Meeting Minutes
STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON LIBRARIES
Love Library, UNL Campus, Lincoln, Nebraska
November 3, 2006
MINUTES
State Advisory Council members present:
Patty Birch, Janice Boyer, Nancy Cantin, Nancy Escamilla, Joan Giesecke, Cindy
Gitt, Maggie Harding, Gretchen Healy, Diana Johnson, Marty Magee, Becky Pasco,
Kristen Rogge, John Seyfarth, and MeMe Smith. Guest: Nancy Busch
Commissioners: Jean Ahrens, John Dale,
Patrick Gross, Mary Nelson and Velma Sims-Shipley. Commission Staff: Laura
Johnson, Maria Medrano-Nehls, and Rod Wagner.
Welcome and Introductions
Chair Jan Boyer opened the meeting with a
welcome and introductions of those present.
Approval of the Agenda: A motion was
made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion approved.
Approval of Minutes (July 10, 2006):
A motion was made to approve the minutes. Motion approved.
Maria Medrano-Nehls gave a short
presentation on how to complete the expense reimbursement document.
Nebraska Library Commission - Rod Wagner
Biennium Budget Request - Rod Wagner
reported that the Library Commission 's 2007 - 2009 biennium budget request was
submitted mid-September. Of special interest is the state spending limit
initiative that will be voted on in November (Initiative 423).
Library Services and Technology Act - Rod
Wagner reported that the LSTA reauthorization process is still in the early
stages. The LSTA appropriation for FY 2006 - 2007 has not been determined,
along with much of the federal budget. Appropriations are being made on the
basis of a Congressional continuing resolution that allocates funds based on
the previous year funding levels. The federal library program reached a
milestone this year from the enactment of the Library Services Act in 1956,
later amended to the Library Services and Construction Act, and more recently
the Library Services and Technology Act. There are plans in the works at the
national level to recognize and celebrate the program and its contributions to
library services throughout the United States.
The current LSTA grant application (Library
Improvement Grants) is now posted on the Nebraska Library Commission Web site.
The deadline to submit an LSTA grant application is December 28.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries -
Projects and Initiatives - Joan Giesecke and Nancy Busch welcomed Commission
and Council members to Love Library. Joan Giesecke spoke about the resources
and services available from UNL Libraries to every Nebraskan. Community users
may have access to the UNL library resources by obtaining a UNL library card.
Community users do not have to be enrolled in the University to receive a
library card. Services may be accessed at the library or online.
Services include the use of library
materials, reference services, online catalog, electronic journals and
articles, online databases, "Ask a Librarian " by phone, e-mail or live online
chat, and interlibrary loan service.
Joan stated that the UNL Libraries has been
working on its 2006-2008 strategic plan. The plan states that the library
"supports excellence in research and learning by selecting, acquiring,
creating, and organizing digital and print collections; by assisting students,
faculty, and the community to effectively access and use information; and by
promoting diversity of ideas and ensuring that today 's resources are available
for tomorrow 's students. "
The three priorities listed in the strategic
plan are to expand the Digital Scholarship and Literacy Program; enhance
reference and instructional services to students, faculty, and the community;
and enhance collections to support research, instruction, and service for
today 's users and tomorrow 's scholars through increases in acquisitions.
State Advisory Council Ad Hoc Committee on
LSTA Evaluation and Planning - Jan Boyer reported that at the last meeting it
was decided an ad hoc committee would be formed to meet with NLC staff to
provide input for the LSTA five-year evaluation and long range plan. The
committee met and developed recommendations that included:
- Identify four regional sites for information gathering sessions
to gather input
- Identify agency/professional outside NLC to conduct information
gathering sessions and provide analysis of both quantitative and qualitative
data gathered
- Identify participants to represent:
1. Genres of
Libraries
2. Gender
3.
Culture/Language/Ethnicity
4. Geographic
Distribution
5. Community
Participants not tied to library or library organizations
6. Library
science students
7. other
- Distribute information/research to participants in advance to
provide scaffolding for discussions:
1. Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources: A Report to the OCLC
Membership,
http://www.oclc.org/reorts/2005perceptions.htm
2. Long
Overdue: A Fresh Look at Public and Leadership Attitudes About Libraries in
the 21st Century,
http://www.lff.org/long_overdue061306.html
1. Results of
discussions
2.
