skip to content
 
 
 
You are here:

VCU Arts Library Committee

4th Floor Conference Room, Cabell Library

November 16, 2011 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Minutes

Attendance
Matt King, Roy McKelvey (chair), Pamela Taylor, Barbara Tisserat, Roberto Ventura, Stephen Vitiello

Staff: Dennis Clark, Yuki Hibben, Kristina Keogh, John Ulmschneider, Pam Fraga (recording secretary)

Guest: John K. Duke, Senior Associate University Librarian

Business

Review and approval of agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.

Review and approval of minutes from September 2011
The minutes were approved as presented.

Comments and evaluation of Primo public beta ("Quick Search" tab on VCU Libraries homepage) - online
Mr. Clark gave a quick overview of the new searching tool, Primo, which is behind the “Quick Search” tab on the main webpage for VCU Libraries.  He showed how to initiate a search and then drill down for more information.  He pointed out that while this tool is still in a beta or test phase, it is fully functional.  In discussion, it was noted that the final version should be available next semester.  Ms. Hibben said that currently this tool does not search ArtStor but that ArtStor is in dialogue with several search tool companies, including Primo.

Reports and Discussion

Final status report: integration of Visual Resource Center into Cabell Library
Mr. Ulmschneider reported that the last of the collection held in the VRC has been removed and the room emptied in preparation for re-purposing.  Ms. Hibben said that while that phase was “final”, the effort to review and integrate the desired materials in the former VRC collection is ongoing.  She said that as the items are identified to be retained, they are prepared to be added to Shared Shelf, a feature of ArtStor.  Care is taken to retain items or subject matter not thoroughly covered in ArtStor.  Items not retained have been offered to other departments; Painting and Printmaking took back a very large collection.  Ms. Hibben said that part of the ongoing plan is to include works by faculty and students in the Shared Shelf database.

In discussion, it was said that the School of the Arts has a database it uses called “Extensis Portfolio”, which allows departments to archive their works on this server.  However, Extensis Portfolio does not have the kind of access that Shared Shelf has and it would be advantageous to work with the School to make both databases available to faculty and students.  VCU Libraries has a committee working on digital preservation and this committee would be appropriate to work on this collaboration.  This committee would also be able to advise on the current laws regarding use of digitized copies for educational purposes.

There was an inquiry about the status of the 16mm educational films held by VCU Libraries, specifically about a previously stated commitment to give them to Dr. Sonali Gulati for use with her course work.  Mr. Ulmschneider said that this would be done as had been discussed.

VCU Libraries space study report
Mr. Ulmschneider reported that he now has the final report from the consulting firm BCWH on the space study done almost two years ago.  The report indicates very clearly that the current scope of work envisioned by the University for the new building is some 33,000 sq ft short of what is needed.  He went on to say that the plan is to raise funds and build in a phased approach.  It will take about $13M for the first phase which will include the design and development of the idea as well as the fund raising for the whole project.  The upside of this is that the University is clearly focused on and supporting the idea that a new library building on Monroe Park campus is the next major construction item to be funded.  The priority in this phased approach will be providing much needed study space for undergraduates.

Stairwell art for Cabell Library
Dr. Tisserat told the Committee that she had been approached by a graduate student from New Zealand, Raewin Martyn, about creating art on the walls in the stairwells.  This idea had been brought to the senior administration and was very well received.  The artist envisions this being a temporary exhibit, for perhaps 2 months, but the administration would like it to be up for the whole semester.  The artist has said she would return the walls to their original condition.  Mr. Ulmschneider said that he will confer with the faculty about the logistics of doing this and will get back to Dr. Tisserat.  He also said that part of the design intention for the new building is to have planned exhibition space and to incorporate art and artistic displays throughout the building.

VCU Libraries programs

  • Tayari Jones visit and reading: October 7, 2011
  • VCU Libraries Annual Book Sale, Oct. 24-28
  • Grave Robbing, Goblins and Ghouls: Anatomical Education in 19th Century Richmond, presentation and MCV Campus tour, Oct. 31
  • Before and Beyond Birmingham: A Conversation with Wyatt Tee Walker, Nov. 11
  • Cabell First Novelist Festival, Nov. 15-16
  • "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965": Exhibit opening lecture with Dr. Jack Spiro, Jan. 19, 2012

Mr. Ulmschneider spoke briefly about all of the above activities, inviting any who were interested to the Cabell First Novelist Festival tonight.  He also said that the event on January 19th promises to be very interesting and entertaining, as Dr. Spiro’s events always are.

Demo and discussion: VCU digital journal prototype - online demo
Mr. Ulmschneider began by saying that VCU Libraries has long been interested in finding a way for faculty be published digitally in a journal format.

Mr. Duke then said that VCU does not have a university press, something that most major research universities have.  In response to this, two faculty have asked VCU Libraries if it could help develop a way to publish faculty work that is focused on the British experience in Virginia.  To that end, the staff have taken the format of the former Thesis and Dissertation software and are adapting it to publish individually digitally.  It will be a journal in consecutive order of publishing and will be searchable.  He showed a potential layout example, noting that this could lead to other types of journals being created, as well.  A more polished version might be available for review after the first of the year.  He said that the control of what is published would be totally with the editors, that VCU Libraries would only host the platform.  The output would be in PDF but plans include other forms of media like sound and image.

Mr. Ulmschneider said that this is exactly the type of support for faculty that the Libraries wants to be able to provide and that with adequate funding, would do so.  Right now the funding is all from the VCU Libraries’ budget except for some grant money the faculty members have at their disposal for this work.  Both Ulmschneider and Duke reiterated that one of the primary features VCU Libraries would be able to bring to the table is “the future”.  Unlike Blackbird, which is another digital literary collection tool and is struggling to maintain itself and therefore the future archival ability, VCU Libraries can offer a commitment to permanence for these journals developed on behalf of faculty works.

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.