LFSA Exec - Minutes - July 26, 2022

Library Faculty and Staff Assembly Executive Committee

July 26 2022, 1:00 pm via Teams

Angie Rathmel, Sara Morris, Scott McEathron, Michael Peper, Samantha Bishop Simmons, Mary Raple, Julie Woodrick, Scott Cossel, Jim Richey

Erin Wolfe, Gwen Geiger Wolfe, Sarah Goodwin Thiel, Lea Currie, Marianne Reed, Jennifer Johnson, Paul Thomas

Angie Rathmel used Microsoft Teams to create the 2021-2022 LFSA site, said she can transfer ownership and files if new committee members are interested in using Teams for 2022-2023. Angie used Teams to collect annual reports and minutes for LFSA, LFA, LSA and to share files, sent final versions of minutes and reports to Sharepoint folder so Michelle Curttright could upload the documents to the LFSA website. Angie explained Managing Team Owners, Members & Guest, and locked channels that only members of committees can view.

Angie Rathmel opened discussion on recommendations and topics for the new year, which included faculty and staff concerns, the 60/40 split, LFSA involvement with the new dean search in some way, minimizing charges to committees, library governance representation on Cabinet, staff service awards, avoid putting things off until the new dean arrives, staff cannot clearly express when having difficulty with a supervisor and feel under threat if they come clean about the difficulty, importance of library governance and equal communication with people, LFA has issues (such as letters of promotion) that need to be addressed and it’s important to have interim deans in agreement and to make clear to the interims the things that need to be done, outline to the interim deans issues that require a solid commitment and that may need an answer before the new dean comes in.
Scott McEathron said long-time strategic planning may have to wait but library governance should push for progress on other issues and priorities.

Angie Rathmel and Mary Raple set up meetings back-to-back in 2021-2022 so outgoing Dean Kevin Smith was able to hear joint issues of LFA and LSA, and they would recommend doing the same in 2022-2023 with interim deans Beth Whittaker and Scott Hanrath.
Mary Raple added that in 2021-2022 Dean’s meetings involved having agendas, that she and Angie shared information and provided questions to the Dean ahead of time and would recommend continuing this. Angie recommended that library governance provide an agenda in advance of meetings.

Julie Woodrick said she’d try to set up back-to-back meetings with the interim deans, see what kinds of commitments we can get, and inform people of what’s going on.
Sara Morris recommended reading the library governance code, knowing the rules, and having a copy with you at meetings.

Scott Cossel mentioned the new LFSA website will be up next week and will have the same URL.
Mary Raple asked if the LFSA website is easily discoverable by those looking for it. Would a new employee who doesn’t know LFSA be able to find it?

Scott suggested the following: add a link on the KU Libraries website or make it discoverable on Google with search terms such as “KU library governance.”
Angie Rathmel suggested there should be a link on the KU Libraries intranet and be discoverable in Google.
Scott said he’d look into the search terms to help make the LFSA website discoverable for people outside the organization.

Lea Currie asked if, as liaison to LCPT, she needs to discuss anything with LCPT, that they typically discuss charges. LCPT will be meeting by August 1.

Scott McEathron said he will work to resolve which co-dean is going to write letters.
Angie Rathmel said the ad hoc committee is beginning to meet. Lea is on ad hoc, so can report to LCPT.

Minutes Submitted by Jim Richey