Announcements:
Mike Rancer summarized the status of the search for the LHRD Director. The
position has been approved by campus for recruitment at the MSP I
level. In the coming weeks, University Librarian Tom Leonard will appoint
a search committee to conduct the recruitment.
The Council noted that it still awaits the appointment of a second
representative (non-librarian) from the Social Sciences Council for a term
ending in 2003.
Agenda items:
1. Safety Committee activities and emergency preparation procedures --
Update by Troy Wilcox.
Troy reported on recent activities by the Safety Committee. He described
the unit-level safety inspection program mandated by campus. This is to be
carried out as a self-inspection by unit staff (in all libraries under the
UL's jurisdiction), with required reports to be filed with the Library
facilities office. There are campus fines for repeated non-compliance with
safety requirements. Unit staff will be trained in the self-inspection
procedures.
Facilities staff are also planning to conduct an ergonomic review for each
new employee hired, so that new staff have the right equipment from the
beginning. In the meantime, Library Facilities is continuing its ergonomic
program for current employees. Hundreds of chairs have been replaced in
recent years, and funds are available in this year's budget to continue the
ergonomic replacement program.
Facilities is in the process of replacing all the unit-level first aid
kits, and adding light sticks to the survival kits. All the food and water
in the survival kits has been replaced due to age.
Still to be undertaken is a Doe-Moffitt evacuation review, including the
updating of reporting lists. Troy will work with AUL Patty Iannuzzi on
this activity.
Facilities plans to undertake CPR and first aid training for Library staff,
once all the other projects are up to date.
2. Training & communication needs -- Discussion led by Kay Starkweather
Kay led a discussion on training and communication needs in the
Library. The Organizational Development Subcommittee will be carrying out
a Library-wide needs assessment during the fall. In the meantime, the
following topics are on the table as possible subjects for training
sessions: basic supervision, leadership, managing conflicts, acquaintance
with the prevailing labor contracts, emergency response preparation,
managing injured employees, managing hours of work, competency
interviewing, how to train students. The Council also raised topics such
as language training and time management. There was discussion on the best
ways to get information out to employees and to have people retain the
information. There was consensus on the need for multiple approaches,
including use of the web, personal communication, formal training and new
employee orientation. Kay will report back on development of a proposed
plan at the next meeting.
Submitted by Mike Rancer