CONTENTS

 1.  Librarians & Scholars to File Brief in Tasini Case
 2.  Declaring Independence Campaign Begins
 3.  Harcourt Merger Still Under Review by DOJ
 4.  Biomedical Scientists Launch Public Library of Science
 5.  ARL Member Investment in Electronic Resources Expands
 6.  Registration for ARL/OCLC Forum Nearing Closure
 7.  ARL Schedules Meetings at ALA Midwinter
 8.  LibQUAL+ Project Participants to Meet
 9.  ARL E-metrics Project Reports at ALA
10.  ARL Statistics and Measurement Program Update
11.  Coalition for Networked Information Update
12.  The Nicholson Baker Debate Continues
13.  Consortia vs. Reform: Creating Congruence
14.  Stan Katz Urges Rethinking of the Humanities Endowment
15.  IFLA 2001 Boston Conference and Satellite Events
16.  IFLA Committee Assignments Available
17.  Videotape of UCITA Teleconference Now Available
18.  Shaping IL/DD in the 21st Century Conference Planned
19.  ARL Publications
20.  Transitions
21.  ARL Staff Transition
22.  Honors

1.  Librarians & Scholars to File Brief in Tasini Case

 The Tasini case before the Supreme Court (Tasini v. New York Times) is about whether or not a newspaper or magazine that converts its print version to an online version has permission from freelance authors to electronically encode and publish their articles.  In 1999, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals found in favor of the authors (led by Jonathan Tasini, President of the National Writers Union) who claimed that the online versions were new editions and that approval had to be obtained from the author.  For many freelance writers, the appellate ruling represents a fair decision that helps to rectify past problems.  The publishers, however, claim that if the Second Circuit opinion is upheld, decades of electronically stored articles will have to be destroyed because the ability of online publishers to clear title to works is a practical impossibility.  Authors in this case have not sought this form of redress from the courts; they do, however, seek fair compensation.

 As reported in earlier e-news (Oct-Nov. 2000 E-News: Part Two, Federal Relations), ARL and other library association members of the Shared Legal Capability met with both writers and publishers to discuss the issues surrounding the case.  Similar meetings were held with the National Humanities Alliance.  ARL and ALA (and possibly other associations may join shortly) and the National Humanities Alliance have recently agreed to file an amicus brief in this case.

 The proposed NHA/Library brief acknowledges that infringements have occurred (the brief will therefore be filed on behalf of Tasini) but remains neutral on all other areas. The brief will propose a way to balance the rights of authors, publishers, and users, and that could provide a stable environment for making material available online. Oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court are scheduled for March 28, 2001.

2.  Declaring Independence Campaign Begins

 The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) last week launched DECLARING INDEPENDENCE: A GUIDE TO COMMUNITY-CONTROLLED SCIENCE JOURNALS, a how-to handbook and website that guides editors and editorial board members of scientific journals toward responsible journal publishing. To see the site or download a PDF version of the handbook, please go to: <http://www.arl.org/sparc/DI/>.  This is an effort that complement and extends the Create Change campaign sponsored jointly with ARL's Office of Scholarly Communication and ALA's Association of College and Research Libraries.

 Many editors and editorial board members of STM journals are unaware of the serials crisis; more to the point, they are unaware they may be part of a journal whose high cost and unsatisfactory policies contribute to the serials crisis. DECLARING INDEPENDENCE presents this issue in a straightforward way to researchers who may wonder what their responsibilities are and how best to change the status quo.

 DECLARING INDEPENDENCE is divided into three sections: the first helps researchers determine whether or not their journal serves its community; the second presents alternative publishing options; the third guides researchers through an evaluation process of these alternative options. There are also extensive web resources and journal pricing charts included in the appendices, along with a bibliography.

 SPARC's goal throughout was to back up librarians' excellent educational efforts on campus. DECLARING INDEPENDENCE is a complement to the work many librarians have already undertaken vis a vis SPARC and the Create Change campaign.

 The handbook will be mailed (via traditional post) to about 1,400 editors and editorial board members of STM journals (based on the Create Change database of the 100 most expensive journals, located at www.createchange.org/resources/journal.html). It is also distributed through scientific associations and at ALA. Each SPARC and ARL library will receive five copies; any institution can order up to 50 additional copies, free of charge, by sending an e-mail to <pubs@arl.org>.

