Volume 2, Issue 2, Spring 2000

LASC Process Nears Conclusion

The Library Allocation Steering Committee (LASC) spent the fall semester gathering input on the needs of students and faculty for Library resources. Four task groups gathered information, which subsequently was integrated into a draft report. Approximately 80 comments from the LASC website were also considered. The report was released on March 5, 2001, to the entire campus for comment by the end of the month.

The Hearings Task Group convened twenty meetings, learning of the myriad factors that should constitute a first-class library collection development process. The Budget Processes Task Group interviewed librarians and administrators, suggesting policy changes to increase flexibility while maintaining stability in base budgets. The Modeling Task Group worked with faculty and students whose scholarship addresses operations research, focusing on the complex task of objectively optimizing the quality of the Library. Finally, the Academic Priorities Task Group worked with the Provost and Council of Deans to improve communications so that Library allocation decisions consider campus priorities.

The draft recommendations included:

· A gradual shift in the allocation of flexible funds, replacing the formula-based system with one based solely on proposals

· Procedures for making only 98% of departmental library budgets recurring, ensuring the availability of flexible funds even in poor budget years

· The formation of a permanent advisory group to suggest long-range adjustments in Library policies and strategies (legislative authority would remain with the Senate Committee on the Library)

· The use of start-up funds to enhance collections according to the scholarship of newly hired faculty

It is anticipated that a final report will be available for Senate endorsement in April 2001, with implementation of the recommendations to begin in Fiscal Year 2003. Evaluation of the effects on the Library and campus scholarship is slated for the second year following implementation.

Established by Provost Richard Herman, the LASC is charged with recommending a policy for budget allocation among Library units. For more information and a list of committee members, visit the Provost's website.