2^ND BUSINESS MEETING

September 25, 2006

Present:  Jim Mancuso (moderator) (Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary—Northeast Campus), Elizabeth Siekawitch (Elim Bible Institute), Joy Niswander (Elim Bible Institute), Bradley Wilber (Houghton College), Gretchen Pearson (LeMoyne College), Paul Spaeth (St. Bonaventure University), Father Cyprian Alexandrou (Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary), William Kanalley (Siena College), Betty Bunt (Houghton College), and Barry Hamilton (Northeastern Seminary).

I.           Welcome and Introductions

Jim Mancuso convened the meeting at 10:40 a.m. in Sprague Library (Rare Book Room), on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, NY).

Each person introduced herself/himself, her/his institutional affiliation, and her/his institutional role.

II.         Reports of the Executive Committee

A.   President—Jim reported that (1) LITANY’s registration process with the University of the State of New York is currently underway; (2) the New York Library Association (NYLA) will hold its Annual Meeting November 2-4 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Any LITANY members that will be there are invited to meet for lunch during this Annual Meeting, on November 2, 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (3) LITANY’s website is now ‘up and running’— http://litany.sbu.edu

B.  Secretary—Barry reported that the Minutes for April 3, 2006 had been distributed via email attachment. Action: Minutes of April 3, 2006 accepted with no changes.

C.  Treasurer—Gretchen reported that institutional membership fees for

LITANY will be $35.00. Members requested invoices for these charges. LITANY will soon have an application form with membership dues posted online. Each member institution will have a library representative who serves as contact person. The annual membership year will run from July 1 to June 30.

III.         Organizational Activities

A.   Affiliations

1.   New York Library Association (NYLA)—Jim reported on affiliation benefits available, e.g. continuing education opportunities, the vendor exhibits, etc. LITANY may have an opportunity to sponsor a workshop at the 2007 NYLA Annual Meeting.

2.   American Theological Library Association (ATLA)—Barry distributed information regarding American Theological Library Association (ATLA) Continuing Education Grants, available through our affiliation with ATLA.

The meeting recessed for lunch in the Garlock Dining Commons at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened in Sprague Library’s Rare Book Room at 1:05 p.m.

B.    Development of LITANY’s Website

1.   Links to our catalogs—members discussed the potential benefits

of placing links to library catalogs on the LITANY website. Jim recommended that members give Paul feedback and suggestions for the website. Paul will add a member list with email links.  Jim suggested that members add list of member institutions and links to library catalogs. Gretchen pointed out the benefits of adding a paragraph that highlights collection strengths of each library that would be of interest to theological librarians. Members discussed library-catalog online accessibility for each respective institution.

C.     Cooperative Agreements

1.   Interlibrary Loan—Jim suggested possible Interlibrary Loan arrangements among member libraries and potential benefits. Members expressed preference for e-mail or phone contact for ILL requests. Paul suggested a standard ILL form placed on LITANY’s website and offered to post a sample. Members will offer feedback on this feature. Jim noted that LITANY will need to work out the details for any ILL arrangements, and that this should be done by the third or fourth week of October. He will distribute ILL and Direct Borrowing forms for members to examine. Jim provided copies of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Theological Library Association (SEPTLA) as an example of a model ILL form that might work for LITANY.  Brad will spearhead ILL cooperative agreements.

2.   Members responded to Father Alexandrou’s query regarding central tracking of serials. Bill, Paul, Betty and others suggested EBSCO and Harrassowitz as potential vendors.

3.   Jim led members in a discussion of recruitment of potential member institutions.

4.   Jim mentioned the benefits of the ATLA Serials Exchange.

D.     Educational Programs

1.   Jim discussed potential opportunities for offering continuing education events at NYLA and at our own meetings.

2.   Barry will take leadership in organizing a workshop for the 2007 NYLA Annual Meeting, and will investigate potential speakers. Jim and Paul emphasized the strategic importance of scheduling this event during the regular NYLA sessions. Proposals must reach NYLA by late January 2007.

3.   Paul suggested that LITANY explore opportunities for diversification of members’ knowledge in the bibliography of religious traditions. Members could build on constituents’ respective confessional strengths—e.g. Catholic bibliography, Orthodox bibliography, and Judaica. Bill mentioned the availability of a significant variety of Catholic bibliographic experts. Gretchen mentioned the Catholic Periodical Literature Index now available online. Jim suggested a team approach of faculty and librarians and a rotational basis for exploring traditions represented in LITANY.

Members agreed by consensus to plan a meeting in late May 2007 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary, in response to Father Alexandrou’s invitation. Father Alexandrou informed members of on-campus guesthouse availability. Jim proposed a timetable from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. that would include a business meeting, campus tour, lunch, and bibliographic workshop.

 E.      Advertising Largesse

1.   Jim proposed that members use the LITANY email list for materials exchanges, items free or for sale,  etc. Members should submit their lists of books to be given away to Paul Spaeth for inclusion on the   website.

IV.        Future Meetings

1.   Jim again announced that LITANY members would have lunch together on November 2 during the NYLA Annual Meeting, from 11:30 a.m. until about 1:15 p.m.

2.   The Spring 2007 meeting will be hosted by Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary (Jordanville, NY).

V.         Other New Business

1.   Gretchen noted that reference questions could be placed on a listserv for LITANY members. Barry will ask ATLA regarding hosting of a LITANY listserv on ATLANTIS. Paul suggested that St. Bonaventure University could be an alternate choice.

2.   Members requested Barry to distribute copies of Business Meeting Minutes via e-mail attachment.

VI.         Adjournment at 2:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barry W. Hamilton (Secretary)

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