Meeting Minutes
STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
LIBRARIES
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 16-17, 1995
Present: B. Baker, Dr. E. Baker, M. Battistella,
V. Bialac, J. Birnie, P. Brunken, D. Crews, L. Cundiff, S. Davis, D. Dragos,
J. Leader, K. Marek, G. Mier, S. Person, J. Saathoff, T. Strom, K. Tooker,
R. Voeltz, S. Wiegert, S. Wise.
Commissioners: R. Norman, M. Vollbrecht.
Staff: J. Budler, N. Busch, A. Garwood, C. Hickey,
J. Minges, D. Oertli, M. J. Ryan, S. Snyder, A. Sternburg, E. Van Waart,
R. Wagner.
The meeting of the State Advisory Council on Libraries
convened on March 16 at 12:00 noon. The first item on the agenda was the
two hour satellite conference "Capitalizing on the Internet--Program
1: A Business Guide to the Internet."
Welcome and Introductions
Welcome and introductions were given. Sally Snyder
gave a brief history of the State Advisory Council on Libraries. A copy
of the goals and challenge statement written by the 1994 Council was
distributed
and discussed. Jim Minges updated the Council on the challenge grant proposal
recommended by the 1994 Council. A total of $15,000 is available for grants.
The grant program is simple and open-ended for libraries to tell the Commission
what they would like to do. There is no established financial match required,
but that will be looked at as part of the criteria for awarding funds.
Any type of library can apply if they are part of a joint project. Applications
will be due by June 1 and grants will be allocated by the end of June,
1995. Funds must be expended by end of June 1996. Application packets will
be sent to those who request an application. An article announcing this
grant program was in the March NLCommunicator.
The procedures of the Council were outlined by
Sally Snyder. The Council considers issues and topics brought to it by
the Commissioners and the library community. The Council gives recommendations
on these issues to the Commissioners, and any other involved group or
organization.
Who's Who and What's What at NLC
Jim Minges presented information on the Library
Development Team's major initiatives.
The Continuous Library Improvement Program is
known as CLIP. The goal is to focus attention on local community determination
of what the library needs and bring the community into the planning and
development for the library. Several follow-up meetings were held recently.
One or two libraries at each meeting brought lots of enthusiasm for the
process and for what they are accomplishing with it. The manual for the
program was developed by the Heartland Center.
The public librarian certification courses are
being redone. The next course will be "Public Services" offered at the
end of May and beginning of June this year. Two new additional courses
are being prepared. A children's and young adult services institute will
be offered April 21-22. A technology course is being designed and will
be offered perhaps in 1996.
The process in place to redo the Public Library
Guidelines. A new committee has been formed to rewrite them. Members of
the committee are listed on the sheet distributed to Council members.
There has been significant change in working with
institutional libraries since last May. They are taking over leadership
of their group. The Commission will continue to offer the federal grant
program and consulting as needed.
The Commission is requesting additional state
funding for aid to public libraries in this budget cycle in two areas:
1) incentive grants for county library service and 2) additional funding
for public libraries having undertaken a planning process. Federal LSCA
(Library Services and Construction Act) Title II funds may be in jeopardy,
both the 1995 and 1996 amounts.
The Nebraska Library Trustees Handbook 1990
is now out of date. The Commission will ask the Trustees group of the Nebraska
Library Association (NLA) to work with us to revise some sections.
Library Development staff includes: Barbara Johnson:
statistical data, administration of public library accreditation and the
state aid process; Mary Jackson: children's and young adult services; Ellen
Van Waart: continuing education coordinator, and copyright issues; Kit
Keller: support services and an excellent addition to the staff; Jim Minges:
library systems and consulting with public libraries.
