Co 461
June 2000

THE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Council held
on 13th January 2000
at The Library Association headquarters, London WC1
commencing at 11.15 am

2000/1 CHAIR OF COUNCIL
With the Immediate Past President, Verna Taylor, in the chair, Council elected Martin Stone as Chair of Council for 2000. Martin Stone then took the chair.

2000/2 APOLOGIES
The Chief Executive reported apologies from Sue Ward, Martin Molloy, Jacqueline Cropley, Elspeth Mitcheson, Pat Beech and Margaret Smith.

Council then stood in memory of Dr John Walford.

2000/3 WELCOME
The Chair welcomed new and re-elected members to the Council.

2000/4 INVESTITURE OF THE PRESIDENT
The Immediate Past President introduced Graham Cornish as the President for 2000.

She outlined Graham's career and his responsibilities as Director of IFLA's Core Programme on the Universal Availability of Publications and as Copyright Officer for the British Library, noting also that he is a member of the Intellectual Property Working Group of the government's Creative Industries Task Group. Verna also referred to Graham's work on international relations as Chair of the LA's International Sub-Committee as well as his work with IFLA.

The Immediate Past President then invested the President with the Presidential Badge and the President addressed members. His speech appears as an appendix to the minutes.

2000/5 RETIRING PRESIDENT
Mandy Hicken proposed a vote of thanks to the Immediate Past President, Verna Taylor.

Mandy remarked that it must be difficult to work at the highest level in one sphere of local government, and, at the same time, act as an ambassador for an entirely different profession. But, despite her change of roles in Northamptonshire Verna had lost none of her commitment to the library and information profession, and had met the challenge with aplomb and enthusiasm.

Mandy noted that Verna's theme for the year was change; in the way we tackle the increasing problem of social exclusion, in the way we communicate with others inside and outside the profession, and in the way we provide information. She added that Verna had travelled all over the country to meetings, where she had talked about responding to change, and about her view of the future. Most importantly she had listened to, and noted the views of her audiences.

Mandy reminded Council that Verna had represented the Association at conferences throughout the UK and abroad, and had sent back a series of postcards giving her own pithy impressions of the proceedings. She concluded by thanking Verna for doubling her workload on behalf of the Association.

Mandy Hicken then gave the Past President's Badge to the Immediate Past President.

2000/6 MINUTES
The minutes of the Council meeting held on 13th October 1999 (Co 454) were approved subject to the addition of Anne Everall to the list of apologies received. With this amendment the minutes were signed by the Chair.

2000/7 MATTERS ARISING
99/77 The Chief Executive updated Council on MLAC and assured members that the Association's response to the Shepherd report would be robust in expressing the Association's concerns.

99/79 The Chief Executive reported the outcome of the SLA bye-election and the appointment of Bill Bell as SLA Councillor.

2000/8 PRESENTATION ON THE WORK OF IFLA
The President introduced a discussion on the work of IFLA. His aim was to enthuse members about IFLA in anticipation of IFLA 2002 in Glasgow. He outlined the origins and work of IFLA noting the value of the annual Conference as an opportunity for global and cross-sectoral networking, but also stressing that IFLA is much more than a Conference. He outlined the ongoing work programme carried out at IFLA HQ and across the world, and reminded colleagues of the rewarding opportunities for involvement through IFLA in the world-wide library and information community.

A discussion ensued. The key points raised were:

• The value of personal and professional development through involvement with IFLA and exposure to the diversity and commitment of library and information work world-wide; and the value to employers of having staff with this global perspective.
• The value of IFLA Conference with the opportunity to network "outside the box" with colleagues from different professional and cultural backgrounds; support for the establishment of an LA budget to support delegates to IFLA Conference; and the suggestion of a mentor system for "first timers" to IFLA Conference.
• The importance of working hard to make a success of IFLA 2002 in Glasgow with all Councillors being challenged to think through, with colleagues from their various constituencies, how to give support to this opportunity.
• The need to do more to feed the international experience gained through IFLA back into library and information work in the UK; and the suggestion that more prominence be given to IFLA work in LA Council and Committee papers and discussions.
• The relevance of IFLA to Workplace Libraries and the increasing involvement of special librarians in the work of IFLA.
• Recognition that engagement with IFLA sometimes raises difficulties with "IFLA politics" - but that the values of IFLA far outweigh this issue.

These general points were referred to the International Sub Committee for consultation.

In addition, Albert Hartley asked specifically about the contribution of local studies librarians to IFLA. The Chair indicated that staff would respond to this enquiry.

2000/9 AGM MOTION
The following motion passed at the Annual General Meeting was considered :

"That a new body for the profession be created on the basis set out in the report of the Unification Planning Group 'Our Professional Future: Revised Proposals for a New Organisation for the Library and Information Profession' and Council be called upon to take, or authorise to be taken, such steps as may be required to achieve that end."

