Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
January 11, 2002
MINUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting Friday, January
11, 2002 at 9:30 a.m., at the Nebraska Library Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Notice of the meeting was submitted to local newspapers (Lincoln
Journal-Star, Omaha World Herald), and posted on the Nebraska
Library Commission Homepage.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Richard Jussel called the meeting to order at 9:30
a.m. Members present: Karen Warner, Richard Jussel, Kristen Rogge, and Velma
Sims. Staff present: Rod Wagner, Mary Geibel, Dave Oertli, and Nancy Busch.
Guest present: Kathy Tooker
Approval of Agenda:
A motion was made to approve the agenda. Motion carried on
Approval of the Minutes (November 9, 2001): A motion was
made to approve the November 2001 minutes. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Rogge - aye; Jussel -aye; Sims - aye; and Warner - aye. Motion approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
There was no discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Rod Wagner reported on an article from the Center on
Rural Affairs. Rod also reported that Laura Bush has introduced a $10 million
funding initiative to address the recruitment and retention of librarians.
This proposal will be included in President Bush's FY 2003 LSTA budget
recommendation. Rod also mentioned an editorial piece in the Omaha World
Herald regarding the 50th anniversary of the Talking Book and
Braille service.
CHAIR'S REPORT AND COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
Chair Jussel reported that the Kearney Public Library is
in the process of hiring a new Assistant Director.
Kristen Rogge reported that Southeast Community College
has an on-line and CD library that includes many topics and class courses.
The Auburn Public Library has now installed software so that patrons may
access those courses on-line.
Velma Simms reported that the program "Books for Babies"
has been implemented and supported by the Fremont Public Library, Library
Board, and Friends group. The Friends group held their annual event in
December.
Velma Sims asked Kathy Tooker to report on activities in
the Eastern Library System region. Kathy said that the System recently held
its first Library Directors' group meeting. Of the 32 libraries in the system,
14 were represented. The ELS has also held Bibliostat training, with 23 of the
32 libraries receiving training. Several libraries have stated that they are
either planning or going to build or remodel their facilities.
Karen Warner reported that she has been working with the
Tilden Public Library to host the State Advisory Council on Libraries meeting
in September 2002. Karen is speaking with the Wahoo Foundation Board about
things they are doing in Norfolk to raise money. Wahoo is in the early stages
of planning a new library building. Norfolk Public Library is having an
evening on Lewis and Clark.
Talking Book and
Braille Service
Dave Oertli, Director of the Talking Book and Braille
Service, stated that the TBBS is in the middle of a "Take a Talking Book"
outreach campaign. This is a four-month campaign targeted at Nebraska seniors
and their family members. The campaign is being conducted through radio
stations, television stations, and mailings. Public Service announcements
were mailed to 101 radio stations and 17 television stations. Brochures and
posters were mailed to 210 newspapers and 250 senior centers.
TBBS is celebrating its 50 anniversary this year. January
1, 1952, the Nebraska Public Library Commission created a division for the
blind. Nebraska became the 28th Talking Book Library. The program
began with a collection of 400 items. By July of that year, the collection
had grown to 1,100, and today the collection is at 49,000. Over 4600
Nebraskans are currently enrolled for services. There is an advisory committee
for TBBS; it is a sub-committee of the State Advisory Council on Libraries.
The advisory committee consists of 9 members that meet twice a year. There
purpose is to represent the needs of users, and make recommendations
concerning programs and policy issues.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped conducts a consulting visit every two years. Mary Moore visited
the TBBS in September. The visit went very well. Ms. Moore observed that the
Nebraska TBBS was the first library in the national network to implement the
EDAT system. The EDAT system is technology that allows downloading an analog
tape. When it is being downloaded, it is saved on a "wav" file, and while
it's in the computer, staff can manipulate it to add announcements, improve
the sound, and move things around. When done, staff send it to duplication and
it comes out as a standard cassette tape.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Personnel
Rod Wagner reported that Kathy Dukes, who works in TBBS,
was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident. It will be some time before
she will be able to return to work.
Public Library Statistics Program
The Bibliostat
program is a computer program that aids in the collection and compilation of
library statistical data. Training is currently being given so that libraries
can send their statistical reports electronically. Librarians have given a
positive response to the new program.
Institute of Museum and Library Services National
Leadership Grant
Nebraska is part of a multi-state grant program
including Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. Rod stated that the project will
result in some fascinating work. The Nebraska Library Commission will have an
administrative and coordination role for Nebraska's participation. Beth Goble
is the project director for the Nebraska part of the grant. Other Nebraska
participants include the Nebraska State Historical Society, Chimney Rock
Historical Site, Oregon Trail Museum Association, Scottsbluff National
Monument, Omaha Public Library, and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln
libraries. The benefits of this project go beyond its immediate one concerning
trails; it will provide important training and development of staff expertise
in digitization projects.
Grant Programs
Rod stated that news releases
were mailed earlier regarding different grant announcements. Rod stated that
scholarship grants did not receive as many applicants as expected. At this
time, 4 scholarships are expected.
Making a Difference @ Your Library Project
Nancy
Busch reported that 70% of the libraries have been visited. As libraries are
visited, information is recorded. When all of the visits are completed, the
information will be used to complete the five-year evaluation report and the
Commission's long-range plan. Nancy and Sally Snyder will visit each of the
six regional library system offices.
