Overview

History and Purpose of LAUC

The Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC), founded in 1967, is a statewide organization of all librarians employed at least half time by the University. Membership is automatic and entails no dues. In 1971, the Association was authorized to use the name of the University, and in 1975 LAUC was formally recognized as an official unit of the University. 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.

Organization

The LAUC statewide organization is composed of an Executive Board, including the President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Secretary, immediate Past President, and the chairs of the ten campus divisions. The Executive Board convenes in-person at the annual assembly and via conference calls. Each division sends delegates to the annual Assembly in proportion to the size of its membership. The assembly hears reports from guest speakers, the President and the chairs of committees, discusses current issues, and debates and votes on resolutions and recommendations. 

Improving UC Libraries

Perhaps LAUC's most important function is the advice it provides to the system-wide, 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.

Committees

LAUC has three standing committees, each with representatives from all ten campus divisions: the Diversity Committee; the Committee on Professional Governance; and the Research and Professional Development Committee. LAUC has a representative to the Systemwide Library and Scholarly Information Advisory Committee (SLASIAC) and the LAUC President acts as an ex-officio member on the University Committee on the Library and Scholarly Communication (UCOLASC). 

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. In addition, 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).

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.

Ways to Get Involved in LAUC

Members can become more involved in local and statewide activities by volunteering for committee assignments, serving as a system-wide representative, and running for office.