Health Sciences Library Student Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes – Sept. 21, 2017

by Todd Easter

Guest Speaker: Teresa Knott, Associate University Librarian and Director for Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences

  1. Welcome
    1. Steve Barkley welcomed members to the Graduate Advisory Committee and allowed time for everyone to introduce themselves.
    2. Steve addressed committee expectations and the importance of attendance. Attendance is required and make up sessions will be necessary if you cannot attend the scheduled group meeting. Let Steve know as soon as possible if you cannot make a meeting. At the end of the year each member is eligible for a $100 service award which can be applied to tuition.
    3. Steve then provided a library overview and general orientation. Topics included:
      1. Access to both Cabell and Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences
      2. Address and hours for the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences
      3. How to reserve study rooms at the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences
      4. Emily Hurst provided an overview of the library liaison program and services provided through the Research and Education Department including access to the Community Health Education Center.
      5. AskTML@vcu.edu was mentioned as the best way to contact anyone in the Research and Education Department.
      6. Steve provided an overview of Special Collections and Archives. Library equipment for loan, and access to other library spaces including the Workshop at Cabell. The library’s social media accounts were also shared.
  2. Welcome from Teresa L. Knott, Director and Associate University Librarian
    1. Provided overview VCU Libraries leadership for the group. She discussed VCU Libraries collections and status and provided an overview of the current budget. She highlighted VCU Libraries commitment to renewing resources. Teresa spoke about funding sources including HEETF and STF how these funds have been used at TML. The student library fee was also discussed. Last year the student library fee was used to fund a renovation of the first floor at the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences. Teresa introduced the committee to the VCU Master Plan update for the MCV Campus which will require TML to relocate. VCU Libraries is advocating for future vision about where the library will be relocated to and how the VCU Master Plan will impact the library.
    2. Some things on the wishlist for a new library include:
      1. Open spaces
      2. More group study rooms
      3. Writing surfaces
      4. Configurable spaces
      5. Accessibility improvements
      6. Recording studio
      7. Natural Light
  3. Open discussion followed and students were asked about what they would like to see in a new health sciences library.
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