The University of Kansas Libraries

KU Libraries Support Staff

KULSS Executive Meeting
Thursday, November 4, 10:00-11:00
Spencer Research Library (Lounge)

Present: Jill Becker (Chair), Meredith Huff (Vice-Chair), Kristin Zachrel (Secretary), Adam Reilly (Group 1), Julie Warrick (Group 2), Robert Szabo (Group 3)

Absent: None

Guest: Mary Ann Baker

Previous Meeting's Action Items

• Mary Ann Baker reported the University Support Staff of the KU Senate belongs to a group of Regents schools and as such we have the capacity to report to the Regents and interact with legislators. A group is getting together to write up a proposal asking for a 3.5% pay raise. Mary Ann inquired if asking for a raise in these economic times is a good thing politically? The general consensus among the KULSS-Exec is to ask for a raise.
  • Discussed issue of retention at KU with Lorraine Haricombe and Mike Broadwell. A survey went out to determine if faculty were leaving because of the freeze on pay raises. The results have not come in but this may be something to consider when writing this proposal.
• EEO job category: Mike Broadwell reported that these categories are "based on criteria set by the federal government that places Library Assistant/Associates in the Secretarial/Clerical category. This process is part of KU affirmative action plan and those categories were determined based on the job descriptions we have for those positions. The EEO process is a behind the scenes process and its designation has no impact on title, pay or benefits here at KU.  With the exception of the USS Senate request that uses EEO designation for voting."
  • KULSS-Exec will not investigate further.
• Kent did not have a timeline for the improvements to the break room.
• Results from the Code Change ballot - 31 votes to approve changes. Kristin will update the code.
  
  

Group Reports

Group 1 (Adam):

• Cataloging had a Halloween party on Monday, November 1st.
• There was a department meeting last week to discuss the Voyager updates and a plan to build a temporary annex facility because the current annex is filling up quickly.
• The search for a Library Assistant in Cataloging was canceled because the annex isn't busy enough so hiring a new staff member was taken off the table by the Dean.
  
  

Group 2 (Julie):

• Serials shifting has been completed. The place they were located is empty but the space will probably be used.
• Christen Caton went to an Access Services conference in Madison.
• Julie Warrick will be going to an Access Services conference in Atlanta from the 10th-12th.
  
  

Group 3 (Robert):

• Spencer:
  • Will start shrinking the reference collection. Beth Whittaker wants to reduce it down to the wooden shelves in the reading room. Mostly the materials are special collections but when they combined the reading room the thought was if it’s not a rare book it should go in reference. They will start over the winter break and finish by the end of spring.
  • Spencer had a big leak downstairs during homecoming. There was a brunch on the terrace and outside caterers were hired. The caterers put food down the sink in the lounge and it overflowed in the sink and water fountain downstairs. Water got all over the floor and in boxes, ruining a lot of supplies. They put a temporary sign on the sink informing people not to use it until they can get a permanent sign instructing not to put food down the sink. Preservation spent Tuesday cleaning the mess. The drinking fountain has been removed and the sink might be taken out as well.
  • On Tuesday, November 2 Kim Warren did a presentation and book signing at Spencer.
  • Becky Schulte's History of the Jayhawk presentation at Liberty Hall went well. At least 200 people RSVP'd and 150 people attended.
  • The closed stacks area in Spencer may be getting motion lights to improve energy efficiency.
• Anschutz:
  • There is a flu clinic and health fair coming up.
  • The express printing station will arrive in the next week. Patrons will need to enter their 16 digit KU ID number to print. They won't have to log in so there will be no waiting for authentication.
  • Energy consultants are working to make lighting more efficient. 30 watt bulbs will be replaced with 20 watt bulbs. A fire was caused in Watson when they replaced bulbs to 20 watt.
  • A discussion will take place about getting recreational reading at Anschutz.
• Music & Dance: Nancy Hawkins has retired. The new position will be split with Engineering.
• Spahr: Waiting for their laptops to arrive.
  
  

Committee Reports

Support Staff Senate: Nothing to report.

University Committee on Libraries:

• They have a specific charge to obtain separate reports from libraries and IT to review the decoupling. This is related to the Heron report which will be made available to the committee for review. Their December 1st deadline will most likely be extended. They are seeking information from faculty, staff, and students about concerns and will convene an open meeting with these groups.
  
  

Mentoring Committee: Nothing to report.

Libraries Organizational and Staff Development Committee (LOSDC): Nothing to report.

Meeting Updates

Dean's Council (next mtg: Nov. 19): October 22 Minutes: http://www.lib.ku.edu/staff/docs/Notes/indexDC.shtml

• Lorraine is on the steering committee for developing a strategic plan. The task forces for this committee have been announced and Jennifer Church-Duran and Deb Ludwig are on the task force.
• A library assessment council is currently being formed and its role and charges are being developed.
• Shannon Royer went over the 1st quart summary of budget and we’re on track as predicted.
  
  

Management Council (next mtg: Nov. 17): Nothing to report.

Dean's KULSS (next mtg: Dec. 7):

• Staff participation: there is a low number of votes and low participation in activities. We're not sure if it’s a concern but Lorraine thought it was good to know if there are other underlying issues. She noted that the Jayhawk-of-the-Month has energized staff to go to the all-staff meetings, which are mostly attended by support staff. Also, staff are getting their information from other avenues such as the all staff meetings and Monday Musings. She suggested spotlighting a support staff person.
  • Maybe we could do profiles leading up to the spring workshop as a type of recognition.
  • Robert had an idea for sending weekly emails highlighting one staff member. We could start this at the beginning of next semester. We'll need to come up with a form of questions.
  • We'll send out a survey about the kinds of activities staff want to participate in at the workshop and we could ask for feedback on participation and connectedness.
  • Invite new staff to to the KULSS-Exec meetings to let them know what we're about.
    
    

Concerns to Bring up with the Dean: None

Action Items for Next Meeting:

Parking Lot
(Items to be aware of for the future, not necessarily discussed in current meeting)

• Workshop planning

Next Meeting: November 18, 10:00-11:30 at Anschutz 305