RASS Meeting, January 9, 2015 via Go-To-Meeting

Present: Crystal Holland, Heidi Buchanan, Keeley L’Esperance, Dana Haven, Jeanne Hoover

  1. Welcome to newest RASS Board member, Keeley L’Esperance,
  2. Update on 2015 Summer Reading Workshop; Crystal was contacted by Lori Special to see if Crystal would help find for speakers for a summer reading workshop. This is typically geared toward youth services librarians, but at Crystal’s library system, there is a really strong adult reading program that runs concurrently with the youth program—encouraging the whole community to be reading. This year, for the first time, there will be an adult summer reading track in the Summer Reading Program Workshops. There will be 3 different presenter groups that include summer reading programs for teens and adults.
  3. Board membership: We do ask that you remember we meet once a quarter and when you were elected or agreed to serve, coming to meetings is part of commitment. Also making yourself available between meetings and providing input and providing help.
  4. RASS Website Updates: Crystal is looking for someone to update the RASS website with power points from last year’s workshops. Crystal will be providing list of the executive committee to be posted on the website. Crystal had learned at a recent board meeting that we can add pictures, such as a picture of the executive committee, to our part of the website. Jeanne asked what flexibility was available for changing font etc. and Crystal said she would get contact info the website administrator for NCLA.
  5. NCLA asks each section to do something in addition to the conference, so there was a discussion about possible workshops, either face to face or a webinar. Focusing on webinars during the conference year since people have limited time and travel budgets. Could do another round of “Current Trends in Reference,” could have back-to-back presentations or do a specific webinar to one topic (special libraries, etc.), suggestions to continue Current Trends in Reference but with a specific theme. Chat reference/virtual reference. A suggestion to make it a series (like the TNT series or Accidental Government Librarian) and pepper them throughout the semester. Ask people from a variety of libraries to present. Another possible topic: How to keep track of reference statistics. Series: overall theme of current trends. One day would be chat reference: different libraries. Statistics: different types of libraries present how they. Have it weekly at noon, 45 minutes. Other possible topics: digital resources, choosing databases, difficult patrons, apps, video programs, consultations, video tutorials, software like Viddler, Jing, etc. 45 minute sessions, short presentations with time for Q & A. Crystal will send out a request for proposals, aiming for 2-3 library types per topic, ask them to prepare a 10-12 minute presentation and ask them to focus on current/emerging trends in that topic. Discussion of when to have the Webinar series. Possibly March to allow time to solicit and review proposals. Decided on Wednesdays (March 11, 18, and 25) at 11:00. Decided to use GoToMeeting for the Webinars and Heidi agreed to coordinate each session. We will call the series Current Trends in Reference, going with the branding from previous years.
  6. Conference goals: At the last conference there was a lot of RASS programming, 3 specific programs and Crystal represented RASS at 2 other programs. The conference planning committee wants to narrow down the number of programs. If they are going to be sponsored by a section, the section will have responsibility of vetting the presentation for value. Crystal would like us to consider conference goals, but need more members of the committee present. The theme for the conference is Make it Matter, which is very wide open. The idea behind it is about literal making of things in the library.
  7. Discussion of next meeting where we will talk about a membership committee. New members are announced at the conference. Try to physically meet next time?Timing: April or early May. If we are going to meet in person, probably should aim for a Friday. Anytime is fine for a virtual meeting. Heidi suggested a meeting in Asheville. People were amiable to the idea. May seems like a good month for most people, possibly the 15th. Heidi agreed to check on availability of Asheville location on May 15.