Connecticut State Library with state seal

State Library Board

State Of Connecticut, Record Of Proceedings
November 22, 2004

Members present:

Judge Francis Hennessy, Fred Petersen, Mollie Keller, Allen Hoffman, Bob Harris, Judge Joseph Flynn, Joy Hostage, Lucy Gangone, Larry Kibner, Arthur Skerker (for Fran Rabinowitz)

Members absent:

Ann Clark

Others present:

Kendall Wiggin, Jane Beaudoin, Rich Kingston, Sharon Brettschneider, Lynne Newell, Dean Nelson, Bonnie Delaney, Mary Louise Jensen (State Library), Henry Dutcher (ACLPD), Chris Bradley (CLC/CLA), Brenda Milkofsky (Museum Advisory Committee)

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Chairperson Mollie Keller called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.

Ms. Keller introduced and welcomed Arthur Skerker of the Department of Education. Mr. Skerker is attending the meeting in place of State Library Board member Fran Rabinowitz who is unable to attend.

MINUTES

It was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (L. Kibner) THAT THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 BOARD MEETING BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. PASSED with one abstention (L. Gangone).

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

STATE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT

Ken Wiggin introduced Sharon Brettschneider, Director of the Division of Library Development. Ms. Brettschneider informed the Board of a new program called "It's Never too Early" that the State Library is working on with Connecticut Libraries. The goal is to help librarians as they assist children in developing language and literacy skills. The Division of Library Development is promoting the "It's Never too Early!" program with bookmarks, balloons, and will also develop resources and distribute a semi-annual newsletter. Ms. Brettschneider stated that there will also be a partnership brochure but it is still at the printer.

Mr. Wiggin reported that on December 3, there will be a public meeting at the Legislative Office Building to unveil the results of the CCARD report. This report should help gauge how much funding is needed for the future.

On December 13 an informational meeting of the Connecticut History Online program will be held. Future funding for this program needs to be looked into. Connecticut History Online has been funded with federal grants over the last few years but the current grant is ending and they did not receive a grant in the current round of IMLS National Leadership grants.

Mr. Wiggin shared a Power Point presentation of photos taken at the State Library's 150th Anniversary Gala. Mr. Wiggin reported that he received an overwhelmingly positive response to the event.

Mollie Keller distributed the Connecticut Heritage Foundation's contribution envelope and encouraged everyone to consider donating.

Joy Hostage suggested that the Connecticut Heritage Foundation become a permanent part of the Board's agenda. This would give the Foundation an opportunity to report their activities. It was agreed.

OTHER REPORTS

Connecticut Library Association (CLA):
Chris Bradley reiterated what Mr. Wiggin stated in his report about CCARD. CLA's Legislative Committee is waiting for the CCARD study results so that they can go to the legislature and request appropriate funding for the program.

CLA's Legislative Committee recommended the following for the FY2005-2006 Connecticut Library Association's Legislative Agenda.

Ms. Bradley stated that this past year has been very successful for CLA.

Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD):
Sharon Brettschneider introduced Mr. Henry Dutcher, Director of the Enfield Public Library, as the new Chair of ACLPD. Mr. Dutcher reported that ACLPD has approved LSTA grants for public libraries in the following categories: Adaptive Technology; Programs to Support Children's Literacy; Programs for Children in Poverty, Programs for Individuals with Disabilities, Programs for Non-English Speaking Adults and Programs for Older Adults. Libraries of the grant recipients must have an approved 5-Year Plan.

ACLPD has formed a Task Force to review and possibly revise statutes relating to public libraries.

ACLPD's Finance Committee will hold it's annual meeting to develop a proposed budget.

Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC):
Chris Bradley distributed a folder with materials in it that describe the CLC services and programs available to Connecticut libraries.

The CLC Board has completed its 3-year plan to help achieve goals and objectives for the future.

Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB):
No report at this time.

Friends:
No report at this time.

OLD BUSINESS

Budget Update: Ken Wiggin reported that the State Library Board's Finance Committee met on November 17, in order to review the State Library's budget and prepare a 10% budget reduction option requested by the Office of Policy and Management.

Mr. Wiggin stated that the State Library has still not received funding out of the capital equipment funds for the book budget. Mr. Wiggin and Board member Bob Harris have made inquiries about the funding as the State Library has bills that need to be paid.

Marc Ryan, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, will be leaving his position in January 2005. The Governor has posted an out-of-state travel ban. This travel ban will impact the State Library's participation in conferences. The State Library has not heard anything about the expansion options submitted for the biennial budget.

