Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
January 10, 1997
MINUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting
Friday, January 10, 1997, at 9:30 a.m. at the Nebraska Library Commission,
The Atrium, 1200 "N" Street, Suite 120, 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.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ron Norman called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
Members present: Ron Norman, Karen Warner, Jean Sanders, Frances Lovell.
Staff present: Rod Wagner, Nancy Busch and Elaine Miller. Guests present:
Richard Miller.
Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Jean Sanders and seconded
by Karen Warner to approve the agenda. Motion carried on roll call vote:
McPherson-absent; Sanders-aye; Norman-aye; Warner-aye; Lovell-aye.
Approval of the Minutes of the November 8, 1996 meeting:
It was moved by Frances Lovell and seconded by Jean Sanders to approve
the minutes of the November 8, 1996 meeting. Motion carried on roll call
vote: McPherson-absent; Sanders-aye; Norman-aye; Warner-aye; Lovell-aye.
II. PUBLIC FORUM
Burns Davis was selected as the Library Commission's Manager
of the Year by the staff of the Library Commission, and was also recognized
by the Nebraska State Government Chapter of the National Management Association
as Manager of the Year. Burns is also President-elect of the Nebraska State
Government Chapter of the National Management Association.
Nebraska Library Commission staff member Sally Snyder
has the responsibility of preparing and submitting the annual report of
finances and activities under the federal Library Services and Construction
Act (LSCA) to the United States Department of Education. The Program Officer
in Washington who receives and reviews the report sent a note back to the
Library Commission stating that "it was a pleasure to review and accept
a report that is concise yet thorough with excellent evaluations. A report
that accounts for the use of funds by specific activities, that paints
a rich and diverse program under inadequate services. That is laced with
human interest anecdotes and that highlights issues and trends."
Richard Miller, Director of the Southeast Library System
was introduced to the Commissioners.
III. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Rod Wagner sent a letter to Bob Reeves, a reporter for the
Lincoln Journal Star, thanking him for his series of articles in
early December on Nebraska public libraries. Mr. Reeves' articles concerned
public library trends and issues. Mr. Reeves featured newer libraries.
The Beatrice Public Library was mentioned along with a color photograph
of the library. Mr. Reeves also mentioned the "Libraries for the
21st
Century Initiative" in his articles.
Mr. Norman noted that the Meridian Library System held
its board meeting yesterday. Board members asked about the Microsoft grant
and if there are matching funds that are required, and where are those
matching funds going to come from? Rod Wagner reported the Library Commission
is supplying most of the matching funds for the grant, and "in kind" costs
incurred by the library may also be used for matching purposes. Costs will
vary from library to library but each library will likely incur some expense.
Up to 15 libraries will be funded through this grant. The Library Commission
will distribute grants with consideration given to level of need and geographic
location. The project calls for assistance to rural libraries and according
to the Rural Development Commission definition that communities under 5,000
in population are rural. The majority of Nebraska libraries are rural
libraries.
(Attachment I.)
IV. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The Chairman had no report.
V. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
1997 Federal and State Legislative Issues: It is too early
in the federal fiscal year for federal budget information. The Nebraska
Legislature convened a few days ago and will be in session until the middle
of June. The Library Commission and Nebraska libraries have special interest
in what happens in the Appropriations Committee and the Revenue Committee.
The Revenue Committee has the same members as last year. The Revenue Committee
will be looking at the implications of the tax and budget limit laws that
were enacted. Nebraska Public Libraries and schools will feel the effects
of the taxation and spending limits. The Appropriations Committee has two
new members, Shelley Kiel from Omaha and Don Pederson from North Platte.
Senator Kermit Brashear left the committee to become Chair of the Judiciary
Committee. A Senator that serves on the Appropriations Committee does not
serve on another committee.
Libraries for the 21st Century Campaign: The Libraries
for the 21st Century campaign is going well. Advocacy workshops
were held in early December. Approximately 150 people attended the workshops
across the state. Rod Wagner, along with NLA representatives, has been
meeting with members of the Appropriations Committee. Senator LaVon Crosby
has agreed to sponsor introduction of the appropriations bill for the Libraries
for the 21st Century program.
State Senators were sent invitations to Nebraska Library
Association Legislative Day luncheon on February 20, 1997, at the Library
Commission. Displays are being planned for the Capitol and at the Library
Commission. A 9:30 a.m. briefing is being planned at the Capitol.
A tentative date for the Library Commission budget hearing
is March 4, 1997.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA): With the new
LSTA, Library Commission staff will be taking a thorough review of what
is currently being done with LSCA money. Input from the public and the
State Advisory Council will be needed. Tentatively, hearings on LSTA plans
and uses of funds will be held in April. (Attachment II.)
Nebraska Universal Service Fund Task Force: The Legislature's
Transportation Committee held a hearing regarding universal service fund
issues in December. (Attachment III.) This was a chance for the committee
that oversees telecommunications policies to hear about the work of the
task force. A number of telephone industry representatives attended to
offer their ideas and recommendations on telecommunications issues.
The Task Force was to have submitted its report to the
Public Service Commission in early December. But it was found that the
Task Force will have to continue to work due to so many unresolved issues.
