Present: Maureen Wade (Chair), Fiona Middleton, Carole Pickaver, Abigail Edwards, Kathleen Pounder, Caroline Holebrook (administrator)

Apologies had been received from Sue Somerset, Adam Edwards, Nicola Wright, Paul Scarsbrook

2. Minutes of the last meeting - 1st July 2002

The minutes were accepted as an accurate record

3. Matters arising

There were no matters arising that are not dealt with elsewhere

4. Seminars & Visits:

Final arrangements and progress reports

Space Planning:

Fiona reported that she had made good progress recruiting speakers and already had agreement in principle from Viven Robertson, Ann Sainsbury, Janet Percival and Philippa Dolphin. Maureen also offered to speak if required. It was decided there were enough speakers and topics for discussion to allow a full day event. The date for the event was agreed as the 28th November 2002 and that LSE would be the venue. The main themes for the event were agreed as follows, maintaining services, merging collections, long term space strategy, and communication. As Fiona is about to change jobs Maureen agreed to finalise the topics for discussion with the speakers. Action: Fiona to email speakers list to Maureen. Caroline to finalise room booking and catering in consultation with Maureen. Maureen to contact the speakers and arrange discussion topics.

Peckham Library:

Fiona reported that these visits were confirmed. The first would be on the 22nd November 10-12pm, Caroline would accompany the visit. The second visit would be on the 27th November 2-4pm, Fiona would accompany this visit. The event will be advertised as soon as we have confirmation of group size from Mike Allport. Action: Fiona will contact Mike Allport to confirm suitable numbers.

Project Management:

This will be a similar workshop to one that Maureen has run successfully on previous occasions. Maureen has speakers in mind for the event that she will contact. It was felt that King's Maughan Library would be a good venue for the event and that should it be available the event would be held week commencing 13th January. Action: Maureen to confirm speakers. Caroline to book rooms at King's for a one-day workshop.

Financial Planning:

Abigail reported that she was finding it difficult to identify suitable speakers for this event. She had been looking at trainers in the library sector, as private sector financial trainers were very expensive. Maureen suggested a looking at trainers from the university sector, perhaps those used by the Association of University Administrators; an LSE colleague could probably provide details. Action: Maureen to ask Val Straw for contact details to be passed to Abigail.

Forest Gate Public Library Visit:

Kathleen confirmed that she had been in touch with Forest Gate and that they had agreed to host a visit in principle. Kathleen will contact them again to confirm dates (two separate visits if possible) and the size of group they can accommodate. Action: Kathleen to contact Forest Gate to confirm details.

Communications Management:

Kathleen and Maureen agreed to meet separately to discuss the exact focus of this seminar and to draw up a panel of speakers. Action: Kathleen and Maureen to arrange to meet.

Overhauling Efficiency & Effectiveness:

it was agreed that this seminar should cover topics such as, service level definitions, methodology, converged services and strategic planning. It was also agreed that a whole day workshop would be useful to allow break out sessions. Maureen suggested Beverly Britton from LSE and Carole suggested her institutions auditor as potential speakers. Action: Maureen and Carole to contact speakers. Carole and Abigail to select a suitable venue and date. Advise Caroline.

5. Any other business

Membership: Fiona is leaving Birkbeck to join Central St Martins College of Art & Design but would still like to be part of the task group. Nicola Wright will be on maternity leave from this week and it was felt that the group was now too small. The group would like a member to cover Nicola's absence. Action: Caroline to ask Jean Yeoh if there is a waiting list that names can be drawn from.

Venues:
It was noted that room hire costs were one of the largest expenditures of the cpd25. Therefore, if members were able to find venues that were reasonably priced it would be very helpful.

6. Date of next meeting 5th December 2002 2pm at London School of Economics.