Library Committee Minutes for Apr 3 2019
Minutes
The Academic Senate Committee on Library Committee met on Apr 3 2019 LB 224
Committee Members in Attendance:
Prof. Prof. Agnieszka Tuszynska (Committee Chair),
Prof. Hayes Peter Mauro,
Prof. Larisa Honey (Secretary),
Prof. Biao Wang
Liaisons in Attendance:
Jeanne Galvin (Chief Librarian and Presidential Delegate)
Angela Ridinger-Dotterman, (Steering Committee Designee)
Business:
The meeting was called to order at 12.30pm
Guests in Attendance:
Hamid Namdar, Chair of the Engineering
Ronald Chan, President of Student Government
Monique T. Fisher, Executive Vice President of Student Government
Gisela Rivera, Director of Student Activities
Review/Approval of Minutes
Minutes from Feb. 27, 2019 were reviewed and approved with the suggestion that they be expanded upon.
STEAM Lab
Dr. Ridinger-Dotterman initiated the project, provided an overview of what it is, and spoke about what the library committee could do in terms of space development or as an organizational structure that coordinates with different spaces on campus. Suggestions included designing courses or classes where faculty could engage in interdisciplinary work, or using the space for student-faculty collaboration. The current proposal for the STEAM lab is modeled on Baruch’s The Maker Hut. That facility has limited access to technology, and faculty get release time to help other faculty collaborate. One example of the work conducted in the Maker Hut is a student collaborative project in which they designed, 3-D printed and marketed a product.
Dr. Namdar discussed the facilities in the Engineering Building, including the 3-D printers, and offered to give a tour. As long as they have access to a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file, the department has the equipment to print what is requested. Within a reasonable limit, the department has a budget for materials. The CAD software is available in the Engineering Technology lab and can be put on other computers. Students are trained in two courses on the use of this software.
Two concerns about the STEAM lab were staffing and space. Who would be responsible for the lab, what would the hours be, what type of compensation could be offered, where would the lab be located, and would the space be designated full time to the lab? One suggestion for space was the new Jewish Center building the school is scheduled to take over in August.
Prof. Ridinger-Dotterman presented her STEAM Lab draft proposal to the committee and discussed NEH grant collaborations between humanities and STEM faculty. Committee members were requested to read the proposal and email comments within the week.
Prof. Galvin suggested speaking with Dean Wong to seek college support for the grant.
Student Government Representatives
Mr. Chan presented the main concerns of the student government: the extension of the library’s hours and the addition of overnight borrowing of laptop computers. Current library hours are from 7:30 to 8:45. Other schools have 24 hour library services and vending machines with laptop rental. His research indicated that a 36-laptop vending machine would cost $54,000 to buy and $15,000 for yearly maintenance. He was concerned that the student technology budget was not enough to cover this cost. He sought the library committee’s support for the use of Student Government budget money for 5 overnight computers. Mr. Chan also made suggestions regarding the placement of computers in the library. An additional 30-40 computers are available in the Student Union and largely go unused.
Ms. Fisher added that library employees were interested in extended hours, at least until 11 or 12 for now.
Prof. Galvin noted that in May and December hours are extended to 9:45. Currently staffing and financial issues are hindering the extension of hours. She offered to look into the concerns at the meeting of the chief librarians. She noted that libraries with 24 hour services often have only security guards on staff overnight, limiting student access to reserve items. According to library user surveys, the top requests from students has been home loan of laptops and home loan of Wifi, and laptops were to be included in the upcoming library budget proposal. Prof. Galvin suggested the students go through their own channels, as student support would bolster the library budget proposal. With regards to placement of computers, the library is constrained by the placement of electrical outlets.
The library committee affirmed its support of the students in their request for overnight laptops.
Suggestions were made regarding signage in the library to help direct students to the extra computers in the Student Union. The student representatives were asked to send their budget ideas to the library committee and to Prof. Galvin so she could include them in her proposal.
Old Business
Dr. Tuszynska reported that no progress has been made regarding the accessible bathroom on the first floor of the library. Dr. Faulkner has not replied to email requests for updates.
Election News
A new chair and secretary will be voted on in the next meeting. Dr. Mauro volunteered to run for Chair and Dr. Ridinger-Dotterman volunteered to run for secretary.
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Larisa Honey
Committee on Library Committee, Secretary
Minutes typed on May 15 2019
