Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes

Nebraska Library Commission

January 12, 2007

MINUTES

The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting Friday, January 12, 2007, at the Nebraska Library Commission. 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 John Dale called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Members present: John Dale, Patrick Gross, Mary Nelson, and Carol Spencer. Staff present: Rod Wagner, Maria Medrano-Nehls, Kit Keller, and Mary Jo Ryan. Guest: Tom Schmitz, Southeast Library System board member.

Approval of Agenda:

A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. An addition was made to New Business to discuss libraries affected by the recent ice storm. Motion carried on roll call vote: John Dale - aye; Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; and Carol Spencer. Motion approved.

Approval of the Minutes(November 3, 2006):

A motion was made and seconded to approve the November 2006 meeting minutes. Motion carried on roll call vote: Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Carol Spencer - abstain; and John Dale - aye. Motion approved.

PUBLIC FORUM

Tom Schmitz, Southeast Library System board member/Medical Librarian for Lincoln Regional Center. Mr. Schmitz commented that members of the Southeast Library System Board have been encouraged to attend meetings of the Commission.

Correspondence and Communication

Rod Wagner stated he had no correspondence to present.

Chair's Report and Commissioners' Comments

John Dale reported he has been tracking the local city budget (Lincoln).

Mary Nelson reported on the storm damage and its effect on many Nebraska communities. Mary stated that libraries in the region have been affected, and described the situation in Holdrege as one example. Mary said that communities such as Alma and Arapahoe are likely dealing with some of the same problems as Holdrege and have similar needs. Holdrege has had no electricity since December 29 when the ice storm hit. The Holdrege library rented a large generator in order to provide light and open their doors for the community. The library houses an alternative school program in their basement so it was important for the library to open. Pam Soreide, Holdrege public library director, has stated that she has special needs because her budget will have to pay for the extra expense of renting the generator, fuel to run the generator, and any expensed for damaged equipment. The long term problem is that the city will most likely cut department budgets to cover storm related costs. Pam Soreide has asked the Commission to consider assisting the library with their financial needs, and criteria for their accreditation.

Patrick Gross reported that Ponca's public library renovation and expansion project is complete. Wayne public library is offering various computer classes.

Carol Spencer reported that the Broken Bow library collected 467 new and slightly used books to donate to the needy at Christmas time. The library will soon have an automated card catalogue.

Director's Report

Personnel - Rod Wagner reported that a temporary staff person has been hired to replace Sarah Follett while she is on her family medical leave. Cherie Longmuir, Panhandle Library System Coordinator, will be retiring the end of April. Michael Sauers will join the Commission staff on March 1. Michael was hired as the Commission's new Technology Innovation Librarian.

State Legislative Issues & Actions - Rod Wagner reported that the Unicameral has 20 new state senators this year. Senator Mike Flood was chosen as the Speaker of the Legislature and Senator Lavon Heidemann was chosen as Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

Rod Wagner reported on Governor Heinemann's recently issued state budget recommendations. The Governor's recommendation for the Library Commission would result in an approximate 2% state funds increase. This increase includes state employee pay increases. The Governor's budget recommendations for state agencies do not include the full amount needed to cover pay increases. The expectation is that agencies will need to cover the remainder by re-allocating funds from their operating budgets. The Library Commission's budget hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 13.

Nebraska Library Legislative Day will be held February 14. Former state senator Marian Price will speak at the morning briefing. A noon luncheon will be held at the Cornhusker Hotel and will include recognition for several youth library volunteer workers. Karen Kilgarin, Communications Director and registered lobbyist for the Nebraska State Education Association, will speak at the afternoon session.

Public Library Trustee Project - Rod Wagner reported that Maggie Harding plans to convene a final meeting of the NLA Trustee, Users and Friends section ad hoc committee. The final meeting will review the Dinner and Dialogue project report and determine recommendations to be presented to the Nebraska Library Association and to the Nebraska Library Commission.

