Present:  Maggie Bartley, Peter Cohn (chair), Jen Harter, Lisa Horowitz, Angie Locknar, Georgiana McReynolds, Michael Noga (scribe), Anita Perkins, Alan Rostoff, Mark Szarko, Lisa Sweeney
Guests:  Darcy Duke, Nicole Hennig

Announcements:

• Rostoff was welcomed to the Group.
• RISG is responsible for recommending what statistics should be taken at public service desks by February.  The new statistics sheets will be put in place on July 1.
• Locknar used video capturing to videotape an instruction piece for 2.007 (Alex Slocum's course).  See http://smcs-webserver-sma1.mit.edu/sma/2006-2007

Metalib/X-server Task Force:

• Hennig and Duke talked about a report on possible implementation of Metalib and X-server software.  Several libraries have used Metalib software from Ex-Libris with mixed results.  The X-server could be used to customize Metalib.
• A demonstration was made to the Group.  The software could be use to create a simple "good enough" search, especially for undergraduates.  There was some discussion about embedding librarian expertise into the search, telling users the sources of their results, ordering the results, grouping the sources that are searched by subject, and the fact that some important databases just won't work with the software.
• An interim report has been submitted to the Project SimpLR Taskforce.  A final report will be submitted in May.

Assessment Brainstorm:

What questions can RISG ask that will help us assess the benchmark, "Users are aware of and understand our services and policies"?

• Horowitz led the group in following an assessment exercise similar to one used at the recent Public Services meeting.
• We want to create assessment projects that are sustainable and can be managed in a year.
• The Group identified several ideas which will be winnowed down at the next meeting.
• The Group must decide its assessment project and the necessary tools by the February PSLG meeting.

Next meeting:  Jan. 17, 10 AM in Rotch