University Library Committee
Minutes
December 15, 1997

PRESENT:
Stephen  Donohue, Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chair
Eileen Hitchingham, Library
Stephen Baehr, Arts and Sciences
Bert Fox, GSA
Karen Inzana, Veterinary Medicine
Lance Matheson, Business
Deborah Mayo, Faculty Senate
Milko Maykowskyj, Staff Senate
Raymond Plaut, Engineering

ABSENT:
Tara Berescik, SGA
Thomas Gatewood, Education
George Graham, Teaching and Learning
Richard Helm, Forestry & Wildlife
Humberto Rodriguez-Camilloni, Art and Architecture

1.   Update on Computer Assisted Searches

 A demonstration of resources available through the library web page was
given to ULC members by Nicole Auer, coordinator of bibliographic
instruction.  Menus were shown which offer various services and databases
providing search options for new users and experienced users.  It was
pointed out that many of the search features are the same across services
so that there is flexibility when switching between databases.   The
college librarians have created guides by subject which link to library
resources and internet resources.  It was also noted that there are about
1100 journals that provide full text online.  N. Auer added that the
library web team is working on a service whereby students can seek by
subject a listing of  journals available online.  The library web page also
has a link to reference resources which include style manuals (APA, MLA)
and encyclopedias such as Britannica.  E. Hitchingham noted the importance
of having off-campus students obtain an active and valid PID for remote
access to the library's web page and services.

2.  Comments from College Representatives

S. Baehr made reference to a memo he had distributed noting comments of
dissatisfaction from his colleagues about the circulation policy allowing
one phone renewal before physical return of materials.  He relayed a
question regarding the handling of interlibrary loan requests for items
already owned by the library.  E. Hitchingham noted that ILL's policy is to
respond to the patron immediately by e-mail in such circumstances about
that status.  She added that about 12 % of ILL requests are for materials
already owned by the library and encouraged everyone to check the VTLS
catalog before submitting requests.  Special circumstances can be indicated
on the comments part of the form.

D. Mayo relayed responses from faculty who felt inconvenienced by the
renewal policy, with specific reference to the library's practice of
blocking further check-outs when there are overdue books.  E. Hitchingham
indicated that the VTLS system cannot accommodate exceptions, but that
faculty members who anticipate a problem with a missing book among many
being returned can call Debbie Averhart, head of circulation, to work out a
solution.  It was also noted that after obtaining a library PIN number,
anyone can view on computer a list of the books they have checked out along
with due dates.  A copy of this procedure will be distributed at the next
ULC meeting.

B. Fox, GSA representative, relayed complaints forwarded to him regarding
the copiers in the library.  Most of these complaints referred either to
maintenance problems (paper jams, out of order) or poor quality of copies.
D. Kenney noted that photocopy in the library is an auxiliary with its own
maintenance contract.  The library photocopy staff have a circuit on a
regular schedule when they walk around to check for paper jams or paper
supply, but they can't do maintenance otherwise.  E. Hitchingham indicated
that some spot checking could be done to assess the magnitude of the
problem and seek possible solutions.

ULC members were asked to send E. Hitchingham their spring schedules so
that the next meeting could be planned.  The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.