Grundy Reporter

University of Illinois System Senate Committee on Library met May 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chair Catharine Gray, Rabin Bhattarai, Rudolf Haken, Pia Hunter, Simon Liu, Becca Maree, Venkatasubramanian Venkateswaran, Lori West

Ex officio: John Wilkin

Absent: John Boesche, Casey Griffin, Hedda Meadan-Kaplansky, Mimi Nguyen

A regular meeting of the Senate Committee on Library (LB) was called to order at 2:00 pm with Chair Gray presiding.

I. INTRODUCTIONS

Introductions were made.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of the December 3, 2019 and February 21, 2020 meetings were approved as distributed.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

No requests received.

IV. CHAIR’S REMARKS

No remarks.

V. UPDATES BY DEAN OF LIBRARY

Dean Wilkin reported that the Library building project went to the April 23 meeting of the Chancellor’s Capital Review Committee (CCRC). CCRC is responsible for reviewing and approving proposals for capital projects for the University. The project received unanimous support to move forward with the first phase. Dean Wilkin noted that the Provost has not yet been able to meet with members of the Library Consultation Working Group (LCWG). Dean Wilkin commented that the next step will be to hire an architectural and engineering firm who will be given the conceptual plan. At that point, there will be several advisory committees created to help shape the project going forward.

Dean Wilkin shared that a recent Deans, Directors, and Department Heads (DDDH) email was sent regarding potential financial constraints for unit. The email included a request for units to keep in mind a 10% reduction possibility. The email specified that “the university is not implementing these budgetary directive at this time” and that any reductions ultimately taken will be strategic and not applied across all units. Dean Wilkin noted the importance to set aside 10% prior to moving forward with hiring for any of the twenty-seven current openings (faculty, academic professional, and civil service positions) within the Library. He shared that he is working with his director of finance to determine the impact and the degree of flexibility the Library has for hiring in the near future.

Dean Wilkin reported that a Publish and Read agreement has been signed with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He noted that this marks a significant step forward in exploring new models of publishing and licensing. As a result, all UIUC and UIC research publications in IEEE will be open access worldwide and the University will have read access to everything published by IEEE. The agreement was made possible with funding from the College of Engineering at both Urbana-Champaign and Chicago.

Dean Wilkin shared that all Library facilities are currently closed. He noted the mechanisms to provide digital access is very robust; however, the Library is working to make print materials available in the near future.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

LB.20.01, Review of the Bylaws, Part D.15 – Committee on the Library

Chair Gray reported that the suggested revisions to the Bylaws, Part D.15 were sent to the Senate Committee on University Statutes and Senate Procedures. The proposed revisions will be forwarded to the Senate for approval next year.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

LB.20.05, Discussion of the Annual Review of the Dean

LB discussed the annual appointment of Dean Wilkin and unanimously approved the reappointment. LB noted highlights to include in the letter of recommendation to reappoint. Chair Gray will prepare the letter of recommendation to reappoint and send it to the Provost.

LB.20.06, 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Senate Committee on the Library

Chair Gray will draft wording and send to LB members for review. Once finalized, the annual report will be sent to the Senate for information.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 pm.

https://uofi.app.box.com/v/Library/file/715611146795