Special Report...
Library Finance Task Force Prepares Findings
 ine Nebraska library representatives worked to address public library finance issues and develop recommendations related to goals, needs, and strategies. Participants included Ann Stephens, Joan Birney, Ted Smith, Kathy Tooker, Ron Heezen, Judy Grandstaff, Richard Miller, Brenda Ealey, and Shirley Flack. Rod Wagner and Richard Miller of the Library Commission convened the group in early 1999.
The Task Force met on several occasions to talk with experts about tax, foundations, political issues, and technology. Although the Task Force has not completed its report, they have developed a set of Guiding Principles. These principles and task force minutes are available on the Library Commission home page at nlc.nebraska.gov, search on finance task force.
Recommendations from task force meetings include:
- Build on strengths
- Fine tune and expand library advocacy efforts at local and state levels
- Develop a promotional effort to raise awareness of the value of library services
- Although public libraries are a function of local government and primary funding must come from local governments, work for a significant increase in state support as well
- Develop knowledge and skills for conducting effective fund raising efforts for special projects and needs that are beyond the scope of primary funding sources
- Re-work the Libraries for the 21st Century funding initiative to provide specific details about how funding would be used and the expected results
- The NebrasKard reciprocal borrowing card has potential as part of a package of interlibrary cooperative efforts, although no consensus has been reached
Rod Wagner |
Jane Geske - In Memoriam
 ane Geske died on September 8. She was a former Library Commission director, a founding member of the Nebraska
Center for the book, and a forever champion of books, readers, and libraries. She was one of a kind, a wonderful person of remarkable generosity and spirit. Jane was a great friend to those who care about books, reading, libraries, literature, and the arts. Her indomitable spirit touched many who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Jane was born in Sutton, Nebraska. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Omaha and her professional library science degree from the University of Denver. She held positions at the University of Omaha, Louisiana State University, University of Denver, and the University of Chicago. In 1960, Jane left her academic library career and returned to Nebraska to serve as a library consultant for the Nebraska Public Library Commission. Her affection for the plains of Nebraska and its rural libraries was a part of her wonderful character. Following Louise Nixon's retirement in 1969, Jane served as the Commission's interim executive secretary until 1971 (the executive secretary title changed to director in 1972). She returned to the Commission in 1973 and served as Commission director until 1976 when she retired. Her passion for books and reading didn't end when she left the Commission. Jane and her husband, Norman, started Niobrara Books, and later the Estuary Bookstore. Jane also stayed close to her lifelong interest in libraries and helped found the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association.
When a Nebraska affiliate to the Library of Congress Center for the Book was considered, Jane was among a small group who led efforts to create the Nebraska Center for the Book. In recognition of Jane's lifelong commitment to books and libraries, the Nebraska Center for the Book created the Jane Geske Award to honor her as a founding member and to give annual recognition to an organization that has made an exceptional contribution to literacy, books, reading, libraries, or Nebraska literature.
Jane will be remembered for many things, but certainly for her infectious and remarkable spirit, her passion for books and the arts, and for her devotion to Nebraska and its libraries.
In Memoriam
Jane Pope Geske
Sutton, Nebraska-1918
Lincoln, Nebraska-1999
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