Council endorsed the AGM recommendation,

2000/10 IMPLEMENTATION WORKING GROUP
The Chief Executive referred members to the minutes of P&RC (99/127) which outlined the recommendations of the first meeting of the IWG. He also outlined the proposed timetable for unification which had been discussed informally with members of IWG and would be put to the next formal meeting of IWG on 27th January.

2000/11 ELECTION OF COUNCIL FOR 2000
The report of the Election Scrutineers (Co 456) was received.

2000/12 ELECTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS, 2000
The Chief Executive reported that the following Chairs had been appointed unopposed :

The Chair called for nominations for Chair of Academic & Research Libraries Committee. Andrew McDonald was duly nominated and appointed.

2000/13 APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS, 2000
The recommendations of the Policy & Resources Committee were approved.

2000/14 NOMINATIONS PANEL, 2000
Council agreed to re-appoint Cathy Evans and to appoint Jim Basker and Mandy Hicken to serve on the Nominations Panel.

2000/15 ELECTION OF A MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE, 2000
The Chair invited nominations and David Sharp was duly nominated and appointed.

2000/16 APPOINTMENT OF DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE, 2000
Council resolved to re-appoint those members of the 1999 Committee who were eligible to serve.

and to appoint the following additional members:

Bill Bell, Alasdair MacNaughtan and David Sharp.

2000/17 ANNUAL ELECTION SCRUTINEERS, 2000
Council resolved to re-appoint the Scrutineers, all of whom were willing to serve:

2000/18 REGISTRATION APPEALS PANEL 2000
Council resolved to re-appoint those members eligible to serve:

and to appoint the following additional member:

Kayla Tomlinson.

2000/19 NEW YEAR'S HONOURS
The Chief Executive reported that the following members had received mention in the New Year's Honours list:

Robert Craig (OBE), Director, Scottish Library Association
Ross Shimmon (OBE), Secretary General, IFLA
Gill Burrington (OBE), Training Consultant

John Hobson (MBE), NVQ external verifier
Robert Moore (MBE), Retired - services to scientific Librarianship
Pearl Valentine (MBE), Chief Librarian, NE Education and Library Board

Council resolved to congratulate those recipients.

2000/20 HONORARY AWARDS, 2000
Council resolved, on the recommendation of Policy & Resources Committee, to make the following Honorary Awards for 2000, to be presented on Members' Day.

Eric Moon (HonFLA)
Catherine Pinion (HonFLA)
Ross Shimmon (HonFLA)
Valerie Nurcombe (Certificate of Merit)

Please treat these nominations as confidential, until announced in The Record, as we have not received acceptances from all the nominees.

2000/21 POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Barry Cropper presented his Chair's report (PRC 420) and the minutes of Policy & Resources of 4th November and 2nd December (PRC 409 and PRC 419), including the recommendations of the Implementation Working Group. These were received and adopted.

2000/22 ACADEMIC & RESEARCH LIBRARIES COMMITTEE
Andrew McDonald presented his Chair's report (ARL 227) and the minutes of Academic & Research Libraries Committee (ARL 226) focussing on the second report of the National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning. In discussion, members stressed the importance of workplace libraries in the process of skills development and lifelong learning. The minutes were received and adopted.

2000/23 EDUCATION & PERSONAL MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COMMITTEE
Kathleen Ryan presented her Chair's report (EPMS 423) and the minutes of Education & Personal Membership Services Committee (EPMS 422); and announced that formal approval has been given for the establishment of Information Services National Training Organisation. From the floor Mandy Hicken reported orally on the Black Contribution to British Librarianship Conference held in November. The minutes were received and adopted.

2000/24 ENTERPRISE BOARD
Tony McSeán presented his Chair's report and the summary minutes of Enterprise Board, commending the Record team on continuing high standards during a difficult period. These were received and adopted.

2000/25 INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
Jonathan Willson noted that the ISC meeting scheduled for 18th November 1999 had been cancelled but presented his Chair's report (ISC 319) and minutes of Institutional Services Committee (ISC 318) . These were received and adopted.

2000/26 PUBLIC LIBRARIES COMMITTEE
Guenever Pachent presented her Chair's report (PLC 339) and the minutes of Public Libraries Committee (PLC 338) and updated Council on the work on public library standards. The minutes were received and adopted.

2000/27 SPECIAL LIBRARIES COMMITTEE
Suzanne Burge presented her Chair's report (SLC289) and the minutes of Special Libraries Committee (SLC 288), updating Council on the Workplace Libraries conference emphasising the importance of research into support for workplace learning, and stressing the need for dialogue with all departments of government. The minutes were received and adopted.

2000/28 YOUTH LIBRARIES COMMITTEE
Anne Everall presented her Chair's report and introduced the minutes of Youth Libraries Committee and these were received and adopted.

2000/29 INDIVIDUAL COUNCILLOR ISSUES

• Alasdair MacNaughtan, on behalf of PPRG, questioned the quality of the invitation to the PPRG awards ceremony. The Chief Executive agreed to investigate and respond to PPRG.
• Glynis Platt, on behalf of CofHE, noted that some advertisements in Appointments were for jobs at salaries below the level recommended in LA guidelines. The Chief Executive outlined the LA's policy in this area.
• Ian Johnson noted the imminent end of the Library and Information Commission and the Chair of Council agreed to write to LIC, conveying Council's appreciation of its work.
• Albert Hartley commented on the excellent work of the Record team at a time of difficulty.

