November and December are the holiday months and traditionally busy for every one. The Libraries have been very busy because students are in the process of completing research activities and preparing for exams. Additionally, several library activities are highlighted below.

Library personnel collected more than 900 surveys from our users in all the libraries and in the Student Activities Center. David Horvath, Melissa Laning and Carol Brinkman are working with Information Technology (IT) to scan the results into a database and analyze them, using statistical database software. We will begin to address the findings in 1998.

The University Libraries became an institutional member of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), joining more than 1500 members in 142 countries. This organization promotes international understanding, cooperation, discussion, research and development in all areas of library activity. We will regularly receive IFLA publications and other important international library information while sharing our own activities and expertise globally. Currently, I represent U.S. libraries on the IFLA University and Research Libraries Section.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

  • Student lounge revitalization is still being planned.
  • A security audit of Ekstrom Library has been completed.
  • On-going problems with copy machines is being addressed.
  • Shipping and Receiving is now handling interlibrary loan mail.

SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

  • Increased hours before and during final exams in Ekstrom Library
  • Continual updating of electronic databases.
  • Work with faculty committees to increase role of library faculty in rethinking teaching.
  • Responses to the RFP for the new library system have been received. An evaluation process will occur during the week of December 15.

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

  • The Libraries co-hosted the Homecoming Tailgate party.
  • Ekstrom Library is hosting the Library Associates Program on December 5, featuring author Eugenia K. Potter.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

  • Continued cooperative work with SAALCK to finalize implementation plan for funding the resource sharing among academic libraries in the state.
  • Worked with Metroversity libraries to prepare guidelines for Brown Foundation Grant for Z39.50 capabilities.

ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES

  • Call went out for applications for team leaders. A search committee including Alice Abbott-Moore, Angela Klueber, Karen Little, and Gail Gilbert will work with me to finalize this process.
  • Work with Vice Presidents on Enabling Plan for strategic planning process to take place from January B March, 1998.
  • Gary Freiburger started his position as Director of Kornhauser Library, December 1, 1997.
  • Diane Nichols began her position as Interim Director of Ekstrom Library and Coordinator of Internal Operations December 1, 1997.

--Hannelore Rader, University Librarian