LSA Exec - Minutes - August 16, 2021

LIBRARY STAFF ASSEMBLY (LSA) 

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES 

August 16, 2021 

 

 

Present 

  • Mary Raple 

  • Dyamond Hutton 

  • Marianne Reed 

  • Greta Valentine 

  • Jules Woodrick 

  • Chris Bañuelos 

  • Courtney Foat 

 

Absent 

  • N/A 

 

Opening 

  • Meeting commenced at 11:02 am 

 

Agenda 

 

Old business 

  1. Approval of previous meeting’s minutes 

  • Approved by unanimous consent with minor edits submitted via e-mail 

  1. Discussion about recognition of pandemic essential library staff 

  • Mary communicated that in her monthly check-in with Kevin, the dean emphasized the distinction between university essential staff and “pandemic essential staff”. There are no university essential staff in the library; about 25 staff were deemed “pandemic essential” and continued on-site operations during the time the library offered limited services 

  • LSA Exec shared ideas for honoring on-site staff, including a few to investigate further for feasibility 

  1. LSA Exec discussed the LFSA report that Angie shared with Cabinet, which included staff concerns and governance recommendations for responding to those concerns 

  • This report was written in response to KU Libraries’ re-entry plan for fall 2021 

  • The report was met with some concern by Cabinet, who desired greater clarity about the sources of the report and intent behind the recommendations 

  • Mary indicated that there would be an opportunity for LSA to support LFSA Exec in continuing conversations about the report, and clarifying its intent to Cabinet 

 

New business 

  1. LSA Fall General Assembly meeting 

  • Discussed timing and purpose of the fall assembly; wanted to emphasize community over business in the agenda 

  • Discussed creating a PowerPoint presentation with committee updates and quotes from staff about shared experiences during the pandemic 

  • Mary indicated that Kevin was open to providing funding for refreshments 

  • Discussed some opportunities for engagement for those attending remotely 

  • Intend to schedule this assembly in early fall 

  1. Upcoming LFSA committee appointments and need for LFSA liaisons 

  • Mary indicated that the following LFSA committees need members from LSA: 

  • Committee on the Code 

  • Committee on Research and Scholarly Activity (CRSA) 

  • Nominating & Ballot 

  • Salaries & Benefits 

  • Mary and Angie will be making a call for volunteers in the coming week to appoint members to fill vacancies on these committees 

  • Mary asked LSA Exec members to consider volunteering as liaison to one of these committees 

  • LSA Exec to consult the code to see if we need to provide a member for the Senate Libraries Committee 

 

 

Adjourn 

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm