Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
March 13, 2009
MINUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission met Friday, March 13,
2009, at the Grand Island Public Library, Grand Island, Nebraska. 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 Mary Nelson called the meeting to order at 8:30
a.m. This meeting is in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
Members present: Jean
Ahrens, John Dale, Mary Nelson,
and Carol Spencer. Staff present: Rod Wagner, Maria Medrano-Nehls, Mary Jo
Ryan and Richard Miller. Others present: Gretchen
Healy, State Auditor Mike Foley, Pam Bohmfalk, Glenda Willnerd, Patricia
Gross, Deb Carlson, Ceri Daniels, Pat Leach, Steve Fosselman, and Matt
Williams.
Approval of
Agenda: A motion was made
and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried on roll call vote: Jean
Ahrens - aye; John Dale - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; and Carol Spencer - aye.
Motion approved.
Approval of the
Minutes (January 9, 2009): A motion was made and seconded to approve the
January 9, 2009, meeting minutes. Motion carried on roll call vote: John Dale - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Carol Spencer -
aye; and Jean Ahrens - aye. Motion approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
Steve Fosselman stated that the Grand Island Public
Library recently celebrated Teen Week. Mr. Fosselman pointed to pictures of
the event displayed in the room. Fosselman stated his library does a lot of
technology related programs with teenagers. Steve said that he, his staff,
and the community have benefited greatly from the advice and support of the
Nebraska Library Commission on every technology that is available to
libraries, including emerging technology and technology geared for children
to learn literary skills. These things assist in increasing the libraries
circulation and attendance to programs.
Chair's Report and
Commissioners' Comments
Chair Mary Nelson stated that this year's NLA
Legislative Day was excellent. Although it was not as well attended as in
recent years, there were many state senators in attendance and everyone
seemed to enjoy meeting the youth library volunteers who were specially
recognized during the luncheon. Mary stated she has found NebraskAccess to
be a wonderful service. Mary shared an article from the McCook newspaper
about the public library using the StoryCorps software to aid people in the
community in recording interviews to help preserve community history. Mary
reported that she attended a recent Republican Valley Library System board
meeting in Cambridge. Mary also said that the Overdrive audio-book service
is a huge success in Holdrege.
John Dale reported that he also attended Legislative
Day and observed that the event is a great opportunity to meet your state
senator. John also stated the he was happy to see that Pat Leach, Lincoln
City Libraries Director, is a new member of the State Advisory Council on
Libraries.
Jean Ahrens stated that the Scottsbluff public library
addition should be started sometime later this year. Scottsbluff library
representatives continue to seek funds for the library building addition and
renovation. Jean observed that the Scottsbluff library is full any time you
visit there.
Carol Spencer reported that Broken Bow will host
Chautauqua June 17 through 21. The Broken Bow library will host a film
series and book discussion in conjunction with Chautauqua. The people
portrayed will be Hughie Long, Will Rogers, Franklin Roosevelt, Zora Neale
Hurston, and Aimee Semple McPherson. The Broken Bow library is one of six
hundred chosen to participate in an impact study conducted by the Gates
Foundation. Information will be collected from library patrons about their
use of public access computers.
AUDITOR OF
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS REPORT AND AGENCY RESPONSE
Mike Foley, Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts, stated
that it is very important that as his staff produces reports that they take
the time to appear before the various boards and commissions so that they
can publicly and directly discuss the nature of their reports. Mr. Foley
stated that it is the Commission that is responsible for every dollar spent
by the agency and it is his job to audit every dollar spent by a state
agency.
Mr. Foley pointed out that the eleven page audit report
states that his office acknowledges that libraries are using gaming as a
tool to encourage young patrons to use the library. He stated that his
children frequently visit Lincoln City Libraries and use the computers and
electronic items as well as borrow books. He expressed his belief that state
funds should not be used to purchase gaming equipment.
Mary Nelson remarked that the audit report states that
purchase of gaming equipment is a questionable use of public funds. Mr.
Foley said he doesn't question the money spent on games by Lincoln City
Libraries or any other library because that's a local decision made by the
library. The question raised in the report was "is it appropriate for the
Nebraska Library Commission to purchase a Playstation 2."
Mr. Foley said there was also a
question of sales tax which was a small amount and was addressed by the
Library Commission. The report states that the recommendation made by the
auditor was that the Commission only use public funds for purchases
consistent with its mission.
Mr. Foley also said that a recommendation was made that
the Commission establish proper policies, procedures, and controls to ensure
that videos and photos being posted on behalf of the Commission be approved
and properly reflective of Commission activities prior to posting. It is
also recommended that the Commission not use any public funds related to
playing gaming equipment or accessing websites for non-official business.