3. Harcourt Merger Still Under Review by DOJ    Reed Elsevier reported on Monday, January 8 that it had extended for the second time its tender offer to purchase Harcourt General until February 8.  According to a Reed Elsevier Press Release, "[t]he offer is being extended to accommodate the regulatory review processes and the offer may be further extended in due course.  The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2001, subject to the regulatory review."  Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Justice asked for more information on December 15, following its initial review.

 In mid-December, ARL Members were asked to contact the Department of Justice to express their concerns with the proposed merger.  Many of you did.  A few of you also contacted your state's attorney general. Thanks to all of you.  There is still time to write if you haven't had a from these two companies combined account for as much as 40% or more of your STM journals collection.  Please do share any letters or data with Mary Case (marycase@arl.org).  We will let you know as we hear more.

 In the November E-news, we reported that once the companies have
the government has 10 days to make a decision on whether or not to take action.  The government actually has 20 days after "substantial compliance."  Our attorney notes that typically, about day 10 to 15, the government asks the companies for more time.  If the companies do not agree, the government will go to court to seek a preliminary injunction. The parties then generally agree to 10 additional days.  This cycle can be repeated.

4.  Biomedical Scientists Launch Public Library of Science

 In an effort that complements the SPARC "Declaring Independence" campaign a number of biomedical scientists launched a project to persuade journals to make their primary research reports freely available for distribution and use by independent online public libraries within six months after publication.  Over 500 scientists from around the world have already signed an open letter pledging to write, review, and edit for and subscribe to only those journals that agree to change their practices. Spearheaded by Dr. Pat Brown of Stanford University, a strong proponent of PubMed Central, the Public Library of Science seeks the support of students and professors urging them to sign the letter and contact their scientific societies to encourage them to adopt the proposed free access policy.

 The letter states in part:  "We recognize that the publishers of our scientific journals have a legitimate right to a fair financial return for their role in scientific communication.  We believe, however, that the permanent, archival record of scientific research and ideas should neither be owned nor controlled by publishers, but should belong to the public, and should be freely available through an international online public library."

 The letter, a list of scientists who have signed it, and answers to some frequently asked questions can be found at <http://www.publiclibraryofscience.org>.  The site also allows scientists to sign the letter online.  We urge you to bring this effort to the attention of your life sciences faculty and encourage them to sign the letter.  For further information, contact Mary Case (marycase@arl.org).

5. ARL Member Investment in Electronic Resources Expands

 The ARL Supplementary Statistics (1998-99) was published in December and made available on a limited basis to members only.  The data file provides unique insights into the growing investment being made by ARL members in a wide variety of electronic resources.  Highlights from the publication include:

 + Expenditures for electronic resources account for 10.5% of library materials budgets.

 + 105 ARL libraries reported spending a total of $77 million on electronic resources.

 + 37 ARL libraries reported a total of $7.4 million in additional funds expended on their behalf through a centrally funded consortium for purchasing electronic products and services.

 + 100 ARL libraries reported spending more than $10.5 million on document delivery/interlibrary loan services.

 This information is derived from the ARL Supplementary Statistics Report, which is made available to member libraries on an annual basis. A printed version of the report was mailed to member libraries.  For more information see <http://www.arl.org/newsltr/213/spend.html>.

6.  Registration for ARL/OCLC Forum Nearing Closure

 The 2nd ARL/OCLC Strategic Issues Forum has a few openings still available for ARL members.  The Forum, entitled: "Toward Rethinking Academic Library Performance in the Digital Age," is scheduled for 16-18 February 2001 in Tempe, AZ. The Strategic Issues Forum is especially designed as a time for senior leaders in academic research libraries to engage critical issues facing these institutions today.  The 2001 Forum will provide a opportunity to discuss some of the performance issues facing academic libraries as well as to examine the "Balanced Scorecard," a contemporary management model.

  The 2001 Forum will be held at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Participation in the Forum costs $450 per person, which covers registration, meals, and learning resources. Hotel cost is $185 per night. The Forum starts at 3:00 pm on 16 February and ends at 3:00 pm on 18 February. Additional information, including an agenda for the forum and registration forms, are available at:  <http://www.oclc.org/institute/strat_forum_acad.htm>.

7. ARL Schedules Meetings at ALA Midwinter

 + ARL and SPARC will participate in the ALA Exhibits
The SPARC and ARL booth is no. 541.

