Shannon Jones, Associate Director, Research & Education
Steve Barkley, TML Operations Librarian
Committee Members
Guest: Teresa L. Knott, Director, Tompkins-McCaw Library and Associate University Librarian, VCU Libraries
Per suggestions from committee members, TML is now open until 10pm from Monday-Thursday. After 8pm, IDs are checked and fines cannot be paid. The library will evaluate whether to continue these hours in the spring.
TML is considering whether to purchase a Keurig coffee brewer, which would be kept near the vending machines. Students could purchase K-cups from the Service Desk. Maintenance of the area and inventory of coffee extras (such as creamer, sugar, and stirrers) would need to be managed by another party. Potential groups that might be interested include the Inter Health Professionals Alliance or student groups from the School of Dentistry.
Still trying to gauge interest and funding for a mural on the 2nd floor of TML near the elevators.
Next major exhibit at TML is Discover Magic: Photographs by Jeanne Schlesinger. Jeanne Schlesinger is the director of instructional development for the VCU School of Medicine. Opening reception is on October 17, 2013, at 5:30pm.
Rams Reaching Out photography contest: Best Overall & Best Photograph were tied.
The committee suggested last year that TML should offer writing help; the Writing Center is now at TML on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12-6pm. See http://guides.library.vcu.edu/tmlwritingcenter
The student committee members prefer communication via email/listserv over Facebook.
Programming ideas and co-sponsorship for 2013-2014
Possible theme for a photography contest next spring: microscopic images. This contest would be open to faculty and students, as well as the Life Sciences department on the Monroe Park campus.
Exhibit ideas? Suggestion: radiology exhibit.
Lunch talks. (Students mentioned that the key to good attendance is free food.)
Stress relief: Possible co-sponsorship with School of Medicine and CHEC – Yoga (free through Rec Sports) – 3-minute massages
Presentation tips – Possible presenter: Janet Rogers from Podium Pizzazz – Presenting on rounds
Dog on call: Would like to do this again in the spring, but the organization is having budget issues.
Open Discussion
There was a request to receive minutes before the next meeting so that everyone is on the same page
Some students don’t like having windows in the study room doors on the 2nd floor of TML. The librarians explained that they are there for safety reasons and so that others know when a room is being used.
There is strong support for modernizing the study rooms on the 2nd floor of TML. Committee feedback:
Do not lose space during renovations since rooms are already small
Plugs in tables aren’t useful – just make electricity available
In general, keeping desks/tables clear is desirable
Use outlets with a regular plug and USB connection
Making connectors available for checkout at the Service Desk is useful
Quiet vs. loud study areas are largely determined by students, not librarians