Bylaws of the University Libraries

These Bylaws are authorized by the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws Sections on Major Units of the University and Departments of the Major Units. The Bylaws of the Libraries shall not conflict with the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws, the Nevada System of Higher Education Code (NSHE Code), and the laws of Nevada. If a conflict exists, that portion of the bylaws is void and of no effect, and the higher authority shall govern. The entire Library Faculty, hereafter called the faculty, constitutes a single department as well as unit with respect to the use of these terms in the UNR Bylaws. The phrase "Library departments and branches" refers to sections within the Libraries.

In accordance with procedure outlined in the University Administrative Manual, these Bylaws shall be considered adopted and in full force and effect upon:

1. (Review by the Faculty Senate; 
2. Approval of the library faculty by a two-thirds majority of those voting;
3. Approval of the Dean of Libraries; and
4. Approval of the President.

Amendments to the Bylaws of the University Libraries may be proposed by the Bylaws Committee, the Dean of Libraries, or whenever twenty-five percent of the members of the faculty shall propose in writing to the Bylaws Committee an amendment to or revision of these Bylaws. In accordance with procedure outlined in the University Administrative Manual,these Bylaws shall be amended and in effect upon:

1. Review by the Faculty Senate;
2. Approval of the library faculty by a two-thirds majority of those voting; 
3. Approval of the Dean of Libraries; and 
4. Approval of the President.

Questions of interpretation of these Bylaws shall be directed to the Bylaws Committee, which shall review the question and within twenty working days forward its recommendation to the Dean of Libraries. The Dean shall review the question and within twenty working days report his or her interpretation to the Bylaws Committee and to the originator of the question. If the interpretation fails to satisfy the question, the Dean shall promptly forward his or her recommendation and that of the Bylaws Committee to the President, whose ruling shall be final.

The Dean will provide a final copy of the Bylaws of the University Libraries, in its entirety, including the President’s approval, to the following offices: President, Provost, Faculty Senate, and library webmaster for inclusion in the Libraries’ shared documents. The approved bylaws, signed by the Dean and President, shall be maintained in the office of the Dean.

The Dean of Libraries shall prepare and keep current an organization chart of the Libraries. The organization chart shall be made readily available.

Before the Dean of Libraries finalizes any decision concerning organizational changes, including changes in a faculty member’s reporting line or primary function, consultation shall occur with affected parties.

The Dean of Libraries is responsible for the general administration and performance of the University Libraries.

The Library Faculty is composed of both academic and administrative faculty of the University, as specified in the UNR Bylaws, Section on Faculty. It is comprised of all persons who are hired by the University in professional positions within the library organization administered by the Dean of Libraries.

Library academic faculty shall have official titles that correspond to their academic rank.

Library administrative faculty shall have titles and ranges as recommended by the Dean of Libraries and approved through the administrative faculty position placement process.

The academic library faculty shall elect, from among its constituents, five members to serve on a Personnel Committee for two-year terms. Provision shall be made for staggered terms to provide continuity. At least four members of the Committee must be tenured faculty, and all members must have been on contract for at least 18 months by the time the elected term begins.

The Personnel Committee reviews and makes recommendations on academic faculty annual evaluations and advises on academic faculty recruitments. Supervisors who are members of the Personnel Committee will recuse themselves from deliberations of those they directly supervise.

The Personnel Committee shall establish rules and procedures for operation. The Committee’s rules and procedures shall follow the rules, criteria, and timetables given in the NSHE Code, the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws, the University Administrative Manual and University-wide administrative decisions.

The Library Faculty shall elect, from among its constituents, three members to serve on the Bylaws Committee for two-year terms. The Dean of Libraries shall appoint a fourth member to the Committee, also to serve a two year term. Provision shall be made for staggered terms to provide continuity. At least two members of this Committee must hold tenure.

The adoption and amendment process, referenced in Sections 2 and 3 will follow procedure outlined in the University Administrative Manual.

The Promotion and Tenure Committee is made up of all Library tenured faculty. It is the responsibility of the Committee to conduct 3rd, 4th, and 5th year reviews of tenure-track faculty and to review promotion and tenure applications of Library faculty. Promotion to Rank IV will be reviewed by tenured faculty at Rank IV. When Rank 0 faculty members are being considered for promotion, the committee will also include Rank 0(III) or Rank 0(IV) faculty, in accordance with the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws, section 3.1.7. If at least three library faculty members at the appropriate rank are not available, the Dean will invite faculty in other colleges to serve on the Committee. In their deliberations,the Committee will review documents submitted by the applicant, the supervisor’s letter, previous annual evaluations, and letters from external reviewers. They may request supplemental materials from the candidate for promotion or tenure.

