Nebraska Library Commission - Minutes
Nebraska Library Commission
July 13, 2007
MINUTES
DRAFT -Minutes subject to change at the September 21, 2007 meeting
The Nebraska Library Commission held its regular meeting
Friday, July 13, 2007, at the Saint Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE. 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: Jean Ahrens, John Dale, Patrick Gross, Mary Nelson, Velma
Sims-Shipley, and Carol Spencer. Staff present: Rod Wagner. Guests: Sharon
Osenga, Kathy Ellerton, Sherry Houston.
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; Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma Sims-Shipley
- aye; and Carol Spencer. Motion approved.
Approval of the Minutes (May 11, 2007): A motion
was made and seconded to approve the May, 11 2007 meeting minutes. Motion
carried on roll call vote: John Dale - aye; Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson -
aye; Velma Sims-Shipley - aye; Carol Spencer -aye; and Jean Ahrens - aye.
Motion approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
Sharon Osenga, Meridian Library System Administrator,
stated that the Nebraska Library Leadership Institute began in 2001 and has
125 graduates. This is the fourth leadership institute. Sharon expressed
appreciation to the Library Commission for its support of the institute. The
Nebraska Library Commission provides the majority of the funding for the
institute.
Kathy Ellerton, Northeast Library System Administrator,
stated that one of the results of the leadership institute is a sense of
community that has developed with the growing number of participants.
Sherry Houston, Republican Valley Library System
Administrator, stated that the week long institute has been productive and
enjoyable.
Carol Spencer asked how participants are chosen for the
program. Sharon Osenga replied that an application process is used which
includes a written statement addressing why the applicant would be a good
candidate.
Sharon Osenga thanked Commissioners for holding their
meeting at the Saint Benedict Center and for attending the final institute
session.
Correspondence
and Communication
Rod Wagner stated that he received a letter from the NLA
Paraprofessional section thanking the Commission for providing funds to
support the section's spring meeting. Wagner said the letter included a
detailed report of the section's program. He said the section has planned and
arranged successful programs that have been beneficial to both section and
non-section participants. Wagner said the Paraprofessional section deserves
credit for their efforts. They do a lot with the small amount of money given
in support of their programs.
Chair's Report
and Commissioners' Comments
Chair John Dale reported that he gave a presentation to
the Fremont Rotary Club. On May 31, John attended the first of his Nebraska
Universal Service Fund Advisory Board meetings. The board's purpose is to
advise the Nebraska Public Service Commission on Nebraska universal service
fund administration and policies. Traditionally, universal service funds are
used to subsidize telephone companies serving rural areas, balancing rates
among urban and rural areas. Some funds will now also be used to assist with
broadband services.
John Dale stated that he recently met Greg Mickells, the
new Lincoln City Libraries Assistant Director. In the proposed City of Lincoln
budget, the public library will sustain a 1.2% or 1.3% budget reduction. John
stated he was unable to attend the Library Commission's long range plan
meeting in Beatrice.
Carol Spencer reported that the Broken Bow public library
has Teen Night once a month. The library is closed for the evening to everyone
except the teens. The Broken Bow library recently hosted poet Matt Mason for a
presentation to teens. The library is sponsoring four Saving Nebraska's
Treasures workshops.
Jean Ahrens commented on Cherie Longmuir's retirement as
Panhandle Library System Coordinator and the hiring of Marjorie Harrison to
replace her. The number of children in Scottsbluff's summer reading program is
flat; but the number of books being read has increased dramatically. The
Scottsbluff library friends group will hold a book sale in October. The
library friends have expanded the event to include a mini fair.
Velma Sims-Shipley reported that Fremont's summer reading
program is going strong. The Fremont public library has a new children's
librarian and she has started new and interesting activities. Velma said that
one of the new activities is a program for boys. This weekend is the John C.
Fremont celebration. The library friends group will provide "Lemonade on the
Lawn."
