BRIEF NOTES

Present:  Michaelyn Burnette (B), Adan Griego (SB), Margaret
Gordon (SC), Cathy Palmer (I), Reinhart Sonnenburg (SD), Ray
Soto (LA), Brad Westbrook (SD), Alan Ritch (guest, also CDC
member).

The group met informally following the session of the MLA
International Bibliography in Academic Libraries Discussion
Group.
 

Soto and Ritch reported on prospects for mounting the MLA
bibliography on the MELVYL system.  It looks like a pass
through to FirstSearch "native" mode will be available in
March.  An northern advisory group will be formed to help DLA
create a Z39.50 equivalent, using the MELVYL command
structure.  The group discussed cancellations that the MELVYL
access will precipitate.  There was a clear consensus to
cancel CD-ROM access, as soon as current contracts expire.
There was disagreement on cancelling the print version of the
Bibliography, which was seen to have continuing distinctive
scholarly value, given its classified approach.  One campus
has already cancelled the print MLA;  some will reluctantly
do so, if the alternative, given another massive serials
cancellation project, is radical reduction in the literature
journal collection;  others will save the print tool.

The group moved on to discussion of serials cancellations.

Burnette reported deep cuts in Berkeley collections this
year.  Soto reported that he has to cut or make compensatory
cuts for a substantial set of serials not previously
allocated to English/American literature;  but he has
considerable flexibility in managing the cuts.  Gordon
reported no project at UCSC this fiscal year, but one is
anticipated for next year.  It was agreed that the highest
priority for the group continued to be coordinating both
serials cuts and the few new subscriptions to maintain the
broadest possible UC-wide literature collection.  There was
considerable interest in the differential targets for
cancelling science and non-science serials established at
Santa Cruz and Stanford.  This seems like a good model for
further CDC discussion.

There was a lively discussion of library fundraising and its
potential for ameliorating literature collections cutbacks.
Gordon described recent advances at Santa Cruz, which have
created an additional $25,000 a year for bibliographer
discretionary purchases.  Gordon noted that UC endowment
funds, thanks to the stock market, are inflating at the same
ten percent rate as library materials.  Gordon noted that the
success at Santa Cruz is largely due to close librarian
involvement in the development process and urged colleagues
to take the initiative in a positive way, for example,
offering to make personal "thank you" calls to lower-level
donors whom campuswide Development staff do not have time to
acknowledge.

The question of whether to arrange a statewide meeting of the
group was broached.  Ritch described his experience with
statewide meetings, both as bibliographer and CDC liaison.
He advised focusing on identifying and accomplishing specific
projects, rather than meeting just for the sake of
establishing a group identity.  It was decided to focus first
on establishing Northern and Southern regional meetings and
to try a conference call if a statewide discussion is needed.
Also, the group agreed to make more use of the existing
listserv.  It was agreed that more participation by
Riverside, Davis, Stanford, and USC would be helpful.
Burnette reported that Davis is hiring a new English/American
literature bibliographer.

Notes by Margaret Gordon