Libraries

What is the Library Advisory Council?

Philanthropic support of committed individuals and organizations is essential for OSU Libraries and Press to achieve its mission. The Library Advisory Council, or the LAC, is the principal volunteer leadership group for OSU Libraries and Press and is comprised of distinguished OSU alumni and friends who are committed to the mission and vision of the Libraries and the Press.

Tell me more about the LAC's history.

The Library Advisory Council met for the first time in February 2003 and was established by former University Librarian Karyle Butcher. Among its first members were David Barnekoff, Tad Reynales, Brent Dalrymple, Tom Niebergall, John Byrne, Jean Roth, Joan Griffis and Georgeann Casey. In 2006, the council helped to establish the Libraries Undergraduate Research Award and member have served on the evaluation committee. Individual members have also provided lasting support for OSU Libraries and Press through the establishment of endowments such as the Barnekoff Collection Fund and the Niebergall Family Fund.

How do council members support the Libraries and Press?

Council members make a difference for OSU faculty and students through their meaningful engagement with the leadership at OSU Libraries and Press and through the significant relationship that they build with fellow council members, Libraries and Press personnel, and other core supporters of the OSU Libraries and Press. Council members work closely with Faye A. Chadwell, Donald and Delpha Campbell University Librarian. The LAC helps to guide our development strategy and increase OSULP’s visibility. The council also provides input regarding our strategic initiatives, and they assist in fundraising and stewardship for our programs to benefit OSU students and faculty.

What are the benefits of council participation?

Benefits of active LAC membership include:
·         the chance to help OSU Libraries and Press be a model for innovation and service that other libraries and presses can emulate;
·         the opportunity to have a great impact on the academic lives of both students and faculty;
·         the chance at council meetings to hear directly from students about the impact that we have on their academic success. Members also learn about the ongoing progress toward the goals of the Libraries and Press and offer feedback.
·         ongoing engagement with faculty and students to create and sustain services, collections and programs with lasting benefits for the OSU campus and the state of Oregon.
 

What are the expectations for members?

Members of the LAC serve a term of three years, and this term is renewable. They typically attend two meetings a year, usually scheduled in the fall for Corvallis and the spring for Portland, depending on availability of members. Other expectations include:
    •    Becoming familiar with the programs and mission of the OSU Libraries and Press.
    •    Participating in engagement opportunities sponsored by OSU Libraries and Press.
    •    Helping to create strategies related to additional volunteer recruitment, cultivation of corporate and individual prospects, acknowledgement of leadership gifts, and/or stewardship of major donors.
    •    Assisting with donor cultivation and stewardship.
    •    Serving on task forces or committees such as the Libraries’ Undergraduate Research Award (LURA) Committee.
 
Council members also are encouraged to consider a leadership-level gift.

How can I get involved?

OSU Libraries and Press welcomes your insight on how we can best fulfill our mission and transform our fundraising priorities into reality. Please contact Megan Lawrence, Executive Assistant to the University Librarian, if you’d like to attend the next meeting of the Library Advisory Council.