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Purpose & HistoryThe Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC) is a statewide organization with a division established on each campus. The formal objectives of LAUC are: to advise the University on professional and governance matters, to make recommendations concerning the UC librarians' rights, privileges and obligations, and to promote full use of UC librarians' professional abilities. Perhaps LAUC's most important function is providing advice to the systemwide, campus, and library administrations on the best course for the University's libraries. LAUC has provided leadership in such crucial areas as: cooperative collection development and resource sharing during a period of retrenchment; the impact of new information technologies on libraries; enhanced bibliographic access to diverse collections and service to diverse users. All librarians employed at least half time by the University are automatically members. There are no dues for membership, but voluntary contributions may be suggested at the division level to support local activity. The Association was founded in 1967, and authorized to use the name of the University in 1971. In 1975, LAUC was formally recognized as an official unit of the University. For more details, see the LAUC Archives. |
Systemwide Committees & GroupsLAUC has standing and appointed committees and task forces, and member representatives on systemwide groups. The LAUC President may appoint groups, as needed. Details about each LAUC committee are available through the committee's page. Systemwide committee and group updates are shared in the Executive Board minutes. Standing committees (with representatives from each campus division)
Appointed groups Systemwide groups
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Professional Status
Research: Since 1980, LAUC annually administers a research program with funding provided by the Office of the President. Funding has been awarded for research projects, mini-grants, and presentation grants. For more information, see the Research and Professional Development Committee web pages. Additionally, research grants may be available from local divisions as well.
Academic Status: Librarians are non-senate academic appointees at the University of California. Academic status is the sum of the privileges, rights, and responsibilities accorded to librarians as professional employees (1) whose work is closely related to the teaching and research functions of the University. (2) Academic status includes but is not limited to: the freedom to perform a range of functions within the profession, a choice of avenues for professional development, performance evaluation based on activities relevant to the profession, review by one's peers (3), and job security as stated in University policies and/or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).All LAUC members participate in a peer review process.
Peer Review: All LAUC members participate in a peer review process. The review initiator evaluates the job performance of each librarian. It is the responsibility of each librarian to keep a record of all professional accomplishments and activities to include in their review records.