Meeting Minutes
STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL
ON LIBRARIES
Lincoln,
Nebraska
June 10,
1994
Present: B. Baker, Dr. E. Baker,
B. Behsman, V. Bialac, D. Crews, L. Cundiff, E. Epp, J. Leader, S. Mason,
P. Sheridan, C. Speicher, S. Wiegert.
Staff: J. Minges, S. Snyder, R.
Wagner.
The meeting of the State Advisory
Council on Libraries was convened at 10:03 a.m. by Council Chair, Jeanne
Leader. Welcome was given by Rod Wagner. Introductions of all present were
given.
Verda Bialac moved, and Brenda Behsman
seconded, the agenda be approved as received. The motion carried. Dr. Elmer
Baker moved, and Laura Cundiff seconded, the minutes of the March 11, 1994
meeting be approved as received. The motion carried.
NLC Report
Rod Wagner noted some staffing matters
to the Council. Annie Sternburg will begin July first as Online Services
Librarian at the Commission. She was most recently at Emporia State University.
Internet training and consulting will be a large part of her job at NLC.
Rod also noted the last interview will be held next week for the Network
Services Director position. We hope to make the appointment sometime next
week.
Saturday, June 11, is the graduation
ceremony for the Emporia students enrolled in the Nebraska program.
Approximately
fifty people are graduating.
Legislation:
Rod Wagner disbursed a document
from ALA titled "Reinventing the Library Services and Construction Act"
(LSCA). A number of organizations have been working on proposals to replace
LSCA when it expires this year. There has been interest in introducing
new features as well as continuing some features of the current legislation.
The Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) was the first to put
a proposal together, other groups have developed proposals as well. There
has been some disagreement of what should be included in the new legislation.
A breakthrough came in late April when groups came together and reached
agreement. This document contains most of the COSLA proposal and incorporates
a piece from Urban Libraries Council concerning funding for children in
poverty. This program is state based: states develop a plan and use the
funds to address issues in their state based on the plan. This document
will be discussed extensively at the ALA conference in Miami later this
month. There is a strong desire to leave the conference with a clear indication
of support for this or an amended proposal. This gives states a good deal
more flexibility in use of the federal funds, and also addresses current
issues such as technology, children in poverty, etc. The proposal calls
for significantly more funding than the current LSCA. The legislation sets
a maximum amount that can be appropriated. The actual appropriation can
be less. Congress will develop its own program for LSCA. Still, a common
position from the library world is important message to sent to
Congress.
Rod Wagner also updated Council
members on activities of the state Legislature. The Legislature closed
without advancing the bill revising public library laws. The Legislature
did adopt a resolution calling for an interim study. The General Affairs
Committee will assign staff to work on public library legislation and try
to resolve some differences that were expressed during the past session.
This gives librarians a chance to rethink the legislation, perhaps make
some changes, and come back with legislation for next session. Randy Moody
and Ken Winston have met to plan the interim study. The NLA/NEMA conference
this fall will have a session on legislation where librarians can discuss
and contribute ideas for the public library laws. It is a time to add features
or make some changes to the legislation.
Telecommunications
update:
Telecommunications is both a state
and federal issue. There has been a good deal of publicity about it lately.
The Library Commission is dealing more and more with technology
issues.
The State Information Technology
Commission was formed to provide recommendations to the Governor and the
Legislature after the first of the new calendar year. NLC has been working
with them on grant applications for the Department of Commerce NTIA funds.
One project is to complete a needs assessment on technology for libraries
and state government. An implementation grant from NTIA funds, initiated
by UNO, includes funds for Nebraska Online and technology assistance
for some demonstration libraries to install Internet access. Even with
1300 applications submitted Nebraska has a good chance to be funded. Between
October and December work would take place to identify the library piece
of the project. An implementation plan for the project could also be prepared
for the new round of NTIA funds. It is anticipated there will be three
times as much funds available next year. Libraries are identified as one
of seven areas for involvement for funding.
The Library Commission is also working
with a group of state agencies, including the Secretary of State, Department
of Motor Vehicles, State Courts Administration, and the Department of
Administrative
Services to develop a request for proposals for service to provide access
to state government records.