Legislative Update:
No report at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Museum Assessment Program Institutional Assessment Self-Study Workbook Final Report: Dean Nelson, Director of the Museum of Connecticut History, stated that in an effort to improve the Board's understanding of the Museum Assessment Program, information was included in the Board's packets for review. The Museum Assessment Program (MAP) is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by the American Association of Museums. It is designed to help museums assess their strengths and weaknesses and plan for the future. The State Library received a grant for an institutional assessment. The Institutional Assessment supports an overview of the management and operations of the entire museum and helps the museum set priorities, prepare for strategic planning, and operate more efficiently, thereby improving its services to the community and increasing its base of support.

In all MAP assessments, members of the museum staff and governing authority complete a self-study and receive a site visit by one or more museum professionals who tour the museum and meet with staff, governing officials, and volunteers. The surveyors work with the museum and with MAP staff to produce a report evaluating the museum's operations, making recommendations, and suggesting resources.

The State Library has completed the self-study. The next step will be to have a site visit by a museum professional selected by the American Association of Museums.

Recommendations for Library Services and Technology Act Long Range Planning Grants:
Sharon Brettschneider reported that the Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development requested that an additional round of grants for Long Range Planning be offered this year since there was $50,000 in FY04 funds still available. Staff members reviewed grant applications according to the established criteria. Five grants totaling $50,000 are being recommended to the Board. It was MOVED (L. Gangone) seconded (J. Hostage) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF $50,000 IN LSTA FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: Brooklyn Town Library Association $10,000, Saxton B. Little Free Library (Columbia) $10,000, Enfield Public Library $10,000, New Britain Public Library $10,000, Scoville Public Library (Salisbury) $10,000. PASSED unanimously.

FY04-05 State Public Library Construction Grant Recommendations:
A description of all the projects and the ranking of all eligible applicants were distributed to the Board in their packets for review. The State bonding grant allocation is $3.5 million for FY05. In addition there is $507,338 in funds that were not used from previously awarded grants. It was MOVED (B. Harris) seconded (L. Kibner) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD ACCEPTS THE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE STIPULATIONS THAT 1) SOIL-BORING TESTS AND THE ARCHITECT'S LETTER ABOUT THE SOIL BE SUBMITTED TO STATE LIBRARY STAFF BEFORE SIGNING WITH A BUILDING CONTRACTOR. AND 2) THAT PERK TEST FOR SEPTIC TANK AND THE ARCHITECT'S LETTER ABOUT THE SOIL BE SUBMITTED TO STATE LIBRARY STAFF BEFORE SIGNING WITH A BUILDING CONTRACTOR, FOR THE STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT AWARDS FOR FY 04-05. Category #1(projects that create additional usable library space, such as new buildings, additions, and renovations) Simsbury ($500,000), Westbrook ($500,000), Essex ($500,000), New London ($333,333), Guilford ($500,000), Willington ($500,000), Sherman ($500,000), Wallingford ($500,000), Greenwich ($138,059) Category #2 (projects that make buildings handicapped accessible and in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), correct fire or building code violations, remodel to accommodate new technologies, or provide for energy conservation) Hamden ($10,946), Salisbury ($25.000). PASSED unanimously.

Appointments to the Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD):
Sharon Brettschneider reported that the General Statutes provides for the annual appointments to ACLPD by the State Library Board. Nominations were sought for the appointment or reappointment of these positions. It was MOVED (L. Gangone) seconded (J. Hostage) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR LIBRARY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR TERMS BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2004 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2006: BARBARA LEONARD (LIBRARY USER, REGION 2), VICKI BAKER (LIBRARY USER, REGION 3), CARL NAWROCKI, (LIBRARY USER, REGION 6), ALBERTA RICHETELLE (PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES), MARY ALBRO (LARGE PUBLIC LIBRARY), HENRY DUTCHER (SHARED AUTOMATION SYSTEMS), JEAN LOWERY (SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER), CHARLES GETCHELL (ACADEMIC LIBRARY), LOUISE BAILEY (MEDIUM PUBLIC LIBRARY), CHRISTINE BRADLEY (COOPERATING LIBRARY SERVICE UNITS), AND BARBARA WILLIAMS (INSTITUTIONAL LIBRARY). PASSED unanimously.

Meeting Calendar for the Year 2005: At every November meeting the State Library Board determines its meeting calendar for the following year. It was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (B. Harris) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE FOLLOWING DATES FOR ITS REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS IN THE YEAR 2005: JANUARY 24, MARCH 28, MAY 23, JULY 25, SEPTEMBER 26, NOVEMBER 28. PASSED unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS

There was none.

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At 2:07 p.m., It was MOVED (B. Harris) seconded (F. Petersen) TO ADJOURN. The next meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2005, at 1:15 p.m. (lunch at 12:30 p.m.) at the Van Block Facility.

Respectfully submitted,

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Kendall F. Wiggin, Secretary

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Jane Beaudoin, Recorder