Senate Library Committee records

Collection

Identifier: ua00856

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection contains the records of the Senate Library Committee (SLC) and is comprised of goals statements, task force and policy reports, planning documents, minutes and correspondence on subjects such as acquisitions, facilities, automation, library divisions, and pay equity.

Dates

1910-2001

Creator

University of Minnesota. Senate. Library Committee (Organization)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access to Materials

This collection is stored at an off-site facility and requires 3-5 business days for retrieval. Email uar@umn.edu to request access. Do not make travel arrangements or plans to visit Andersen Library without making prior arrangements with University Archives staff.

Copyright

Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the University of Minnesota Archives.

Historical Note

At the University Senate meeting held June 6, 1913, nominations for Senate Committees were approved, including members for the Library Committee. The committee’s duties were approved by the University Senate at the December 4, 1913 meeting. The approved duties were:

1: It shall be the duty of the Library Committee, prior to the determination of the budget, to prepare and present to the proper authorities, in the form of recommendations, detailed estimates of the library needs of the various colleges, schools, and departments.

2: To consider and recommend to the Senate any resolutions in connection with library policy and administration that may be deemed advisable.

Meetings: The Committee shall hold stated monthly meetings, of which due notice shall be given by the Secretary through the proper University publications. Besides the usual business, the Committee will hear at this meeting, by letter or in person, any member of the University who desires to present any subject connected with the library interests.

Revisions to the University Senate By-Laws at times covered revisions to the duties and responsibilities of the Library Committee. In December 1930, a Senate By-Laws change included an outline of duties for the Library Committee, “to consider and recommend to the Senate any resolutions in connection with library policy and administration that may be deemed advisable, and, on request of the Senate, to inform it as to any matters affecting library policy and administration.” By the late 1960s, the Library Committee’s duties also encompassed serving as an “advisory body to the director of University Libraries” and evaluating “University-wide library services, facilities, and collections.” The list of committee responsibilities closed with a call for the committee to “give emphasis to the coordination of libraries on the several campuses, and shall investigate and recommend policies with respect to increasing the educational services of the total, University-wide library system.”

In 2008, the Library Committee’s duties and responsibilities were revised. The committee was described as representing “faculty, academic professional, civil service, and student interest in the University libraries” and committee responsibilities included:

To make recommendations to the Senate on all matters concerned with the policies and administration of University libraries.
To advise the directors and other heads of University libraries.
To evaluate University-wide library facilities, services, and collections.
To recommend to the Senate Consultative Committee such actions or policies as it deems appropriate.

The Library Committee has been involved in questions, issues, and policies concerning building new library facilities and evaluating library space on University campuses, interpreting copyright law, recommending budget priorities and addressing budget reductions, and reviewing collection development and staffing.

Extent

3.0 Cubic Feet (3)

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains the records of the Senate Library Committee (SLC) at the University of Minnesota. Materials include correspondence, minutes, task force reports, and planning documents.