LiSA Minutes
January 15, 2009
SML Room 410
Meeting convened at 2:00-3:00 p.m. by Soli Johnson.

Members Present:

Soli Johnson, Barbara Heck, Katherine Eow, Gennifer Baker, Laura Tatum, Madhu Luthra, Abdul Hannawi.

Holiday Party Wrap Up and Future

1.   Katherine Eow sent an e-mail on behalf of LiSA thanking everyone who attended the 2008 Library Holiday Party and those who participated in the raffle. The amount raised for Columbus House was $1,896. Thanks were also extended to Tim Reilly (for his Santa role), the library custodial and security staffs, the Law School Library IT Services, Yale Catering staff, the band Revival, the library staff cooks and bakers and the local businesses who donated the raffle prizes.
2.   Soli reported that she heard very positive reports about the party and that everyone had a good time. Barbara reported that some had complaints about the quantity and quality of the food. It was agreed that there is no way to please everyone.
3.   Gennifer suggested bringing a popcorn machine for the children for future holiday parties. Soli said it is something to consider for the next party.
4.   Soli will meet with Diane Turner to discuss the effects of the budget cuts on LiSA’s budget. Soli also informed that she will be away for a week in February.
4.   Barbara distributed a memo to the members, since she will not be on LiSA after July, 2009, to start a discussion so that the “carryover class” can think about the direction of LiSA—its mission, activities, and time commitment from members—especially during the upcoming year and attendant financial difficulties. The questions Barbara raised in her memo were:

a.   Will LiSA’s direct budget be reduced?
b.   Will LiSA’s indirect expenditures increase—Will LiSA be required to pay for items previously given to up by the library for free, e.g., security and custodial assistance?
c.   As various departments endeavor to reduce expenses, will work time allowed for LiSA members change?
d.   Should we continue with the activities (New Staff Receptions, Nooks & Crannies Tours, Annual Food Drive, Blood Drives, Ice Cream Social, Staff Art Exhibit, Holiday Party, and Holiday Raffle) which are currently sponsored by LiSA or should we eliminate some and/or add others?
e.   Can we do better, considering the significant amount of money and staff time (especially for the co-chairs) spent on the Holiday Party for the benefit of about 300-350 people ($18 to $22 per person)? It was suggested that most of the money was spent on alcohol and maybe some alternative to alcohol could be provided. It was agreed that the amount spent was very high (ca. $7500). Barbara said she will ask the providers of the alcohol about the amount of alcohol consumed during the Holiday Party.
f.    Is the current model of the Holiday Raffle one which can/should be sustained? Should we change it to a different time? Should we alter the concept (LiSA members going out on Library time to solicit gifts from community and sell tickets to Library staff)?

NOOKS & CRANNIES:

Soli reported that the first of the three scheduled tours to West Campus went very well and that the last two tours are already booked.
Soli also reported that she will schedule more tours to West Campus in the spring.
Gennifer will schedule a tour to the Police Station.
Laura will schedule a tour the Arts Library.

INTERNATIONAL PARTY:

Soli will talk to Diane about the time for the next International Party (possibly March).

Formation of a New Position: Treasurer:

The treasured will track the expenditures and plan for future budget.