Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

[Attendance and routine business items edited out here]

STATE LIBRARY REPORT

Karen Guyot reported on the Library Services and Technology Act. She explained that the plan for LSTA and the State Library's strategic plan were developed concurrently-- they are obviously tightly related -- but are independent, nevertheless. She gave a short summary of the history of Library Services and Construction Act and LSTA, with an emphasis on how the newer version differs from the one we are historically used to. Major differences to be aware of include:

1. LSTA is mandated to "Stimulate excellence and access to learning"
2. LSTA is open to all libraries, with an emphasis on two major goals, the first to benefit special populations, and the second to facilitate the adoption of technology.
3. There are fewer specific rules. However, this has resulted in a large number of ambiguities that are still unresolved. As a result, the date for submission of proposals is not yet firmed up.

Guyot recommended that LMDC makes sure it is represented at October 29 action plan meetings, and that we use the advisory council to communicate policy concerns to WSL.

DISTANCE EDUCATION COMMITTEE has not met yet. Thompson asked Carr to hand out and discuss the latest On-Line College Consortium description. Many questions were discussed, including:

• Several LMDC members had seen an earlier document mentioning Information Competency and "preparing for the 21st Century"; it seems to be missing here. Why?
• Are all these courses transferable under ICRC regulations??
• Is this a terminal degree, like the AT??
• What does LMDC do on this? Consensus is to concentrate on core library services. A subcommittee (Van Vactor, coordinator, Symes, Leader, Carr) was formed to draft a position paper defining minimum and optimal levels of library service for on-line education; link to state plan and LSTA, and our white paper on Information Competency. Committee was reminded that the NW Association Standard 4 is changing (last one about 3 months ago.) The draft will come back to LMDC for approval; will be on the listserve.

THE LATEST UMI PROPOSAL for group purchase of their databases was presented by Grossman.

SHARED DATABASES

Jane Blume reported that last meeting's survey of various colleges' recommendations for specific databases yielded useless data, so a new survey was distributed.

JOINT AUTOMATION PROPOSAL for a $400,000 beginning to our coordinated library project: this was presented to Instruction Commission in July; IC endorsed it, and then sent it on to the Presidents just a few days later, where it was tabled. This means it is, in effect, dead. The money that was available (unspent portion of the ETI dollars) will not be spent on any project until several larger questions are answered. The Presidents asked the CTC Executive Committee to handle the issue, and they, in turn, want input from Instruction Commission.

The IC executive committee agreed that IC and LMDC will work on a joint proposal, based on our work to date, to go forth from this point. Their Executive Committee will present this as a proposal to the entire IC at its next meeting. Jim Crabbe is being proposed to be on the joint proposal task force because he is the IC's liaison to LMDC; the other IC members are not yet named.

Members broke into four small groups to develop new plans, based upon this latest information, about our request for funds. Topics and a short summary of recommendations were:

1. Develop and implement interfaced/integrated Library Systems that would allow the college libraries to link to each other and to share each others catalogs and resources. A common goal needs to be emphasized at all times: easy and expeditious access to information for students and our larger community. To accomplish this requires:
   • common interface of online catalogs: technical requirements, standards; uniform formats for online catalogs.
   • online sharing of other resources: databases, graphics, video
   • common circulation policies to enhance universal borrowing.
2. Develop each college library's core and digital collections at a minimum level to ensure that students' basic needs are met at the college where they are registered.
   • We first need to explain the fact that students' basic needs are NOT being met, and that we don't have basic minimal resources to support the programs. We can do this by assessing our collections (such as the conspectus approach) to determine currency and relevancy; and by creating a more visible and systematic way to collaborate at all levels, especially as it relates to electronic core materials (a system-wide office to address library issues?)
   • One activity that can actually address the problem itself would to relieve libraries of basic costs, e.g., digital joint subscriptions to free up other moneys to develop local collections
3. Expand Information Access for Distance Education students
   • Comments pointed out the five interrelated needs of Infrastructure; Access; Service; Training (for both students and faculty); and Administrative issues.
4. Provide training in library applications for students
   • Before system-wide training can occur, there has to be some system-wide common elements: for example a basic (core) set of databases to teach; and the existence of an on-line reference structure available to all!
   • Any training has to also allow local and unique resources to be taught. This could imply a common interface to different databases.
   • Training has to assess incoming skill levels; and require or assume a minimum level of skill with computers at entry to the class.
   • Link to Online degree library class, but do not restrict it only to that -- others need this also.
   • Curriculum driven/focused training for use of WWW
   • Must include critical thinking and information competency criteria; evaluation of information, not just its retrieval.
   • Must include skills needed to use all information media
   • Must include how to use the actual reference structure -- using whatever mechanism in appropriate.

