The University of California Libraries: A Plan for Development (1977)

CHAPTER XI
GOVERNANCE OF THE LIBRARY SYSTEM
Except at the new regional level, the Plan recommends no change
in the present governance of the University's libraries or library
system, nor in present reporting relationships.
Branch Libraries. As indicated in Chapter IV, there are
branches and other library units on all of the University's campuses.
Many of the branches report to the University Librarian of the campus,
but many do not. Whether such arrangements are appropriate or not is
primarily, if not exclusively, a campus question, but a brief review
of Systemwide policy on the matter may be in order.
In 1957, President Sproul issued an announcement "in response to
a resolution of the 1950 All-University Faculty Conference that
recognition be given to the existence of general libraries at all
campuses of the University, and that the President clarify the relationship
between the general and special or independent libraries."
As to the latter, the President issued a "directive" which specified
that "as a matter of general policy, all University-owned library
facilities connected with each campus" should be under the jurisdiction
of the University Librarian of the campus, and that
proposals to create or continue libraries independent of
this administrative jurisdiction will be considered only
when exceptional and compelling reasons exist, and shall
require approval of the Chief Local Administrative
Officer [i.e., the Chancellor] and the President. In
each such case serious consideration should be given,
on a case-by-case basis, to the integration of such
libraries with the campus library system: with due regard
to past practices, special departmental requirements,
and other factors that led to their independent
status.