 + The ARL Directors Forum on Managing ILL/DD Operations
Friday, January 12, 2001
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Renaissance Washington Hotel, Room 14

+ ARL E-metrics Project Participants Meeting
Friday, January 12, 2001
1:30 - 3:30 pm
Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Monet IV Room

+ ARL Survey Coordinators and SPEC Liaisons Meeting
Friday, January 12, 2001
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Monet III Room

+ SPARC/ACRL Forum
Saturday, January 13, 2001
9:30 - 11:00 am
Mayflower Hotel, Cabinet Room

+ ARL LibQUAL+ Meeting
Saturday, January 13, 2001
10:00 am - noon
Jurys Hotel, Westbury Room

+ German Resources Project - Collection Development Working Group
Saturday, January 13, 2001
4:15 - 5:15pm
Renaissance Washington Hotel, East Room

+ ARL New Survey Coordinators Workshop
Saturday, January 13, 2001
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Maryland Room

+ SPARC Steering Committee Meeting
Sunday, January 14, 2001
2 - 4 pm
Wyndham Hotel, Woodlawn Room

 A meeting for representatives from the 43 research and university libraries participating in the spring 2001 LibQUAL+ project activities is scheduled for 13 January in Washington, D.C.  The meeting will provide the LibQUAL+ team an opportunity to update participating libraries on the timeline and procedures for the coming months; it will also give participants an opportunity for in-person discussion with one another and the LibQUAL+ team.  Additional institutions interested in participating in the project in future years should contact Kaylyn Hipps, ARL Web Developer and Analyst, <kaylyn@arl.org>.

9.  ARL E-metrics Project Reports at ALA

 A meeting for representatives from the 24 research and university libraries participating in the ARL E-Metrics project is scheduled for January 12 in Washington, D.C.  During the first part of the meeting, Charles McClure, John Bertot and Wonsik "Jeff" Shim will provide an overview of the project's Phase I report and a discussion of Phase II activities.  The second part of the meeting will focus on the work of the Working Group on Database Vendor Statistics.  In addition, Sherrie Schmidt (Arizona State) and Rush Miller (Pittsburgh), Project Co-Chairs, and Martha Kyrillidou (ARL) will provide an overview of project activities on Sunday, 9:00 am - 10:30 am in the Grand Hyatt Hotel. This briefing will be for the LAMA Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation Committee on Using Statistics for Library Presentations and Communications.

10. ARL Statistics and Measurement Program Update

 (a) The Program is currently collecting data for the following surveys:

+ ARL Statistics 1999-2000 (received 94)

+ ARL Academic Law Library Statistics 1999-2000 (received 49)

+ ARL Medical Library Statistics 1999-2000 (received 38)

+ ARL Supplementary Statistics 1999-2000 (received 76)

+ ARL Preservation Statistics 1999-2000 (received 57)

(b) We are editing the data from "Library Expenditures as a Percent of University Expenditures, 1997-98 and 1998-99."

(c) ARL Annual Salary Survey 2000-2001 final tables are being produced and will be made available for ftp.

d) ARL Supplementary Statistics 1998-99 has just been published and was mailed to member libraries.

(e) In production are the following surveys from data collected in prior years:

+ ARL Academic Law and Medical Library Statistics 1998-99;

+ ARL Preservation Statistics 1998-99; and

+ ARL Preservation Statistics 1997-98.

11. Coalition for Networked Information Update

 Planning is underway for CNI's Spring Task Force meeting in the Hilton Washington & Towers on April 9-10, 2001.  For members wishing to propose a Project Briefing session, the form is available on CNI's website soon to Task Force representatives along with information on registering for the Net 2001 meeting, which will immediately follow CNI (in the same hotel).

 The second Open Archives open meeting to make public the release of OAI specifications for metadata harvesting will be held in Berlin on February 26, 2001.  The first such meeting is 23 January 2001 in Washington, D.C.  See the website at http://www.openarchives.org/ for registration.  CNI is a sponsor of this initiative.

 CNI is a sponsor of ETD 2001, the Electronic Theses and Dissertations meeting, which will be held in Pasadena on the Cal Tech campus on March 22-24, 2001.  Registration information is available at http://library.caltech.edu/etd/. Individuals at campuses beginning an electronic theses and dissertations project will benefit from a wide range of sessions at this conference.

