Information Alliance Steering Committee Spring Meeting
Dale Hollow Lake, KY
May 7, 1999

Present: David Atkins (UT), Mary Beth Blalock, (VU), Russ Clement (UT), Shawn Livingston (UK), Tamara Miller (UT), Laura Power (VU), Kim Smith (UK), Steve Stone (UK), Suellen Stringer-Hye (VU)

I. Composition of the Steering Committee

The steering committee has grown quite large with the addition of three members this year from Vanderbilt for a total of nine. We recommend that each institution have two representatives to the committee for a total of six members. Tamara Miller (UT) and Shawn Livingston (UK) will rotate off the committee this summer. Vanderbilt will decide how they wish to rotate positions. We also recommend that future appointments be staggered two year terms to insure continuity.

II. Staff Development

There is an opportunity for joint staff development programming. It is possible to arrange for ARL or other workshops for participants from each of the three institutions. We might consider extending participation to other area libraries at cost. A discussion areas of interest revealed some common concern with security and problem patrons. In any case, we believe that a practical approach, with workshops that focus on building skills would be the most productive.

III. Annual Alliance Meeting

In addition to any workshops, project meetings, or IRIS sessions, we recommend that the Alliance have an annual meeting. We suggest that a set date each year, and perhaps a set place, would facilitate planning.

IV. Counterparts and Information Sharing

Although the 1999 Annual meeting did not include any formal meeting between counterparts, there is strong interest in knowing who does similar work in each organization. We will look for ways to share information about our organizational structures and the responsibilities of individual alliance members. Steve Stone, with the assistance of other members of the committee will create an initial listserv to foster our joint discussions. David Atkins is willing to post organization charts or other administrative information on the alliance web page.