Area and International Studies New Service Model (NSM) Team
February 3, 2009, 11:00-12:00 Rm 423
Present: Barbara Ford, Chair, Jan Adamczyk, Paula Carns, Shuyong Jiang(minutes), Al
Kagan, Andrew Orta, Susan Schnuer, Marek Sroka, John Wagstaff and Scott Walter.
Absent: Merle Bowen, Lynne Rudasill
Guests: Beth Woodard, Central Reference, Kathleen Kluegel, English Library (11:30-11:45)
I. Barbara reviewed provost Katehi's letter and emphasis on points in the
letter:
- How to invest our resources and allow UI library to continue to lead in 21st century
- What more can be done?-move more quickly, best possible use of financial and personnel
resources
- Immediate action
II.The report is due by May 1, 2009
- If we want to be included in library's response to Provost our ideas need to be finalized and
vetted by April 1
- First report on 3/2/09 in order to have it vetted by library executive committee
- More detailed report on May 1, 2009
III. Rundown the list of the units to be included in the new services model:
- Area studies: Asian, African, Latin American and Caribbean, Slavic
- Modern Language and Literature
- Global Studies/European Union
- International Documents? (Began discussion...to be continued)
- English? (Kathleen provided some information on English library, and its services. She
sees the English Library services in three perspective, language, literature and culture. In her
view, the cultural elements is more fitting for the new model, but others pointed out that
literature and culture are closely related, would be fit for the new model)
IV. Central Reference and New Model
- Beth discussed the central reference and the referral mechanism for subject specialist. It is
pointed out that to better use the resources, instead of having subject specialist to serve several
hours at the info desk, it will be wise to refer them, so that they can do more in-depth research.
It is mentioned that in addition to the info desk, maybe we need a research desk, where librarians
and subject specialist will not have been tied to the desk and can move around.
- More about whether subject specialists should serve on central reference. One point Scott made
is that the library has many distinguished collections, and our international collections are
distinguished points of the library, we would be wise to retain these in a place where the special
needs can be addressed, such as international newspapers, need to have more tools, translation
software, video and audio set up and other specialized services need.
- It is also mentioned to make the reference collection of regional studies more accessible and
available.
V. What kind of Reference Services
- It is acknowledged that the New Service Model will have tiered service levels. Slavic Reference
represents a high level with subject specialty, personnel and funding, but we also need basic level
in place. Beth points out the need of the cross training for reference tools in various subject
areas.
VI. Half day retreat
- It is suggested that the group set a half day to continue brainstorming and come up with some
recommendations. This report should include assumptions of the intellectual part of the new service
model and how we take this as an opportunity for greater possible impact. Any model that we might
have should bring existing resources together to facilitate greater use and easy access. Further
consultation may be sought and details may be added for a complete report on May 1.
- Barbara will work with Scott to try to find a facilitator for the session. We will try to hold
the session during the week of February 16-20.
VII. The bottom line is that we need to consider the New Service Model in the light of the
campus global competency with area specialties. We should take this as an opportunity and consider
what we really need to do, how we can do well/better, and continue to be competent.
