Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
March 10, 2006
MINUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting
Friday, March 10, 2006, at the Lexington Public Library. Notice of the meeting
was submitted to local newspapers (Lincoln Journal Star, Omaha World Herald),
and posted on the Nebraska Library Commission Web site.
Chair Velma Sims-Shipley called the meeting to order at
9:00 a.m. Members present: John Dale, Mary Nelson, Velma Sims-Shipley and
Carol Spencer. Staff present: Rod Wagner and Maria Medrano-Nehls. Guests:
Nancy Escamilla, Patricia Gross, Matt Williams, Maggie Harding, Cindy Gitt,
Jan Boyer, John Seyfarth, Nancy Catlin, and Kris Rogge.
Approval of Agenda: A motion was made and
seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried on roll call vote: John Dale -
aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma Sims-Shipley - aye; and Carol Spencer - aye;
Motion approved.
Approval of the Minutes (January 6, 2006): John
Dale asked that the spelling of Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng's name be made in
the minutes. A motion was made with the correction and seconded to approve the
January 2006 meeting minutes. Motion carried on roll call vote: John Dale -
aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma Sims-Shipley - aye; and Carol Spencer - aye.
Motion approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
Chair Sims-Shipley welcomed all of the guests in
attendance. Rod Wagner introduced and welcomed Matt Williams who is the new
Kearney Public Library Director.
Correspondence
and Communication
Rod Wagner reported that Joan Birnie, Nebraska Library
Association President, sent a letter recognizing the Commission for its
support of NLA activities. The Commission provides funding to the Nebraska
Library Association for advocacy activities including library legislative day
and a keynote speaker for the annual NLA - NEMA conference.
Chair's Report
and Commissioners' Comments
Velma Sims-Shipley reported that Valley public library
held a promotion to raise money for a new library by holding an open house to
view a newly remodeled artistic home. The event was well attended. The Omaha
public library is exploring the idea of providing a link through its online
catalog to a private online bookseller. Under the plan, patrons unable to get
a copy through the library could buy the book online through the private
seller. The library would receive a small percentage of the sale price from
the online seller and use the money to buy materials.
Carol Spencer reported that the Becton Dickinson Company
gave a $1,000 gift to the Broken Bow public library. The money will be used to
replace an old public access computer. The PAWS program is going very well.
The activities packs are now being used.
John Dale reported that he attended the Southeast Library
System board meeting at York College. John also attended Nebraska Library
Legislative Day. He stated that legislative day was well planned and well
attended and he was glad to see the many senators that present for the
luncheon and program. John will be participating in an assessment for the
Hastings public library.
Mary Nelson passed around a document that her library
Friends group created to encourage more people to become friends of the
library. Mary attended the Republican Valley Library System board meeting at
the Grant library. She also attended the recent digitization training offered
by the Library Commission.
Director's
Report
LSTA Grant Awards - Rod Wagner reported that 15 grant
applications for LSTA funds were received. All of the applications were
approved. Grant awards total $216,000.
State Budget Request - Rod Wagner reported that the
appropriations committee unanimously approved the Commission's budget request
for an online encyclopedia subscription and supplementary online educational
resources. The committee included the Commission's budget request in its
recommendations to the legislature. Even if the legislature approves the
request the Governor can veto it.
Gates Rural Library Sustainability workshops - Rod Wagner
reported that Pam Scott is the lead person on this project. Pam has arranged
eight workshop locations. The goal is to have participation from 80% of
Nebraska public libraries. The Gates Foundation grant provides funds to cover
participant travel expenses, lunches and refreshments. The workshops will
include information about OCLC's WebJunction, computer hardware and software
upgrade and maintenance, advocacy, staff and patron training, funding,
outreach and discussion of library trustee initiatives.
Public Library Trustee Legislative Issues - Rod Wagner
reported that a legislative bill concerning public library boards was expected
to be introduced in the Nebraska legislature. However, a bill was not
introduced. The League of Nebraska Municipalities may seek an interim study on
public library board responsibilities that would be conducted by the
legislature. The Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Library
Association are open to working with League representatives to address their
concerns.
March to May Events - Rod Wagner noted several events
scheduled March through May involving the Library Commission. Some of the
events coming up include the Letters about Literature award ceremony to be
held on March 21; National Library Workers Day on April 4; NLC Network
Services will host a Vendors Day on April 12; Disaster Preparedness workshop
will be held May 1 and 2 in Lincoln and May 3 and 4 in Scottsbluff; and
National Library Legislative Day will be held May 1 and 2.
Financial
Report
The February financial report was included in meeting
packets.
Audit - The Commission was recently audited. The
Commission has not had an onsite audit since 2001. The audit report notes
four issues related to financial transactions - principally related to
segregation of duties among agency personnel involved in financial
transactions. Procedural changes have been made to address these issues.
2007-2009 Biennium Budget Planning - Rod Wagner stated
that this is the year state agencies prepare budget requests for the next
biennium budget period (2007 - 2009). Budget requests will be due on September
15. Budget work will begin in the spring. The budget will be discussed at the
July Commission meeting with final action at the September meeting.
Unfinished
Business
There was no unfinished business to report.
New Business
May Commission Meeting Date - Rod Wagner asked if the May
meeting date could be changed in order that he could attend a Western Council
of State Libraries meeting scheduled for the same date. It was agreed that the
meeting date will change from May 12 to May 19.
Out-of-State Travel Request - Rod Wagner requested
approval to attend an American Library Association Office for Intellectual
Freedom "Law for Librarians" program in Chicago, April 4-6; to attend the
COSLA meeting in Washington D.C., April 29 - 30 and to attend National Library
Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., May 1 and 2.
A motion was made to approve the Director's out-of-state
travel requests. Motion carried on roll call vote: Mary Nelson - aye; Velma
Sims-Shipley - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; and John Dale - aye. Motion approved.
Adjournment
Chair Sims-Shipley adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
_________________________
Maria
Medrano-Nehls, Secretary
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.