November 4, 1998
 
 

The meeting was convened by Dr. Robert (Bud) Fischer, Chair, at 4:07 p.m. in the Dean�s Conference Room.
 
 

Absent: Valencia Browning, Steve Davis, Joyce Higgins, Newton Key.

On Leave: Rosemary Buck.
 
 

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Two items were changed in the minutes to further clarify information. On the second page, the first paragraph now deletes the sentence beginning, "If you alert the server . ." and adds the following: "If you set up a profile in IDEAL or OVID Database or CARL Uncover, tables of contents or journal article citations will be sent automatically to your e-mail when new items matching your profile are added to the database. These types of profile services are often called SDI or Selective Dissemination of Information." The second clarification was under the heading "New Business: Funding." Although the first and last three sentences remain the same, the bulk of the paragraph was revised to read: "The Head of Acquisitions prepared a handout showing title by title which disciplines apparently gain resources from the IDEAL package of electronic journals. It was asked how the discipline was determined. If the paper version of the journal is already being subscribed to, the electronic version was listed under the discipline that had requested the paper version. For those without a corresponding paper version, discipline was determined by the Library of Congress� classification system and, sometimes additionally, by checking course listings to determine which department teaches classes in that area. Dr. Fischer questioned the seemingly deep cuts in sciences; it was explained that these were not really cuts, but that the money had been moved to another account to help fund the electronic version of the same journal for which the library had a subscription to the print version. No money was transferred for journals for which there was not a corresponding print subscription in 1997 (FY98) or since. K. Whisler said that although the paper version had in some cases been canceled, the subscriptions were not really canceled but transferred to the electronic version. Dr. Fischer would like further clarification. Dr. Lanham explained that in the IDEAL Journals Pricing Information handout, the blank column indicated Booth never had that specific journal before electronic subscription. Other codes clarify whether the title was canceled FY98 or later (C); was canceled earlier, prior to FY98 (CE); or whether we have a current print subscription (P).
 
 

II. COMMUNICATIONS

a. Dr. Fischer noted that Joyce Higgins was unable to attend as she was giving a presentation elsewhere. He also forwarded a question to the LAB from another faculty member, "Is the library actively pursuing other electronic journal resources?" Dr. Lanham replied that the library is working on that issue and announcements are made periodically in the NoteBooth when new products are available. The ILCSO Electronic Resources Committee sends menu choices to libraries to determine which ones they want. FirstSearch is one we have had for years; it provides access to 60 databases in many subject areas, using a password which is readily available from the Reference Desk.
 
 

Dr. Fischer handed out a sheet "Periodical/Standing Order Titles Recommended for Cancellation" from the bibliographer of Biological Sciences concerning the cuts in the sciences. Dr. Lanham stated some of those items listed as "cut" are now covered by electronic access. This concern may be re-visited in the spring semester.
 
 

III. OLD BUSINESS

a. Role of Library Advisory Board Dr. Fischer read the Purpose from bylaws of LAB: (A) The LAB makes recommendations to the Dean of Library Services regarding policies governing the development of collections, services, and facilities in the library; policies for apportioning the materials budget; and other policies relevant to Library Services. (B) The LAB brings problems and ideas from their faculty and student constituencies to the office of the Dean of Library Services. (C) The LAB assists the Dean of Library Services by providing input for the implementation of a viable positive library program for the University and community. (D) The LAB provides, as requested, representatives from its membership for various internal library service committees and task forces. There was no motion to amend the section.
 
 

IV. NEW BUSINESS
 
 

(a. Articulated Plan This item was delayed for the Dean�s report.)
 
 

b. Disseminating information to campus It was agreed to distribute the LAB minutes via the Booth Web page; it was also noted that LAB meetings are open to the public.
 
 

c. Other Brian Pritschet asked if there was any substance to the rumor that McAfee will be used to house Booth Library temporarily during Booth�s renovation. Dr. Lanham replied that McAfee is on the list to be considered for that purpose. There is a meeting November 5 to discuss that issue with the Vice Presidents, Dean Hitch, Ted Weidner and Dr. Lanham. A decision is expected very soon and will be announced. Dr. Lanham said we are working with the Deans and Vice Presidents to minimize disruption.
 
 

The chair stated that he had been approached to consider changing the LAB bylaws to read "meet at least three times a semester" instead of "four meetings a semester". A motion was made and seconded to do so; the vote on this item will take place at the next meeting (2/3 membership attendance needed). Dr. Fischer will send out the old and new wordings in advance of the meeting.

d. Dean�s Report
 
 

Planning Dr. Lanham handed out a draft of the EIU Library Services Planning Cycle 2000 and discussed its content. After asking for LAB�s input, he noted the final draft is due to the VPAA on November 17.
 
 

Other discussion ensued about the slowness of Internet connection. The dean explained our Internet provider has had equipment problems and now that equipment has been replaced. Dr. Lanham told LAB he chose to keep out of the Strategic Plan the issue of the library having its own Internet connection as it is very expensive. Discussion continued on this item. The ATAC is meeting Friday if people wish to attend. Dr. Weidner mentioned the campus-wide effort to transfer buildings from the token ring and this should alleviate some of the problem.
 
 

The Renovation/Temporary Library update had been discussed.
 
 

Under Temporary Library Location and Services Issue, (b.) states the card catalog and shelf list will disappear during the move and (c.)notes that the government documents collection is undergoing a de-selection project. These materials are available at other larger libraries.
 
 

Project MUSE statistics for the first quarter of FY99 was shared via a handout. It was noted that August figures are unavailable from the vendor. Also, K. Whisler shared some statistics for IDEAL and MUSE per day usage. EIU usage is high for Illinois academic libraries for both products. She also noted that FirstSearch has been used 20,911 times since September; it has full-text capabilities, too, and the students and patrons continue to access and download information.
 
 

After a short discussion, the LAB decided to meet December 2 at 4 p.m. in the Dean�s Conference Room. A vote on the by-laws will be taken on the amended number of meetings and an update concerning the renovation/temporary quarters will be given. Dr. Fischer requested that LAB members ask other faculty what their concerns were about the library facilities and services during the library renovation period.
 
 

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Ellen Shupe, Recording Secretary