LSA Exec - Minutes - September 7, 2022

Library Staff Assembly Executive Committee

September 7, 2022, 2:00 pm via Teams

Julie Woodrick, Scott Cossel, Marianne Reed, Jennifer Johnson, Paul Thomas, Jim Richey

Sheila Orth

Julie said that Mary Raple sent the final report for last year’s LSA Exec to her and to Scott.

Julie suggested having a set time for LSA Exec meetings, possibly the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. She asked members to email her any agenda topics they have.
Marianne asked if meetings with the co-deans are scheduled and consistent. Julie said right now, they are, and that the co-deans have told her to bring up issues and assume that they know nothing, for example any past discussions with former library dean, Kevin Smith.

Marianne shared Scott McEathron’s email detailing the needs for LFSA committee appointments.
Julie said it looks like we need to appoint 2-3 staff for committees this year.
Discussed the Salaries and Benefits Committee. Marianne asked what they do these days, are there any charges for them? Scott said Salaries and Benefits only addresses issues as needed, didn’t seem to have any influence with merit raises. Question came up: Do we need reps on this committee? Scott said he will approach Scott McEathron and Michael Peper about this, and Julie will contact Salaries and Benefits ex officio representatives Mike Broadwell and Shannon Royer.

Scott Cossel said that he and Mike Broadwell are staff representatives on the Dean’s Search Committee. Scott had to sign a confidentiality agreement, and said that things seem to be moving quickly, with initial phone interviews possible in late October or November.

Marianne mentioned the Staff Listening Sessions email that Mike Broadwell sent. Julie and Scott encouraged people to attend.

Julie mentioned that a bat was flying around on 5th floor recently and flew right toward Mary Raple, who twisted her knee trying to avoid it. She’s on worker’s comp as a result. Mary emailed Julie and Scott about it.
Julie brought up safety issues, citing that there have been 4-5 bat sightings recently, a greater frequency than usual. Is this something we should put up with? Should we encourage the library administration to coordinate with Facilities Services to seal access points?
Paul Thomas said sometimes bats get stuck in buildings, it’s probable their habitat’s been disturbed and they’re particularly active, but we probably shouldn’t have to work with them flying around.

Marianne asked how the bats get in and Paul Thomas said they can get through tiny holes. Scott said bats can fit through quarter-size holes.
Julie asked for any ideas/solutions we can share amongst ourselves. Some suggestions were if you see a bat, report it. Don’t touch the bat, do not engage it.

Discussed ongoing staff morale issues. The merit raises have kicked in, which is a plus, and we benefit from it. Some concerns include the amount of turnovers, people leaving or retiring, and the piling on of duties to remaining staff is not always being compensated for the work being done, some staff are covering 1-2 years for exiting employees, can’t do a re-classification for temporary job duties, can’t say no to assuming the extra duties because you may be seen as not being a team player, would be nice if people who assume extra duties could get a temporary bump in pay, these situations can cause tension between staff members and supervisors, people are quiet about it because they are sometimes told not to rock the boat, staff are more vulnerable now after civil service appointments, no reason to fire for cause, they can just not renew you, USS staff protections have slowly deteriorated. Scott stressed the importance of open communication. Julie said the co-deans know staff have ongoing concerns and want to do what they can.

Marianne asked if the Senate Committee on Libraries is still meeting and offered to volunteer if needed.
Scott said Chris Bohling was on it recently. We might need one faculty and one staff to serve.

Minutes Submitted by Jim Richey