Maine Library Commission Minutes, May 15, 2006

Date: Monday, May 15, 2006 at 1:05pm

Location: Maine State Library

Members present: Karl Aromaa, Gretchen Asam (ATM), Charles Campo, Suzanne Finn, Betty Fraser, Barbara Harness, Barbara McDade, John McManus, Elizabeth Moran (phone), Stephen Nichols, James Ritter, Joyce Rumery.

Members absent: Elaine Albright, Inese Gruber, Moorehead Kennedy, Glenna Nowell, Steve Podgajny.

Also in attendance: Karl Beiser, David Cheever, Dean Corner, Benita Davis, Bonnie Dwyer, Linda Lord, Sue Lord, Gary Nichols.

Minutes, March 20,2006: Motion by Finn, second by Harness. Adopted unanimously.

Announcements & Introductions

Dean Corner was introduced as the newly appointed Director, Reader & Information Services. He gave a brief description of the duties of that position.
Charles Cawley was announced as the newest member of the Commission.
John McManus was recognized for his six years of service to the Commission.

Legislative Update (Gary Nichols)

MARVEL! – LD 554, increased funding, did not receive legislative action and died.
University databases – LD 198, increased funding, did not receive legislative action and died.
However, both bills may be revived by the Appropriations Committee at lower funding levels.
Reading Services for the Blind - LD 1964, sponsored by the National Federation for the Blind is still alive.

Legislative Proposals for next session (123rd session) (Linda Lord)

Increased funding for additional MARVEL! Databases.
Continuation of the New Century grant program.
Info Net staffing – added staff for support and to conduct training.
Van delivery system – additional funding to support increased participation.
Regional cooperation – funding to implement consolidated library efforts and programs.
Statewide borrower’s card - compensation to net lending libraries to offset costs. Much discussion ensued on the pros and cons of a statewide card: affect on small libraries, statewide cooperative agreements.
Technology needs – dedicated funding on a continuous basis to upgrade servers, computers, printers.
Bandwidth
Downloadable books and movies on a statewide level.
Last copy center. Discussion of what constituted a last copy center and the pros of instituting.

Cultural Building Task Force (Gary Nichols)

Attention is turning to the Cultural Building complex now that the State House and Cross Building have been renovated. 5 years ago, Harriman Associates reviewed the structural needs of our building. At that time it was estimated to cost $46 million to move the Museum into the current MSL, move the Library into the Museum and add a new wing to the Cultural Building for the expansion of the Library. At that time it was also estimated to cost $58 million for those plans to be completed in 2006.

The Secretary of State has established a task force to develop a plan for the Cultural Building. Representatives of this body include: Maine Historic Preservation Commission; Maine State Library; Maine State Museum; Maine State Archives; Dept. of Admistrative and Financial Services; Bureau of General Services; University of Maine System; City of Augusta; Maine Archives & Museums Association; Maine Library Association.

Along with possible renovations and construction at the Fogler Library at UMaine, a total construction package exceeding $100 million is probable.

New Traffic Flow in Front of MSL (Gary Nichols)

During 2006-2007 there will be an increase in parking places near the Library. However, two lanes will be added to the existing traffic pattern in front of the Library. Some new green space will be created in front of the building.

Public Library Definition (Linda Lord)

Rather than adopt a definition, a set of criteria was developed for establishing a library, for public libraries joining MSLN, for membership in the Maine regional library system and for eligibility for grants. The minimum standards of the MLA Public Library Standards applies to any public library that is considering joining MSLN (see attached).

Adoption of the new criteria: Motion by Ritter, Second by McManus. Adopted unanimously.

Maine Info Net (Karl Beiser)

With the adoption of the agency model software, each library can be treated as an individual library rather than only as a member of a system (URSUS, MINERVA, SOLAR, etc.)
RFP has been developed for a truly statewide van delivery system.
Develop Maine Info Net as the coordinating body for all Maine libraries.
Statewide catalog has been renamed MaineCat.

E-Rate (Linda Lord)

Met with two FCC commissioners in May.
Stressed to them that the approval process needs simplification.
Stressed that state/local budgetary processes should take precedence over federal mandates.
Senator Collins has signed on as a sponsor to the ADA exemption bill that will ease the release of E-rate dollars to libraries.
The Gates Rural Sustainablilty workshops for libraries have been very ably set up by Elaine Stanley and Ellen Wood. They have also very effectively provided the training that goes along with the workshops.

Public Library Standards (Linda Lord)

Acting upon public comments received in Caribou, Augusta, Bangor and Portland, there will be a tiered system based on population served for the number of hours a library is required to be open in the standards for public libraries.
MLA has opted out of the business of tracking certification for non-MLS library personnel. The State Library will examine whether or not it can continue offering and monitoring certification credits.

MSLN Technology Needs Survey (Gary Nichols)

Compiling data from the recently conducted survey.
Will hold a series of focus meetings; data from which will lead to a request to the PUC regarding the needs of Maine libraries for technology.

Consultant Reports (Bonnie Dwyer & Benita Davis)

Demand for training by non-MLS appointees to small libraries.
SCOOP contract for library materials, supplies & equipment and discounts provided.

Adjoinment: Motion by Aromaa, second by Ritter. Passed unanimously.

Next Meetings:

Wednesday, September 13
Wednesday, November 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Corner

Criteria for Special Library Membership in Maine Regional Library System

The participating library shall:

1._______________ be a part of an organization or institution that has a legal basis for operation and provides informational resources;

2. _______________ have a written mission statement and service objectives; (Please include copy)

3. _______________ have an established funding base;

4. _______________ be authorized to participate by its appropriate administrative authority;

5._______________ have established and posted hours of service; Hours of service are:

6._______________ have a fixed location;

7. _______________ have a designated staff person or volunteer with some library services training and who is responsible fo the library; (Name of staff person ______________________ )

8._______________ have an organized collection of information and material accessible for use by its designated clientele and/or the public;

9._______________ agree to the terms and conditions of the Maine Regional Library System membership agreement as established by the Maine Library Commission. This agreement shall include certification by each member library that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements for participation, agrees to participate in interlibrary loan activities within the state in accordance with the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States and agrees to provide data on the use of regional and statewide library materials and services.

To: Maine Library Commission
From: Gary Nichols, Linda Lord, Maine Regional Library System District Consultants
Re: Criteria for: (1) Maine Public Library Membership in the Maine Regional Library System; (2) the Maine School and Library Network, and (3) to Receive Grants, and (4) Process by Which to Answer Requests for Establishing a Public Library in Maine
Date: May 15, 2006

Current libraries belong to the MRLS and MSLN shall be grandfathered. The criteria below will apply only to new libraries seeking membership after May 15, 2006.

(1) Maine Regional Library System

The criteria established for Special Libraries by the Maine Library Commission on November 11, 2002, will apply to all (public, school, academic and special) libraries’ membership in the Maine Regional Library System.

This MRLS membership criteria will be presented to District Council and Executive Board Meeting in May and June of 2006, and will voted on by the membership at their annual meetings in the fall of 2006.

(2) Maine School and Library Network

New public libraries must meet MLA Public Library Standards minimum standards in order to join the Maine School and Library Network.

(3) Grants

Public Libraries applying for Grants from the Maine State Library must meet MLA Public Library Standards minimum standards. (Note: The Maine Library Commission has complete discretion in establishing criteria specific to a particular grant program.)

(4) Process to be Followed for Establishing a Public Library in Maine

Call the appropriate district consultant
Receive a copy of the MLA Public Library Standards minimum standards
Complete a Maine State Library Annual Report as soon as the library is open to the public
Sign on to MEINFO-L

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