WSU Libraries Planning Committee Meeting notes, 31.July.1996

Washington State University Libraries
Planning Committee
31.July.1996 Meeting
Summary Notes

Attending: Janet Chisman, Vicki Croft, Rhonda Gaylord, Mary Gilles (Co-Chair), Daryl Herbison, Lauren McNiece, Ingrid Mifflin, Jill Palmer, Marilyn Von Seggern (Co-Chair), Kay Vyhnanek, Sharon Walbridge (Recorder), John Webb, Leslie Wykoff (via phone), and Christy Zlatos.
Absent: Barbara Paulson.

Check-in
Sharon Walbridge distributed an article from Ski Management Magazine that was given to her by Robert Ferguson. The topic of the article is empowerment.
Janet Chisman suggested that organization charts and ideas be solicited from the library staff. Staff will be invited to send ideas/ charts to the Planning Committee, anonymously if they wish.
Vicki Croft reported that the library group reviewing the proposed user survey has done its work. The Task Force is set to meet with the Acting Provost on Friday to finalize the survey.
Meeting minutes
Minutes of the July 24 meeting were corrected and approved.
Small Group Reports
Daryl Herbison reported that the group he is a part of had become sidetracked by the grievance concerning the Planning Committee. They are now back on track and four models are being considered.
John Webb reported that the group he belongs to has looked at 4-5 variations on a theme and is focusing on one. The model is user/ staff centered.
Sharon Walbridge reported that the group she is a part of has gotten off to a slow start. They have a model that was put out to prompt discussion.
Discussion brought out the following:

Putting decision-making at the lowest effective level seems to be a common theme.
The Committee may want to address the terminology of management (What should managers/administrators titles be?)
Daryl Herbison reiterated that one of his primary goals is to broaden the base of participation in decision-making.
Chris Zlatos asked the question "do we need to 'classify' decisions?" Some decisions may be appropriate at the individual level, while others may not be. The library is an integrated organization so many decisions affect others.
People need to feel ownership for their work - that they are responsible and their work matters in the bigger picture of the library.
Janet Chisman noted that one of the consequences of the proliferation of electronic resources is that the individual or group has less control over collection development decisions.
The Committee's final product will likely include not only an organization chart, but also a narrative with contents that may include principles, guidelines, or whatever is necessary to fully explain our recommendations.
Next Meeting
The Committee will meet again next Wednesday, August 7, with the agenda being the same as that for today's session.

Summary by Marilyn Von Seggern, based on Sharon Walbridge's
WSU Libraries Planning Committee meeting notes