A recent development is a proposal
for a Nebraska Information Network. The concept was initiated by some of
the telephone companies, to work with state government to build and strengthen
a Nebraska state infrastructure so libraries and others have a state of
the art telecommunications network in place. Cable companies may also be
involved with the project. 80% of phone companies in Nebraska have agreed
to provide funding to the non-profit organization to run the project. A
state government task force has been formed to determine how to work with
this idea. Rod Wagner is a member of the task force.
Resource Sharing Advisory
Committee:
Rod Wagner reported the Library
Commission has not as yet worked on the recommendations received from the
Resource Sharing Advisory Committee. One of the tasks of the new Network
Services Director will be to help address this issue.
State Advisory Council on Libraries:
Vision, Mission, Goals
Rod Wagner gave a brief history
of the State Advisory Council. The 1972 amendments to the Library Services
and Construction Act (LSCA) required each state to form a state advisory
council. States have and do use their advisory council in different ways.
In some states the council approves grant requests, in other states the
council only meets once a year. The Library Commission, over time, has
used the Council in a broad way: to advise on a variety of library needs,
representing libraries of all types. The Council Bylaws state it is organized
to provide advice to the Library Commission on the Long Range Plan and
to advise the Commission on issues as assigned. The Council is the formal
body organized to make recommendations to the NLC. Any resolutions or
recommendations
the Council adopts are presented to the Commissioners. Special committees
are formed as needed to discuss specific issues. The Talking Book and Braille
Service has a separate Advisory Committee.
How might the Council contribute
to library development in the state? Council members agreed to brainstorm
first, then develop consensus on the Council, and finally set goals for
the remainder of the year.
new members to the Council meet
with Commission staff an hour before or after the first meeting, NLC staff
would describe the Library Commission and Council
responsibilities.
Education about what other types
of libraries are doing, e.g. what are colleges doing with technology; K-12
schools & technology, etc.
Standing committees on certain topics,
updated on issues between meetings, so could have input on those
issues.
Subcommittees, members would be
assigned the responsibility of reporting to the group and then to the entire
Council on what's happening in the state on that topic.
Report back to the Council about
what people did with recommendations, or ideas discussed at meetings. (What
were the results of the Council forming recommendations and
resolutions.)
Information on training and continuing
education available.
NLC staff come to Council meetings
and inform on what they are doing re: technology etc. The state will have
informed Council members.
Possible meeting parameters: committee
would get report rather than the entire Council.
What will be most helpful to NLC?
Bring ideas in, react to items, help communicate back to others? Rod stated
it is helpful for Council members to communicate to others what the Council
and NLC are doing and bring those peoples' ideas to the meetings, provide
two-way communication. It is also helpful for Council members to research
information, etc. to be prepared for the meetings.
The minutes need to come out soon
after the meeting. The are helpful for sharing information about the
Council.
Place a form in the
NLCommunicator
for librarians to fill out and return for the Council to discuss. The form
could contain the opportunity to list concerns, ideas, etc. Also let the
state know who is on the Council so librarians know who to talk to. Forward
the information gathered to Council members in that area. Other methods
of information exchange: Nebraska Online, Internet...
GOALS OR RESULTS:
new members understand the function
of the Council. (Do we need manual for members as a starting point for
them?)
Likes the fact that the Council
changes from year to year, allows for change in how the Council addresses
issues etc.
Hearing about what the Council has
done in the past helps give a basis for new members to understand its function
and possibilities for future meetings.
The Council needs to choose an area
or areas to focus on for the year. The technology emphasis this year may
contribute to the vagueness of Council goals due to the rapid change and
activity in the area. The Council, for one topic, can choose to track national
legislation for this year and wait for state legislation until next year.
NLC looks to the Council for ideas and advice, and a two-way exchange of
information and ideas.
Legislation is an important issue
and more concrete than technology is right now. The ADA may need to be
addressed also by the Council. Legislation and technology can mesh re:
legislation is needed to provide technology: e.g. what is free and what
isn't.
Another value of the Council is
in bringing issues and information to NLC from others in the state. We
may want to schedule meeting time for each member to bring such information
to the meeting. Need to advertise who is on the Council in order to collect
information from others. A booth at NLA/NEMA saying who is on the Council
and that they want information from others. Could put a page in the information
packet at NLA/NEMA for people to learn about the Council and respond with
ideas. Overtones in past has run information on the Council and
listed members. A story could also be placed in NLAQ and the System
newsletters.
