Minutes of the 15th Annual Meeting of the
Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians
Monday, June 19
Arrival and registration.
6:30 p.m. Harry Leonard gave a walking tour of Binfield.
Tuesday, June 20
All day Cotswolds-Stratford Tour.
Wednesday, June 21
Abstract: Two distinct differences set British higher education apart from American higher education. First, Great Britain has almost no private institutions as they exist in the U.S., and none comparable in size or significance to private institutions like Harvard or Stanford. Most British universities are 90% government funded. Second, the great British universities, such as those at Oxford and Cambridge, are served by a number of independent "college" libraries in addition to their great "university" libraries. British academic librarianship includes almost nothing comparable to the small private college libraries common in the United States. The concerns of British academic libraries might be expected, then, to differ significantly from those of American academic libraries. The Higher Education Funding Councils for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland commissioned a study of the status of library service. The Report of the Commission recognized early on that many of the issues identified and considered "need to be set in an international context where the U.K. is only one of many players." American and British academic libraries share significant concerns. Perhaps the greatest difference is in the problems the British face due to significant enrollment increases. This study considers the changing nature of teaching and learning, the nature of library collections, access to information, the provision of library staffing, and funding concerns. It is instructive to see that others face problems similar to those of the United States and to see how they respond.
Abstract: This paper falls into three distinct parts. The first gives a brief overview of what there are in terms of libraries and library-like institutions in Europe. As far as academic libraries are concerned, there are only four, all of which are linked to colleges of higher education. In addition, significant resources are held in union archives and secondary school and church libraries. Historically there has been very little cooperation between those in charge of these collections. Steps are now being taken to rectify this situation. There is also a need for more research into what resources are available in European Adventist libraries.
The second part of the paper deals with the question of resource sharing in the British library community. The focus is on electronic resources, and UK based Internet services like JANET, NISS and BUBL are presented. The British library and information community has access to all the resources available on the Internet. In the past access to the net has been a problem for privately funded institutions, but this is now changing. A more general problem is that of congestion which renders the net useless at times.
The last part of the paper presents a sample of some ideas currently being debated in British librarianship. Richard Heseltine argues that the changing nature of education will force radical changes on libraries supporting higher education and that their role will be completely transformed. They will no longer be the typical student's main source of information. Electronically networked information will take over completely. There is no need to agree with Heseltine, but some of his ideas on decentralized electronically networked higher education must be of interest both to Adventist librarians and educators.
School libraries
Enjoyed talking together
ASDAL has important role in future
Language a problem, such as Portuguese or Croatian. No material in native language
Book system for ASDAL newsletter
Public Services
Statistics collection important for circulation and reference
Should student workers answer reference questions?
patrons complained student worker would not answer questions
perhaps give guidelines to student workers on what they can answer
Enforcing circulation policies
suggest one person make final decision as to whether fines, etc. are forgiven
How do we take care of questions relating to CD-ROM searching?
cheat sheet for each database
patrons not knowledgable about which database to use
- need assistance
Andrews offers workshops, Loma Linda offers classes
Training students and faculty
we take initiative
Evaluation of bibliographic instruction
some ask for input
Technical services
Discussed current systems, most satisfied
Significant contribution from Russian librarian
transliteration tables needed
Heritage and special collections a challenge
Discussed various cataloging issues
Is any library collecting all SDA materials?
Andrews and Loma Linda Universities
Does anybody want Russian stuff?
Periodicals classified vs. alphabetized
compact shelving suggests better to classify
Indexes - in reference or separate
Acquisitions - outsourcing - no one does it
Ordering and evaluation of standing orders
Director's session
Document delivery, especially North America
Library accreditation
ASDAL and non American libraries
develop ASDAL booklink
- bibliography of what is available
help with library services and practices
staff exchange program
SDA depository library for each division
ASDAL statistics useful for overseas libraries
Overseas librarians met later in evening after dinner
Thursday, June 22
8:30 a.m. Worship. Derek Beardsell, President of Newbold College, gave a history of school followed by worship talk using Proverbs 1:7 as a basis. Discussed knowledge vs. wisdom.
Abstract: Sharing of library resources with overseas libraries used to be a simple and often clumsy operation involving exchange of duplicate lists, sending of gift materials, etc. In the 1990's sharing has taken on new meaning and possibilities as we come to grips with the age of electronic information and communication. We may visualize an Adventist "global electronic village" involving the multi-directional sharing of information between libraries all around the world.
