Library Committee

Approved
February 20th, 1995

The terms of reference from which the mandate of the Senate Library Committee (hereafter SLC) is derived are as follows:

1. The RORs of the University specify that:
   1. "The powers and responsibilities of the Senate shall be to prepare and recommend plans and policies for the academic development of the University, including by way of example the library and other academic services." (6.3.2.[f])
   2. "The Librarian shall be responsible to the Principal for the conduct and operation of the University Library, and may be required by the Senate to report to it from time to time on those aspects of the Library which the Senate considers to be of academic interest." (7.7)
2. In view of these sections of the RORs, the role of the SLC is advisory. Acting as a consultative body to Senate, the SLC works with the Chief Librarian to develop broad policies concerning the academic aspects of the library operation.

Mandate:

1. To assist in the development and review of those library policies which affect the academic life of the university. The committee shall bring to Senate for consideration and recommendation such matters as:
   1. general plans and policies for the development and maintenance of collections, services and facilities;
   2. library operating policies which affect faculty and students;
   3. long range planning.
2. To advise the chief librarian on matters which affect the academic life of the university and college. These matters include especially:
   1. academic needs of faculty and students;
   2. internal budgetary priorities for the library collections to ensure fair and equitable consideration of the academic needs of all departments and programs.
3. To serve as a liaison between the academic community and the library administration and as an advocate for the library within university and college.
4. To report to Senate such times as may be deemed necessary and at least annually (at a convenient and effective date, normally at the end of the Winter term [changed at the 415th Senate meeting, Monday 12 April, 1999]) on those aspects of the library operation which concern the academic life of the University, including:
   1. implementation of current policies;
   2. priorities for the future;
   3. academic implications of forecast budget.

Reporting Structure:
General policies are established by Senate after consultation with the SLC. Their implementation is left to the Chief Librarian, who may be assisted by the advice of the SLC. Senate shall be informed of any major disagreements between a majority of the SLC and the Chief Librarian; Senate may receive representations from both the SLC and the Chief Librarian. Any ensuing recommendations of the Senate concerning the area of disagreement shall be forwarded to the Principal.