Anticipated use of results to participants, Nebraska librarians, and other
stakeholders.
A motion was made and approved to approve
the ad hoc committee 's recommendations.
Council Roundtable
Marty Magee reported that the MedlinePlus
Web site has undergone some changes. The page now provides links for podcast,
Medline Plus magazine, Go Local, information on herbal drugs, pharmaceutical
drugs, and training. Go Local will allow finding resources in counties.
Patty Birch reported that North Platte
public library is holding fund-raising events to finance replacement of carpet
in the library. The North Platte high school is moving from a four period day
to an eight period day. Patty will be teaching the collection development
class for the Library Technical Assistant program. It was noted and Patty was
recognized for receiving the Mad Hatter award presented at the October
NLA/NEMA conference.
Becky Pasco reported that the Nebraska
Educational Media Association (NEMA) had another very successful year in terms
of membership, outreach, and professional development. Membership is at 413 as
of October, 2006. Professional development sessions were held in all Nebraska
regional library system areas for school and youth services public librarians
over the spring, summer and early fall 2006. New partnerships with Educational
Service Units have paved the way for more attendance.
The Nebraska Department
of Education has created and posted for recruitment an "information
technology " position. The position "prefers " a professional with library media
endorsement. This is a major step in getting adequate representation in the
State Department of Education. NEMA sent six members to the October American
Association of School Librarians Fall Forum in Rhode Island that focused on
assessing student learning in the school library media center. Chadron State
College will offer a library science class in the fall of 2007.
Cindy Gitt reported that the Friends of the
Library (Holdrege) raised almost $600 from their bookfest. The library has a
new management system for adult/teen internet computers. The program manages
appointments and times sessions. The library will be putting up its Holiday
Wish tree. Staff will place ornaments with items that the library would like
to have and the public can purchase and donate the items to the library. Three
pre-schools are bringing children to the library for story programs. Cindy
started an after-school program for kindergarten thru fourth grade. Cindy also
holds a video and snack program once a month which is well attended.
Nancy Escamilla reported that Patricia Gross
started a book club at Gering High School. The club meets during the lunch
hour on Fridays. Fifteen students participated in the first meeting. The
principal is very supportive of the book club and provides money for books.
The Scottsbluff
public library will begin its second Prime Time Family Reading program. The
library had 100 people participate at the first program and is expecting a
larger group this time.
Judy Schachner, author of the Skippyjon Jones books, visited the Scottsbluff area. She spoke
to 2,500 second and third graders from 54 schools. The library recently
started an adult book club with 177 participants. The library will provide
library cards to every kindergartner in Scottsbluff during Children 's Book
week. The teen youth group held a Halloween haunted house at the library. The
teens planned the event, raised money, decorated, and staffed the event
themselves. The library participated in an Adopt-a-School program; this year
the library was given the alternative learning school and the juvenile
detention center. Staff will be present programs, read to the groups and
provide books.
Jan Boyer reported that the University of
Nebraska at Omaha held a dedication ceremony in October in honor of the UNO
Library 's new addition.
Maggie Harding reported that she has
resigned her position as Nebraska Library Association Executive Director
effective December 31. The position description will change to include the
annual conference coordinator 's duties. The NLA currently has 628 paid
members.
Diana Johnson reported that the Stromsburg
public library held book talks and hosted movie premiers for 7th
and 8th grade students during Teen Week. Twenty-two teens
participated. The Polk County Democratic party held its convention at the
library.
Rod Wagner passed around a recruitment kit
prepared for the Librarians for the 21st Century project. The
recruitment kits will be available for persons interested in promoting library
careers at schools, career fairs, and other meetings and events.
Nancy Cantin reported that the Hastings
Regional Center school has been accredited. The library has been moved into
the school for practical reasons. The Hastings public library bookmobile
visits the facility once a week. The facility will be changed to a full youth
facility in the near future.
MeMe Smith reported that the library
suffered some vandalism and graffiti while staff attended conference. October
was a busy month at the library. The library hosted Gary Dulabaum, author of
My Teacher Rides a Harley, for a presentation. The Youth Service
Librarian is developing a teen advisory council. The teen group planned,
raised money, and held a dance at the library with food and drinks. Schuyler
is currently a 45% Hispanic population community.
