LSA Exec - General Assembly - November 29, 2023

Minutes from the Library Staff General Assembly

 

November 29, 2023

 

Attending: Angela Andres, Eric Bader, Lois Bauer, Loren Bracciano, Matt Bristow, Mike Broadwell, Carmen Campaneris, Christen Caton, Wendy Conover, Michelle Curttright, Erika Earles, Courtney Foat, April Friedl, Jamie Groetsema Saifi, Andrew Hansbrough, Brooke Harris, Scott Hanrath, Jack Hawthorn, Sonja Holmgren, Jeromy Horkman, Jennifer Johnson, Josie Kitchens, Caitlyn Klepper, Milton Machuca-Galvez, Melissa Mayhew, Kevin McCarty, Kaitlin McGrath, Tiffany McIntosh, Amanda Mechtley, Tonia Morgan, Brian Moss, Tahirih Mullen, Owen Murphy, Carmen Orth-Alfie, Debbra Peres, Meredith Phares, Marianne Reed, Ruby Rhodd, Sharon Riley, Mary Roach, Shannon Royer, Shelby Schellenger, Rebecca Schroder, Justin Sextro, Carol Smith, Hannah Smith, Morgan Smith, Malgorzata Stamm, Paul Thomas

 

MEETING MINUTES

  • Marianne Reed called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
  • Update on USS staff on LFSA committees
    • Marianne Reed reported that, due to the decreasing number of USS staff and the fact that KU is no longer hiring staff of that type, LFSA will be amending the language requiring USS staff on library committees in the coming year.
  • Remarks from Dean Carol Smith on professional development
    • Dean Smith stated that one of her priorities is to facilitate the success of staff. She said barriers to staff seeking professional development opportunities include not knowing where to go, not understanding process for requesting funds and permission to engage in professional development, and a feeling that they cannot because they cannot get away from work, or concerns about supervisors not being supportive.
    • The Dean said she is hoping to implement a mechanism where if a supervisor denies a request for professional development funds, the denial should automatically be reviewed by a third party.
  • Professional Development options for staff
    • Meredith Phares reported that LSA is hoping to bring back the Spring Staff Development Day. She reviewed a list of potential seminars for the event next year. Staff should expect an email with a survey about these potential workshops soon.
    • Sharon Riley reiterated that she is available in person or virtually for confidential coaching
  • Q&A
    • Discussion of upcoming conferences in the area
    • Brian Moss added that he appreciates people sharing what they have learned at conferences and hopes to see it continue.
  • Meeting adjourned at 10:13 a.m.