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Service
Rod
Wagner reported that the Commission's statewide interlibrary loan support
service has had an impact on staff but it is going well. Libraries have given
positive feedback. Any problems that occur are addressed promptly. Lisa
Kelly, reference services coordinator, stated that 310 libraries have
requested ILL service thus far. The peak is expected in March.
NebrasKard Report
Rod Wagner reported that a
meeting of the advisory committee is needed. The NebrasKard was implemented
last July and now seems like a good time to get the committee together to
review the program. There is a good core group of libraries that have signed
up as NebrasKard participating libraries. More of Nebraska's larger libraries
are needed to help make the program successful.
Nebraska Center for the Book
Rod Wagner reported
that the first Nebraska Center for the Book board meeting of the year will be
held February 9th in Fremont. This will be the third year for the
Nebraska Book Awards program. The Nebraska Book Festival will be held at the
University of Nebraska - Kearney in September.
State Telecommunications Project
Rod Wagner
stated that sometime ago he reported on the Department of Administrative
Services project to seek a prime contractor to provide for telecommunications
services for Nebraska governmental entities with uniform pricing. The DAS
Division of Communications issued a Request for Proposals. Five bids were
received but none was responsive to the specified services. The Nebraska
Information Technology Commission is now expected to re-group and develop a
new strategy to address telecommunications needs.
Nebraska Universal Service Fund
Rod Wagner
reported on a meeting of the Nebraska Universal Service Fund Advisory Board
that was held earlier in the week. A major topic was the growth of the fund
and its use. The amount of funds collected has exceeded projections. Since
it was intended that funds be collected at a level needed to support specified
services, the advisory board has recommended that rates be adjusted to reduce
the fund balance and maintain the level needed to cover the fund's purposes.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Rod Wagner reported that financial information was
included in the meeting packets mailed to Commission members. The financial
reports were updated to reflect the budget reductions made in 2001.
Expenditures are in line with the reduced funding levels. Federal LSTA funds
are expected at near the same level as last year - a continuation of flat
funding that has been the trend of the past several years. Rod reported that
state auditors will begin work at the Library Commission next week.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business to report.
NEW BUSINESS
2002 Federal and State Legislative Issues
The
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) must be re-authorized this year or
it will expire. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) court action is
still underway. CIPA has provisions that require use of filtering technology
in order to receive e-rate or LSTA funding for Internet service.
Senator Tyson reintroduced his bill from last year that
permits cities and counties to issue bonds for financing major public library
technology purchases. Bonds could be issued for up to $250 thousand and for
not more than five years. A public vote would not be
required and the expenditures would not be restricted by
levy or budget lid limits. The same objections to the bill are expected.
However, libraries do need financial options for major technology purchases.
Senator Tyson has kept the issue on the agenda. The Nebraska Library
Association has planned and arranged annual legislative day activities, and
good attendance is expected. Maxine Moul will make an afternoon presentation,
following the luncheon. Senator Nancy Thompson will participate in the
morning briefing. Special recognitions will be given to youth who have or are
involved in library services.
State Advisory Council on Libraries Annual Report
(2001)
Rod Wagner stated that a State Advisory Council on Libraries
annual report was included in meeting packets. The report highlights the
Council's meetings, issues, and actions during 2001. The 2002 Council will
have a lot of continuity with only one membership change.
State Advisory Council on Libraries 2002
Issues - Rod Wagner stated that issues
for 2002 will include recruitment and retention of library personnel, LSTA
reauthorization, the biennium budget, long range plan, and other state issues
(e.g., telecommunications).
State Advisory Council and Library Commission Joint
Meeting (March)
Jane Wall, SACL member from Grand Island, is looking
into a place to hold the March joint SACL - NLC meeting in Grand Island.
State Advisory Council on Libraries Appointments
Rod Wagner recommended the appointment of Nancy Escamilla, from Scottsbluff,
to fill the vacant Council position. A motion was made to appoint Nancy
Escamilla to the State Advisory Council on Libraries. Motion carried on roll
call: Jussel - aye; Sims - aye; Warner - aye; and Rogge - aye. Motion
approved.
Out-of-State-Travel
Request
Rod Wagner requested permission to travel to New Orleans
to attend the COSLA meeting on January 18 and American Library Association
Midwinter Meeting immediately after the COSLA meeting, and to attend the
Western Council on State Libraries meeting in Phoenix on March 12 & 13. A
motion was made to accept Rod Wagner's out-of-state travel request. Motion
carried on roll call: Sims - aye; Warner - aye; Rogge - aye; and Jussel - aye.
Motion approved.
Rod Wagner
updated the Commissioner's on upcoming events they might be interested in
attending: in May, the National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.,
and June, the American Library Association Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.
Director's Performance Review
The Director's annual performance review was conducted
with a motion for approval of a salary increase. Motion carried on roll call.
Warner - aye; Rogge - aye; Jussel - aye and Sims - aye. Motion approved.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
All attachments are available upon request. If you would like a copy,
please contact Sue Biltoft at the Nebraska Library Commission,
800-307-2665 or 402-471-2045.