Anna Marshall-Baker, Human Resources Raymond Plaut, Engineering Calvin Ribbens, Arts & Sciences Humberto Rodriguez-Camilloni, Architecture & Urban Studies Chris Bunn (for Rajiv Khosla, GSA) ABSENT: Richard Helm, Forestry & Wildlife Karen Inzana, Veterinary Medicine Peggy Quesenberry, Staff Senate L. Matheson opened the meeting with discussion about the comments received in response to the fines question circulated by ULC members in their departments and by e-mail distribution to the DDD list: "Should the University Libraries fine all types of users for keeping library materials beyond the due date?" In his summary of responses, L. Matheson noted that of the approximately 80 notes he received, twice as many people were in favor of fines for all types of users as opposed to those who objected to a change in the current policy. Other ULC members shared the responses from their departmental faculty, some reflecting similar ratios in their responses, some showing equal splits in opinon . Responses have not been gathered from several of the colleges and this data will be shared next meeting. Among the comments offered by the faculty who responded, there was support for the establishment of convenient book return facilities beyond Newman Library. Others indicated that any fines money collected be assigned to the library, and many asked for better ways to be notified about due dates and overdue books. L. Matheson noted that many of the comments he received indicated misunderstanding or lack of awareness about the current features of the library's circulation system. This seemed to point to a need by the library to develop better strategies in communicating its features and policies. A question had been raised by one of the respondents regarding the existence of data indicating there was a significant problem in faculty book returns. E. Hitchingham indicated that she has asked staff to look into ways this type of study could be done from a special program using VTLS. Results of this effort should be available for the next ULC meeting. A comment from a Northern Virginia Center faculty member made note about the long time delay students and faculty experience getting requested books sent there from Newman Library. This member felt fines would add "insult to injury" to an already unwieldy process. E. Hitchingham indicated she would check into the time delays. GSA representative Rajiv Khosla had sent copies of the recent GSA resolution supporting a fines policy that would be consistent with all patron types. L. Matheson read the resolution aloud to the committee and indicated that they would take it under advisement in light of the data expected next meeting. L. Matheson shared the letter he received from Erv Blythe, VP for Information Systems, in response to the ULC letter expressing concern about an impending serials cancellation. Mr. Blythe thanked the ULC for its input and indicated that various approaches are being looked into. The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 1997, 4-5 p.m.