Research and Instructional Support Group Minutes

11/25/09, 9:30 – 10:30, Rotch Conference Room  Bartley, Cohn, Green (chair), Locknar, McCann, Perkins (minutes), Sweeney

Guest:   Ann Whiteside  

The meeting focused on reference and instruction issues related to the Specialized Services department in the new organization. 

1.  Introduction

Remlee gave a brief review of the committee’s projects and goals, service vision statement, and RISG’s perspective on service desk staffing.   Main points of the service desk discussion:

  •  Each unit is unique, so different models are appropriate.
  •  Librarian involvement is important, whether participating in service at the desk or in terms of training.
  • Communication between librarians and support staff is important in building knowledge and trust.
  • Proximity to the user community is an advantage (e.g. Dewey and Rotch).

2. Discussion:  questions for Ann.  Main points:

--How can we be involved in the discussion of service points among new department heads?   Ann and the other “bubble” heads are seeking ideas. This will be discussed at the targeted sessions, and people are also welcome to meet with Tracy, Howard, and Ann individually.

--The RISG inventory will be sent to all heads.

--How will AMPS and video services fit into the new organization?  AMPS and TechTV are in Ann’s area; she is in communication with both.  She sees an opportunity to create a higher profile for AMPS within the Library, and sees significant connectivity and potential knowledge transfer between these two functions and Specialized Services.  The AMPS business model may be revisited.  The options for video capture services need to be clearly presented.

--Thoughts on how Specialized Services can collaborate with the rest of the organization?   This is under consideration now and input is welcome.  A formal, rigid model probably won’t work; flexibility is needed.   A team approach is a possibility.        

--Scope of Specialized Services?   Out of scope:  printed books.   Non-print, with some exceptions, will be part of Specialized Services.   The Information Assets Strategy and S.S. departments will need to work together.       

--How does Ann envision her role and connections to other departments?  

  • Wants to bring these types of content together and create cohesiveness among them, while acknowledging the differences.
  • Wants to help "mainstream" staff knowledge of specialized services.
  • Ann and Tracy are considering how this communication will work.

--Discussion of how committees and task forces fit into our work.  Issues we deal with in committees are often seen as add-ons to our work, when they should be seen as part of our work.   

--Location of Specialized Services groups:  dispersed or together?   Space is the issue.   Groups will be dispersed initially, but in time might be located together.    

3. Discussion:  questions from Ann.  Main points

--How do RISG members envision their roles in relation to Specialized Services?   Need to increase our knowledge so we can provide appropriate referrals.  Examples: data sets, bioinformatics, GIS.  Desk staff also need to learn more about these services.

--How to accomplish this?   We may have an opportunity to structure jobs so that people are involved in new areas.

--Job descriptions:   

  • The more “description” in a job description, the better.   Job descriptions don’t accurately reflect the breadth of our responsibilities.
  • The job descriptions of support staff at the service desks do not include providing reference service, but they do.
  • In the new organization people will work across departments.  Job descriptions will be important.

--Reporting structure?   Staff in Specialized Services will report to Ann, even if they also work in other departments.   Communication between department heads on staff performance will be important.    

Next meeting:  December 16, 10 – 11:45, Rotch

Minutes:   Sweeney

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