Service Quality Improvement Council

Staffing Issues Group
Minutes, July 20, 1999

Present: Emily Horning, Cesar Rodriguez, Charles Greenberg, Maureen Heher (Minutes), Sandy Peterson (Chair).

1. Minutes from the July 6, 1999 meeting were reviewed and corrected.

2. Committee picked up the discussion about conflicts of interest in the case where a supervisor or co-worker of a nominee is a member of the review committee. It was recommended that if such a conflict arises Human Resources would appoint an alternate (a person representing the same staff level as the committee member).

3. This was followed by discussion regarding guidelines for committee members about the ethical responsibilities of revealing any such conflict. The language used in guidelines for the Promotion Review Board will be reviewed to see if they are applicable.

4. It was also suggested that a general vacancy clause should be added to the committee guidelines. It was agreed that Human Resources would appoint an alternate if a committee member can not fulfill his/her term. The alternate would be eligible to serve for a full term if so desired.

5. The discussion then returned to the details of the award itself. In the previous meeting it had been agreed that if a nominee left their position at the library they would still be eligible. It was decided that the same rules would apply in the event of retirement or death.

6. Discussion continued about the names for the awards. No conclusions were arrived at but the general consensus seems to be that the big award should be called the "Rudy" and that the Rookie and Student awards should be called simple the "Rookie Award" and "Library Student Assistant Award".

7. Sandy will draft a formal statement and guidelines for the award program. This will be sent by e-mail to group members for review with the goal of having the final draft completed for the August 11, 1999 meeting of the SQIC.

8. The next topic of discussion was the budget for the awards program. Sandy mentioned that Diane had indicated that a budget does exist. Diane will be contacted to confirm this and to determine how much money is available. A suggestion was also made to contact Library Development to see if there is the possibility of a benefactor underwriting part/all of the awards program. A list of items that will be of significant cost was compiled.

   a. Permanent plaque.

   b. Student party; how many students?

   c. Staff reception; general costs for other receptions?

   d. Gift certificate for student award; $50.00 (Yale Bookstore)

   e. Printing of the bookplate, award certificates.

9. Emily suggested that Bridget Burke might be able to print the book plate and award certificates on the press at SML. Emily will speak to Bridget to get her ideas and to see what will be possible.

10. Discussion about the cost of the permanent plaque lead to a discussion about where the plaque should be placed. It was agreed that SML is the best place and that the plaque should be in a public area where both visitors and the Yale community will be able to see it. The area by both the main entrance and the Wall Street entrance were mentioned. Also mentioned was the area by the circulation desk.

11. It was agreed that each nomination should be acknowledged in writing and that each winner will have a letter placed in their personnel file. The letter will be drafted by the selection committee and will be based on the criteria used for the award. A copy will be sent to the winner(s) and to the winner's immediate supervisor.

12. The Library Human Resources office will handle publicity for the award program.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on August 10, 1999 at 3:30 p.m., SML 410.

Recorded by Maureen D. Heher, maureen.heher@yale.edu