Mr. Foley stated he felt this was the most important recommendation of the
report. He stated that it is critical that before Nebraska Library
Commission employees place materials on the internet that they follow
policies and procedures to insure that postings properly reflect the purpose
of the agency. He felt the YouTube posting was not a good reflection of the
agency.
Mr. Foley stated that when the report was still in
draft form it was sent to the agency with the opportunity to comment. Mr.
Foley stated his office received back a 28 page response. The audit process
requests that agencies limit their responses to a few sentences for each
audit recommendation. Mr. Foley stated that the question has been asked why
he didn't include a link to the response document and he turned the question
around and asked why the Library Commission didn't put up a link to the
response document. It was noted that the Library Commission posted both
documents on the Commission's website for online access. Mr. Foley stated
that he didn't believe he should be criticized for not including a link to
the Commission's audit report response document.
Jean Ahrens asked if in comparison to other state
agencies audited if the Commission's flaws were major. Mr. Foley stated that
they were not.
John Dale stated that in regard to things listed in the
report he believed that the purchase and demonstrations of games was a great
way to teach librarians how easy and fun it can be and at the same time show
them how they can use the games to encourage young adults to return to the
library. He stated that a major part of the Commission's responsibility is
to provide training resources to libraries particularly to the small
libraries that may need the online training due to time limitations.
Mr. Foley asked if the Commission felt that the YouTube
video that is addressed in the report is a demonstration of equipment that
will be helpful to adolescents. Rod Wagner stated the YouTube video was not
used for training rather it was used to promote and provide information to
Nebraska librarians about future workshops planned and scheduled on gaming
in libraries. Wagner stated that he could see how the video could be
misperceived outside of its use with information about the gaming workshops
and that the Commission has been and will continue to be thoughtful about
what is posted online.
Rod Wagner stated that there was another point in the
report about Library Workers' Recognition Day. Wagner stated that this was a
lunch time activity that included discussion of the "23 Things" project and
that the gaming equipment was set up for this event because staff was
curious about the equipment being used for the gaming workshops for library
personnel.
By consensus the Commission took no further action on
the auditor's report.
Director's Report
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 -
Rod Wagner stated that Nebraska will receive about $1.35 billion through the
ARRA. Governors have some discretion for a portion of the economic stimulus
funds. Most of the funds will be used for education, road construction,
energy and water projects. Some of the funding will be used for rural
broadband service improvements. Wagner stated that when the economic
stimulus legislation was being developed earlier this year the American
Library Association was promoting funds for library construction projects.
The ALA sought information from state libraries for an estimate on the kinds
of projects and costs. The Library Commission asked libraries for
information about library facility projects that were sufficiently advanced
to be started soon with appropriation and availability of funds. This
information was collected and shared with the Governor's Policy Research
Office and State Budget Office, as well as the American Library Association
for its efforts promoting inclusion of library projects in construction
funding. About 40 Nebraska libraries responded. Projects included new
buildings, building additions, renovation, remodeling, energy conservation
improvements and accessibility. The estimated costs were nearly $32 million.
Wagner stated that one piece of advice he received is
that libraries should be collaborating locally. Coordination and
collaboration will be important given that funds will be distributed through
competitive grant processes. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture will be a distributer of ARRA appropriated funds
for rural community projects (facilities and broadband). USDA
representatives have expressed interest in public library projects.
ARRA funds will be administered through existing
programs, rather than newly created ones. That is largely due to the intent
that funds be made available soon for their intended purpose as economic
stimulus. The LSTA is not among the federal programs receiving additional
funding through the ARRA. Another major funding component of the ARRA is
broadband service improvements for rural areas. The U.S. Department of
Commerce and U.S. Department of Agriculture will both administer funds for
broadband services.
Information sources concerning the ARRA include
Recovery.Nebraska.gov, the American Library Association Washington Office,
and NebraskAccess (which includes a section related to economic stimulus
topics and information sources). Jean Ahrens asked about possibilities that
public libraries will get assistance. Wagner said that there is likely a
greater chance of getting assistance for broadband service improvements than
for some of the other purposes.
Biennium Budget Update - Rod Wagner stated that the
Library Commission's budget hearing will be held on March 17. Rod stated
that the Commission meeting packet included a document from the Legislative
Fiscal Office summarizing the appropriations committee's preliminary
recommendations for the Commission. For the Library Commission, the
appropriations committee's recommendation is equal to the Governor's
recommendation.
The Library Commission's budget testimony will include
emphasis on the funding request for the digital talking book transition,
along with agency cost increases that can't be avoided such as the scheduled
building lease fees. The Department of Administrative Services fee
increases, including the new e-mail service fees will also be addressed. The
appropriations committee's budget recommendations for state aid to libraries
are based on current year funding amounts. The appropriations committee will
be asked to increase state funds for the regional library systems in
consideration of cost increases they will have.
