Maine Library Commission Minutes, September 10, 2007

The Maine Library Commission met at the Maine State Library on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.

Members present: Karl Aromaa, Charles Campo, Inese Gruber, Barbara Harness, Moorehead Kennedy, Barbara McDade, Elizabeth Moran, Steve Nichols, Jamie Ritter, Joyce Rumery.

Members absent: Charles Cawley, Suzanne Finn, Glenna Nowell, Steve Podgajny.

Also in attendance: Dean Corner, W. Benson Dana (auditor), Bonnie Dwyer, Shirley Helfrich, Linda Lord, Gary Nichols, Sylvia Norton, Valerie Osborne, Matthew Pollack (AG’s office), Gail Waddell.

Introduction

Mr. Dana was introduced. He stated he was performing a routine audit focused on the internal control of the cultural agencies and was attending the Commission meeting as an observer.

Minutes

The minutes of the May 9, 2007 meeting were approved unanimously.

The minutes of the March 27, 2007 meeting were approved unanimously.

New Century (Lord)

MSL receives $13,000 annually as part of New Century funding from the governor’s budget for the agencies comprising the Cultural Affairs Council. Since this amount is too little to offer to other public libraries through the competitive New Century grant application process, MSL chooses a professional development program that has as much statewide value as possible.

The Maine Regional Library System, which was created to improve library services throughout the state, has submitted a proposal for this grant. Its proposal plans to: increase the value of libraries; promote MARVEL; recognize and promote outstanding Maine library programs to the library community; hold regional trustee workshops; improve library facilities by weeding and interior design makeovers; provide continuing education opportunities for librarians.

A question was raised about how the costs for PR were devised. Valerie Osborne responded that this cost included the fees for setting up exhibits and providing materials at specific events. Another question was asked about the criteria used to decide which libraries would receive “library makeovers.” Valerie responded that libraries from all three regional districts are eligible to apply.

Motion by Moran to approve the grant was seconded by Harness. Passed unanimously.

New Century (S. Nichols)

A $50,000 grant, awarded previously this year, to the Davis Library in Limington has been returned. The town board voted to turn down this grant that would have provided matching funds for a library addition.

The library board has decided not to use any of the grant. Therefore, the entire $50,000 will come back to MSL.

MSL will announce a new round for applications for this New Century money.

Gary Nichols reminded the Commission that future New Century funds will be part of a larger bond question (Question 3) on the November 6 ballot.

Consultants’ Reports

SMLD (Helfrich): The SMLD report was distributed. The fall council meeting will be held on October 26. Shirley reported that some town libraries are being asked by their town governments to investigate library consolidation and regionalization.

CMLD (Dwyer): Library “makeovers” were awarded to two libraries by a team of volunteer librarians and employees of Tucker Library Interiors, which provide the consultations gratis.

Webster Library in Kingfield repainted some areas and relocated art works.

The New Vineyard Library created a teen corner and reconfigured the children’s area.

A district newsletter with a calendar of events was distributed.

NMLD (Osborne): The 2006-07 annual report was distributed. Valerie stated that staff training is crucial for district libraries. Upcoming MARVEL training sessions, provided free of cost through funds from a Gates Rural Sustainability grant to MSL, will help to address this.

Legislation (G. Nichols)

LD 793 (Library Resources to Maine Communities) was partially funded this year for database costs only. However, the entire bill has been carried over for the next legislative session.

Government Reorganization (G. Nichols)

MSL has been asked to reduce spending by $139,570 (5% of general fund). MSL has submitted the following proposal: $100,000 reduction to the ARRC libraries, $34,570 reduction in statewide database licensing, and a $5,000 cut to a newspaper reading service for the blind and visually handicapped.

Cultural Building Task Force (G. Nichols)

The Task Force has been carried over into the next legislative session. The Secretary of State and the Cultural Affairs Council will be working together to create a proposal that can be submitted to the Legislature.

Budget (G. Nichols)

Flat funding is, in reality, a cut to our budget. Inflationary cost increases will necessitate cuts in resources.

Future of New England Libraries Institute proposal (G. Nichols)

What will be the significant future challenges to libraries across the region? How will changing demographics affect library resources and services? The New England state library agencies and NELINET will organize and coordinate the Institute. A prospectus was distributed to the Maine library community. These individuals and libraries are encouraged to comment upon ideas and proposals in the prospectus.

Council of State Libraries in the Northeast (G. Nichols)

Cosline funds a fall workshop for professional development for two staff from each state library in the Northeast. Linda Lord and Valerie Osborne will be attending this year’s session on library research on October 10-12.

Gates Rural Sustainability Grant (Lord and G. Nichols)

Part of this grant will go toward the filming of a DVD which will show the value and benefits of MARVEL.

The grant will also fund regional training sessions in Maine focused on MARVEL and WebJunction (online courses; professional development; help with aspects of technology).

The Gates foundation invited only four state library agencies, MSL being one, to a national conference on increasing access to the Internet and helping with technology issues, especially to rural communities. MSL’s focus is on widespread broadband coverage in Maine.

Maine InfoNet (McDade)

An InfoNet summit was held on August 2 for 102 participating libraries. InfoNet staff compiled a report of recommendations and comments made by cluster groups at the summit .

Minerva will be adding four more libraries by next June.

There will be a SOLAR summit on November 9 to determine the direction of SOLAR, standards for participation, and training needs.

GoGetIt was unveiled in July. This is an online search feature which finds resources in all formats from numerous libraries.

The search for a new CEO of InfoNet is ongoing. Ten applications have been received and interviews with the finalists will be scheduled soon.

A proposal for downloadable audio books from OverDrive has been received. The iPod is the only device that cannot download books from this company. Another company, Recorded Books, is working with Apple so that books can be downloaded to an iPod. Libraries do not own Recorded Books titles but they will have access to all new and backlist titles.

LSTA 5 Year Plan (Lord)

The plan was distributed. It was approved by the Institute of Museum and Library Services with no revisions required. Goals have been condensed into two: to expand library resource sharing and services for all Maine citizens by partnering with public and private entities; and, to improve library services to individuals with disabilities and for Maine citizens, including children, living in underserved areas.

Partners participating in our goals are individually listed with project tasks, who benefits, timelines, procedures needed, what benefit is achieved, and an evaluation.

Other business

Linda brought a suggestion to the Commission that would change wording in the criteria for special library membership in the Maine Regional Library System. It has been proposed that the word “some” be deleted from the sentence “7.______________ _have a designated staff person or volunteer with some library services training and who is responsible for the library; (Name of staff person______________________). Charles Campo moved to accept this change, seconded by Harness. Passed unanimously.

MLA has decided to hold a fall summit in Rockland on November 16 instead of an annual libraries conference. It will be tied into the Creative Economy Summit to be held immediately afterward. MASL plans a summit in November for school library media specialists.

Future Commission Meeting Dates

Monday, November 5; January 7; March 3; May 5.

MSLN (Lord)

The Commission was asked to approve MSLN connections for Georgetown Historical Society and Unity College, provided that they meet the fiscal requirements. Moran moved, Gruber seconded. Passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 2:57.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Corner

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