Jo Budler, Director of Network Services, presented
information to the Council including a definition of network services:
To promote and support libraries in their cooperative efforts to share
resources and information. Network Services will: assist librarians in
delivering information to Nebraska citizens through electronic exchange;
develop and support access to state government information resources and
to national and international communications networks; introduce and promote
new products that assist member libraries to use information technologies;
provide cost-effective, innovative training to strengthen libraries in
the use of information technologies; support and enhance member library
programs which promote regional cooperation and resource sharing. Jo would
like to broaden Network Services so non-OCLC members could take advantage
of services and opportunities. Other networks offer services other than
OCLC and she hopes Nebraska will offer more database opportunities to Nebraska
libraries.
The Commission is introducing a new publication
which will include not only NEBASE News but also other Network Services
information such as Internet, reference and government information sources.
The new publication is called Nebraska Library Commission Network Services
News, or N3 (pronounced N-cubed). Please let Jo know what you think
of it and any ideas you have for improvement.
Amy Garwood gave an update on the National
Telecommunications
and Information Assistance (NTIA) project. The Nebraska Statewide
Telecommunications
Infrastructure Planning Process is a comprehensive effort to identify needs
across a broad spectrum of telecommunications users, conduct an inventory
of existing infrastructure directed toward meeting those needs, and develop
a phased statewide plan to put in place the infrastructure necessary to
meet future demands.
Data gathered about the information technology
needs of Nebraska libraries includes: 68% of public libraries in Nebraska
have a computer and 50% use CD-ROM technology. According to a recent article
in USA Today, less than 20% of the people in the nation have access
to online services. In Nebraska 40% of public libraries have access to
online services.
Fourteen libraries (6%) use the Internet in Nebraska.
It is our next challenge. The biggest barrier to Internet access for Nebraska
libraries is long distance charges. The state needs a mechanism for libraries
to access Internet. There is also a need for cooperative projects within
communities. A third need is for centralized training and technical
troubleshooting
assistance.
What's New in Online Services
Annie Sternburg gave an Internet demonstration.
Netscape is the name of the browser used at the Commission to access Internet
locations. The Council saw home pages for the St. Joseph County Public
Library in South Bend, Indiana; Boulder County, Colorado; Sharon Public
Library; and Santa Fe Public Library. One location the Council found especially
interesting is
http://www.kentnet.dtcc.edu/Re
ference.html
Delaware Public Library compiled a list of reference
resources available on the Internet. The list is available at the above
location.
Rod Wagner gave an update on Nebrask@ Online.
The Commission has a three year contract with a private company to provide
network management services as well as additional services. The company
is setting up its office across the street from the Commission. One of
the new services will be to provide batch and interactive access to driver's
license information in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Motor
Vehicles. They plan to begin providing service next week. Charges for access
to the driver's license information will subsidize other aspects of Nebrask@
Online.
Cindi Hickey, Information Technology Librarian,
presented an overview of the cooperative project between the Commission
and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development ("DED"). Cindi works
with Chris Hoy, Special Projects Director for DED, to support community
information technology planning committees.
Chris Hoy asserts that only 10% of Nebraska's
citizens are teleliterate. Communities benefit by helping their citizens
become teleliterate which leads to 1) reduced telecommunication costs,
2) improved communication infrastructures, and 3) local innovation. Increased
teleliteracy in the community also particularly benefits rural communities
by diminishing the distance penalty, increasing educational opportunities,
and improving healthcare options.
Nebraska's Information Technology Committees are
ideally comprised of representatives from the library, business, education,
health, government, as well as a student, and a senior citizen. Hoy stresses
five "immutable" goals for these committees: 1) awareness of information
technology, 2) access to information technology, 3) training, 4) partnerships,
and 5) planning. Committees create bottoms-up strategic planning for the
information technology needed by their communities.
The Commission's role in the project stems from
a view of the public library as an "information utility". Titled "NEED
==> IT!", the Commission's project involves three target areas: 1) development
of information resources for the Committees and 2) collaboration with the
community's librarian to provide demonstrations, support, and training
related to the Information Technology needs of the community.
