Friday, 26th January 2001
Resource, 19-29 Woburn Place, London WC1

Present:
Philip Payne (Chair), Eric Davies, Alan Cooper, John Sumsion, Juliet Eve

Apologies:
Linda Banwell, Andrew Booth, Noeleen Cookman, Biddy Fisher, Pat Gannon-Leary, Liz Hart, Carolynn Rankin, Clare Nankivell, Maurice Wakeham.

1) Minutes of the last meeting Accepted

2) Committee

Ros Cotton, Judy Palmer and Bruce Madge have resigned. PP will write to them to express our appreciation for their work. Eric Davies has been co-opted onto the committee. The forms for nominations for the committee has been sent out and are due back by 12th February.

3) LIRN

LIRN hasn't been published since late summer last year due to lack of material. The next issue will be at the printers next week and includes article by Elizabeth Gadd, on her copyright research. Suggested we should publicise this issue via email lists due to the topicality of her work. Discussion about the future of LIRN: Has been difficult to get people to submit articles as LIRN is not refereed and has relatively low circulation. JS has indicated his wish to stand down as Editor. ED suggested Elizabeth Gadd or Adrienne Muir as possibilities. ED will approach Elizabeth Gadd. Future format of LIRN Much of this discussion was linked to the discussion about LIRG becoming a SIG (see item 4), as becoming a SIG would involve the production of a newsletter for members (if members did not receive LIRN as part of their subscription). Various ideas suggested for the short-term as well as medium/longer term:

a) more smaller pieces (e.g. one page) for people to publicise their research, pointing to websites and publications, as this seems more feasible

b) in the medium term, move towards 4 issues per year c) in the medium term, commission people both to guest edit and write longer pieces

d) related to point c), have focused issues of LIRN It was suggested that some of the surplus from LIRN could be used to commission guest pieces/editors (figure of �300 suggested). Discussion about this overlapped with what kind of business model we might adopt if LIRG becomes a SIG. Particularly in light of the demise of LIC's Research Bulletin, LIRN could broaden its scope and take on a more current awareness role. Possibility of some of LIRN being available on the website. Marketing of LIRN: needs to be promoted, especially within public library sector. Committee members favoured retaining the print version of LIRN but also investigating making LIRN available via the Web. Personal members would then have free access to the Web version and could choose to subscribe to the print version.

4) LIRG & the new professional body

PP circulated an article from UKOLUG newsletter raising issues about becoming a SIG which may also be matters for LIRG:

a) SIGs can't voice opinions on LIS issues independently of the professional body.

b) Members of a SIG had to be members of the new professional body if they were eligible to do so.

c) As SIG, could expect more members; cost associations with providing members with LIRN - this would not be covered by capitation? However, it was recognised that, as a SIG, we could we raise profile of research within new organisation? AC indicated that - in response to point a) - the LA currently seeks opinions of SIGs before agreeing its position, so there is the potential for LIRG to have greater influence. SIGs are obliged to provide members with newsletters, but capitation covers this; it would however be harder to produce a journal. There are various models for newsletters and journals at the moment (e.g. online access for free, pay for print version). PP will draft a statement for the AGM indicating the Committee's recommendation in principle to becoming a SIG, subject to further investigation of the financial aspects. If we are to become a SIG, this should be from 2002 when the new professional body is created. This would require LIRG to hold an EGM in the Autumn.

5) Web pages

The grant application for �500 to the LA was successful; most of the content has been sent to AC & NC, and the designer should have it ready within the next few weeks. Aim to have new website up by AGM so can promote it there.

6) Awards and Prizes

Daphne Clarke prize:
3 submissions, PP & JE to judge, ED to act as arbiter.

Elsevier award:
it was agreed that submissions from the Republic of Ireland should be eligible. The winner is John Cullen, from the Dublin Institute of Technology, 'The Irish Market for Library and Information Management Work'. He has indicated he is unable to travel to the AGM for the presentation (due to costs), PP will accept on his behalf. Suggested we should ask Elsevier to consider increasing the amount of the award. PP will ask Elizabeth Gadd to talk about her work at the AGM. Agreed we should change the format for future years, and ask winners to present work done, at end of research. Also that prize money should include travel costs.
NB: New venue for AGM; AGM will be held at Bloomsbury Theatre, Gordon St.

Postgraduate prize:
winner is Cheryl Twomey from Uni. of North London, for 'Analysis of design and quality of patient information, and leaflets supplied with medicine sold by pharmacists in the UK'. NC apologises for not sending out requests for u/g nominations; will shortly send out requests for both u/g & p/g nominations. We will need a judging panel for the PG prize; as AGM is deadline we can sort it out then.

7) Events

LH & PP have been working on 2 linked seminars on The Effective Academic Library - draft programmes circulated. When speakers have been confirmed, programmes will be circulated to committee members. Was suggested a discounted fee of �200 could be offered for those booking (and paying for) both sessions at same time. Also, issue of cancellation fee should be considered. Research Methods courses: David Haynes has submitted a revised proposal; PP has had various comments. It was agreed the programme content is appropriate, though there is some lack of clarity regarding the selecting and paying of additional presenters. JS suggested we should run the courses on a 50/50 profit/loss basis with David Haynes Associates. PP will put this on the agenda for next meeting. Other options for running the courses may include working with other partners (LA?LISU?), doing it ourselves or putting it out to tender.

8) Finance

We have a current balance of �4,000. Subscription rates were fixed at same rate as last year.

9) AOB

JS attended Public Library Research Group meeting on 23rd January. There is emphasis from Chief Librarians on carrying out Best Value and doing Annual Library Plans, so less focus on research. Research being carried out at local level doesn't get publicised, and the links between academia & this research are weak.