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ASERL (Association of Southeastern Research Libraries) began for me with the Education Committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon. We discussed a really exciting proposal for a professional development program for liaison librarians. How timely! Our own ZSR liaison development program will begin on May 12 with Carol Wittig from the University of Richmond. If the proposal is accepted by the membership tomorrow, planning will begin in earnest, which we will follow closely. There was also a proposal to work with the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Library Alliance in a joint recruiting effort. Finally, I learned that the Information Literacy 2.0 Summit tentatively planned for this summer is on hold due to travel difficulties in many libraries.

This morning, there was an optional Resource Sharing Summit that explored new ways to expand resource sharing among ASERL libraries. (ZSR is a participant in ASERL’s Kudzu resource sharing system as well as the Lanter delivery component.) Those present talked about exploiting digital capabilities and moving in the direction of unmediated direct ordering by patrons. I participated in the user-centric small group that talked about the possibilities of using digitization or purchase in lieu of ILL, delivery to mobile devices, and a shorter period of “lower-casing” (ILL folks will know what I mean!)

This afternoon the membership meeting began with a round robin of coping strategies for budget reductions. A poll was conducted last week on the current status of budgets in ASERL libraries, which I will share at the next Admin Council meeting. In general, we are better off than most libraries both for the current and upcoming fiscal years. Almost all libraries are using this crisis as an opportunity to reorganize, restructure, and eliminate non-essential functions.

Kate Nevins and Cathy Wilt from Lyrasis gave an update on the new organization and invited ASERL libraries to take advantage of the greatly expanded array of programs, e-resources and products. At ZSR, we should pay close attention to their Library Leadership Network, Mass Digitization Collaborative, and e-resource licensing opportunities.

CLIR (Council on Library and Information Resources) sent their President to talk about their programs. They have re-opened their Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives grant, to which we will surely apply. They have also re-absorbed the Digital Library Federation and plan to broaden its base of participation.

The final session of the day was a compilation and discussion of strategic priorities in ASERL libraries. The discussion never really got off the ground but I will distribute the document for us to use in our future planning. The day ended with a reception at Connie McCarthy’s (W&M) house and then dinner in town with four ASERL colleagues. More tomorrow.