Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
March 14, 2003
MINUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting Friday, March 14, 2003 at
9:00 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 9:00
a.m. Members present: Richard Jussel, Kristen Rogge, Robert King, Wally
Seiler, Velma Sims-Shipley; and Karen Warner. Staff present: Rod Wagner and
Maria Medrano-Nehls. Guests present: Kathy Tooker, Maggie Harding, and Theresa
Jehlik.
Approval of Agenda: A motion was made to approve the
agenda. Motion carried on roll call vote: Warner - aye; Sims-Shipley - aye;
Rogge - aye; Jussel - aye; Seiler - aye; and King - aye. Motion approved.
Approval of the Minutes (January 10, 2003): A motion was
made to approve the January 2003 meeting minutes. Motion carried on roll call
vote: Sims-Shipley -aye; Rogge - aye; Jussel- aye; Seiler - aye; King; and
Warner - aye. Motion approved.
Correspondence and Communication
Rod Wagner referred to a letter from Representative Doug
Bereuter stating that he supported the LSTA reauthorization legislation. Rod
also referred to a letter that informed the Library Commission that it will
receive the 2003 Nebraska First Lady's Outstanding Community Service award in
the volunteer and arts category. The Nebraska Library Commission's TBBS
volunteer program will be recognized and honored at a luncheon on March 27.
Chairs Report and Commissioners' Comments
Chair Jussel reported that he has been following the
budget situation. Richard noted that Lexington failed to pass a bond issue
that would have contributed to financing a new public library facility. He
encouraged everyone to continue speaking with legislative representatives to
look favorably upon libraries.
Kristen Rogge reported on a radio show that discussed the
USA Patriot Act as it relates to libraries. The moderator said "if you are
using the library, then you give up all of your rights to privacy."
Velma Sims-Shipley reported that the Fremont Public
Library Friends will hold its annual book sale the first week in April. High
school students from both public and Catholic schools are assisting with the
project.
Karen Warner reported that Colorado's budget cuts are
worse then Nebraska's. Funding for the Colorado community colleges has been
frozen.
Robert King reported that he visited the Lexington public
library in February and was amazed at the number of children and young adults
using the library. The McCook City Council wants to sell the old Carnage
library building to the Historical Society.
Wally Seiler reported that he recently performed as Mark
Twain for the Scottsbluff library board meeting; approximately 60-70 people
attended the performance.
Velma Sims-Shipley asked Kathy Tooker to comment on other
eastern area library events. Kathy reported that she is impressed with the
newsletter distributed by the Keene Memorial library board, that 30 of the 35
libraries in the Eastern Library System region received state aid and were
accredited. The USA Patriot Act video program is checked out constantly and is
booked into May. The Nebraska legislative bill to permit bond financing for
public library technology has been designated as a priority bill.
Director's Report
Panhandle Library Services Coordinator - Rod Wagner
introduced Cheri Longmuir as the new Panhandle Library Services Coordinator.
Cherie currently works in the NLC Talking Book and Braille Service department.
Cheri provided information on her background and stated she looks forward to
working with the libraries in the Panhandle.
Personnel - Mary Jackson retired at the end of February.
An open house was held in recognition of Mary's career and contributions.
Sally Snyder has been named the Acting Coordinator of Children and Young Adult
Services. Kit Keller will assume responsibilities for LSTA program
administration.
LSTA National Leadership Grant Applications - Rod Wagner
reported that the Western Council of State Libraries will apply for an
Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant to foster
cooperative efforts among the state library agencies and library schools in
the western states in providing library skills education. The Nebraska
Library Commission is also a partner agency in an IMLS National Leadership
Grant application with the Nebraska Department of Education, the Nebraska
Educational Media Association, and the Nebraska Library Association to seek
funding for a school library media consultant and educational program for
Nebraska school library media specialists.
Governor's Executive Order re State Contracts - In
December, 2002, Governor Johanns issued an Executive Order regarding state
contracts. The Executive Order sets requirements for state agencies to seek
competitive bids on contract services over $25,000 a year, and requires
performance evaluations for state contracts. Waivers from competitive bidding
can be sought under some circumstances. A waiver request has been submitted
for the Library Commission's contracts with regional library systems. The
waiver was granted for a two year period. Waivers will also be sought for the
Library Commission's contract with the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)
and for online database license agreements.
Financial Report
January and February Budget Reports - Financial reports
were included in the meeting packets.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business to report.
New Business
Rod Wagner requested approval for out-of-state travel to
attend the COSLA Board and Committee Chairs meeting in Washington, D.C., March
18-19; Western Council of State Libraries meeting, Henderson, Nevada, May 4-6;
and the COSLA meeting and National Library Legislative Day, Washington, D.C.,
May 10-13, 2003. Motion carried on roll call vote: Rogge - aye; Jussel - aye;
Seiler - aye; King - aye; Warner - aye; and Sims-Shipley - aye. Motion
approved.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 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.