Patrick Gross reported that the Wayne public library
summer reading program is growing each year. The city wants to review the
library friends and library foundation budgets because the city council
believes those funds should supplement and replace the tax levy requirement.
The council also believes there should be some accountability involved since
these funds are being used in place of city funding. Pat observed that the
city council sees private funds supplementing the tax levy and lowering the
amount provided by the city. Pat said that the two groups, friends and
foundation, keep track of their own funds and contend that city provided funds
are a separate appropriation. Pat remarked that although it is important to
keep good relations with the city it is also important to maintain their
ability to support in addition to rather then instead of the city funds.
Mary Nelson reported that she was interested in the
regional meeting in North Platte because she had attended the State Advisory
Council on Libraries meeting and had reflected on the differences between the
day-to-day management of the small libraries and larger libraries. Mary Nelson
reported that she attended the Republican Valley Library System annual meeting
in Holdrege and said that the meeting was well attended. Mary said that
Michael Sauers was among the meeting speakers. Mary stated that the Holdrege
library receives an average from ten to twelve interlibrary loan requests a
day from other libraries and fills one-half to one-third of them from the
Holdrege library collection.
Director's
Report
Personnel - Rod Wagner reported that Sally Snyder was
selected as the Nebraska Library Commission's Employee of the Year. Marjorie
Harrison, recently appointed Panhandle System Coordinator, will start her new
position on July 24. Belinda Fanning has left the Commission staff after many
years. Belinda is starting a new master's degree program in family counseling.
David Eckmann has been appointed to replace Belinda. This is an internal
appointment. Mr. Eckmann worked in the Talking Book and Braille Service unit.
His former position will be posted for recruitment.
American Library Association Conference - Rod Wagner
stated that the ALA annual conference was held in Washington, D.C. in late
June. The conference set a record with 28,000 people in attendance. Rod
attended a full day program on advocacy sponsored by the ALA's Washington
Office. Rod also attended a program sponsored by the Americans for Libraries
Council which focused on serving older adults. Rod had the opportunity to
speak to David Kipen, Director of Literature for the National Endowment for
the Arts (NEA). The NEA sponsors the national Big Read book discussion
program. The NEA supplies funds, art work, materials, book discussion guides
and other support. The NEA is eager to have book discussion participants in
all states. At the time of the conference, the NEA did not have an application
from a Nebraska library. Since Nebraska now has the One Book One Nebraska
program, there is not as much interest in the Big Read program.
Rod mentioned that Bill Bradley was the conference
opening session keynote speaker. The closing session keynote speaker was
Garrison Keillor. Rod reported that he attended a Friends of Libraries USA
board meeting during the ALA conference and attended two of FOLUSA's author
programs. Rod is the state library liaison to FOLUSA. Rod stated he completed
his term as chair of the ASCL Standards Review Committee at the close of the
conference.
Funding for National Library Services for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped and the Digital Talking Book - Rod Wagner reported that
funding for conversion to the digital talking book program is in some
jeopardy. Appropriation levels under consideration in Congress are less than
the amount requested by the Library of Congress. Less funding would result in
possible delays in supplying digital talking books and players and fewer
players for distribution to borrowers.
Wagner reported that one of the conference opening
session activities was recognition of a few people honored with lifetime
American Library Association memberships. These are given in recognition of
high achievement. Among those honored this year was Alice Hagemeyer. Mrs.
Hagemeyer is a Nebraska native, born in Scottsbluff. Alice is deaf and after
graduating from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. she went on to
receive a library science degree from the University of Maryland. She joined
the D.C. Public Library staff and worked as a librarian there throughout her
professional career. She was and remains an active leader in promoting library
services to the deaf community. Alice is founder of Friends of Libraries for
Deaf Action (FOLDA).
Rod Wagner reported he attended a brief COSLA board
meeting that was held during the ALA conference. In October, COSLA and the
Western Council of State Libraries will meet in Omaha. The meetings will be
held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Omaha.