DAY 2

CTC REPORT

Juanita Morgan spoke about current affairs at the CTC:

• It has a totally new organizational structure. The staff were a part of the development, and have given complete support.
• Ann Suter will be doing all training, documentation and quality assurance for administrative products as well as instructional ones.
• 31 staff members will be needed to fill this new table or organization; to date, 10 FTE have been added.
• There is a "Product Specialist" position for libraries, but it is one of the ones not yet filled. Although most product specialists are under the Development Services, it is not clear that the library one will go there -- it may be under Education and Product Services. Gerspach's position is currently under Walt Marth (a product specialist) and will probably continue to answer to him.
• Each campus will need an updated or new campus technology plan.
• Things are at a standstill with Buzzio: several deadlines have been missed, and there is serious concern about their ability to complete projects to CTC's satisfaction.
• No real new news about K-20.
• In conclusion, significant challenges face the CTC.

Questions asked:

• If there is a library product specialist, how will s/he be selected? Will there be library input?
• Can we get an "Information Marketing plan" to clarify the details?
• Who can LMDC talk to as it develops proposals? A: ITPG (InformationTechnology Planning Group)

LMDC WEB PAGE

We talk to Elaine to get space. Shoreline will provide personnel to develop (Elena Bianco and Tom Moran.) Eric Palo will work with them. It was recommended that the Information Competency statement get on there at once.

INSTRUCTION COMMISSION REPORT

Jim Crabbe stressed the value of communication; he agreed we are wise to concentrate on strategy and tactics and knowledge of how the process works.

• LMDC stated to him that we welcome requests from IC for assistance and advice. If it has issues it is concerned about that involve us, we are happy to serve. How can we help you? For example, help with K-20 video network?

CLAMS REPORT

Stephanie Carter from Centralia is new President.

COOPERATIVE LIBRARY PROJECT OF THE 4-YEAR UNIVERSITIES distributed a report showing this project continues, and it will be going for supplemental budget funding. They continue to list CC/TC's Libraries as "coming along" onto their project in a few years: LMDC discussed if we really would be ready; consensus was, we would not be unless our various project requests were undertaken soon.

WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES

Zimmerman is President elect. Fall Conference is at Pack Forest.

WASHINGTON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The major Legislative issue facing libraries this season is various harmful to minors actions. It is likely that submitted legislation will not have an exception for libraries.

INFORMATION COMPETENCY COMMITTEE

No report, however, they still will plan an activity.

RECIPROCAL BORROWING AGREEMENT amongst the 32 Community and Technical Colleges: members expressed concern about legal authority to comply with the draft as written. Consensus during discussion was that to be effective, the agreement needs a campus by campus sign-on, rather than just being passed by LMDC. Can we set a vision? Leader will write a draft proposal to move thru IC and WACTCP; Havist, Carr, and Backes will assist.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Zimmerman, Weber, Gilchrist.

WASHINGTON STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON LIBRARIES

Backes is our representative. As a group, it is terminating, since it existed to advise on use of LSCA funds, which have now been replaced by the new LSTA. Backes is on the task force to develop a new advisory council, structured to meet the requirement of the new Act.

NEXT MEETINGS will be at Pierce College on February 5-6. Spring meeting will be at Walla Walla, May 7-8. It was recommended that the next meeting concentrate on LMDC's cooperative Library Projects (a.k.a. Propositions 5.0 and 0.4.) How can we advocate for their advancement? Let's invite our IC liaison to talk about his recommendations for getting IC's help.

Submitted by Stanley W. Horton, LMDC Secretary
Grays Harbor College

Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8