12.  The Nicholson Baker Debate Continues

 Another response to the Nicholson Baker article in the NEW YORKER on the destruction of newspapers (24 July 2000, pp. 42-61) can be found in the December issue of "First Monday."  In "The Great Newspaper Caper: Backlash in the Digital Age," Richard J. Cox, a professor in the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences, reviews Baker's major points and identifies the more complex set of problems than he suggests, Baker fails to "understand or discuss."  Cox notes that "one can believe in the continuing utility of print and the value of maintaining books and some newspapers in their original condition, while recognizing the ultimate preservation demands requires mechanisms like microfilming and digitization projects."  He concludes: "There is no conspiracy or even tragic problem with our libraries and archives, other than the fact that they have immense challenges and limited resources."  Cox likens Baker to Sisyphus and suggests that, at best, he will succeed in saving little and will "divert the public's attention from the greater issues facing the preservation of the books, documents, newspapers, and other artifacts of the past."  Cox's article can be found at  http://firstmonday.org/issues/issue5_12/cox/.

 For your information, in April 2001, Random House will be publishing a book by Nicholson Baker entitled DOUBLE FOLD: LIBRARIES AND THE ASSAULT ON PAPER.  The Random House catalog notes that "The bestselling novelist and essayist has written a fascinating and alarming expose of twentieth-century library policies that have resulted in the destruction of large parts of the printed past."

13.  Consortia vs. Reform: Creating Congruence

 Margaret Landesman and Johann van Reenen have published a sobering article about the potential for the library community working at cross purposes.  Giving examples of discongruity between two major efforts underway within libraries - the consortial movement and the movement to advocate and support reforms in scholarly communication - they write:
"We believe there are reasons to worry that consortial development, if it occurs without specific and adamant attention to supporting reform in the of these efforts.  And likewise, scholarly publishing initiatives, if they fail to grasp the importance of consortia and to bring them into the mainstream of reform efforts, may jeopardize the success of their publishing initiatives and the scale of their long-term impact."  The authors give examples to illustrate their concerns, and propose steps that may create congruence around these efforts.  The article appeared in the JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING <http://www.press.umich.edu/jep/06-02/landesman.html>.

14.  Stan Katz Urges Rethinking of the Humanities Endowment

 The U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities has played a crucial role in supporting research libraries and the struggle to preserve and extend access to library resources.  The NEH Brittle Book Program has made available over $10 million over the last decade to help save endangered cultural resources managed by research libraries.  Stan Katz, former President of the American Council of Learned Societies, provides, in a recent issue of the CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE January 5, 2001), an insightful review of the history of funding and politics of the NDH since its founding in 1965.  He identifies the Brittle Books Program as one of the key efforts.  He argues that the current political environment requires the academy to rethink the purpose and scope of the agency.  He also suggests that projects that are good for the Humanities as a whole and are unlikely to be funded at the local level, should be funded by the NEH.

 Katz also lauds the success of the National Humanities Alliance in balancing the interests of the various humanities communities in its lobbying efforts.  ARL works through the National Humanities Alliance to advance the interests of research libraries in programs of the NEH.

15.  IFLA 2001 Boston Conference and Satellite events

 A letter was sent to all ARL Directors in December encouraging members to participate in the 67th IFLA Conference, which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts, from 16-25 August, 2001. Individual registration fees are only $300 for IFLA members and, as an ARL member, any of your staff qualify for this discount (see registration form available at the IFLA web site <http://www.ifla2001.org/IV/ifla67/>).  You will need to cite the ARL membership number to qualify for the discount (US-0006). You may also cite the American Library Association membership number (US-0002).  If your library is not an institutional member of IFLA, this occasion is an excellent opportunity to become involved.  Institutional memberships in IFLA are available for $300.  Personal memberships are available for $100.  The IFLA Conference in Boston promises to showcase American library capabilities to a global representation of librarians.

 The following Satellite Meetings of the 67th IFLA General Conference in Boston (August 2001) have been approved by the Professional Board:

+ "Education and research for Marketing and Quality Management in Libraries" IFLA Sections on Management and Marketing and on Education and Training, in collaboration with the School of Library and Information Science of the Universite' de Montreal. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, 14-16 August 2001.

+ "How Library Consortia Internationally Can Make a Difference for Libraries."  IFLA Divisions on National Libraries (I) and Management and Technology (VI), in collaboration with NELINET (New England Library Network), the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC), and the Library Consortium Management; an International Journal (MCB Press). (Venue and dates in August 2001 to be announced).

+ Joint Pre-conference of IFLA Sections Classification and Indexing and Information Technology, in collaboration with OCLC. Dublin, Ohio, 14-16 August 2001.

+ "Technology, Globalization, and Multicultural Services."  IFLA Sections of Library Services to Multicultural Populations and Information Technology. Buffalo, New York, 14-16 August 2001

+ IFLA Section Libraries for the Blind in collaboration with the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  Washington, D.C. dates in August 2001 to be announced.

