Connecticut State Library with state seal

State Library Board Minutes

State Of Connecticut, Record Of Proceedings
State Library Board
January 22, 2001

Present
Ann Clark, Betty Sternberg, Larry Kibner, Judge Francis Hennessy, Mollie Keller, Edmund Sullivan, Fred Petersen

Absent
Joy Hostage, Edwin E. Williams, Jack Short, Judge Joseph Flynn

Others Present
Kendall Wiggin, Jane Beaudoin, Lynne Newell, Carol Trinchitella, Hilary Frye (State Library), Dency Sargent (CRLC), Pamela Bombara (CLSU), Jay Johnston (CLA)

The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Chairperson Clark. Ms. Clark informed the Board that Robert Gallucci has formally resigned from the State Library Board. Ms. Clark stated that Mr. Gallucci was a very dedicated member and served the Board very well. On behalf of the State Library Board, Ms. Clark extended best wish to Mr. Gallucci in his future endeavors. Communication concerning Mr. Gallucci's resignation will be made with the Governor's office since the Governor was Mr. Gallucci's appointing authority.

It was unanimously agreed that the Board would put forward a resolution for Mr. Gallucci at their next meeting.

Minutes
It was moved (Judge Hennessy) seconded (E. Sullivan) THAT THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 27, 2000, MEETING BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. PASSED with one abstention (M. Keller).

Public Comment
None.

State Librarian's Report
Mr. Wiggin began by pointing out an omission in the Personnel Report section of the State Librarian's written report. The Connecticut Newspaper Project Librarian I position should be listed under Vacancies (Federal Funds).

Mr. Wiggin reported on his recent trip to Washington for the American Library Association's Mid-Winter Meeting. Mr. Wiggin attended sessions on two major issues - filtering and UCITA. The implications of the filtering requirements passed as part of the federal budget are still unclear. Mr. Wiggin did learn that what is being referred to as the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) limits "technological protection measures" to graphic images. Mr. Wiggin feels that this measure will be very problematic for libraries. There will be no immediate effect on LSTA grants or funds. The American Library Association and the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (administers E-Rate) are advising that libraries continue to apply for E-rate discounts.

The Board was informed that the State Library has received its federal appropriations. There was a small increase.

Mr. Wiggin gave the Board a preview of the new public service announcement (PSA) featuring Geno Auriemma. This PSA promotes the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History to the citizens of Connecticut. Paul Mayer, Executive Director of the Greater Hartford Tourism District was responsible for its filming and production. The next step, which is already in progress, is the marketing of the PSA to Connecticut television stations. Connecticut Heritage Foundation Board member Art Mulligan was responsible for enlisting Geno Auriemma for this project and is also spearheading the marketing of the PSA. Mr. Auriemma is a strong supporter of libraries and has become a friend to the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History. Future fundraising plans are underway which will include Mr. Auriemma. Committees and responsibilities are being outlined. Ms. Clark commented that progress is coming out of the Connecticut Heritage Foundation and complimented Fred Petersen for his leadership as Chairman.

Lynne Newell, Director of Information Services, introduced two of her staff, Hilary Frye and Carol Trinchitella who gave a presentation on the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA). UCITA is a proposed state contract law developed to regulate

transactions in intangible goods such as computer software, online databases and other information products in digital form. UCITA was originally intended to be a revision to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which has been adopted in almost all of the states and territories of the U.S. and which ensures consistent rules governing contract law from state to state. The two legal bodies charged with drafting changes to the UCC failed last year to agree on a draft. As a consequence, the proposed statute is being introduced in each state as a stand-alone addition to the state's legal codes. Publishers and large software producers are the primary supporters of UCITA. Libraries, consumer protection groups, and a number of businesses have been among those opposing the enactment of UCITA as it has been introduced in several states starting in the Fall of 1999. There is rising concern that more states will pass UCITA. UCITA pre-empts other laws in effect such as consumer protection laws and federal copyright laws. Vendors would be allowed to add items to their contract that exempt them from responsibility to the consumer and restrict their use. There was a question and answer period. The Board was informed that the American Library Association (ALA) has been sponsoring workshop about UCITA as well as the Connecticut Library Association. Jay Johnston, President of CLA commented that CLA is very aware of this issue and that he attended a conference at ALA Mid-Winter about this. Mr. Johnston has written an article for the CLA Newsletter regarding this matter and has sent it to the Attorney General's office. Board member Judge Hennessy requested a copy of Mr. Johnston's article. Mr. Johnston agreed to send Judge Hennessy the article and thanked Ms. Frye and Ms. Trinchitella for a very informative report.

Ann Clark asked that the Board be given an information packet so they can be fully apprised of this situation.

Other Reports
Connecticut Library Association (CLA): President, Jay Johnston, greeted the Board on behalf of the library community. Mr. Johnston stated that CLA is aware of UCITA and also CIPA. Both are very difficult to understand and CLA relies on the American Library Association for legal opinions in order to go forward.