Nebrask@ Online has many new additions specifically
designed for the benefit of the Information Technology Committees. The
first issue of the Commission's newsletter "NEED == IT!" highlights these
additions, including Success Stories, Discussion Groups, Reference Resources
and more. To request a copy of this newsletter contact Cindi Hickey at
(402)471-3217 or (800)307-2665.
The February 1995 Nebraska Online usage report
was disseminated to the Council.
The meeting recessed at 4:43 p.m.
The joint State Advisory Council on Libraries
and Nebraska Library Commission meeting was reconvened at 9:00 a.m. by
Rod Wagner. Rod updated the Council and Commissioners on the Library
Commission's
biennium budget request for state funds.
Federal Library Programs Update
Rod Wagner reported on the status of the proposal
to replace the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). The new program
proposal has been developed through collaboration of major library constituent
groups. The new Congress will require new strategies to secure continued
federal support for library services. A new threat is revision of current
year appropriations for LSCA Title II, with those states not having allocated
funds standing the prospect of losing their 1995 allotment.
Nebraska Long Range Plan for Library and
Information
Services
Council members and Library Commissioners divided
into three groups to discuss issues highlighted on the Review and Discussion
sheet distributed at the meeting.
The meeting reconvened for reports from each of
the groups.
Recommendations from the groups include the
following:
Question about what "technical assistance" means
in the first role statement on page 3, is it used in a broad or narrow
sense?
"Services to Special Populations" on page 4 make
sure it includes all groups and uses the current terminology.
First paragraph under "Relationships..." needs some
rewording, page 5.
Under "Public Libraries" make sure refer to public
librarian certification, public library accreditation and library board
certification as part of the process
"Libraries, information centers, lrcs...etc" there
may be other terms to be added to include all types, page 5, first paragraph
under "Relationships..."
Should we add ESUs as a separate entry on pages 5
and 6 under "Relationships..."
Why is the word "special" used in the paragraph on
public libraries and the one on institutional libraries on pages 5 and
6, is it due to funding?
"Needs" on page 7 should have a statement about the
need for education and training for librarians as well as customers and
the Commission's role in it. Discussed information literacy, uses of new
technologies and how people are not prepared for that type of information.
Need assistance to get information and also in how to use the information
and how to judge it. Also discussed technology connectivity to online service
provider(s). Under Needs, add the following:
information illiterate - not prepared to use the
information sources and technology
distance (from resources) or technology connectivity
to information utility
education and training for librarians and
customers
Goal 1: be sure to state at the beginning that it
is Nebraska statutes.
Goal 2: discussed how training could be delivered
and the Commission's role in it. College credit classes should be listed
as a training source. Encourage in-state higher education institutions
to offer such courses both onsite and through distance education delivery.
Objective 2.10 B, use the term "to all areas of the state" rather than
"distant locations." Also noted that traditional delivery methods were
not stated.
Goal 4: Needs a sentence stating the Commission provides
information about the Library Commission, and a second sentence stating
the Commission provides general publicity about Nebraska's libraries. Change
through to from in goal statement.
Goal 5: be sure the terminology regarding handicapped
and disabled is inclusive, and uses current terminology.
Goal 6: remove the reference to a subcommittee of
State Advisory Council in the needs statement. Under evaluation, could
it be more specific about how will evaluate the goal? Objective 6.3, for
example, the staff performance appraisal program could be the evaluation
for this objective.
Mission statement, there was discussion among people
involved in the planning on the meaning of library and information services,
what is the difference between library services and information
services?
Under "Roles," the "regardless of" statement does
not include religion, is there a reason for that or is it an
oversight?
More emphasis on leadership under the first Role
is desirable, perhaps make leadership a separate role
statement.
The "Primary Functions..." paragraph on Communication
needs a #5 added or as a new #1 and move the other items to 2-5. The new
#1 (or #5) should be: provision of information on emerging issues and trends
in library and information services.
Page seven needs a new title, the information contained
on the page doesn't really reflect projected library needs, it contains
background information.
Would appreciate one page listing all the goal statements
just prior to the goals text section.
