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Maine Library Commission Minutes, February 28, 2011

The Maine Library Commission met via conference call because of inclement weather on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 1:05 PM. Two members (Charlie Campo and Mike Kennedy) attended in Augusta.

Members present by phone: Debe Averill, Kathy Brunjes, Liz Doucett, Beth Edmonds, Molly Larson, Barbara McDade, Jamie Ritter, Joyce Rumery, Dick Thompson, and Art Turley.
Members absent: Inese Gruber, Steve Nichols, Steve Podgajny.
Also present in Augusta: Dean Corner, Linda Lord, Stephanie Zurinski.
Also present by phone: James Jackson Sanborn, Susan Preece, Ellen Wood

Minutes

Rule #1 Compliance by Public Libraries

There was discussion about the process with which libraries would be notified that they were not compliant with Rule #1. This rule stipulates that public libraries must submit an annual report to MSL and join the statewide library listserv, MELIBS.
Examples of services and resources that the State Library offers or manages that could be suspended to non-compliant libraries include: MSLN, Van Delivery Contract, SCOOP cooperative purchasing, Consultant services, and Grants.
It was the consensus of the Commission that after April 1, 2011, the State Librarian will manage the non-compliance process. She will notify the Commission of the number of non-compliant public libraries and seek the Commission’s advice if any unresolved conflicts arise.

State Library Budget

The MSL budget will go before a joint session of the Appropriations and Education & Cultural Affairs Committees on Monday, March 14 at 10:00 AM.

Beth will testify on behalf of the Commission. Joyce Rumery will represent the University of Maine libraries; Susan Preece will represent medium-sized public libraries; Debe Averill will represent school libraries; Art Turley will testify as a public library trustee; Dick Thompson will testify as a former State agency head on the role of MSL with other State agencies; Clem Guthro (Colby College) will testify as the vice-chair of Maine InfoNet.

All Commission members are encouraged to invite representatives from libraries in their home towns to attend this budget hearing.

Future Commission Meeting Dates

Commission members will be surveyed about their availability in March for the next meeting. The best available day will also be used to schedule future meetings.

Value of Maine State Library Services

Stephanie Zurinski introduced a new value calculator on the “For Libraries and Librarians” page of the MSL web site. This allows libraries to determine the cost benefits that they receive from the State Library for services and resources it offers.