Library Office Notes

Present:  Allen, Bregman, Brockman, Chrzastowski, Conrad, Henigman, Kruger, McKenzie, O’Brien, Olsen, Schmidt, Searing, Watson, Williams, Wright

Announcements

O’Brien announced that Dan Burgard’s web site on "College and University Rankings" at http//www.library.uiuc.edu/edx/rankings.htm was listed in the April 15 issue of Library Journal as of the Best Reference Web Sites of 1998.

Circulation Issues

Kruger led a discussion of new book shelf policies in relation to the macro Bregman and Kruger have developed to streamline new books processing.  The focus of the discussion was whether it might be possible to have a library-wide policy concerning circulation of new books.  The proposal prepared by the DRA CIRC/ILL team points out the defects of having a new book shelf charge ID as existed in LCS and suggests that new books should circulate with a short loan period.  Selectors are reluctant to give up practices that they believe best serve the needs of their primary clientele. After discussion of the pros and cons of the proposal it was agreed that more information was needed by division members.

Smoking Policy

F. O’Brien reported that the Library has asked for clarification of several points in the new policy, as have other campus units; for example, would a smoking lounge with an exhaust fan be permitted under the new policy?  The Library also does not want to be held responsible for enforcing the policy outside the building.

Staff Service on Committees

It was agreed that staff should be reminded to consult with their unit heads before agreeing to serve on a library committee.  Ability of staff to serve must be take into account unit workload and is at the discretion of the unit head.

Discussion of Withdrawal Policy

Postponed to the next meeting.

 COMMUNICATIONS LIBRARIAN
and
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION

Position Available August 21, 1999.  A full-time tenured position as Associate Professor of Library Administration.

Date Posted:  April 26, 1999

Responsibilities:   Reporting through the Social Sciences Division Coordinator to the Deputy University Librarian, the Communications Librarian is responsible for the staff, services, and collections of the Communications Library.   With primary responsibility for the Communications Library's public service, bibliographic instruction, collection development, and original cataloging activities, the Librarian hires and supervises staff, manages the budget, interprets general Library policies, and, along with other staff members, provides reference services and research assistance to the Library's clientele.  Coordinates all aspects of collection development in the Communications Library, and works closely with College of Communication faculty to assure that the Library's programs, services, and collections meet the needs of faculty and students.  Prepares the quarterly annotated bibliography, "New Books in the Communications Library," distributed internationally. Develops electronic resources and services, both local and remote, and fosters the incorporation of these resources into the ongoing scholarly activities of library users.  Serves as liaison to other University Library units, librarians, and with faculty, visiting scholars, and students.  Represents the Communications Library in local, national, and international activities.  Encourages the planning and implementation of programs of resource sharing and cooperative collection development with other regional and national library programs.  May participate in the preparation of proposals for external funding for special projects.

Library and College:  As a member of a decentralized library system, which includes 45 departmental and college libraries, the Communications Library is part of the Social Sciences Division.  In addition to the Librarian, Communications Library personnel include 2 staff members and 1.6 FTE student assistants.  Located in Gregory Hall, the Communications Library holds nearly 20,000 volumes, receives over 240 serials, includes the noted D'Arcy collection of historical advertisements, and is complemented by holdings in the Main Library Central Bookstacks and other library locations.  The Communications Library serves the College of Communications, its departments of Advertising and Journalism, the Institute of Communications Research, the program of Media Studies, and the Division of Broadcasting.  The College includes 47 faculty, 500 undergraduate and 100 graduate students.  Strong academic and professional masters-level programs in advertising and journalism complement the doctoral program in communications within the Institute of Communications Research.  More information about the Communications Library is available at <http//www.library.uiuc.edu/cmx>http//www.library.uiuc.edu/cmx/

Qualifications Required:  ALA accredited MLS or equivalent.  Minimum of five years relevant experience in an academic research library, including collection development.  Knowledge of the information needs of scholars in communications, cultural studies, advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and media studies, as demonstrated by academic course work or library experience in these areas.  Knowledge of new technologies and their application to enhancing information services. Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to manage change in a positive manner.   Superior oral and written communication skills.  Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues, students, and academic faculty in a complex, changing, and multicultural environment.  Evidence of research orientation and ability to meet university standards for a tenured faculty appointment.  Preferred Supervisory experience.   Understanding of current trends and issues in publishing.  Demonstrated ability to plan and implement new programs and services.  Desired Experience in original cataloging.

 Salary and Rank Salary commensurate with credentials and experience.

Librarians have faculty rank and must demonstrate excellence in librarianship, research, publication, and university/ professional/community service in order to meet university standards for promotion and tenure.

Terms of  Appointment:  Twelve month appointment; 24 work days vacation per year; 11 paid holidays; 12 days annual sick leave (cumulative up to a maximum 240 days) plus an additional 13 days (non-cumulative) per year if necessary; health insurance, requiring a small co-payment, is provided to employees (coverage for dependents may be purchased); participation in the State Universities Retirement System, which includes several private options, is compulsory upon appointment (8% of staff member's salary is withheld and is tax exempt until retirement); newly hired university employees are covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security, and are subject to its deduction.

Campus & Community:  Urbana-Champaign, located about 135 miles south of Chicago, is a university community of over 100,000 inhabitants, plus a student population of over 35,000. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an administrative, academic and support staff of over 12,000.  Many of the academic units of the university are recognized for national leadership in instruction and research.  The Library ranks first in size among state university libraries and third among all universities in the country.

Apply:  Send letter of application and complete resume with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five references to Allen G. Dries, Library Personnel Manager, University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign, 1408 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois, 61801.  Phone (217) 333-5494.  The University Library welcomes applications from minority group members, women, and others whose background may contribute to further diversification of ideas and attitudes.

Deadline  In order to ensure full consideration, applications and nominations must be received by June 10, 1999.