The Task Force will continue to work through at least August, 1997. The
next meeting of the Task Force will be on February 19, 1997 (at the Nebraska
Library Commission office). The Task Force will then continue to meet monthly
until it has completed its job.
In terms of libraries, the Library Commission is looking
at the recommendation that were submitted to the Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) that would provide discounts for telecommunication services
for schools and libraries ranging from 20% to 90%. It has not been decided
yet. The Library Commission is recommending that the minimum discount would
be at least 50%. Many schools already have negotiated agreements with companies
for 50% discounts. Some libraries have also been able to secure discounted
or even free connections. Nebraska and other states can go beyond what
the FCC decides but has to be consistent with FCC policies. The FCC will
be meeting and making their decisions on universal service issues on May
8, 1997.
Personnel Reclassification and Pay Grade Status: The Library
Commission has not yet received notification from the State Personnel Division
on the status of the personnel reclassification and pay grade for librarians.
There is money in the Library Commission's budget to support the
changes.
The position of Library Development Director will be filled
in the next few months. Karen Ingish has resigned from her position as
Public Library Services Coordinator. Plans are to fill the Library Development
Director's position first and then determine the duties and responsibilities
most needed for the position vacated by Karen Ingish.
Nebrask@ Online & LB 1375 Task Force
Recommendations:
Commissioners received and reviewed the Report to the Nebraska Legislature
on Electronic Access to Public Information as required by LB 1375
(Attachment IV). A bill is being drafted. The draft bill places oversight
authority with the State Records Board. The Secretary of State's Office
is the statutorily designated administrator of public records. The State
Records Board would be modified with some additional representation including
a Governor's appointee for libraries and the general public. Commissioners
received the November and December General Manager's Report from Nebrask@
Online. (Attachments V & VI.)
Volunteers: A Certificate Of Appreciation has been developed
for volunteers of the Library Commission.
VI. FINANCIAL REPORT
November and December Expenditure and Financial Reports:
The November and December 1996 Expenditure and Financial Reports were received
and reviewed by the Commissioners. (Attachments VII and VIII.)
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
State Advisory Council on Libraries, 1996 Activities, Council
Roles and Functions: The first State Advisory Council was created in the
early 1970's. When the Library Services and Construction Act was amended
in the early 1970's, there was a requirement that all states have a State
Advisory Council. With the new Library Services and Technology Act
the State Advisory Council is no longer required. The consensus of the
Commissioners was to continue to have a State Advisory Council, but to
reevaluate the roles, functions and representation of the Council. (Attachments
IX & X.)
State Advisory Council Nominations: It was moved by Karen
Warner and seconded by Jean Sanders to approve the reappointment to a three
year term (second term): Michael LaCroix, Director, Reinert - Alumni Memorial
Library, Creighton University; Sharon Wiegert, Children's Librarian, Sump
Memorial Library, Papillion; and for appointment to a three year (first
term): John Dale, Assistant Director, Lincoln City Libraries; Susan Ewing,
Public Services Librarian, Gering Public Library and also President of
the Panhandle Library System Board; Stan Gardner, Director, U.S. Conn Library,
Wayne State College; Ken Oyer, Librarian, Bergan Mercy Medical Center (Omaha);
Sandra Riley, Former Library Commission Member and Chair. Motion carried
on roll call vote: McPherson-absent; Sanders-aye; Norman-aye; Warner-aye;
Lovell-aye.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Director's Performance Review: It was moved by Jean Sanders
and seconded by Frances Lovell to go into executive session at 10:45 a.m.
for the purpose of the Director's performance review. Motion carried.
The Commissioners came out of executive session at 10:55
a.m. It was moved by Karen Warner and seconded by Frances Lovell that Rod
Wagner receive a salary increase for the 1997-1998 year starting July 1,
1997 that is in line with the 2.75% increase for state employees. If the
governor's guidelines for administrative salary increases are more than
that received by state employees than the governor's guideline will be
followed. Motion carried on roll call vote: McPherson-absent; Sanders-aye;
Norman-aye; Warner-aye; Lovell-aye.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Jean Sanders and seconded by Frances Lovell
to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Motion carried on roll call vote:
McPherson-absent; Sanders-aye; Norman-aye; Warner-aye; Lovell-aye.
Elaine Miller, Secretary
All attachments are available upon request. If you would
like a copy, please contact Elaine Miller at the Nebraska Library Commission,
800-307-2665 or 402-471-2045.
Attachment I - Governor's News Release on Microsoft Library
Partnership
Attachment II - 1995 & 1996 LSCA Title I and Title
II Grants
Attachment III - Testimony for Universal Service Fund
Attachment IV - Report to the Nebraska Legislature on
Electronic Access to Public Information
Attachment V - General Manager's Report for Nebrask@
Online, November 1996
Attachment VI - General Manager's Report for Nebrask@
Online, December 1996
Attachment VII - November Expenditure Report
Attachment VIII - December Expenditure Report
Attachment IX - 1996 Activities of the State Advisory
Council on Libraries
Attachment X - State Advisory Council on Libraries Roles
and Functions