Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
March 9, 2007
MIUTES
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting
Friday, March 9, 2007, at the Seward Public Library. Notice of the meeting was
submitted to local newspapers (Lincoln
Journal-Star, Omaha World Herald), and posted on the Nebraska
Library Commission Homepage.
Chair John Dale called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m.
Members present: Jean Ahrens, John Dale, and Mary Nelson. Staff present: Rod
Wagner, Maria Medrano-Nehls, and Richard Miller. Others present: Brenda Ealey,
Misty Prochaska, Scott Kinney, Becky Baker, Kris Rogge, and Kathy Ellerton.
Approval of Agenda:
No motion was made due to
lack of a quorum.
Approval of the Minutes January 12, 2007):
No motion was made due to lack of a quorum.
PUBLIC FORUM
Chair John Dale welcomed guests. Introductions were made
around the room.
|
COORESPONDANCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Rod Wagner reported that he did not have any
correspondence to present.
CHAIR'S REPORT AND COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
John Dale reported that he attended a Southeast Library
System board meeting in February. John mentioned the death of William (Bill)
Beck. Bill retired recently and was a former school library media specialist.
Bill was a past State Advisory Council on Libraries member and served on the
Republican Valley Library System board among other organizations. He was also
a volunteer for the Library Commission's Talking Book and Braille Service.
Jean Ahrens reported that Cherie Longmuir, Panhandle
Library System Coordinator, will be retiring at the end of April. Jean said
that the Scottsbluff public library has not officially started fundraising for
the library addition.
Mary Nelson reported that she attended a Republican
Valley Library System board meeting. One of the meeting topics was new books
on tape formats. The RVLS board would like information from the Commission on
how small libraries might be able to afford the new books on tape formats.
Mary said that she checked out a Playaway Audio-Book from the Holdrege Public
Library and was impressed with its design.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Personnel Updates - Rod Wagner reported that Michael
Sauers began work in his new position (Technology Innovation Librarian) on
March 1. Michael has a number of training sessions scheduled for the spring
and more in the works. The Panhandle Library System Coordinator position has
been posted for applications. The Commission's re-designed online job postings
and career related information are getting national attention.
Nebraska Library Legislative Day - Rod Wagner reported
that the Nebraska Library Legislative Day had good attendance and
participation. One of the legislative day highlights is the youth recognition
activity. Youth recognition during the luncheon with senators has attracted
more interest since this was started a few years ago and now youth are
selected from nominations. They include youth library workers who have
demonstrated special contributions to their libraries. Karen Kilgarin,
Nebraska State Education Association Communications Director and a registered
lobbyist, was the afternoon guest speaker. Ms. Kilgarin's presentation focused
on working with the media.
State Biennium Budget Status and Actions - Rod Wagner
reported that the Legislature's Appropriations Committee has issued its
preliminary budget recommendations. The committee's recommendations reduce the
Library Commission's operating budget from state funds by 5%. This is based on
the budget modification included in the Commission's biennium budget request
(agencies are required to identify budget reductions that would result from a
5% reduction in state funds). The preliminary recommendations would result in
an approximate $138,000 reduction in state funds. The committee did not
include any additional funds for purchase of flash memory cartridges needed
when the new digital talking books are introduced in 2008 and the committee
did not include any additional funds for Department of Administrative
Services' fee increases or increases in online database licensing fees for
current subscriptions. State aid funds were kept at their current year
appropriation level. The committee has taken a similar approach with many
other state agencies. Agencies will have an opportunity to address the
committee's preliminary budget recommendations during budget hearings.
Wagner stated that the Library Commission's budget
hearing will be held on March 13. Wagner has met with a few Appropriations
Committee members and has appointments with two more before the hearing.
State Legislative Issues and Actions - Rod Wagner
reported that a public hearing was held on LB572 by the Government, Military,
and Veterans Affairs Committee. The bill permits regional library system
employees to participate in state employee insurance programs. No action has
been taken by the committee.
Gates Foundation Library Program - Rod Wagner reported
that the Gates Foundation is resuming its program to sustain public access
computing in public libraries. The Foundation has found that libraries in
lower income communities have not been able to upgrade or replace public
access computers and, therefore, will provide funds to help these libraries
purchase new equipment. Nebraska will be in the group of states in 2008 to
receive funds for purchase and installation of computers. Matching funds will
be required and not all libraries will be eligible.
Maximizing Friends Workshop - Rod Wagner reported that
Sally Reed, Friends of Libraries USA Executive Director, will lead two
workshops on "Maximizing Friends." The workshops will be held in North Platte
and Fremont. The workshops are part of Nebraska's statewide FOLUSA membership.
Reed will provide information and ideas useful to librarians, library trustees
and library friends to improve their efforts to promote and advocate on behalf
of library services. Wagner said that there is still space available in both
workshop locations.
One Book - One Nebraska - Rod Wagner reported that the
Mari Sandoz Heritage Society is the sponsor organization for the 2007
statewide book discussion program. The Sandoz Society selected Crazy Horse
for this year's program. Wagner said that interest is growing in plans for a
2008 program.
Director's Evaluation - Chair John Dale reported that Rod
Wagner's annual evaluation was completed and returned to Rod after the January
meeting.
FINANCIAL REPORT
January and February financial reports were included in
the meeting packet.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Storm Damage and Libraries - Chair John Dale reported
that this was to be an action item but due to the lack of a quorum there would
be no vote. Richard Miller referred to a document that was included in the
meeting packet. The document provides details on damage to libraries from the
January ice storm and the assistance they need. Miller reported that Shelton
public library had an unfortunate incident during the storm in which a
neighboring building started on fire and caused damage to the outside of the
library building.
Rod Wagner stated that since there are few libraries with
storm damage expenses and the expenses are relatively small he felt that the
Commission could proceed to work out special grants for libraries with storm
damage expenses. Chair John Dale stated that the discussion in January
indicated a real desire from the Commission to provide assistance to these
libraries as soon as possible. Mary Nelson stated that she felt it is
important that the money go directly to the libraries and that the money
should be used to purchase materials since that is probably the area the
libraries will cut in order to pay for damage costs.
Next Meeting - Rod Wagner reported that the next meeting
will be held May 11, 2007 at the Nebraska Library Commission.
Adjournment
Chair John Dale adjourned the
meeting at 9:30 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.