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Recommendation 1: Create a Library Forum

Create a Library Forum charged with promoting inclusiveness throughout CUL.  Specifically, the charge of the Library Forum is to

  • provide all CUL staff with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of how CUL operates in the context of the greater information environment and its goals and priorities
  • be heard on issues important to CUL staff and the library
  • be more engaged in the life of the broader library and university communities

We propose a basic structure for the Library Forum but recognize that the final determination will depend on input from CUL administrators and staff.

  • All CUL staff are members of the Library Forum.
  • The University Librarian serves as chair of the Library Forum.
  • The Library Forum Steering Committee consists of six members with a minimum of two academic and two non-academic staff members elected by CUL staff.  The Steering Committee is responsible for the planning and programming of regular Library Forum meetings, as well as oversight of any standing or ad hoc committees created.  Meetings might consist of in-house or guest speakers discussing emerging technologies, current trends in libraries and higher education, and issues specific to CUL (e.g., goals, budget, or the new library Web page) or to the university.

In addition, we recommend that

  • the first Library Forum Steering Committee draft bylaws that address a variety of administrative issues, such as the minimum number of meetings per year, the creation of standing committees, the elections process, and term limits.  Before they take effect, these bylaws must be approved by the University Librarian and by CUL staff.
  • the maximum term of members be two years to provide the opportunity for more staff to participate.
  • at least one standing committee, Career and Professional Development, be created as soon as possible to promote professional and career development programming for all staff.

We think that establishing the Library Forum would be appealing to CUL staff of all ranks and status, who would have the opportunity to attend and participate in programs that the Steering and other Library Forum committees develop and who could actively participate by serving on these committees without concern that their rank or status is a barrier.  The elected Steering Committee would appoint volunteers to staff the committees.

At the same time, establishing a Library Forum along the lines proposed requires that administrators and supervisors recognize the value of involvement of their staff members in Library Forum activities and that they encourage such participation.  Without this support, the Library Forum can not accomplish its mission.

 

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