Greg Fahey, the UA's liaison to the state legislature, has published his first state
government update of the new legislative session. You can find his take on the budget situation for the universities at:
http://externalrelations.arizona.edu/government_state_update.cfm
Although the Governor’s plan protects the universities, the legislature’s plan would involve severe cuts. Even the compromise expected could be difficult for us.
Related to this, Cindy and I met on Wednesday with Pat St. Germain, Assoc. Dean for Admin & Financial Affairs for the College of Medicine and Brenda Paulsen, Interim Asst. Dean for Admin & Financial Affairs for the COM in Phoenix. We were explaining how the collections budget for the library works and how we are using funds from Phoenix. We finally got confirmation that our estimate of how much money is available for collections is correct. However, we don't yet know if we will have to return money to the state due to the budget problem. I will continue to keep you posted.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
IT reorganization
Library Systems Department and Copy Technology Services
Yesterday the College of Medicine Information Technology Project Team, of which I am a member, met with staff from several departments to announce the beginning of the IT reorganization that has been in the planning stages for about a year. Although no changes take effect immediately, there will be a fairly rapid move to the new organizational structure over the next couple of months.
This is a very complex plan and many details are still being worked out. To summarize, the new COM organization will consist of three groups – Applications Development, Infrastructure Services and Finance & Administration. These groups will be led by Mike Griffith, Steven Wormsley and Paige Winkle.
Marcus, Stef and Ying will move into the new Applications Development group as “AHS Library Applications.” Shanna, Jose and Spencer will move into the Infrastructure Services group. Copy Technology Services will also move into the Infrastructure Group.
All of Biomedical Communications will be distributed through the new organization with web development, graphics, photography and some other media design going into the Applications group. Videoconferencing, TV production and engineering will be going into the infrastructure group.
The Office of Medical Computing will be distributed between Applications and Infrastructure. All of the academic computing group, recently led by Zach Hoffman, will move into Applications.
For the moment no one will be physically moving, although we can expect some folks to be shifted around in the future in order to be near to the others in their workgroups.
Any of the affected staff or I will be happy to try to answer any questions that you might have. As more details are worked out I will keep you informed.
Yesterday the College of Medicine Information Technology Project Team, of which I am a member, met with staff from several departments to announce the beginning of the IT reorganization that has been in the planning stages for about a year. Although no changes take effect immediately, there will be a fairly rapid move to the new organizational structure over the next couple of months.
This is a very complex plan and many details are still being worked out. To summarize, the new COM organization will consist of three groups – Applications Development, Infrastructure Services and Finance & Administration. These groups will be led by Mike Griffith, Steven Wormsley and Paige Winkle.
Marcus, Stef and Ying will move into the new Applications Development group as “AHS Library Applications.” Shanna, Jose and Spencer will move into the Infrastructure Services group. Copy Technology Services will also move into the Infrastructure Group.
All of Biomedical Communications will be distributed through the new organization with web development, graphics, photography and some other media design going into the Applications group. Videoconferencing, TV production and engineering will be going into the infrastructure group.
The Office of Medical Computing will be distributed between Applications and Infrastructure. All of the academic computing group, recently led by Zach Hoffman, will move into Applications.
For the moment no one will be physically moving, although we can expect some folks to be shifted around in the future in order to be near to the others in their workgroups.
Any of the affected staff or I will be happy to try to answer any questions that you might have. As more details are worked out I will keep you informed.
New website, new building, new books and new room!
New Website
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on the new look for our website! With its clean look and quick access to many of our information resources the site is sure to be popular with both students and faculty. The home page is as important as our front lobby and it’s what most library “visitors” will see first. We had a great kick-off “party” yesterday that attracted a lot of attention and moved a lot of popcorn. Thanks to everyone involved on the design, construction and promotion of the new site!
New Building in Phoenix
Last week Jacque, Kristy, Lindsey and I (via teleconference) attended a meeting of the planning committee for the Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) on the Phoenix campus. A new, larger space for the library is planned for this building. The legislature has provided funding for planning the building but hasn’t yet provided funding for construction.
New Books Display
Mary Holcomb has worked with Javad to create a new book display in the lobby, outside of the new videoconference room. Tessie created a sign and the space looks bright and colorful. These books are available for immediate checkout.
Videoconference Room
On Wednesday the Administrative Team held its weekly meeting, the first in the new facility. Communication is so much easier when we can see Jacque and she can see us! This room is available for any meeting that involves participation from folks at both AHSL locations. Linda can schedule the room for your meetings.