In the 3rd year and annually thereafter in the probationary period, it is the responsibility of the Committee to make a written recommendation to the Dean on the candidate’s progress toward tenure, including recommendations for improvement of performance and/or the application document.

Recommendations to the Dean for 3rd, 4th and 5th year review candidates and promotion and tenure candidates will include a record of all votes taken of the Promotion and Tenure Committee.

Ad hoc committees, subcommittees, and working groups may be formed and charged as needed by the Dean.

The Library Faculty shall elect, from among its constituents, one member to serve as the Faculty Chair for a one-year term. The Faculty Chair or designee shall preside over meetings of the faculty. The Faculty Chair shall call meetings of the faculty at approximately monthly intervals, or as the need arises. The Faculty Chair shall determine the order of business but shall provide adequate opportunity for introduction of new business from the floor. Upon request of any member of the library faculty, faculty meetings will be conducted according to the latest edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order.

1. Academic Faculty:

   Each faculty member shall prepare in consultation with his or her supervisor a written description of professional responsibilities and performance expectations for the coming year (University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws, Section on Professional Responsibilities). This description of responsibilities and expectations must be in sufficient detail to provide a reasonable understanding of the nature and manner of performance of the activities described. These responsibilities and expectations must support the mission and priorities of the Library and of the particular area of the library to which the faculty member is assigned. The document shall be signed by the faculty member,the supervisor, and the Dean of Libraries.

   If the faculty member and the supervisor cannot agree about specified responsibilities, the matter shall be presented to the Dean who shall consult with the involved parties and make a written recommendation. If the Dean's recommendation fails to satisfy the faculty member, the Dean shall set the specified responsibilities and expectations for the faculty member. If the faculty member objects to the specified professional responsibilities and performance expectations set for the faculty member by the Dean, the faculty member, in accordance with the Professional Responsibilities Section of the UNR Bylaws, may file a grievance under the grievance procedures established in the UNR Bylaws.

   Performance expectations may be altered by written, mutual agreement by the faculty member and the supervisor, and shall be forwarded to the Dean for approval.

   At times the mission and priorities of the Libraries will best be served when a faculty member's written agreement of responsibility does not include all three of the usual categories of responsibility. In such cases, performance expectations may be drafted excluding goals in service or scholarly and creative activities areas. Written justification, signed by the faculty member, the supervisor, and the Dean, is required to exclude goals in these areas of responsibility.

2. Administrative Faculty:

   At the beginning of each evaluation period the administrative faculty member and immediate supervisor shall review the major job responsibilities (position description questionnaire) and establish the major projects, activities, and plans for enhancing professional growth and effectiveness, as appropriate, for the evaluation period. These responsibilities and expectations must support the mission and priorities of the library and of the particular area of the library to which the faculty member is assigned. Written annual goals and projects for the upcoming year shall be agreed upon and signed by the faculty member, the supervisor, and the Dean of Libraries and attached to the annual evaluation.

   Performance expectations may be altered by written, mutual agreement by the faculty member and the supervisor, and shall be forwarded to the Dean for approval.

The Faculty as a whole contributes to the educational, research, and public service missions of the University in categories of responsibility stated in the Professional Responsibilities Section of the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws. Each faculty member will be evaluated within the unique context of his or her department as well as within the overall context of the Libraries. The annual review period is January 1 to December 31.

