Present:
Marlene Laurence
Maureen McCormack
Shabiran Rahman
Susan Routliffe (Chair)
Mary Stanley
Jackie Stapleton (recorder)
Linda Teather
Doug Morton
Susan Moskal
Mark Haslett (Guest)

Absent: Wish Leonard

1. Minutes of the previous meeting
   Approved

2. Appropriate use of computing resources:
   Mark Haslett provided the background behind the creation of the Statement on Use of UW Computing and Network Resources. Mark chaired a subcommittee set up to address UW computing issues, which met in February 1998. After several months a draft document was created and reviewed by UCIST. This statement wanted to be balanced and workable, and to recognize that computing resources should be treated in the same manner as other resources. This statement is not a policy itself but instead points to the relevant policies already in place and is meant to provide guiding principles

   The intent in its creation was to err on the side of openness. It does not attempt to address all eventualities but instead to provide guiding principles. It is the responsibility of individual areas or faculties at the university to decide if this statement is sufficient for their needs or if they need to further clarify their individual use of their computing services. The Statement is not scheduled to be reviewed, however periodically questions do arise which are dealt with through UCIST.

   Implications for the library:
   How can we help to ensure that the computing workstations in the public areas are used appropriately?

   Suggestion: Improve signage. Even though the general feeling was that students do not read signs it would help to have a clear sign for library staff to point to when there is a need to approach users who are using the stations inappropriately.

   Action: Everyone should review the current sign being used in the public OPAC areas. Bring suggestions to the next meeting for improvement.

   A concern was expressed that a recent decision to block a computer game site was made very quickly and it appeared to be made without appropriate consultation with ISR staff.

   Mark, Linda and Susan explained in more detail the process and reasons behind blocking the site. The sequence of events were as follows:

   Davis Library noticed an increased use of a computer game over a period of several weeks. During this time, noise level at the workstations was escalating. Librarians had to increasingly request for students to be quiet and both the Information Desk and Ask Us/Tell Us received complaints from other students about the increased noise level and disruption to their ability to study during the exam period due to the playing of this game.

   Jackie Stapleton sent an email to both the Davis and Porter information desk staff explaining the problem with noise and asking if anyone disagreed with her suggestion of blocking this web page and if so, asked for any suggestions for alternative ways of dealing with the problem.

   The Systems department investigated how often the computer game web page was actually being used and it was determined that it had been accessed through the library server over 6000 times in the past week.

   At this point, Susan Routliffe and Mark Haslett consulted. Taking into account the distress from the library staff and complaints from the student population, it was decided that blocking the site was a reasonable action to take. Systems then blocked the web page through which this game was accessible.

   Library staff in both Davis and Porter was then informed of the decision to block the site.

   At this point, reaction from the library staff was varied.

   • Some librarians felt the decision was made too quickly and without proper consultation. Especially for the Info Desk staff in Porter, where the computer game did not appear to be in heavy use, the only awareness of the problem was the one email from Jackie and then the email announcing the decision to block the site. This feeling may have been different had they known the full background of the problem (it had been growing over several weeks) and the full process involved in making this decision.
   • Another point of view was relief that the decision was made so quickly. It stopped a significant disruption that was occurring for students and library staff mainly in the Davis public areas

   It was suggested that in the future, a more detailed explanation of the reasons behind such actions should be forwarded to all library staff affected.

3. Meetings with Systems and ISR re the Relationship Report
   Linda provided an overview of the Systems discussion of the Report. Their discussion focussed on the recommendations and responsibilities. Some of the main points of the discussion were as follows:
   • A past area of concern was that Davis and UMD felt under served by Systems and this did not arise in any of the ISR discussions.
   • Point 4.2-Find ways to help Systems staff enhance their ability to assess the needs for staff who require one on one assistance and to provide the appropriate level of information or instruction – Systems felt this should perhaps be more of a collabor ative effort between Systems and ISR.
   • Departmental resource people should perhaps be developed further
   • The report seemed focused on maintenance. We should balance this with the innovation role.

   Jackie provided an overview of the ISR discussion of the Report. The major points brought up at the ISR meeting include:

   • Better resolution and understanding of each departments expectations and responsibilities
   • Importance of increased staffing in the systems department
   • Improve communication from Systems to ISR staff, especially when systems are down.
   • Help desk staffing during lunch and evening/weekend shifts is an important issue
   • Everyone needs to be involved in the process of building these relationships

   ISR was asked to let ISMC know what issues they would like addressed first.

   Action: The next step for ISMC is to decide on high priority recommendations and to take action on these items. Bring your ideas to the next meeting.

4. Fall Publication
   Everyone has been contacted who will be involved in creating articles for the fall publication. Mary will now contact all those involved to set up a meeting to discuss the form of the publication and articles.