Abstract: Australia feels isolated. It is about the size of North America and 1/10th the population. Distance is a cost factor. Things tend to be slow. It is difficult to get into the Internet. He noted that Australia is doing it themselves and described a case study at Lilydale Adventist Academy. He mentioned a number of factors that affected the situation at Lilydale including their emphasis on contemporary resources, and a need to serve clients during odd hours. There was in place a commitment to Microsoft products including Windows. Space was limited in the library, and there was only one librarian. They selected Imagine 3 as the program of choice which runs within a Windows NT Advanced Server Environment. With this system, library circulation operates in the usual way for any item in any medium and cataloging is done in US MARC format, and all mediums are in a common catalog. Search strategies can be customized with enormous flexibility and personalization. Networking is available for remote sites. The result at Lilydale Adventist Academy has shown that students have adapted well to the new computer environment. Common cataloging for all types of materials has proven to be an asset. Remote access has been successful. It is thought that cooperation between institutions could probably save a considerable amount of money. How much can be done depends largely at this point on the directions chosen by Adventist educational administration.
Harvey Brenneise brought the meeting to order.
MOTION: "That the minutes of the 1994 meeting with corrections be accepted." Carried.
A corrected copy was given to the current secretary. It was noted that it has been difficult to get the statistics returned promptly from the various libraries.
Harvey Brenneise presented the report as the treasurer was absent. Report was handed out to those present. Harvey noted that it was nice to have a healthy balance.
| ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST LIBRARIANS Treasurer's Report June 16, 1995 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on hand June 30, 1994 | $3,268.02 | ||
| INCOME: | |||
| dues | 1,145.00 | ||
| subscriptions | 70.00 | ||
| scholarship | 240.00 | ||
| '94 conference refund | 1,000.00 | ||
| '95 conference | 1,570.00 | ||
| interest | 10.39 | ||
| TOTAL: | $4,035.39 | $4,035.39 | |
| $7,303.41 | |||
| EXPENSES: | |||
| elementary/secondary brochure | 259.81 | ||
| nonprofit corporation fee | 20.00 | ||
| ACTION | 362.21 | ||
| 1995 supplies | 121.54 | ||
| conference | 1,632.17 | ||
| plaque | 31.95 | ||
| TOTAL: | $2,427.68 | $2,427.68 | |
| Balance on hand June 15, 1995 | $4,875.73 | ||
| Lincoln SDA Credit Union - 3-31-94 | $3,535.93 | ||
| Interest income | $137.36 | ||
| Lincoln SDA Credit Union - 3-31-95 | $3,673.29 | ||
MOTION: "That we accept the treasurer's report." Carried.
There was some discussion regarding the end of the fiscal year, noting that June 30 was a difficult deadline.
MOTION: "That the fiscal year be changed to May 31." Carried.
The following were nominated for the resolutions committee. Arthur Winzenried, Marley Soper, Loranne Grace, Belvina Barnes, Stan Cottrell, Sally Alger. The top three were selected, being,
Arthur Winzenried
Marly Soper
Sally Alger
Harvey Brenneise showed new letterhead. Chloe Foutz expressed appreciation for Violet's hard work.
offered bibliography of Ellen G. White titles. Those outside North America may make copies at 5 cents per page while at ASDAL. If from North America, she will photocopy and mail a copy for about $10.00.
Should they be included in ASDAL Action? Discussion-- perhaps send with the fall issue. Might put abstracts in minutes. Concerns raised about overseas postage. Better separate for postage.
MOTION: "To publish conference proceedings separately and include membership form to be mailed to members." [It is understood that the ASDAL Action editor will compile and distribute them.]
4 out of 5 members present. The meeting was chaired by Stan Cottrell in the absence of Mark Copsey. Loranne Grace gave prayer. Keith Clouten voiced his concern about continuing as editor. Andrews University doesn't use the SDA Classification Scheme which makes it difficult for him to continue supervision. It was moved and voted that Marilyn Crane become editor and Keith Clouten be production manager. It was suggested to include an example of how to use system.
Warren Johns announced that a bibliography of theological books is available from the Andrews University Library.
Harvey read letter from Floda Smith sending her greetings to the delegates.
End of Business session. Group was dismissed to have picture taken.
Abstract: This paper provides a quick overview of the challenges facing the libraries in developing nations and articulates a set of proposals to increase their access to information. The suggestions offered focus on what S.D.A. librarians can do to increase cooperation, resource sharing, and technical development among denominational institutions all around the world. Some financial proposals were discussed, but the central point of the paper is on what can be done with inexpensive and easily accessible technology, namely FIDONET. With this low tech solution, even the poorest libraries would be able to communicate with the Internet.
Harvey Brenneise presides. Keith Clouten announced that Atlantic Union College had invited ASDAL to hold their 1996 Conference at AUC. He recommended that the Conference run from Tuesday through Friday or Sabbath.
MOTION: "To have conference at AUC next year prior to ALA." Passed.
Suggested establishing a small office to provide assistance overseas in areas such as acquisitions, cataloging, and periodical subscriptions. Publish newsletter. This will be called SAIL, Services to Adventist Institutional Libraries and will be housed at Andrews University.
