Purposeful engagement: Improving the effectiveness of your campus-wide library committee

Abstract

Within the academic governance structure of many colleges and universities, there exists a campus-wide committee devoted to the library. The responsibilities of these committees vary depending on the shared decision-making culture of the institution, but most are unique because they oversee a single academic unit rather than specific areas of faculty rights and responsibilities or the operations of a large administrative division. An informal sampling of library committees at various institutions reveals that most have an advisory role to the dean of the library, the faculty senate, and/or the provost. Some have membership composed entirely of faculty, while others include academic staff and student leaders. Almost all include senior leadership in ex officio roles including, in many cases, the dean of the library. If managed effectively and leveraged to support the mission of the library, these committees can serve as a valuable link between librarians and disciplinary faculty and between librarians and campus administrators. However, if not managed effectively, the committee can lack transparency, possess no clear direction, and fail to make meaningful progress on issues of substance. With this in mind, below are recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of your campus-wide library committee.