Jacobs agreed to take notes of the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of August 24, were approved as circulated.

Jennifer Younger distributed a draft document describing the Notre Dame digital library service environment and the several challenges facing the library. She indicated that this document will lead to her presentation to the Academic Affairs Committee of the University Board of Trustees on October 4.

In a response to a question by Adams, Younger indicated that the cost of vendor periodical packages resulted in cost savings related to physical processing, and space utilization even if, for example, a one hundred title package was marginally more costly than the sub-set of 35 titles presently received. Younger, responding to Rapagnani's question if the library was adding value to acquired electronic data sets indicated that while faculty members often use the raw data, the library frequently adds value through indexing and the provision of access path.

Weber expressed concern that expanding opportunities to access digital information will result in a mushrooming demand for even further expansion and related services. Jennifer indicated that the library was aware of this history and must take appropriate steps to anticipate the challenges.

When the library tactic of sharing information as a method of increasing access while lowering cost was mentioned, Weber observed that publishers may well respond to such tactics by limiting sharing activities [through licensing agreements]. Younger pointed out that one library response to such limitation was the development of consortial licensing [whereby an organization of libraries enter into agreements with publishers specifically permitting sharing arrangements].

Rapagnani wondered if a branch library would be installed in the joint Indiana medical school facility [being established at the corner of Notre Dame Ave and Angela]. Bender indicated that such a development is doubtful because the facility will be modest.

In response to Jacobs' question about the availability of full text indexing of some journal packages, Phelan indicated that JASTOR provided full text indexing; Porter said the same was true of PROJECT MUSE.

There was some support of Jacobs' suggestion that it would be proper for the Committee to consider urging the several publishers of journals on the Notre Dame campus to produce them is digital form.

Younger indicated that notwithstanding the increasing presence of electronic publishing, there has not be a parallel decrease in print publishing. Currently, world-wide academic publishing is increasing.

Taylor pointed out that many high-quality math journals exist only in electronic form. There is a definite need for the library to identify and facilitate access to them.

Phelan asked about the policy of replacing lost books. There was some concern that some important texts were not replaced in a timely manner. A discussion of the process and challenges of replacing missing books took place. In response to a second Phelan question, it was noted that usually the URL of an e-journal is contained in the notes of the electronic catalog record for that title. That URL may often be found on the screen/s containing the full bibliographic record.

No one could answer Weber's question of when larger quantities of books would be available in e-book form. There seems to be general certainty that this will occur but the trend line in uncertain at this time.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50.
 

Respectfully submitted,

Roger F. Jacobs