1. Academic Faculty: In general, academic library faculty are evaluated in three areas of responsibility: 1) teaching/performance of assigned duties, 2) research, scholarly, creative and entrepreneurial activity, and 3) service.
   1. Standard One: Teaching/Performance of Assigned Duties
      The teaching/performance of assigned duties of the academic faculty will be evaluated according to the following criteria:(1.1)  Knowledge and increasing mastery of librarianship and, for non-librarian faculty, of their respective specialties as demonstrated by:
      1. Mastery of the requisite skills and technical processes related to one's assignment.
      2. Current knowledge of professional resources.
      3. Familiarity with the operations and objectives of the Libraries.
      4. Awareness and understanding of current trends, new methods,and technological changes in the profession.
      5. Insights in solving problems or pursuing professional inquiries.
      6. Creativity in initiating or revising methods, techniques, or total programs.
      7. Independence and initiative in developing approaches to assignments or carrying out work to completion.
      8. Ability to relate assigned functions to the more general educational objectives of the Libraries and University. (1.2) The competent performance of assigned duties:
         1. Effective performance of all tasks, which demands a broad grasp of the objectives of the assignment, high standards or work performance, resourcefulness in the selection of means, and demonstrated success in performance.
         2. Demonstrated effectiveness as a supervisor, if this is included in the faculty member's assignment. In evaluating supervisory effectiveness, special attention should be directed to success in training of subordinates, encouraging of efficient performance, planning and organizing ability, and fair and sensitive handling of all personnel matters. In supervising other professional librarians, the ability to stimulate professional development and growth toward tenure and promotion shall be evaluated.
         3. Demonstrated effectiveness as an instructor, when this is included in the faculty member’s assignment, both in teaching classes and in assisting individuals with their research. Instruction performance shall be documented in peer, supervisor, or student evaluations.
         4. Demonstrated effectiveness in collaborating with library colleagues to achieve goals, and in working with university students, faculty, staff and administrators to advance the research, teaching, learning,and outreach mission of the institution.
   2. Standard Two: Research, Scholarly, Creative, and Entrepreneurial Activity
      Research, scholarly, creative or entrepreneurial activity related to the faculty member's professional or work-related discipline will be evaluated on the basis of its significance and peer review, regardless of publication format. It includes but is not limited to:
      1. Publication: Includes articles in scholarly or professional journals, book chapters, books, analytic reviews of books or other media, specialized bibliographies, software applications, substantial and scholarly contributions to internal and external websites.
      2. Presentations: Contributed or invited professional papers or poster sessions.
      3. Editorial responsibilities: editor of a proceedings, journal, book, or other widely distributed publication.
      4. Grant proposals: Responsibility for the creative aspects of a submitted grant proposal.
   3. Standard Three: Service
      Service assignments and other professional activities will be evaluated on the basis of their quality and significance. They include:
      1. Active participation in the work of professional associations or organizations.
      2. University service such as membership on, or chairmanship of, committees and boards and participation in other activities involving university governance.
      3. Service on library committees and working groups not related to one’s primary assignment, such as search committees and elected governance committees.
      4. Community service activities such as giving presentations to local groups, consulting work relevant to professional expertise, and contributions to the community of a cultural and scholarly nature
      5. Receipt of honors, awards, or fellowships.
2. Administrative Faculty: Evaluation criteria for administrative faculty are set in relation to the duties specified in the formal job description and in accordance with Human Resources policies.

The performance evaluations is required by the NSHE Code. It is used as a means of measuring and enhancing individual and, in turn, institutional performance, fostering professional development and career growth, and aiding in the determination of merit increases.

1. Academic Faculty: Each academic faculty member shall be evaluated annually on the accomplishment of their professional responsibilities, as stated in the UNR Bylaws and University Libraries’ Bylaws. Each area of responsibility shall be rated separately. The academic faculty member shall submit appropriate evidence for each area (i.e. copies of publications, evaluations of teaching, etc.).

   Professional performance shall be assessed as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, commendable or excellent. Supervisors of academic faculty shall adhere to the criteria defined in these Bylaws, differentiating between and applying these four ratings, and explaining in sufficient detail to justify the rating given.

2. Administrative Faculty: The performance of each administrative faculty member is evaluated annually by the immediate supervisor in reference to their Position Description Questionnaire, established competencies and expectations, and completion of annual goals and projects. Performance shall be assessed as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, commendable or excellent. Annual evaluations will be conducted in accordance with university policies, procedures and timelines and the NSHE Code.

The Dean's Office shall notify the academic faculty in a timely manner of the schedule for preparation of requests for promotion or tenure. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to initiate the procedures for these processes and to demonstrate that the standards and criteria (Section 15.A.) have been met.