One Book One Nebraska - Rod Wagner reported that the
Nebraska Center for the Book Program and Projects committee has collected
recommendations for selection of a book for the 2008 statewide book discussion
program. The committee is narrowing the list to a few books for the NCB board
to make the book choice. The NCB board will meet in Scottsbluff on August 11.
State Advisory Council on Libraries Meeting - Rod Wagner
reported that the State Advisory Council on Libraries meeting will be held
July 27 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Center. The agenda will
include a panel presentation on library science education. The meeting will
also include a tour of the UNO library. The library was recently expanded and
the original building is under renovation.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The May and June financial reports were included in the
meeting packet.
Jean Ahrens asked if funds not spent by the end of the
fiscal year will carry over to the next biennium. Rod Wagner stated that state
funds not used by the end of the biennium, unless encumbered, revert back to
the state general fund. Wagner said that taking encumbrances into account, the
Library Commission's state funds appropriation will be nearly all spent for
the current biennium.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Storm Damage and Libraries Grants- Rod Wagner reported
that special grants have been provided to Holdrege, Axtell, Loomis and Neligh
for expenses incurred due to storm damages.
NEW BUSINESS
Library Services and Technology Act Long Range Plan - Rod
Wagner reported on public meetings held in Alliance, North Platte, Grand
Island, Fremont, Tilden, and Beatrice. He said that although the meetings did
not have large attendance, there was good discussion among those who did
attend.
Rod Wagner noted that the long range plan includes three
major goals. The first goal addresses support and education for the library
workforce, library boards, library supporters, and educational activities. The
second goal addresses development and support for library services. The third
goal addresses the technology purposes of the Library Services and Technology
Act.
John Dale stated that the Talking Book and Braille
Service (TBBS) should be promoted more. Rod Wagner stated that the TBBS
receives help from public libraries in promoting the service in their
communities. Promotional materials have been distributed through various
outlets and radio and television public service announcements have been
broadcast. Rod stated that Dave Oertli and his staff do presentations at
conferences for organizations that have an interest in this service. It was
suggested that Dave Oertli attend a Commission meeting in the future and
report on how TBBS is promoted.
Mary Nelson referred to the long range plan section
(page18) that lists responsibilities for the Library Commission. The
responsibilities include "approval of eligibility requirements and criteria
for libraries applying for LSTA grants." Mary stated she doesn't remember
commissioners ever doing this while she has served.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Library
Services and Technology Act Long Range Plan (with further editing). Motion
carried on roll call vote: Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma
Sims-Shipley - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; Jean Ahrens - aye; and John Dale -
aye. Motion approved.
Election of Chair - Jean Ahrens nominated John Dale for
the Chair position, Carol Spencer seconded the nomination. A motion was made
to approve John Dale as the Commission Chair. Motion carried on roll call
vote: Mary Nelson - aye; Velma Sims-Shipley - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; Jean
Ahrens - aye; John Dale - aye; and Pat Gross - aye. Motion approved.
Election of Vice-Chair - Carol Spencer nominated Mary
Nelson for the Vice-Chair position, Jean Ahrens seconded the motion. A motion
was made to approve Mary Nelson as the Commission Vice-Chair. Motion carried
on roll call vote: John Dale - aye; Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma
Sims-Shipley - aye; Carol Spencer - aye; and Jean Ahrens - aye. Motion
approved.
September Meeting Date - A motion was made to move the
September meeting date from September 14 to September 21. Motion carried on
roll call vote: Carol Spencer - aye; Jean Ahrens - aye; John Dale - aye; Pat
Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; and Velma Sims-Shipley - aye. Motion approved.
FY 2008 State Employee Salary Policies and Director's
Salary - A motion was made to approve a 3% salary increase effective July 1,
2007 for Director, Rod Wagner. Motion carried on roll call vote: Jean Ahrens -
aye; John Dale - aye; Pat Gross - aye; Mary Nelson - aye; Velma Sims-Shipley -
aye; and Carol Spencer - aye. Motion approved.
Adjournment - Chair John Dale adjourned the
meeting
_______________________________________________
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.