Goal 1: phrase "library, reference and information
services" why include reference here when it is not in the phrase in the
previous section?
To make the document more readable, indent the
"evaluation"
section and bold the Objective numbers.
Appendices, page 38, regarding the distribution of
LSCA funds, with so much emphasis on technology, waiting a year in between
times to apply for grant money seems a long delay particularly since things
change so quickly in the technology area. Recommend a grant program at
least twice a year.
Goal 3: need to add an Objective 3.6 "The Commission
takes a proactive role in providing/exploring emerging trends in technology
and library issues and finding a way to communicate these to the library
field." Make greater use of Nebraska Online for more library specific
discussion
on some of these broader topics once the information has been
shared.
Condense the document into an executive summary of
one or two pages and distribute across the state to the entire library
community by including it in N-Compass.
Discussed the name of the Nebraska Library Commission
and that perhaps a name change should be considered to better reflect what
the Commission actually does. One suggestion was Nebraska Library and
Information
Services Commission.
Under Mission: the roles section should have a separate
sentence that focuses on leadership.
Under "Relationships..." may want to add something
more dynamic about the Commission's leadership role concerning technology,
including the Challenge statement written by the 1994 Council.
More emphasis on projected needs on page 7, for example
working with larger units of service.
Goal 6: we no longer have a subcommittee of the Council
to discuss and review the Long Range Plan.
Other suggestions:
send a press release now announcing the new State
Advisory Council, their function, and the challenge to libraries from the
Council, also send to Council members and librarians in the state in order
for them to encourage their local press to run the article
The Council and Commissioners meeting recessed
for lunch.
The State Advisory Council on Libraries reconvened
at 1:00 p.m.
Sue Biltoft, Administrative Assistant, gave
information
on completing the expense document forms.
Election of 1995 Council Chair
Joan Birnie nominated Sally Wise to serve as Chair.
Devra Dragos seconded the nomination. Sally Wise was elected
unanimously.
Sharon Wiegert nominated Lupe Mier as Chair-Elect.
Kathy Tooker seconded the nomination. Lupe Mier was elected
unanimously.
Meeting Critique / 1995 Council Agenda Planning
/ Schedule
The next meeting of the State Advisory Council
will held be Friday, June 30. The third meeting of the Council will
be held September 15th. Phyllis Brunken, moved that we have a teleconference
rather than meet in Lincoln on December 8th. The date will be reserved.
Dena Crews moved, and Verda Bialac seconded, the
minutes be approved. The motion carried.
Meeting Critique
Richard Voeltz thought orientation was an excellent
idea.
Dr. Elmer Baker suggested that reimbursement be
explained at each orientation, and maybe at each meeting.
Phyllis Brunken thought it was good to have the
Commission staff tell Council members what they are doing.
Troy Strom requested a tour of the Commission
facilities.
We need to have a list of nearby places for lunch.
Verda suggested that we give this job to Nancy Busch.
September agenda
The Library Commission Goals - Strategic Plan.
The way we did it this time was a good way to do strategic planning, the
questions were excellent.
The feeling was that the meeting always goes better
if there are specific things which Council members are asked to consider.
They do not want to just rubber stamp. Member requested that the Commission
please be specific about what you want the Council to comment upon.
At the next meeting Commission staff will be able
to tell the Council the biennium budget results. How it will affect the
Commission, also an update on Public Library Laws.
Verda Bialac - please talk about, relationship
between the Commission, Library Boards and local government. What kind
of state laws apply?
A demonstration of Nebrask@ Online would be
appreciated.
Consider other demonstrations Commission staff could provide.
Some liked the idea of having educational
teleconference/program
meeting.
Talking Books & Braille Service
tour/talk.
Children's Services - Mary Jackson.
It was recommended the Commission send a list
of Appropriations Committee members to Council members.
Council Roundtable Presentations
Dr. Elmer Baker, York College, noted they established
a Friends group last year. Dr. Baker is Vice President of TUFS (Trustees
Users and Friends) section of NLA and they are now making a strong effort
to contact all Trustees and all Friends organizations within the state
to get a mailing list together to improve communication possibilities.
