The Library Council

What It Means to You

Students, faculty, and university staff have a voice in the affairs of the Perkins Library system through the Library Council. Members of the Library Council, acting on behalf of the Duke community of library users, bring service and other issues to the library administration for action. The library administration in turn often takes ideas and proposals to the Library Council for reaction and informed feedback.

The Library Council wants to hear your comments, compliments, complaints, and suggestions. Library users are encouraged to contact individual members of the council with questions, suggestions, criticism, and praise. As appropriate, council members will respond directly or make a referral to a library staff member or recommend discussion of the item at a regularly scheduled (usually monthly) Library Council meeting.

Official Purpose

The Library Council exercises general supervision over matters of policy in the Perkins Library (system)...(It) endorses/reviews the Library's annual budget and advises the University Librarian as requested concerning expenditures of other book funds.

History/Membership

The Faculty of Duke University established the Library Council on June 7, 1928. In 1980 the Provost assumed specific responsibility for the Council. The Library Council has fourteen members, most of whom are faculty. The Provost also appoints library staff, a graduate student, and an undergraduate to Council membership.

Library Council Minutes

The minutes from the Library Council Meetings are available, but restricted to members of the Duke University community and Library Advisory Board.