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Web Services Council >> Charge

KU Libraries Web Services Council Charge

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Web Services Council is to oversee ongoing development and project prioritization for the library's web spaces and content with emphasis on quality, consistency, accuracy of information, and usability of web-based services. Acts as the implementation, planning and review group for new initiatives identified through strategic planning or internally by library leadership or the council.  The members of this committee are expected to approach their duties from a library-wide perspective rather than as solely representing unit/departmental needs.


SPONSORS: Jen Church-Duran, Deb Ludwig, Mary Roach, Kent Miller


LEADERS: Staggered terms for continuity.  Typically, appointment begins in April and runs for two years.  Call for interested parties from each area and the at-large position.  Candidates must be approved by supervisor and final selection is done by Sponsors (ADs)


STANDING MEMBERS:  Staff will be appointed from each of these areas:  Access Services/Resource Sharing (1); Collections, Archives & Special Collections (2); Scholar Services {Libraries & IT} (2); Library Technical Services (1); Reference & Instruction (2); at-large library appointments by the Assistant Deans (1). 
Standing members:  Web Coordinator (Claassen-Wilson) and Publications Editor (Kanning) are permanent members.  All other members serve 2 year terms (staggered). 


CONSULTING MEMBERS:  A member from KU Law Library, KU Medical Center Dykes Library and Regents Center Library will be appointed by the director of those libraries to inform and provide support for joint initiatives and shared interests.
Current Membership:

MEETS: At least twice monthly with schedule set by team leaders. Attendance of sponsors is optional, but encouraged when possible.  Meetings are open and announced on kulib-l.  Minutes will be posted on the staff intranet.


SCOPE OF WORK:

  1. Oversees the consistency and quality of information and service delivery to users of library web-based services available through KU Library’s web spaces. 
    1. Works with content developers, editors, and IT staff to continuously improve the quality of information and related services provided to KU Libraries’ users (students, faculty, staff).
      1. Sets standards for library web content consistent with University standards.
      2. Reviews web spaces for currency, accuracy, usability, applicability, and consistency.
      3. Solicits the development of needed content from library authors.
      4. Reconciles the discrepancies arising from duplicate or overlapping content.
    2. Reviews and recommends major projects and initiatives for web-based services (web-site, catalog, course reserves, document delivery, etc) to the assistant deans.
      1. Forms sub-groups from Information Services tasked with reviewing the quality and consistency of existing information and delivery of services.
      2. Evaluates new technologies for potential delivery of services and content and recommends if/how they might be implemented to enhance services and improve our web presence for users.
      3. Coordinates efficient, timely review and maintenance of the library web site
    3. Plans and executes ongoing, user-centric reviews and assessment of the website, ensuring that outcomes are incorporated into the design to assure our services meet user needs and expectations.
      1. Encourages faculty, staff, and student input and convenes specific constituent group meetings to gather input or feedback
  2. Facilitates communication with library staff, information services staff, and library users.
    1. Provides regular reports of work in progress or completed
    2. Provides input into planning initiatives
REPORTS: Annually in March through a written report to Dean's Council and the Sponsors. Special reports on projects and areas of interest are encouraged throughout the year.