Dena Crews, Chadron Public Library, Chadron has
a new city manager whose two favorite departments are the Library and Parks
& Recreation. The CWEIS group is working on their home page, CWEIS
had a name change and is now called NebraskaNet. NebraskaNet has been taken
under the wing of Mr. Kramer, City Manager.
Devra Dragos, Beatrice State Developmental Center,
is working on two projects: (1) NAIL - Nebraska Association of Institutional
Libraries and (2) Updating the client collection.
Richard Voeltz, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
stated a planned $350,000 periodical cut was delayed for one year. Automation
is progressing at the University. Netscape is coming to EJO multimedia
journals. He sees movement back into the online environment from CD-ROM.
Phyllis Brunken, Educational Service Unit (ESU)
# 7, gave an update on Legislative Bills. The ESUs (Educational Service
Units) have completed work on an electronic ESU catalog format. They will
compare with NSF Grant results.
Kathy Tooker, Eastern Library System, mentioned
five items. (1) The two-year biennium budgets and plans of each of the
six Library Systems are complete. (2) Working on continuing education.
(3) Internet connections and Internet training are prime concerns right
now. (4) LSCA Title II technology grant application is being submitted.
This is the fifth year for the systems to submit a joint grant application
representing many libraries in Nebraska. To date, the systems have assisted
82 public libraries in the state to receive grants and procure various
types of technology. (5) The Library Commission needs a mobile computer
lab. That contains laptops, etc. for training.
Laura Cundiff, Clay Center Public Library, reported
they are working on Summer Children's Reading Program. This year they plan
to have a program for the entire summer and that will entail a lot of planning
and work for the staff and volunteers.
Sylvia Person, Holdrege Middle School, is a member
of the Information Technology Committee with Richard MacDonald, Director
of Holdrege Public Library. The public library is undergoing renovation
to make the basement space accessible for meetings. The schools are hoping
to have fiber optic cable laid in the next week to provide direct connection
with the ESU.
Troy Strom, Fullerton City Administrator, reported
on the successful fund raising and renovation of the former hospital building
into a beautiful public library. Still facing budget limitations within
the county and city. One of the discussion issues at the meeting he attended
on Wednesday was how to work with county officials to obtain county funding
for the public library. Another topic was the possibility of reassigning
some counties to different library systems to better balance the total
and improve the effectiveness of the systems.
Steve Davis, President of the Nebraska Educational
Media Association (NEMA), is working with the Nebraska Department of Education
to rewrite certification standards for media centers. They are also, once
again, working for the creation of the position of Director of Library
Media Services at the state Department of Education.
Jeanne Saathoff, Kearney Public Library, reported
their automation system and Technology Learning Center are up and running.
Community Network Institute (CNI) will be putting their telephone lines
and hardware in library for an electronic bulletin board. It will also
provide intermittent Internet connection for community members and an e-mail
service. The University of Nebraska - Kearney (UNK) has shut down their
general access to Internet. A private company, Overnet, now offers Internet
connections.
Joan Birnie, Broken Bow Public Library, reported
they are finishing a survey as part of CLIP (Continuous Library Improvement
Program) planning. The Information Technology Committee hopes to have an
Internet connection through Lopernet and will be offering public access.
Becky Baker, Seward Public Library, stated the
"Connect Seward" project is gearing up. The goal is to provide the community
Internet access and a community bulletin board. Becky hopes to be able
to demonstrate the system at the next Council meeting. Seward Public Library
is providing interlibrary loan service for the Southeast Library System.
Jeanne Leader, Western Nebraska Community College,
Scottsbluff, serves on the local Community Information Technology Committee.
Working with the Chamber of Commerce and the public library, the community
now has FreeNet access and gopher access. There is also a local service
provider for those wishing to purchase access to the Internet. The community
college is also working on providing adaptive technology in the computer
labs.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned
at 2:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Snyder