It was also requested the time be
scheduled at meetings for NLC staff to inform members about what is happening
in the state, e.g. the Plattsmouth situation, new projects, etc., so members
can be informed when others talk to them.
Next meeting:
- overview of state projects (what's
happening in state)
- roundtable of issues members bring
to meeting
- committees meet, as
needed
Jeanne Leader, Carol Speicher and
Dena Crews will synthesize the ideas written on the paper by Verda
Bialac.
National Information Infrastructure
(NII): A Discussion of the Department of Commerce
Report
Discussion was held on the 36 page
item from Ron Brown included in the packet mailed to Council members prior
to the meeting. The national task force welcomes comments and ideas concerning
a national information infrastructure. The Council response to Ron Brown:
(what the Council advocates for Nebraska libraries)
- biggest challenge is
training the people, and getting them to use it.
- NLC train librarians
- coordination of educational
opportunities:
NLC, Systems, Education facilities -- need to hear where and when it time
to attend. those without computers some are still attending information
session about technology, including training. need to communicate w/ them
in print.
- basic skills courses could include
technology
- ex. Spring meetings. Internet
or other adult level sessions are scheduled against children's services
issues. need to be able to attend both.
- educate librarians on why need
Internet, what will do for them.
National Goal:
- Nebraska needs to create
a feeling of need across the state so librarians will take it to their
boards and communicate the needs and benefits of connection.
- A personal connection can make
the difference, for example: Seward went to Milford and demonstrated
Nebraska
Online, now Milford uses it all the time.
- Chadron and Papillion are planning
within their respective communities for Internet. Seward has a committee
just developed to address Internet access. Omaha is also meeting &
discussing.
- Suggestions for the new NLC staff
person, what are the most important things for next year:
- talk to Chris Hoy re: what things
are happening in many Nebraska communities.
- ways to access Internet
- something specific re: why libraries
should have Internet, examples of specific benefits.
- visit some small libraries to
see where people are, do this early to get feel a for Nebraska and libraries
in the state
- expertise to evaluate where a
particular library is, and recommend what to do next to move to next
step
- way for neighbors to share experience
and expertise (Seward example from above)
- workshops to train and/or get
information to librarians
Comments to Ron Brown on the Report
(in packet, same as above):
Go to the Commerce Department re:
the issue of government information sold to private organizations who charge
big fees for that same information. Affordable access to information is
an issue. (see p. 24)
Assure that the Library of Congress
is given sufficient funding to continue to provide electronic information,
e.g. cataloging of materials, so the information is available
electronically.
No real library can be without a
computer and telecommunications access.
Issue is funding for small libraries.
There is also must educate city governments about the need for
telecommunications
in libraries.
The meeting recessed for lunch at
12:10, and reconvened at 1:40 p.m.
Jim Minges updated the Council on
the Continuous Library Improvement Program (CLIP). A planning model has
been developed and NLC is taking some steps to encourage libraries to do
planning. NLC staff are working with the Heartland Center on this program.
A notebook has been developed and four workshops have been held on how
to use a planning process. Approximately 200 people attended, representing
70 libraries. System Administrators and NLC staff will offer support for
libraries requesting it. We are also planning opportunities for participants
to get together and discuss how its going. Beginning in 1997, the state
aid program will be structured so a portion goes to all accredited public
libraries and a portion to those who have completed a planning process.
Our goal was to present a process sufficiently simplified so it can be
done on a continuous basis from year to year. A planning process offers
the opportunity for a community to address some of the issues we have discussed
in our meeting today. Libraries and communities are not required to use
a particular process, different planning processes are accepted.
Libraries and Library Media Centers:
Information Technology Applications
Rod Wagner reminded the Council
of the morning's discussions. That the State Advisory Council wants to
be seen as a strong library advocate, more directly involved in communicating
with NLC and librarians in the state, and being visible in terms of its
function and roles. The Council can be very active in promoting Nebraska
libraries and their needs. Jim Minges suggested the Council consider
recommendations
or challenges, from the Council to Nebraska libraries and librarians related
to a national and a Nebraska information infrastructure. The Council can
write some clear goals or challenges for libraries in the state, and think
about what the Council can do to further libraries toward this goal or
goals.
