Regional Campus Libraries Discussion Group
ALA Annual Meeting 2007

1. Attending:

• Kathy Arsenault (University of South Florida, St. Petersburg)
• Jennifer Clement (University System of Maryland, Hagerstown)
• Linda Frederiksen (University of Washington, Vancouver)
• Kristen Gibson (Ohio State University, Mansfield)
• Robbin Glaser (Troy University, Dothan)
• Cynthia Kisby (University of Central Florida)
• Katalin Mouyal (University of Maryland, Shady Grove)
• Niyati Pandya (University of Maryland, Shady Grove)
• Darby Syrkin (Florida State University, Panama City)
• Alica White (Penn State , Mont Alto)

2. Note taker: Kathy Arsenault (University of South Florida, St. Petersburg)

3. Group Co-Leadership Schedule:

2007-2008: Alica White and Darby Syrkin (Darby's final year)

2008-2009: Alica White and Anna Salyer (Alica's final year)

2009:2010: Anna Salyer and Tina Schneider (Anna's final year)

2010-2011: Tina Schneider and ??? (Tina's final year)

4. Discussion Topic:

The Regional/Branch Campus Library and the Changing Educational Landscape:

Darby Syrkin suggested that the meeting focus on experiences and solutions for the following significant campus changes:

• New facilities:

Katalin Mouyal and Darby Syrkin discussed their campus libraries significant expansions. Staffing for extended hours and additional service points has been requested by both libraries, but they are awaiting responses. It was suggested that funding or actual staffing could be requested for other institutions hosted at joint-use facilities, and noted that administrators don't always respond to reports and statistics.

• Freshmen:

Linda Frederiksen at the University of Washington Vancouver discussed her library's recent experience after the institution first admitted lower-level students. Materials purchased now have to include materials for general educational courses, additional databases, and eBooks. The library was given an additional position to coordinate library orientation and instruction, but they would like additional training in instructional design and techniques that is not available at the Vancouver campus.

• Changing academic programs:

Attendees agreed that including a ‘library sign-off' on new programs would improve communication, and several libraries represented have such a procedure. Alternatively, a good administrative relationship with Academic Affairs or librarian membership on Faculty Senates/Councils can provide additional information about new program needs. Some regional campuses host unique programs requiring unique materials. Other university systems are mandating reducing materials duplications across campuses. Electronic resources available to all campuses are cost effective, sometimes paid by regional campus libraries through percentage assessments based on FTE. A suggestion was made to set up memoranda of understanding with hosted programs so that expectations would be clear. Also, accreditation issues may provide a compelling argument for additional library funding.

• Transition to residential campus:

Two campuses represented had just initiated residence halls. This leads to requests for extended hours. It was noted that hiring hourly security guards was more economical than additional regular positions. One library is considering offering librarian hours in the new residence hall, plus additional online tutorials to meet 24/7 expectations.

5. Round robin:

• Robbin Glaser is co-authoring an article on regional campus concerns and may use the listserv as a focus group and/or distribute a survey.
• Katalin Mouyal has published an article:

Mouyal, K. (2007). A balancing act: User demand versus programs driven collection management at a small, regional academic library. Collection Management 30 (4), 85-104.

• Other members present announced news of their institutions and libraries.

Adjournment:

The meeting concluded at 5:30 pm and members are encouraged to attend the meeting planned for the Philadelphia Midwinter conference.