+ "How Do I Find a Picture of...?: the Changing Nature of Image Research."  IFLA Section Art Libraries in collaboration with ARLIS/New England. Boston, Massachusetts, 16-17 August 2001

 IFLA has issued its periodic call for nominations for Section Standing Committees.  These committees are the core vehicle for organizing the professional content of the IFLA conferences and generally an association member of IFLA, can nominate for vacancies on the Standing Committees of which we are qualified members.  Committee appointments are for four - year terms, renewable once. Currently, ARL is a member of 10 of the 35 standing committees, including: National Libraries, University Libraries and other General Research Libraries, Acquisition and Collection Development, Document Delivery and Interlending, Serial Publications, Preservation and Conservation, Information Technology, Statistics, Education and Training, and Latin America and the Caribbean.  Deadline for submission by ARL is 5 February.  For additional information on IFLA, please go to the IFLA website at: <http://www.ifla.org>.  If you or your staff are interested in serving on an IFLA committee, contact Duane Webster for the necessary forms: <duane@arl.org>.

17.  Videotape of UCITA Teleconference Now Available

 The videotape and participants' materials from the December UCITA Teleconference are now available from the ARL Distribution Center.  The kit (including the closed-captioned tape and supporting documentation) is $50, plus shipping and handling.  Order online at <http://www.arl.org/ucita.html> or by sending e-mail to <pubs@arl.org>.

18.  Shaping ILL/DD in the 21st Century Conference Planned

 The University of Michigan Library and ARL are co-sponsoring a national interlibrary loan and document delivery conference on November 8 - 9, 2001 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The conference is designed to provide a state-of-the-art review of current services, explore the benefits and complexities of emerging service options such as direct consortial borrowing, understand the key role of technology, and highlight effective service improvements.  Aimed at research and academic librarians, the target audience includes managers of ILL departments, heads of Public Services, and directors of academic libraries. Details on the conference may be found at <www.lib.umich.edu/shapingill>.  For additional information, contact Mary Jackson <mary@arl.org>.

19.  ARL Publications

 + 1998-99 ARL Supplementary Statistics.  December 2000, 46pp. Expenditures for Electronic Resources account for 10.5% of the Library Materials Budget, according to the newly released 1998-99 ARL Supplementary Statistics. <http://www.arl.org/newsltr/213/spend.html>.

+ Declaring Independence: A Guide to Community controlled Science Journals.  January 2001, 16pp. <http://www.arl.org/sparc/DI7>.

+ The Interview Process.  SPEC Kit 260.  September 2000, 94 pp.  This Kit looks at the nature and structure of the interview process at large research and academic libraries in the United States and Canada.  Compiled by Heidi Frank, Shawn Nicolson, Laura Dickson, and Terri Tickle Miller of Michigan State University Libraries. <http://www.arl.org./spec/260sum.html>.

 + Kansas:  Keith Russell is stepping down as the Dean of Libraries effective January 10, 2001, for health issues.  He will continue to work at KU in its Department of Human Resources to coordinate employee development for university unclassified and classified staff, a campus and library priority in their current strategic plans.  Julia Rholes will serve as Interim Dean of the University Libraries, focusing on the University Libraries' on-campus relationships, until a successor is named. She served previously as the Assistant Dean for Information Services. Richard Fyffe will serve as Interim Associate Dean and will represent KU to the ARL community.  He joined the KU staff in August as Assistant Dean for Scholarly Communication.

+ Dawn Haugland resigned as OLMS Program Assistant effective January 17 to accept a position with the Ethics and Public Policy Center as conference coordinator.  Until a successor is named, inquiries for OLMS events may be sent via e-mail <training@arl.org> or by calling the OLMS line (202-296-8656).

+ Betty Bengtson, recently retired Director of the University of Washington Libraries, was one of 10 people President Clinton announced as recess appointments for the National Council on the Humanities, an advisory group for the National Endowment for the Humanities.  The Council also reviews applications for the awarding of grants.

+ Meredith A. Butler, Director of University Libraries and Dean of Library Faculty at the University at Albany, was appointed the System's first Distinguished Librarian by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.  The Trustees cited her contributions on organizational change, multiculturalism, and the economics of electronic information that have benefited the University at Albany and served as a model for libraries nationwide.  Check out this website <http://olis.sysadm.suny.edu> for a brief video clip of Meredith's comments to the Board.