The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:20pm by ASD SIS chair Gary Gott. The treasurer's report was given by Gary because Jo Ann Humphreys was not present. As of May 1995, the SIS had $6,848.69. Minute taking was assigned to incoming secretary Cindy Chick.
Gary then handed over the meeting to the incoming chair Mark Folmsbee.
Mark introduced newly elected vice-president, president elect Jim Milles, and secretary Cindy Chick. Mark thanked Gary Gott for agreeing to act as newsletter editor.
Mark reviewed his list of possible objectives for the SIS. He will post these objectives in a survey form to the Technoids list for further comment and feedback. Objectives are quoted below followed by discussion, if any.
-- "Explore ways that the SIS can operate as a technical service and support unit of other SIS's, Chapters, as well as the AALL itself. The SIS could:
a) Encourage one librarian from each firm/school/institution to join the teknoids listserv;
b) Create/design/carry out a survey designed to identify larger Internet related AALL needs; and
c) Assign SIS liaison members to each SIS and Chapter."
Jim Milles suggested a speakers bureau, which could act as a resource for other chapters of AALL. Mark will add a question to the survey asking whether the membership would be interested in something like this.
-- "Facilitate and encourage effective delegation (on Internet) of responsibility for maintaining substantive areas of law at institutions that have demonstrated an interest or history of expertise at specific institutions. Provide training opportunities to facilitate growth. Link up sites."
Tom Fleming suggested working with firm librarians to encourage specializing in certain areas. Discussion followed as to librarians role in Internet publishing.
-- "Facilitate effective communication between all subgroups, (local, regional and national) by creating listservs, usenet groups, or other email based schemes."
There was some discussion of conversion of listservs to usenet groups. Mark pointed out that he can't make usenet groups private.
-- "Facilitate continued growth and training on Internet for all members of the law profession (practicing bar, governmental institutions)."
-- "Explore reciprocal membership/project opportunities in the SIS (encouraging partnerships with members from other technically oriented law-related associations or groups in the AALS, the ABA and commercial entities). Appoint liaison positions to thos e groups. Encourage the groups to appoint liaisons to the SIS. Encourage the AALL Executive Board and other leadership to more formally adopt existing Internet liaison assignments."
-- "Explore or identify grant funding to foster continuing research on ways to effectively and inexpensively disseminate law related information on the Internet."
Example given was a grant proposal to set-up a server to provide access for AALL members to CD ROM or Internet. Licensing issues were raised.
-- "Facilitate the adoption/creation/acceptance of publishing standards on how to efficiently disseminate information on Internet. "
Example given was suggesting WWW as a standard over gopher publication.
-- "Encourage the AALL to continually expand and disseminate information about itself electronically on AALLNET."
-- "Implement a scheme that will enhance/encourage quality control of data/material disseminated on Internet."
A suggestion was made that a place on the Internet be created for comments about different sites, negative and positive. A "Better Business Bureau" of the Internet.
Should web sites be registered? Quality standards be developed?
-- "Facilitate/adopt copyright standards helpful to effective Internet publishing."
It was suggested that the Project Gutenberg attorneys would be a good source of information on this. Could we get a legal opinion on copyright standards?
-- "Create an annual user enhancement request for Lexis, Westlaw and Casebase."
Jim Milles suggested working with CRIV on this.
Mark asked that volunteers wishing to work on any of these objectives contact him.
Jim Milles brought up the subject of a possible name change for the ASD. "Computer Services Division" was suggested. There was some concern as to whether "computer services" would limit the division, anddiscourage librarians who were not specifically co mputer services librarians from joining.
Jim Milles, Chair of the Education Committee, discussed program changes for the Indianapolis convention in 1996. Each SIS will get 2 slots to present whatever program they wish, in addition to the regular program slots, which are subject to approval. A t hird slot will be available on Wednesday afternoon for whatever activity the SIS wants to provide. Cindy Chick suggested some kind of informal activity that would allow members to interact. A reception, or local tour were considered possibilities.
The theme for the 1996 convention will be "Delivering the Message."
Some possible programs could relate to a focus on computer services librarians. What are the career paths for computer services librarians? How do they fit in with non-MLS computer services personnel?
August 11th is the initial deadline for program proposals. Program proposals should be sent to Jim and cc-d to Mark.
The meeting was adjourned.