Guidance needed on when to convert Faculty Delivery button on ACORN to the new service

Jim Toplon joined the group to update the directors on the progress made toward implementing faculty delivery. Jim reported that while the interoperability of the delivery infrastructure with existing ILLiad components is complex, most technical issues have been resolved and the technical details necessary to support the delivery service are nearly resolved. The interface has been successfully demonstrated to the Faculty Delivery Project Team. Procedural and policy issues have been discussed by the Team and agreement by the group on these matters is imminent.

Jim sought LDC’s permission to activate the Faculty Delivery button on ACORN to allow further testing prior to his group issuing a final report. He admitted that while his group would prefer to issue a final report before going live with the service, further testing was necessary and going live would be the best way to test the service. Jim anticipates that the use of the button will not be overwhelming initially. LDC agreed to allow the button to go live. The anticipated activation date is the week of May 21.

Lisa Shipman joined the group to present a budget update. The budget has been approved and Lisa soon will populate the various budget lines with dollar figures with the exception of the salary and fringe lines pending the determination of salary increases, merit awards, and equity adjustments. Lisa asked the directors to review salaries within individual libraries to identify possible salary inequities and report back to her within a week. Lisa cautioned that equity adjustments may be necessary for librarians who have worked in the Heard Library for up to five years and for hourly employees who earn close to $10.hr. Salary letters will be available for review by the directors by mid-June.

Tracy Primich requested that the LDC discuss student compensation, hiring, and retention at the various libraries. Tracy’s concerns were twofold: the likely increase in the minimum wage; and the Science & Engineering Library’s difficulties with recruitment and retention, especially with regard to graduate students who are hired to work late night shifts. The directors, with input from Lisa Shipman, discussed the situation, sharing and comparing practices among the libraries. Tracy likely will increase wages at Science & Engineering, and there may come a time when an exception to the budget may be requested for student salaries. The directors agreed to further discuss this issue during the summer.

Tracy Primich reported to the LDC on the activities of the CAC.

• 1.) ACORN screen logins will be changing around July 1. Text has been revised to better explain signing into ACORN using either a VUNet ID or social security number. The new screens should provide a plain, straightforward procedure for users to follow.
• 2.) A common reserves process was agreed upon by CAC. All libraries will follow uniform procedures to enter reserves into ACORN beginning in the fall. Training to implement the Library-wide process will occur this summer.
• 3.) CAC agreed to continue the use of contracts for students checking out laptops. At the meeting’s adjournment, the LDC agreed to further discuss the use of these contracts with the possibility of deciding upon the necessity of their continued use.