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on the new look for our website! With its clean look and quick access to many of our information resources the site is sure to be popular with both students and faculty. The home page is as important as our front lobby and it’s what most library “visitors” will see first. We had a great kick-off “party” yesterday that attracted a lot of attention and moved a lot of popcorn. Thanks to everyone involved on the design, construction and promotion of the new site!
New Building in Phoenix
Last week Jacque, Kristy, Lindsey and I (via teleconference) attended a meeting of the planning committee for the Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) on the Phoenix campus. A new, larger space for the library is planned for this building. The legislature has provided funding for planning the building but hasn’t yet provided funding for construction.
New Books Display
Mary Holcomb has worked with Javad to create a new book display in the lobby, outside of the new videoconference room. Tessie created a sign and the space looks bright and colorful. These books are available for immediate checkout.
Videoconference Room
On Wednesday the Administrative Team held its weekly meeting, the first in the new facility. Communication is so much easier when we can see Jacque and she can see us! This room is available for any meeting that involves participation from folks at both AHSL locations. Linda can schedule the room for your meetings.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Budget and 4th Floor
Budget
You may have heard that the governor and the legislature are beginning to look at solutions to the state budget deficit for this year and the budget for next year. It is too early for us to know how we will be affected. However, some sort of budget cut is coming. I have identified funds in our budget that can cover a moderate cut without harm to our collections or personnel budgets.
Fourth Floor
The College of Medicine is not making as much use of the fourth floor as they had anticipated. I have received approval from Dr. Malan and from Facilities to explore possible reconfigurations of this space in order to better meet the needs of the students. We all recognize that there is no funding identified for this project. However, some improvements may be possible with only minimal expense. I will keep you posted and will be asking for your opinion as I gather information from faculty and students.
Temporary Tattoos available
For those looking to make a statement about reading and/or libraries, take a look at:
http://www.mcphee.com/items/11696.html
You may have heard that the governor and the legislature are beginning to look at solutions to the state budget deficit for this year and the budget for next year. It is too early for us to know how we will be affected. However, some sort of budget cut is coming. I have identified funds in our budget that can cover a moderate cut without harm to our collections or personnel budgets.
Fourth Floor
The College of Medicine is not making as much use of the fourth floor as they had anticipated. I have received approval from Dr. Malan and from Facilities to explore possible reconfigurations of this space in order to better meet the needs of the students. We all recognize that there is no funding identified for this project. However, some improvements may be possible with only minimal expense. I will keep you posted and will be asking for your opinion as I gather information from faculty and students.
Temporary Tattoos available
For those looking to make a statement about reading and/or libraries, take a look at:
http://www.mcphee.com/items/11696.html
Friday, January 4, 2008
2008!
Happy New Year and welcome back to our regular schedule. Soon the building will be full of returning students. Over the next couple of weeks everyone should be finishing up goals for the coming year. Next week I’ll be sending out evaluation forms and the “Employee Input Form” for evaluation of your supervisor. I’d like to have these turned in to your “supervisor’s supervisor” no later than February 15. If you have any questions about the form or the process, please feel free to ask in the office or any of the committee members (Amanda, Carol, Kathy, Nga, Pat or Vera.)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Congratulations Annabelle!
Each year Library Journal selects a few librarians across the country as "Movers and Shakers." This year, Annabelle was selected as a 2008 Mover and Shaker. There will be a cover story in March and lots of publicity surrounding this.
I know that we are all proud of Annabelle and of her accomplishments. Please join me in offering her our sincere congratulations!
I know that we are all proud of Annabelle and of her accomplishments. Please join me in offering her our sincere congratulations!
Friday, December 14, 2007
All Staff Meeting
At yesterday’s All Staff meeting Mary Riordan reminded everyone to let her know if you will be participating in the holiday party on Monday. She needs your $8 by the end of the day TODAY!
Stef explained the process that led to the new website which will go live on January 16. You can see the latest version at: webtest.ahsl.Arizona.edu
The Evaluation of Supervisors committee explained the four documents that were sent out describing the proposed procedures for staff to have input to the evaluation process. Several suggestions were made and questions asked. There was much discussion. I will send out a summary soon and the committee will get back to AHSL after discussing and meeting with HR.
Stef explained the process that led to the new website which will go live on January 16. You can see the latest version at: webtest.ahsl.Arizona.edu
The Evaluation of Supervisors committee explained the four documents that were sent out describing the proposed procedures for staff to have input to the evaluation process. Several suggestions were made and questions asked. There was much discussion. I will send out a summary soon and the committee will get back to AHSL after discussing and meeting with HR.
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