If state funds are not increased for any of these
items, including funds to cover pay and health insurance cost increases, the
committee will be asked to allow transfer of LSTA funds from the aid program
to the operations program to cover salary and insurance expense increases.
There has been some discussion as to whether the Commission already has
authority to do that. Federal funds are included in the budget as estimated
amounts and this allows expenditure of any additional amounts agencies
receive.
Jean Ahrens asked if the State Auditor's report would
affect the Commission's appropriation. Rod Wagner stated that he didn't
believe it would, but senators are aware of the report. Rod said that he had
met with Senator Heidemann, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and
Senator Harms, Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and gave them
copies of the Commission's response to the audit report. Senator Harms said
that questions about the report could come up at the budget hearing and that
the agency should be prepared to respond. The Commission's audit report
response was sent to the State Budget Office, Policy Research Office, and
the Legislative Fiscal Office.
Gates Foundation Online Opportunity Grants Program -
Rod Wagner stated that several months ago the Commission was given a list of
libraries from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that have been
identified as eligible to participate in the program, pending further
determination of eligibility. The libraries were asked to complete an
inventory of their computer equipment for use in determining further
eligibility. The library computer equipment inventory responses were
partially the basis for determining eligibility to participate in the
program. Some libraries chose not to respond for a variety of reasons. One
factor is the amount of local funds needed for the grant match. Another
factor is that some libraries didn't meet grant eligibility requirements.
Over thirty libraries meet the requirements to participate. On the positive
side, many libraries are not eligible because they have been successful in
replacing older computers with newer equipment and that was the intent of
the Gates Foundation hardware program at the outset.
NLC Weekly Webinars-NCompass Live - Rod Wagner stated
that the weekly webinars are going very well and are covering a variety of
topics.
NebraskAccess - Rod Wagner stated that cards have been
distributed to show the new NebraskAccess website design. The Commission has
had a positive response to the website changes.
Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Services
Transition - Rod Wagner stated that Devra Dragos and Christa Burns have
worked very hard on the transition prompted by OCLC's new requirements for
network affiliation The Commission is not in the position to continue to
provide support for OCLC services. The new requirements would not allow the
Commission to charge the modest surcharge that partially covers costs for
supporting OCLC products and services. In addition, the Commission would
need to meet requirements for training and would need to have prior approval
for training plans, along with communication and marketing activities. Staff
has had discussions with representatives from three other OCLC networks
including the Missouri Library Network Corporation, the Bibliographical
Center for Research (BCR) and Amigos Library Services. Staff determined that
BCR would be a better partner for Nebraska libraries, though each of the
networks would serve Nebraska well. One factor in favor of BCR is that
Nebraska is located near BCR headquarters in Colorado and is situated well
with the BCR service region (Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado and Iowa are BCR
member states). BCR will take over billings for OCLC services. Nebraska
libraries, however, are free to chose any OCLC service provider. The
arrangement with BCR allows for a transition and most Nebraska libraries, if
not all, will likely continue to receive support through BCR. John Dale
asked if this transition would change our personnel or budget implications.
Rod said that staff involved with OCLC support activities will be
re-assigned to other technology related services and projects. Christa
Burns, OCLC Services Coordinator, has already been assigned to work with
Gates Foundation grant projects and will be taking on responsibility for the
Commission's E-rate telecommunications services. A portion of Christa's
salary is expected to be supported from Gates Foundation grant funds for her
work on foundation grant projects.
FINANCIAL REPORT
January and February Financial Reports - Rod Wagner
stated that both January and February financial reports were included in the
packets. Rod stated that expenditures are, overall, in line with the
Commission's budget at this point in the fiscal year.
LSTA Appropriations - By recent action of the Congress,
LSTA funds were appropriated at the level required to fully fund the base
allotment for each state LSTA state programs allocation.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
No unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Out-of-State Travel Request - Rod Wagner requested
approval to attend the Western Council of State Libraries meeting followed
by Mountain Plains Library Association/Kansas State Library Association
meeting in Wichita, Kansas. Wagner also requested approval to attend the
National Library Legislative Day event and the COSLA meeting in Washington
D.C. May 10 - 14.
A motion was made by John Dale and seconded by Carol
Spencer to approve the travel request. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Mary Nelson - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; Jean Ahrens - aye; and
John Dale - aye. Motion approved.
Next Meeting - The next meeting will be held May 8,
2009, in Lincoln at the Library Commission office.
Adjournment
- Chair Mary Nelson adjourned the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
Sincerely,
_______________________________________________
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.