Recommendations from committee include:
MOTION:
"Remove GRE scores from list of application requirements." Passed.
"Remove questions pertaining to health." Passed.
"Accept recommendation of committee regarding extension to time to complete degree to two years with exception that statement be changed to read 'within two years of the date of matriculation.'" Passed.
Other items from the Scholarship and Awards Committee include the following:
Report of ASDAL Scholarship Committee-- Scholarship which would normally have been given in June 1994, was awarded in April 1995 to Sarah Endres. We are now back on schedule with a second award in June, 1995. It was decided by the committee that if an applicant is related to a committee member, that committee member should abstain from voting.
Harvey read about award of scholarship to Mr. Vasiliy Osadchuck.
Motion: "Moved that the resolutions committee be instructed to extend ASDAL's appreciation for exceptional work by the Scholarship and Awards Committee during the 1994-95 fiscal year." Passed.
Harvey read note from Mr. Osadchuck, who received scholarship.
Harvey will distribute applications to all interested meeting attendees. Mineola Dixon, Membership Coordinator, asked how we should recognize new members; suggested we should publicly recognize new members, put ribbon in folders, gifts, etc.; suggested orientation for new members.
will expand library 6,000 square feet to chapel
will have two librarians starting in July
excellent computer system for its size
statistics read
recommendation read concerning library
forced to move from former location
will be large enough
no professional librarian
books in transit via ADRA from US
statistics
automation just starting
statistics
cold war finished
new building two years ago
archive for European Adventist history
- need new building
statistics
new library, moved in December 1993
statistics
just moved into new facility, from two rooms to four floor library
new software system for putting holdings into MARC format
open stacks
statistics
got second professional librarian this year
statistics
would like to see ASDAL meeting at Montemorelos
background
statistics
statistics
5:30 p.m. Windsor, Eton, Runnymede tour.
Friday, June 23
All day Oxford Tour.
8:00 p.m. Vespers.
Sabbath, June 24
8:45 a.m. Divine Service with Warren Johns, AU Seminary Librarian.
10:00 a.m. Sabbath School.
11:15 a.m. Divine Service with David Cox, Newbold College Church pastor.
2:00-5:00 p.m. Afternoon tour of the garden at Virginia Water.
8:00 p.m. Sunset worship service.
Sunday, June 25
Comments about "Your Muslim Neighbor and You." Also spoke about getting along with others and providing space.
Panel discussion to entertain questions and summarize conference. What can we do now, with support? Suggest ASDAL make resolution regarding academy librarians, that they not teach more than two classes per year. Does ASDAL see itself as providing leadership in this direction? Is that part of where we go from here? Perhaps we need lobbying efforts at the General Conference and elsewhere. There is a lack of understanding about what librarians can and should do. Their role is not clear. How do we foster understandings? Just setting standards won't solve things. One thought, how do our church schools compare with other schools? One answer might be found in vigilance. Cooperation is important, more is needed. We do work well with neighboring libraries, perhaps more than we cooperate with other SDA institutions. Cooperation allows breaks with vendors. The developing world needs cooperation with expertise, discarded materials, outdated computers. Perhaps the third world should send someone here. A subcommittee might recommend computers and systems. Electronic sharing may help and there is no shipping. Maybe set up ASDAL booklink; need organization to coordinate such. Perhaps not good to send materials overseas as current items are needed. Electronic materials are current, although some areas, such as theology never go out of date. Exchange is a possibility, especially in North America. Needs lists a possibility. The Catholic Church in Australia has a 1,000 book CD-ROM to avoid distasteful stuff on the Internet. Missionary spirit needed to bind us together.
Harvey notes that Resolutions Committee will report at banquet.
The board meets twice a year with the main meeting in February. At ASDAL it reviews budgets, etc. Problems-- lost GC support without warning. Thankful for emergency funds, particularly to Gordon Madgwick. Has full-time salaried editor, no editorial assistant. Now manages with one full-time person. North American Division institutions assist financially based on enrollment. Decided to base each year's billing on last year's enrollment and will bill in the fall rather than spring as previously was the practice. This way amount will be known. Will base institution billing on cost of living adjustments. (Amount for budgeting purposes per student increases annually as cost of living published by General Conference.) With this arrangement it should work in the future. This year expect small surplus. Approximately $32,000 billed to North American institutions. Some pay up to $4,000-$5,000 though the average is $1,000 to $2,000. This is the 25th year, 1971-1995. Only significant reference resource the SDA Church puts out. The index is available in print and electronic formats. Mounted on JeWeL at Andrews, it is available through the Internet. Eventually may cease to print the index when Internet is available almost everywhere. What about CD-ROM? We have talked about it, but do not have the staff to do three formats. One idea is to put out as CD-ROM with full text in cooperation with publishers. Harvey notes that there is still a lot to do, particularly retrospectively. Indexing can be done remotely as well.
