About the Committee

The Electronic Access & Resources Committee, a standing committee of the Council of Chief Librarians, California Community Colleges (CCL), is charged to explore ways in which the resources of the community college libraries could be maximized through cooperative ventures for electronic resources, databases and information. The Committee evaluates information from the members of the community college libraries and provides input to the Executive Committee of CCL, the CSU Office of Software and Electronic Information Resources, and the Community College League of California, who acts as the fiscal agent for the community colleges.

The Committee meets three times a year in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed by phone, video, or by discussion lists for completion of special projects. All product demonstrations and regular business meetings are open meetings.

Membership is as follows:

Two library deans/directors serve as chair and chair-elect of this committee. Appointment and terms are decided by the CCL Executive Board. The Chair of CCL-EAR also serves as an ex-officio member of the CCL Executive Board. Committee membership is drawn from each of the ten regional areas that constitute the Council of Chief Librarians. Regional librarians are recommended for appointment from the Executive Board's area representative. It is highly desirable that committee members be librarians from collection development, electronic resources, reference, instruction, systems, and/or technical services. Committee members will strive to put aside local or regional interests and consider the needs of community college libraries throughout the state.

Library directors are not prohibited from serving as committee members. Representatives from the Community College League and the CSU Office of Software and Electronic Information Resources serve as ex-officio members.

Committee Charge:

1. Survey and analyze the needs of community college libraries regarding electronic and digital information resources

2. Explore new information resources, options and tools which may be technologically-feasible but currently not commercially available

3. Analyze the characteristics and value of various products for community college library users based on vendor presentations, committee reviews, vendor responses, trials and other sources.

4. Develop benchmark criteria for analysis and selection of products, vis-a-vis databases and selection/acquistion, accessibility & remote accessibility

5. Regularly disseminate Committee information and decisions through the CCL listservs (CCEARINFO, CCEARCOM), The CCL Outlook, as well as other pertinent library discussion lists and sources.

6. Identify and advocate equity of access to electronic and digital information resources for all users (For example: distance learners, remote users, and users with disabilities).
7. Work with vendors to improve service; usability; accessibility and content of electronic and digital information resources.