The UConn Library System

This week the Provost met with the One UConn Library Task Force to discuss the report we submitted before the holiday break. The Provost agreed with the group that restructuring the University Library will lead to an enhanced, consistent user experience through formal, deeper collaboration. As a result, the Provost has formally approved the formation of The UConn Library System. There are many details to work out and I will keep you posted on changes as we move forward.

Budget Updates

On Tuesday we submitted the documentation required for our upcoming budget hearing with the Provost and CFO, scheduled for January 28th. This hearing is our opportunity to discuss the current fiscal health of the Library and the plans we have moving forward to address the 3% reduction next fiscal year. Thank you to Holly and the Financial Services Unit for all their help with pulling together the documentation that will enable us to tell our fiscal story.

I have also been invited by the University Senate Budget Committee to present at their February meeting. This committee reviews the allocations made by the University and may recommend Senate opinion on financial implications of those allocations.  I will once again take this opportunity to continue to raise awareness on the impact the budget reductions have had on our services and collections.

Finally, we have been given the go ahead to present a proposal for a modest library student fee to the Provost. We are hopeful that we can work out a sensible fee structure that we all agree on. If we clear this next hurdle, we hope to have the adoption of the fee on the agenda for the February Board of Trustees meeting.

Campus Wide Copyright & Fair Use Committee

I am pleased that the campus wide Copyright & Fair Use Committee will have its first meeting next week. The group’s draft charge is to provide a forum to identify and discuss copyright issues, and in some cases, to recommend policies and procedures for consideration by the University. Members of the group include the Office of General Counsel, eCampus, the Vice President for Research and members of the faculty.

Hats off to 2016 Party

I wanted to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate the start of 2016. I enjoyed it very much and have gotten similar feedback from both current and former staff. I felt a positive vibe and hope to keep that momentum going in what will no doubt be a busy year. Of particular interest was the ‘One Word’ activity that produced some wonderful words to consider for 2016. Some of my favorites include possibility, kindness, progress, listen, respect and breathe. Thanks to all of you who wore your best hats to the party and congratulations to Patty Guardiani and Chris McNevins for winning the popular vote. For great photos of the event, check out our staff news blog (a reminder that your username and password are those you use to get into your computer.) And a special thank you to Dave Avery and Tony Molloy who spent the better part of the day working on the logistics – from moving tables and carrying food back and forth from the kitchen in Archives and Special Collections.