ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

University Libraries Section—Midwinter report

As usual, Midwinter in Denver was a busy working session for the University Libraries Section of ACRL.

The Communications Committee submitted a detailed job description of the liaison to C&RL News to the Organization and Bylaws Committee. This description was approved as read by that committee and the Executive Committee.

The Policy and Planning Committee presented an updated analysis of the ULS Conference Programs. The programs seemed to have shifted in emphasis from management and personnel issues to a broader outlook including library service, an appreciation for international issues, and deeper examination of the environment of higher education.

Speakers have also been more representative of the section as a whole. More innovation in the formats for the programs is still seen as an area for improvement.

The Current Topics Discussion Group presented “Applying TQM in Academic Libraries: Lessons Learned Along the Way,” with featured speakers Mary Reichel of Appalachian State University, Rao Aluri of Parkway Publishers, Karyle Butcher of Oregon State University, and Jane Conrow of Arizona State University. The discussion group considered the successes and problems of applying Total Quality Management (TQM) in a nonprofit setting, and all speakers emphasized the necessity of commitment from top management in the college or university setting if the projects are to succeed. Several of the speakers presented analysis of the results of the experiment in TQM on their campuses. Some of the lessons learned included understanding the total TQM process, decision-making commitment, commitment to training throughout the process, understanding that the process takes time, being prepared to deal. with conflict, making the little changes that can be made easily first, and overcoming fear of change and fear of the negative.

Plans for the future were an important part of the work at Midwinter. Look for conference programs at ALA Annual from several of the discussion groups and a great slate of nominations for section officers. More later from your C&RL News liaison—Mary Munroe, Georgia State University