Meeting was called to order at 2:40 P.M.
Members in attendance: Laura Walters, Past President; Paula Polk, President; Leslie Schoenherr, Vice President; Tom Viti, Treasurer; Jeanne Smyth, Clerk; Board Members: Cathy Lee. Also in attendance: Sunny Vandermark, Regional Administrator and Paul Kissman.
Consent agenda was approved. (Schoenherr/Walters).
Paula Polk, President, noted that the staff reports received by the Board were very informative. Sunny stated that the staff will continue to attend meetings in the future.
Tom Viti informed the Board that for the first time in four years, there will be an increase in the Metrowest Budget. This amounts to approximately $37,000.00. Tom noted that any remaining money from the 2005 Budget was put into the MASSCAT and NELINET accounts. Sunny added the 9506 line item in the State Budget provides for some money to the Regions.
Sunny reported to the Board that Carolyn Noah from the Central Region provider of BiblioTemps would like to open services to Metrowest sometime after September. Sunny noted that BiblioTemps service is not geared to schools. Laura Walters thought that their services will be a benefit to our members. Sunny will tell Carolyn that we would like to move forward.
Sunny reported that Rob Maier had presented a report to the Library Commissioners outlining a plan that would reduce the Regional Reference Centers budget by 20% a year. Many of the Commissioners agreed with Rob that these funds might be better spent. Commissioner Arnold requested that the Commissioners begin a formal process of looking at the Regional Reference Centers in hopes of making a decision by December 2005. Paul Kissman stated that the Commissioners will have a hearing process on any changes. Paul added that the outcome of Rob’s presentation was that the Commissioners were saying it is time to examine what we need for modern Regional Reference. Paul felt that this is a political item, and Rob Maier was looking to avoid disrupting a Regional Program. Sunny noted that hearings will be held in each Region.
Sunny reported that she had attended the Leadership Institute, noting that it was a great experience. Sunny felt it was a great professional development experience provided by excellent facilitators. Rob Maier, and Library Commissioners Arnold and Marnik attended sessions. Sunny emphasized that it was a valuable experience and that Metrowest might use the facilitators to help in the Strategic Planning process. Leslie Schoenherr thanked Sunny for her effort. Sunny also told the Board that Rita and Beth are working on redesigning the Metrowest webpage.
Paula Kissman reminded members that the MBLC has moved. Paul said that Massachusetts will be receiving an increase in LSTA funding. Paul noted that LSTA grants for this year were awarded to 71 libraries. Paul told the Board that the MBLC had awarded funds to 7 public libraries for library construction, with Cambridge receiving the largest award. The Commissioners had voted for the loss of certification of the Hampton Library. The Beverly and Lynn Public Libraries were granted temporary certification because of legislative action. Temporary Certification allows patrons to participate in resource sharing.
Paula noted that the sub group involved with planning for the annual meeting will meet in August to work on getting speakers for the annual meeting. Sunny asked Laura Walters to work on getting nominations for new Board members.
Meeting adjourned at 3:45 P.M.
Jeanne Smyth, Clerk
Rita and Beth attended Dreamweaver training in early June. On July 6th we met to begin our discussions on redesigning the Metrowest web page. We will do some preliminary design and then get feedback from participants from various workshops held at Metrowest and from committees.
On June 10th I attended a Legislative Summit held in Worcester. The Summit was proposed and facilitated by Carolyn Noah, MLA President. Representatives from the Regions, the Networks, MBLC, Perkins, MSLMA, BPL, MLA, State colleges, URI Library Graduate Program, and others attended. We were looking a potential areas in which we could work more closely, to find additional financial support for our various programs, and to discuss the potential of hiring a lobbyist. There was considerable discussion about all of the issues. It was agreed to have a follow-up meeting in August.
Beth, Rita and I attended the Leadership Institute at Endicott College on Sunday June 12th through Wednesday, June 15th. It was an amazing experience. In addition to the 48 participants there were mentors, the facilitators, and the Planning Committee in attendance. Rob Maier met the participants at an evening event half way through the Institute. Rob was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the participants. Several people stated that it is the best workshop/learning experience they have ever had. The Planning Committee is organizing a follow-up meeting and other ways to involve the new leaders in Massachusetts library organizations.
Following the Institute we continued with an evening meeting and a full day of discussions about how the regions, networks and MBLC can work together more efficiently and effectively. There will be a follow-up meeting of this group in August.
These two intense learning experiences were followed by a few days of vacation and ALA in Chicago.
The FY2006 budget has some additional funding for libraries, including some funds for the regions. The Budget Committee will be meeting over the summer to work on a revised FY2006 budget and preliminary work on the FY2007 budget. Both budgets will be available for discussion by the Executive Board at the September Board meeting.
Delivery from CD&L has not been going to well. We will need to discuss delivery during my report on the 13th.
The Regional Reference Centers Proposal was presented by Rob Maier at the July 7th MBLC Board Meeting. There was discussion among the Commissioners about the Regional Reference Program, especially recognizing that reference service has changed significantly over the past 10 years with the Internet and access to online databases. It was recommended that they MBLC develop a formal regulatory process with public hearings to consider potential revisions to the regulations. This will give a chance for regional library members to present their opinions on regional reference service. Jim Sutton made a prepared statement about the ongoing need for regional reference service. The Chairman of the Trustees of Memorial Hall in Andover has written a letter to the MBLC about the issue. Both Jim’s statement and the letter will be part of the documentation of the regulatory process.
Metrowest was awarded an LSTA Grant at the July 7th MBLC Board meeting. Beth Gallaway wrote a grant for an afternoon storytelling program. I know Beth will keep you informed about the project as it develops.