Wagner reported that Sally Reed, Executive Director of Friends of Libraries USA, will conduct two "Maximizing Friends" workshops. The first will be held on March 27 in North Platte and the second on March 28 in Fremont.

Now Hiring @ your library - Mary Jo Ryan introduced the new Now Hiring @ your library website and the new Commission blog. The Now Hiring @ your library website provides information on jobs and careers in Nebraska and other states, scholarships, mentoring, recruiting, professional organizations, and diversity. The recruitment video can also be viewed on the website. The website includes rotating pictures from several Nebraska libraries.

The Commission blog is located at nlc.nebraska.gov/blog/. Information is provided on the blog for books & reading, education & training, information resources, library management, Now Hiring @ your library, public relations, Talking Book and Braille Service, technology, youth services, and general information.

LSTA 5-year Program Evaluation - Rod Wagner reported that this report is due to the Institute of Museum and Library Services by the end of March, 2007.

LSTA Long Range Plan - Rod Wagner reported that long range plan is due the end of June. The long range plan will be a major agenda item for the March State Advisory Council on Libraries meeting.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Rod Wagner reported that LSTA funds will be allocated to states this year based on a Congressional continuing resolution. The resolution sets funding at the same level as the prior fiscal year.

The November and December financial reports were included in the meeting packet.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

NEW BUSINESS

State Advisory Council on Libraries Appointments - Rod Wagner reported that Maggie Harding, John Seyfarth and Jeff Yost completed their second terms on the State Advisory Council on Libraries and are not eligible for re-appointment. Sharon Osenga completed her first term and asked not to be considered for re-appointment to a second term. Wagner recommended the following persons be appointed to the Advisory Council: Kathy Ellerton, Steve Fosselman, Scott Kinney and Frank Zimmerman. Wagner recommended the reappointment of Mary Anne Smith, Nancy Cantin, Patricia Gross and Gretchen Healy.

A motion was made to appoint Kathy Ellerton, Steve Fosselman, Scott Kinney and Frank Zimmerman to the State Advisory Council on Libraries and to re-appoint Mary Anne Smith, Nancy Cantin, Patricia Gross and Gretchen Healy. Motion carried on roll call vote: Mary Nelson, Carol Spencer, John Dale, and Patrick Gross. Motion approved.

State Aid to Public Libraries Incentive Grant Payments - Kit Keller stated that public library incentive payments were included in the Commission's long-range plan. Kit stated that some libraries have achieved the enhanced or excellent accreditation designation and have reached a plateau. She recommended that these libraries receive an incentive to maintain these accreditation levels. A motion was made to award state aid incentive payments to libraries that achieve and maintain enhanced or excellent accreditation level. Motion carried on roll call vote: Carol Spencer - aye; John Dale - aye; Patrick Gross - aye; and Mary Nelson - aye. Motion approved.

Resolution - A resolution was presented directing the Commission staff to research and identify libraries affected by the recent ice storm and to research any financial aid that could assist these libraries to cover storm related expenses. A motion was made to approve the resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote: John Dale - aye; Patrick Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; and Carol Spencer - aye. Motion approved.

Out-of-state Travel Request - Rod Wagner requested approval to attend the Western Council of State Libraries meeting to be held in San Antonio, Texas, April 10 - 12. Wagner also requested approval to attend both the COSLA meeting and the National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., April 30 - May 3. A motion was made to approve the Director's out-of-state travel requests. Motion carried on roll call vote: Patrick Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; and John Dale - aye. Motion approved.

Chair John Dale asked if any Commissioners would be interested in attending National Library Legislative Day in Washington D.C. in May. John stated that he was interested in attending. Rod Wagner stated he had received a message from Velma Sims-Shipley indicating that she would like to attend Legislative Day.

March Meeting with State Advisory Council on Libraries - Rod Wagner stated that the Commission and State Advisory Council on Libraries joint meeting will be held March 9 in Seward at the Seward Public Library.

Director's Annual Performance Review - The Commissioners held a closed session to discuss the Director's performance.

Adjournment

Chair John Dale adjourned the meeting at 11:45 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.