1. Promotion
   1. Promotion to Rank 0(II): A faculty member in a promotable Rank 0(I) position shall be eligible for promotion to Rank 0(II) when the faculty member has demonstrated effectiveness and proficiency in all the duties and expectations of the position.
   2. Promotion to Rank III: Candidates for Rank III shall have shown substantial record of achievement in the primary area of responsibility, appropriate research, professional activities, service to the University, and evidence of continuing professional development. Recognition beyond the campus level is expected for promotion.
   3. Promotion to Rank 0(III): A faculty member in Rank 0(II) shall be eligible for promotion to Rank 0(III) when the faculty member has established a substantial record of accomplishments in the previous ranks and shall have demonstrated capacity for a promise of continuing significant professional achievement.
   4. Promotion to Rank IV: Candidates for Rank IV shall have shown sustained record of achievement in the primary area of responsibility, appropriate research, professional activities, service to the University and continuing professional development. Recognition beyond the campus level is expected for promotion.
   5. Promotion to Rank 0(IV): A candidate for promotion to Rank 0(IV) shall have a record of substantial and sustained accomplishments in the previous ranks; shall have achieved and maintained high quality work in the assigned areas; shall have made a significant and continuous contribution to the University, to the Libraries, to the community, and to the profession. Recognition beyond the campus level is expected for promotion.
   6. If a negative recommendation for promotion is received at any level, the faculty member has the right for reconsideration of the decision following the procedures in the NSHE Code (5.2.3 & 5.2.4).
2. Tenure

   In accordance with Standards for Recommending Appointment with Tenure in the NSHE Code, the consideration of a recommendation for appointment of an academic faculty member with tenure shall include the application of the three standards (1. Teaching/Performance of Assigned Duties; 2. Research, Scholarly, Creative and Entrepreneurial Activities; and 3. Service). The burden of demonstrating that these standards have been met lies with the applicant for appointment with tenure. An academic faculty member being recommended for appointment with tenure must receive an excellent rating in Standards 1 or 2 and no less than a satisfactory rating in the other two.

3. Review Procedures

   The chair of the Academic Faculty Personnel Committee will serve as chair of the Promotion and Tenure Committee. The Promotion and Tenure Committee will determine internal process and procedures at the beginning of the review and follow process and procedures as established. 

Administrative faculty may be eligible for promotion in accord with university policies as specified in the University of Nevada, Reno Bylaws and the University Administrative Manual.

The provost evaluates the Dean annually.

1. Academic Faculty

   The Dean of Libraries shall notify the Academic Faculty Personnel Committee of vacant academic positions. For full-time, regular positions the Committee shall submit to the Dean the names of six faculty and three classified staff members from which he or she shall select at least three faculty and one classified staff member to serve as an ad hoc search committee. An outside committee member maybe named by the Dean to serve on the search committee. The Dean shall appoint the chair of the search committee. The Dean may request a shorter slate of search committee candidates or a modified recruitment process for temporary, part-time or letter of appointment positions. The committee will follow university procedures for conducting faculty searches.

2. Administrative Faculty

   In consultation with the department head, the Dean of Libraries shall appoint an ad-hoc search committee to manage the recruitment process for vacant administrative faculty positions. An outside committee member may be named by the Dean to serve on the search committee. The Dean shall appoint the chair of the search committee. The committee will follow university procedures for conducting faculty searches.On a case by case basis, the Dean may approve use of the administrative search process to fill vacant administrative faculty positions.

3. Dean

   In accordance with UNR Bylaws, the President, in making a nomination for Dean, shall consult with the faculty of the Libraries. Consultation shall involve a screening committee with nominations from the Libraries to the committee selected according to these bylaws.

   If requested by the Provost the Academic Faculty Personnel Committee shall select a slate of candidates (number to be specified by the Provost.) The slate will include academic and administrative faculty members. The classified staff shall elect from among themselves candidates for a screening committee, if requested by the Provost. This slate shall be forwarded to the Provost who shall make the final selection of the Libraries’ representatives to the screening committee. Thereafter, the search committee will operate and make recommendations in accordance with instructions from the Provost.

The Library Dean’s Office shall supervise all elections to the Academic Faculty Personnel Committee, the Bylaws Committee, Library Faculty Chair, and Faculty Senate Representative. Voting will be by secret ballot. Library faculty of .5 FTE or greater, except individuals on temporary contracts, are eligible to vote and hold office, in accordance with sections 9-12 of these bylaws. Faculty employed by more than one unit in the University of Nevada, Reno whose appointment in the Libraries is FTE .5 or greater shall also be eligible to vote. Elections will be held each spring to elect faculty committee members.