2000/30 APPLICATON FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION
The list was approved.

2000/31 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chief Executive reported that the Association had been invited to give oral evidence to the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport on 10th February. A delegation was agreed as follows:

2000/32 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ENQUIRIES
None.

2000/33 DATES OF 2000 MEETINGS

APPENDIX

LA President 2000's
Address to LA Council
13th January 2000

The Millennium - a milestone
Whatever you think of the Millennium it cannot be denied that it is a milestone in the calendar and we all need milestones - birthdays at 30 or 50 seem more significant than 47 or 52! We celebrate Golden Weddings, Jubilees and so on. So the Millennium is certainly a time to pause for thought

A young profession but centre stage for 2000-->
In terms of the Millennium we are a young profession, having appeared no more than about 150 years ago, using the establishment of public libraries as a sort of benchmark. However, my view is that we shall continue to grow as a profession in the coming centuries, not just this one and will play a pivotal role in the development of society at all levels.

Modern technology blurs the divisions
The development of modern technology - and let's abandon "new technology" as a phrase as it is really quite old now - is blurring the divisions between different suppliers of information. Indeed it is blurring the differences between different groups of players in the information chain. You can search a catalogue, identify what you want and decide to buy it or subscribe to it as a magazine, all without leaving your armchair.

Users want information, not information about sources
As users of information become more sophisticated they are less and less interested in the provider telling them that whilst this document is in the library, another is in the archives down the road and a further item is only available in the museum twenty miles away. Users want packages of information including text, illustrations, published material, unpublished manuscripts, sound recordings, video and three-dimensional objects which may provide them with the information they need. Sources divided by historical and administrative pasts are of no interest to them.

Computers, TV, telecommunications converge
If we work in an age when the divisions between information sources are less clear, how much more true is this for the technological media which carry that information. The convergence of computing, Telecommunications and television has long been seen as a major challenge to information managers of all kinds. With the merger of Time Warner and AOL.com we have the prospect of vast quantities of information being available on our TV in the living room, never mind the office or spare bedroom. Soon the argument will be not between watching This is your life and Wish you were here - and if the title of the latter applied to the victim of the former, then that whole episode would be ruined - but between these programmes, www.anyfilmyoulike.aol.com and wanting to send emails or carry out a video discussion with your family or friends.

But, unless this Council throws out the idea now, will also be the year when we really do the nuts-and-bolts work on the merger between the LA and the IIS, another example of integration. But my hope is that during this year and beyond there will be a much greater convergence of the professional attitudes of librarians, archivists, museologists, knowledge engineers, publishers, distributors and indexers. (I must say I am proud of the phrase "knowledge engineers" - it is very popular nowadays but I first used in the an article in 1996 so I thought of copyrighting it but those who know about these things tell me it is not possible).

Integration is not assimilation
But integration is not the same as assimilation. We often speak of integrating ethnic minorities into our society but we do not expect them to deny or mask their special characteristics. Integration is essentially a process whereby different groups or individuals become part of the whole but, by retaining the individuality within the total, they actually contribute to the enrichment of the whole. My vision is to see a much grater convergence of professional activity in the information chain but that this will bring about a richer total environment in which to work and, above all, serve our users.

Distinctiveness
But we do not want to crate a sort of morass of information professionals all floundering about and not knowing what to do. We still need the specific skills which we have developed as a profession. These are in my opinion primarily those of organising knowledge and interpreting it for individual need. We are uniquely trained to organise information to become knowledge and hopefully to impart knowledge so that it becomes wisdom. At the same time we need to develop our skills of interpretation of the needs of our users to be able to match these to the in-depth knowledge that we have of the resources at our disposal. These human skills are the bedrock of our professionalism and are just as vital at the high tech" end of the profession as they are at the so-called "low tech". In fact the mobile librarian, visiting remote farms and villages in the Yorkshire Dales will have a deep understanding of the needs, attitudes and preferences of the farming communities there and be able to identify information resources and leisure material suitable for each family. These skills are just the ones we need when sorting out online databases or searching through a myriad of websites to find what our users want whether in the public library in a big city, as an advanced researcher in an academic library or an engineer or accountant in an industrial complex.

Making ethical judgements
Which brings us full circle. Because the challenge of the 21st. century will be, in part at least, to sort out all these different resources, analyse them, judge them for usefulness, integrity, validity and finally decide which are the most appropriate for our user. This will require us to be far more ready to make judgements in terms of suitability, quality, morality and cost.

Whatever our personal beliefs, most people would acknowledge that the Millennium has a spiritual dimension which will make us stop and reflect on the true nature of our profession, what ewe are really trying to achieve and the methods by which we achieve it.

Graham Cornish
LA President, 2000