Mr. Johnston continued that he has signed a letter stating that CLA is opposed to censorship. This is a very difficult issue. Mr. Johnston concluded his report by personally inviting the Board to attend the CLA Annual Conference which will be held on April 2, 3 and 4 at the Waterbury Sheraton. Mr. Johnston encouraged the Board to attend the reception which is held on April 2.

Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD): No report at this time.

Cooperating Library Service Units (CLSU): Pam Bombara reported on the CLSU Legislative Activities. These activities include finding library links for legislators, breakfasts and receptions for legislators such as the legislative event which the Southern CT Library Council will host in early December at the New Haven Lawn Club. The Connecticut Library Association's legislative agenda will be summarized on bookmarks and distributed to all legislators. This year's gift to legislators will be a slinky that bears the message "The Connecticut Library Association says thanks for funding the Connecticut Digital Library". These will be distributed in early February.

Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB): Ken Wiggin gave the ACLB report. ACLB has adopted a policy that it hold an annual statewide educational library leadership conference. Participants will include trustees, directors, administrators and department heads.

The ACLB scholarship criteria will be revised in the near future. The new scholarship will be opened to librarians about to enter or already enrolled in the MLS program. The scholarship amount will be increased to $1500.

ACLB has endorsed the Connecticut Library Association's legislative agenda for FY2002-2003.

Advocacy Committee: Board member Larry Kibner reported that the State Library's information packet is taking longer to prepare than anticipated. It is expected to be ready for presentation to the Board at its next meeting. Ms. Clark encouraged expediting its completion. It would be a good tool for the State Librarian in this current legislative session. Mr. Wiggin replied that it is very close to being completed.

Mr. Kibner reported on legislative advocacy. A key list of legislators is being compiled. The goal this session is to solidify the contacts already made and also to diversify to include the heads of state agencies.

Friends: No report at this time.

Old Business
FY 200-2001 and FY2002-2003 Biennial Budget: Mr. Wiggin reported that the Governor will give his budget message on February 7. Mr. Wiggin distributed two memos from OPM Secretary Marc Ryan. One memo updates Agency Heads on the status of the current year budget and the preparation of the FY 2001-03 biennial budget. The other memo, dated January 11, puts forth a hiring freeze, effective immediately.

Mr. Wiggin stated that this latest memo, which is basically a halt to all hiring has an immediate impact in three areas. Mr. Wiggin wanted to advise the Board of this and get their advice. He prefaced his remarks by explaining that Librarian positions are unclassified and the statutes allow the State Library to hire unclassified positions without OPM approval. The Library was in the process of filling two vacancies in the Connecticut Newspaper Project, one of which is a librarian position. This project is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Mr. Wiggin is unsure if the Library should go forward and hire the librarian despite the hiring freeze. Another position affected is a Library Technical Assistant. This position is at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH). The LBPH is in desperate need of Reader's Advisors. This position is federally funded. The other major problem is completing the hiring of staff for the extended hours.

Board member Betty Sternberg stated that her experience with hiring freezes is that they are short lived. Ms. Sternberg encouraged Mr. Wiggin to wait to hear the Governor's budget message before acting on any positions. It was agreed.

New Business
Addition of color Photocopies to lnformation Services Division Photocopy Fees: Director of Information Services Lynne Newell reported that in the past the State Library Board approved a fee schedule for photocopies of materials in the collections. The State Library now has new equipment that makes color photocopies. The State Library would like to offer color photocopies to patrons in addition to the regular black and white photocopies currently offered. A revised fee schedule that includes the color photocopies was presented to the Board for approval. Board member Ed Sullivan asked where the extra funds go. Ms. Newell responded that it is a revolving fund. The State Library pays for paper, ink, etc. The photocopy machines are leased. It was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (M. Keller) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES ADDING TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION CHARGES FOR COPIES, AS FOLLOWS:

PASSED unanimously.

Resolution for Louise Blalock: Mr. Wiggin informed the Board that Louise Blalock, Chief Librarian for the Hartford Public Library, has been selected Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal. Mr. Wiggin added that this honor is recognized nationally. It was immediately MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (L. Kibner) THAT ON THIS 22ND DAY OF JANUARY, 2001, THE MEMBERS OF THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD UNANIMOUSLY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY EXTEND THEIR HEARTFELT THANKS AND DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO LOUISE BLALOCK FOR HER SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF HARTFORD AND THE CITIZENS OF CONNECTICUT AND CONGRATULATE HER ON THIS GREAT HONOR. PASSED unanimously.

Other Business
Mr. Wiggin informed the Board that the State Library has been scheduled for its hearing before the Bonding SubCommittee to explain why it hasn't spent all of its funds.

At 2:32p.m., it was MOVED (L. Kibner) seconded (E. Sullivan) TO ADJOURN. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 26, 2001, at 1:15 p.m. (lunch at 12:30 p.m.) in the Attorney's Conference Room.

Respectfully submitted,

Kendall F. Wiggin, Secretary
Jane Beaudoin, Recorder