The Virtual Library of Virginia
VIVA Steering Committee Retreat
June 23-24, 2001
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, Virginia
SUMMARY: Setting VIVA Goals 2002-2004
ATTENDANCE: Present: Ralph Alberico, Robin Benke, Gene Damon, Eileen
Hitchingham, John Jaffe, Jean Major, Connie McCarthy, Don Samdahl, Roy Strohl,
John Ulmschneider, Elsie Stephens Weatherington, Karin Wittenborg, and John
Zenelis. Also Present: Kathy Perry (VIVA). Absent: Frank Moran
The Steering Committee brainstormed issues and initiatives as background to framing
the goals for 2002-2004, including particular issues from the VIVA committees. Using
the results of the general discussion, the following goals are listed in priority order
according to the votes tallied from the nominal voting exercise. Discussion issues are
included under each goal.
1. Establish or re-establish ad hoc committee on technical issues
A number of issues need involvement and resolution by the technical stakeholders in
VIVA: proxy access, evaluation of Serial Solutions, evaluation of serials title
management systems, ILL enhancements, and virtual reference options.
Budget issues: look at 2d year pilot project to assess cost/benefits of serials
management systems
2. Enhance and strengthen content and access to electronic resources in support of
distance education
Continue to add online full text collections.
Explore additional science collections as well as other subjects
Look at the balance of science vs. social sciences/humanities
Look for high impact/high cost benefits
Evaluate what may assist teacher education
Additional ebooks? Economist publications?
Budget issues: Support of distance education, "anytime, anywhere, any program,"
maximum benefits for local users
3. Investigate peer-to-peer delivery and direct access for tangible collections.
Explore patron-initiated ILL, KUDZU project, and peer work with libraries
Seek funding for private institutions for express mail for ILL lending.
Emphasize direct borrowing in 2002.
Budget issues: Explore proposing second year funding for pilot program and increasing
the ILL subsidy funding.
4. Support statewide initiatives for computer competency by developing an Information
Literacy plan for VIVA
Look at activities on state, regional, and national levels, including pursuing cooperation
with ASERL, TILT, and Northwestern.
Incorporate outcomes from July 27 workshop into the plan.
Continue VIVA's involvement with ECVA and continue monitoring and keeping abreast
of VA distance education developments
5. Enhance visibility of VIVA in its role of providing resources for non-profit higher
education in Virginia.
Encourage and support LAC Advocacy efforts
There were additional goals identified that did not fall into the top five, but they may be
considered ongoing activities that may need to be assigned to specific committees.





Review state of the art of virtual reference. Explore possibility of holding a forum.
The Virginia Heritage Project funding ends in 2002, entertain a proposal from the
project steering committee for ongoing support for cataloging & intellectual
access for primary resources.
Continue and enhance resources for VIVA training.
Continue to monitor VIVA central office staffing needs, still maintaining the goal
of "lean & mean".
Examine mechanisms of VIVA organizational structure to have committees and
ad hoc committees communicate with the steering committee, particularly when
funding is needed.
Submitted by Connie McCarthy, Retreat Committee Chair