Kristen Rogge reported that she attended the
NLA - NLC sponsored Dinner and Dialogue session for library trustees and
municipal officials. Kris serves on the NLA Trustees, Users and Friends ad hoc
committee that planned the Dinner and Dialogue sessions. The Windmills Across
America art project deadline was extended because many artists said they had
not heard about the project but would like to enter. For more information on
the project visit: http://www.cfra.org/windmillproject.htm
Gretchen Healey reported that the library
received a $129,000 IMLS enhancement grant. Gretchen is recruiting for a
children 's librarian. The college is in the midst of a presidential search.
The library held a Spooky Stories Night event attended by 68 people. All
attendees were given a book. Gretchen stated that her library receives many
donated books which she in turn gives to patrons who attend events at the
library. She signed up to receive the donated books on adoptalibrary.org. The
library recently installed a patron counter and found that they had been under
counting by 2/3. The library received a $1,000 grant for new mother packets.
The new mother packets include a certificate for one or more children 's books
and a library card application. The library continues to have gamers ' night
and will soon host a Dungeons and Dragons group. Every classroom from the Head
Start program visits the library once a month.
Maria Medrano-Nehls reported that she will
be taking the Public Services in Library and Information Science class taught
by Jodene Glaesemann in January.
John Seyfarth reported that the Papillion
public library will reach its ten year anniversary in its new facility and
will hold a celebration in January. Mary Gubbels, Papillion public library
circulation librarian, was named the Nebraska Library Association
Paraprofessional Section 's Paraprofessional of the Year. Sally Payne,
Papillion public library director, was awarded the Nebraska Library
Association Public Library Section 's Excalibur Award.
Joan Giesecke thanked Council and Commission
members for coming to the UNL Love Library. Joan expressed appreciation for
the opportunity to host the meeting.
Jean Ahrens reported that the Scottsbluff
public library recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in its
current facility.
Nebraska Library Association - Maggie
Harding
Maggie Harding reported that the election of
new officers was held. Beth Goble began her term as NLA president at the close
of the annual conference in October. Maggie reported that 641 people attended
the NLA - NEMA annual joint-conference in October. There were 60 programs and
2 keynote speakers at this year 's conference. Kathy Lute of Ogallala won the
Trustee Citation Award. There are currently 628 paid members.
Maggie reported that there were 125 attendees at the Dinner and Dialogue sessions which were
held in four locations across the state.
Nebraska Educational and Media
Association - Becky Pasco
Patty Birch reported on behalf of Becky
Pasco. NEMA membership is at 413 as of October. Professional development
sessions were held in all Nebraska regional library system areas for school
and youth services public librarians over the spring, summer and early fall
2006. The Nebraska Department of Education has created and posted an
"information technology " position. The position "prefers " a professional with
library media endorsement. This is a major step in getting adequate
representation for school libraries in the Nebraska Department of Education.
NEMA sent six members to the October American Association of School Librarians
Fall Forum in Rhode Island. The Fall Forum theme was "Assessing Student
Learning in the School Library Media Center. "
Librarians for the 21st
Century
Rod Wagner reported that the Nebraska
Library Commission has a new Now hiring @ your library® Web site. The Web site
provides information on jobs and careers, scholarships, professional
organizations and diversity organizations. The Nebraska Library Commission
continues to present scholarships with funds from the grant. The Commission
hopes to continue to present scholarships after the grant money is depleted.
New Business
Recommendations and Resolutions - Rod Wagner
stated that he and John Seyfarth will confer about seeking a meeting with Lt.
Governor Sheehy to discuss telecommunications policy issues in regard to LB
645.
The Council members expressed appreciation
to Joan Giesecke for hosting the State Advisory Council on Libraries meeting.
Special Recognition - Rod Wagner presented
Maggie Harding and John Seyfarth each with a Nebraska Admiralship signed by
the Governor and a Certificate of Appreciation for their service and
completion of two terms on the Council. Jeff Yost and Sharon Osenga were not
able to attend the meeting. They will also receive recognition. Jeff Yost will
complete his second term this year. Sharon Osenga has served one term and has
decided not to be nominated for a second term.
2007 Meeting Schedule - The next meeting
will be held March 9, 2007, location to be announced.
Adjournment
Chair Jan Boyer adjourned the meeting at
2:40 p.m.