UT Libraries’ Diversity Committee
October 2, 2003
Meeting Minutes
Room 605, Hodges Library
Members present: Arab, Bright, Chaudhuri, Deeken, Hines, Keally, Leach, Mack,
Mundava, Royse, Roller, Smith, Stephens
I. Announcements
The meeting was opened by Becky. Thura reported that training on the new web catalog went well and that an afternoon session for evening staff would soon be offered.
Molly reported that Barbara is mentoring Akilah Shukura Nosakhere from the ARL leadership institute. Akilah is a Special Collections librarian at Clark Atlanta University. Barbara has invited Akilah to visit UT libraries on Friday, October 10th and would like her to visit with members of the Diversity Committee. Molly will keep us posted as to when and where.
Barbara has forwarded to the Committee a copy of the UT Division of Student Affairs’ “Strategic Plan for Diversity.” Becky and Molly will look over this document to see if there are networking opportunities for the Committee.
Tiffani has reported that the Lambda Student Union approached her about the Diversity Committee helping them to get sexual orientation included in the University’s non-discrimination clause. Tiffani recommended they utilize the Diversity Committee’s definition of diversity as an example of including sexual orientation. Molly noted that Austin Peay, Memphis State, and Vanderbilt altered their statements as early as 1996. Roane State changed their statement at a later time. This issue has been presented to the University Administration in the past. See The Daily Beacon links below.
http://www.tbr.state.tn.us/policies_guidelines/
http://dailybeacon.utk.edu/issues/v82/n44/edi1.44v.html
http://dailybeacon.utk.edu/issues/v82/n44/nondiscrimination.44n.html
After some discussion, it was noted that the Committee supports the efforts of
Lambda Student Union in this endeavor. Any changes in the clause will, no
doubt, need to be approved at the administrative level of the UT system
and/or through the Board of Trustees.
II. Goals
Molly presented the latest version of the Diversity Committee Goals for 2003-2004. She
proposed that the Committee post a version of the goals to the committee website that
includes the short-term action items or activities already in process. The Committee will
work from a version that includes all ideas generated by committee members.
Working groups will be formed to provide guidance for projects. Sandy suggested that Becky
and Molly e-mail committee members and ask that they share their project preferences.
From the information gathered, working groups will be formed. These groups will be asked
to meet before the Oct. 16th meeting and report their progress at the meeting. Members will
not be restricted to a particular working group, but will be encouraged to help with any
project that matches their skills and interests.
Renee volunteered to work on Outreach and Collaboration. She will start and maintain the resource file. JoAnne expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of creating a library diversity award. Thura noted an interest in staff training and professional development.
III. Updates
A. Annual Report and Budget
The annual report will soon be sent to Jeffrey for posting on the committee website. The
annual report and the budget request will then be shared with the Dean.
B. Committee Webpage
Jeffrey reported that he now has Dreamweaver installed on his PC and he has begun to update the committee webpage. The committee members page is now current. He proposes a bulletin board on the webpage to facilitate communication within and without the committee. Everyone thought this was a great idea.
C. Culture Corner
Molly noted that the Culture Corner website needs to be completed before any additional
publicity is created about the Corner. Jeffrey is checking on the status of the website and
how to get access to it.
Thura reported that the Culture Corner continues to receive praise from members of the
University’s Life of the Mind committee. Mary Papke has been especially complimentary.
The Committee’s “Life of the Mind” display was also well received.
D. “Council on Freshman Experience,” (formerly “Life of the Mind Committee”)
Thura reported that the “Life of the Mind” program’s name has been changed to
more closely reflect the program’s goals. She said a third title: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective
Agency has been added to the list of books to be considered for the Fall 2004 freshman
reading program. Thura noted that a lot has been learned during the program’s first year
which will be used to improve next year’s program.
E. TLA -- A Tennessee State of Mind (March 17-19, 2004, Knoxville)
Kawanna, Maud, and Jayati are working on a presentation proposal for TLA about residency
programs. They also plan to prepare a program proposal for the Fourth National Diversity in
Libraries Conference and ALA. The Diversity Committee discussed other possible programs
for TLA. Molly and Becky will submit a table talk/roundtable proposal if that is an option
this year. Poster sessions are another possibility. The deadline for submitting proposals is
October 17, 2003. If anyone is interested in presenting at TLA as a representative of the
Diversity Committee please let Molly and Becky know.
Since TLA is in Knoxville this year, there may well be opportunities for committee members
to assist the Libraries in sponsoring a showcase, which is being proposed as an afternoon
presentation.
F. Fourth National Diversity in Libraries Conference (May 4-5, 2004 - Atlanta)
JoAnne has volunteered to serve on the Publicity Committee for the diversity conference.
She will keep us informed about conference call for proposals, deadlines, etc.
G. The Residents
The Residents have completed their month-long orientation and are now ready to begin their
first rotations. Kawanna will work in the Media Center, primarily The Studio. Jayati will
work in Cataloging, including Digital Access. Maud will work in Reference & Instructional
Services and will serve as a member of the Social Sciences Group.
IV. Other Business
A. Student Recognition
Jill has compiled a list of students who have worked for the library for two or more years.
Students who were recognized previously are included in the list. The list needs to be
revised to include only students who have not received recognition. The plan is to sponsor
the recognition event in February.
B. Library Staff Association
The Committee should look for opportunities to collaborate with the LSA when possible.
The LSA officers are wanting to work with the Committee. One possibility would be to
again co-sponsor the Libraries holiday party in December.
C. School of Information Science (SIS)
We are waiting to hear from Tiffani re. our meeting with SIS faculty to discuss our diversity
initiatives. (Perhaps the Residents could test their presentation on them.)
D. Local Events and Programs
There are several events occurring on campus or locally which are of interest:
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT 2003 – Sponsored by the Women’s Coordinating Council
(Thursday, October 23, 2003, 5:30 PM)
RACE EQUALITY WEEK (September 30 – October 4, 2003)
Respectfully submitted,
Becky Roller