LSA Exec - Annual Report - 2016-2017

Library Governance Committee Final Report

 

Fiscal Year: 2016-17

Committee Name: Library Staff Assembly (LSA) Executive Committee

Committee Chair: Marianne Reed

Members (with terms): Leah Hallstrom, Vice-chair/Chair-elect (2016-2017); Greta Valentine, Secretary (2016-2017); Ann Snow, member-at-large (2016-2017); Sunita Gandhi, member-at- large (2016-2017); Sharon Riley, member-at-large (2016-2017);

Standing Charges:

The Library Staff Assembly (LSA) Executive Committee:

  • Ensures the orderly and effective operation of LSA
  • Is the first point of contact for any matters referred to the attention of LSA, save those which are specifically assigned to standing committees in the Code, and where appropriate, assigns such matters to standing or ad hoc committees
  • Brings governance issues concerning all faculty and staff to the LFSA Executive Committee
  • Designates a liaison to the Organizational Development Unit and an ex officio liaison to LFA to ensure communication and information sharing
  • Monitors KU governance issues that may affect LSA, including the Staff Senate and the University Senate Committee on Libraries
  • Takes no action contrary to the desires of the LSA

 

Standing Charges Progress/Accomplishment Summary:

  • Conducted tuition assistance survey and provided feedback about this benefit to Libraries administration
  • Brought suggestions re: programming on HealthQuest and other benefits to LFSA Exec.

 

Special Charges:

  • Solicit the Library Staff Assembly for feedback to determine if there are needs of the membership that may be met by the formation of LSA committees.
  • Solicit the Library Staff Assembly for feedback regarding the selection of representatives to serve on the LSA Executive Committee.

Also, last year’s outgoing LFPA Executive Committee also made the following recommendations that pertain to LSA Exec.

  • Continue in transition activities, as new governance structure will be in place on July 1.
  • Revise governance website to reflect new governance structure

 

Special Charges Progress/Accomplishment Summary:

  • In September, a survey was sent to the LSA membership, questions below, to get input on directions for LSA for 2017-2018, as well as the perceived need for LSA committees. The results were discussed at the LSA general meeting on September 22.
    • Please list any needs or concerns of Libraries' staff that you feel should be addressed by the Library Staff Assembly.
    • Which of these needs or concerns could be addressed by the creation of committee(s) of the Library Staff Assembly?
  • At the LSA general meeting on September 22, the LSA membership voted to create no additional LSA committees in 2016-017, but to revisit this in 2017-2018.
  • At the LSA general meeting on September 22, the LSA membership voted to elect 2-4 members-at-large to the LSA Executive committee for 2016-2017, with the option of revisiting the structure (representational vs. at-large) in 2017-2018. Three members-at- large were elected in October, 2016.
  • Successfully transitioned staff governance from the LFPA/KULSS structure to the new LSA structure
  • Updated governance website to reflect new structure

 

Other Activities or Accomplishments:

  • Improved lines of communication within LSA
  • KULIBSTAFF-L distribution list
  • Anonymous feedback form for staff

 

Potential Charges for Future Committees/Recommendations:

  • Solicit candidates for committee appointments: Senate Libraries (1 support staff/1 unclassified professional. Let Kathy Reed know after appointments have been made.)
  • Clearly outline the duties of the LSA Executive Committee Secretary in the Code, especially regarding updating the LSA part of the website. See attachment for suggestions.
  • Find content for the LSA part of the governance website
  • Regularly update the membership of the KULIBSTAFF-L list
  • Develop strategies to demonstrate to staff the value of shared governance and participation therein, with the understanding that not all staff will want to participate
  • “Governance gives staff a voice,”
  • Make time commitments clear
  • LSA Exec members share personal stories about why governance is important
  • New staff lunch re: governance
  • LSA presentation at departmental meetings?
  • Add information about time commitments for LSA Exec to the LSA website
  • Create a plan to cultivate candidates for LSA leadership positions (personal contacts have proven to be effective in the past)
  • Develop opportunities for staff to get to know other staff members. This is a challenge because of the number and geographical location of staff. These optional activities should be approached with the understanding that some staff don’t want to get to know other staff
  • Helping staff to get to know other staff
  • New staff get-together
  • Barbeque/Picnic
  • Staff happy hours
  • New edition of Who's Who in the KU Libraries (staff can fill out similar information on Delve, so this may not be useful)
  • Welcome to new staff (partner with KULSA?)
  • Post bios for those running for elected positions in LSA
  • Encourage staff to vote (Separate LSA Exec email to kulibstaff-l list reminding staff to vote; on ballot: “vote for up to XXX,” instead of “vote for XXX”)
  • Publicize LSA Exec contact information, kulibstaff-l list and anonymous feedback form by using a consistent footer in official communications from LSA Exec

 

Please review the Committee’s portion of the Library Governance website and the Code. Does it need updating/correcting?:

The duties of the Secretary of LSA (as well as the Secretaries of LFSA and LFA) need to be more explicit, especially regarding the updating of the LSA website. Suggestions have been forwarded to LFSA Exec for all three groups, but could be acted upon separately by LSA if needed.

Prepared By: LSA Executive Committee