Challenge to Ne Libraries and
Librarians:
Librarians are encouraged to be
assertive/aggressive for funding...it is difficult for librarians and for
the public, a new image. Librarians must be taught to be assertive/aggressive
and NOT back down. Must have the funding before can get the computer(s)
etc.
There needs to be a point at which
libraries are reading centers, or primarily for children, and some are
information centers. Libraries must reach this conclusion
themselves.
If a library defines itself as a
reading room, it should receive no state aid. Funds must go to those who
are using technology. Time will be needed to bring this about. NLC will
feel the heat.
NLC can promote alternative ways
for access to information in some communities, e.g. the next library down
the road? the county agent?
Not always a matter of money for
smaller communities, many small communities have computers and modems.
Also many have funding but no computer.
In the Northeast Library System,
approximately 95% of accredited libraries have computers and
modems.
The Public Library Guidelines say
computer access to Nebraska Online, NEON, circulation system, online catalog,
etc. is all optional. None is required at this point. Should technology
become a required guideline?
Are grants available for small libraries
to acquire computers, etc? Those library directors and boards that are
assertive/aggressive go out and get grants, they don't give up.
Libraries will provide access to
the Internet for patrons by the year 2000. If not directly, then through
a cooperative with another library or organization. Libraries in towns
of a designated population size will meet goal by 1998 and others by year
2000.
Not realistic to expect all libraries
to meet goal. May want to focus on accredited libraries and issue challenge
to them.
If there is a site where this is
already happening, use it as an example to encourage others. This will
do more than any demand from NLC. Hyannis for example.
NLC has to keep talking about county
and district libraries to keep the idea in librarians minds.
Challenge: Library\ies to serve
as models to others in the state, and are willing to give training and
mentoring to others. System Administrators may help identify libraries
and librarians who could do this.
The first library to put together
a county system should get reward. Holdrege is currently doing that. Recognize
what they are doing and use them as demonstration site.
National Information
Infrastructure:
Librarians/trustees will:
1995 -- Be a part of community planning
or be a catalyst
1994 -- will be an advocate for
technological access to information
1994 -- be aware of developments
in technology and awareness of the benefits
1996 -- form partnerships to provide
access to information via technology if not be one themselves
1994 -- know what is in their
trust/memorial
funds, encourage giving and using it
2000 -- have a foundation by year
2000
1996 and ongoing -- will be
technologically
literate
Libraries will:
1997, 1998 -- have access at library
(1997) or at home (1998) to information geared to the individual
(technology)
-- provide the above as a basic
service
-- share their local
resources
-- develop local partnerships (public
and private organizations)
-- educate patrons as to resources
available at "home" and "next door"
Governments will:
-- be a part of a library unit providing
services to an entire district or county
-- provide the equitable means
to have a statewide library card (through tax on dwellers outside municipal
taxing district)
Becky Baker will edit the above
challenges. Jeanne Leader and Sally Snyder will assist.
How does the Council want to
use/communicate
the above information?
put it with the purposes of the
Council. generated these challenges. include with NLComunicator, NE Online,
newsletters,...
Sharon Mason will write a brief
history for NLAQ.
Next meeting agenda to include 1)
a statewide overview of technology projects going on. 2) Invite Chris Hoy
to attend, talk about telecommunication project in West Point. 3) Go around
table about what is happening in your areas re: technology (a few minutes
each). 4) Legislative update. 5) Challenge from SACL to libraries -- progress
report. Look at what was written. 6) what's happening in other states,
legislation, statewide library cards. 7) meet new NLC staff
people.
Rod Wagner will check on a booth
for the Council at NLA/NEMA. People willing to staff the booth during the
conference will have a chance to volunteer. Identify Council members with
an item on their name badges at the conference.
The next Council meetings are Sept
9 and Dec 2. The September meeting will start with coffee at 8:30, meeting
at 9:00. Plan to meet until 3. The December meeting may be via two-way
video.
There being no further business,
the meeting adjourned at 2:57 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Snyder