Intended to do survey to find what electronic index libraries use; this was never done. Much interest expressed in communal access of electronic indexes. Opened for discussion, Keith noted cooperation important and proposed the following motion.
MOTION: "That we establish a task force on international cooperation. To look fairly broadly about the way we can cooperate, and present a report at next year's ASDAL meeting." Carried.
Ad hoc committee nominated. It is noted that five is the standard number for ASDAL committees. The following were nominated:
Keith Clouten
Margaret Adeogun
Gilbert Abella
Clinton Wahlen
Arthur Winzenried
MOTION: "That the nominations cease and they be accepted as a committee." Carried.
Harvey Brenneise noted obituary index continues under direction of Adventist Heritage Center; noted that Walla Walla College helps. Also noted that SDA librarians listserve is available at Andrews University.
Arthur Winzenried read a rather long motion which reads as follows:
MOTION: "That ASDAL as representative of the Seventh-day Adventist librarian prepare a paper (possibly as the result of subcommittee action) setting out clearly and forcibly the role of a librarian, the importance of that role to the whole curriculum and the extreme importance of larger libraries (e.g. those of more than 300 clients) having at least one full-time, qualified librarian in order to effectively support the curriculum. That this statement be prepared and then presented to General Conference, to Union and Division educational and senior administrative people as a basis for policy formulation and a statement from the International Professional Association." Carried.
Harvey Brenneise suggested that a committee be elected. This will be handled by the ASDAL officers who will be expected to carry out the motion.
MOTION: "That Harvey Brenneise establish an ASDAL Home Page as he volunteered to do." Carried.
Africa, for example, needs access, at least on a continental basis. Harvey suggested each division work out its own depository arrangement with their own division publishing houses.
MOTION: That "Officers of ASDAL explore the possibility of establishing a liaison to the General Conference Department of Education and the publishing houses with an eye to having publishers provide copies of the publications to the libraries where each Ellen G. White Center is located." Carried.
statistics
computer lab
statistics
Dewey
CD-ROMs used
no automation
new building project
electronic system being explored
centennial
survey for WASC about user satisfaction
school history
First combined international meeting. Jim Nix gave the welcome. He gave a history of materials collected at the turn of century and North American College Heritage Rooms and E.G.W. Research Centers, and introduced the new director of the White Estate, Juan Viera. Prayer was given by Harvey Brenneise. Reports were given by various Research Center directors as to what they contain.
Keith Clouten (moderator), Alan Lindsay, Alberto Timm, I.J. vanZyl, Marilyn Crane, Warren Johns, Per Lisle
Relationship of particular center and library:
Keith noted that there is a fair degree of cooperation, but wonders about "friendly rivalry." Is there a clear cut development policy? Per noted that E.G.W. Center is a reference collection. There is not generally duplication between collections. Bill noted that Andrews has no collection development policy. Marilyn noted that Heritage collection has policy and is not aware of E.G.W. Branch policy. Alan indicated that they have no policy, and that there is an overlap, and space is a problem. Alberto stated that the policy is to keep whatever Adventists publish in Heritage center. I.J. vanZyl remarked that they have no high vision of collection as they have no space. They are more interested in microfiche. Books are collected to get copy of each edition of E.G.W. books. They leave the rest to the library.
Questions:
Comment by Keith Clouten on action-- ASDAL task force is being set up to spend time looking at ways of international cooperation
Merlin Bert (moderator), William Fagal, Timothy L. Poirier, Harvey Brenneise, Marilyn Crane.
Conclusion: God has opened up avenue to spread Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
Delegates had dinner after partaking of juice in the lobby. The welcome was delivered by Per Lisle, and prayer by Adu Worku. Meal included starter of grapefruit slices, mandarin orange slices and one cherry. Dinner included vege-steaks, macaroni casserole, pizza, stuffed potatoes, garlic bread, and three kinds of salad.
The speaker was Dennis Porter, manuscript librarian at the Bodleian Library at Oxford where he collected manuscripts relating to American history and cataloged for the Bodleian. From 1958 to 1988 he worked in the Dept. of Western Manuscripts, but did not work on Saturdays. At times his religion became an embarrassment. He put on exhibition of manuscripts relating to the Reformation and no one showed up! Another incident included English students at Newbold who toured the Bodleian. One of these students stole a manuscript, as well as something else, and was caught by police. It was very embarrassing! He told many other stories relating to the Bodleian. Some stories touched Adventism and most were amusing.
Resolutions Committee Report
Respectfully submitted by James Walker, ASDAL Secretary.
Last Revised February 2, 2001
