State Library Board Minutes

State of Connecticut, Record of Proceedings
State Library Board
March 24, 2003

Members present: Ann Clark, Mollie Keller, Judge Francis Hennessy, Judge Joseph Flynn, Edwin Williams, Larry Kibner, Fred Petersen, Betty Sternberg, Bob Harris

Members absent: Joy Hostage

Others present: Kendall Wiggin, Jane Beaudoin, Lynne Newell, Sharon Brettschneider, Mary Louise Jensen, Rich Kingston (State Library), Marge Storrs (Friends of CT Libraries), Anita Barney (CLSUs), Karen McNulty (CLA)

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

MINUTES
It was MOVED (E. Williams) seconded (B. Harris) THAT THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2003, BOARD MEETING BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. PASSED unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None.

STATE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Mr. Wiggin asked Sharon Brettschneider to update the Board on the CCAR program. The State Library has been working for over two years to outsource this service. A partial outsourcing has been accomplished and is expected to begin on June 1, 2003. State Library staff will still be handling part of the CCAR routes. CCAR's home base location will be moved from the Middletown Library Service Center to the State Library's Van Block Avenue facility.

OTHER REPORTS
Connecticut Library Association (CLA): President Karen McNulty reported that at its last Executive Board meeting, CLA voted to oppose the increases in tuition rates and more specifically for the Masters in Library Science program for the Connecticut State University System in FY2003-2004. The CLA Executive Board sent a letter stating their position on this matter to William J. Cibes, Chancellor and President of the Connecticut State University System.

Ms. McNulty updated the Board on the change in the CLA Rally plans. The rally will still be held on April 2nd but will now be held in two segments. The first part will be a librarians meeting, in groups no larger than five people, with their local legislator. The second part of the rally will be at the Annual Pot Luck Supper in the State Library's Memorial Hall. Banners and signs will be displayed with the hopes of further interaction with legislators.

The CLA Executive Board approved a resolution regarding the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act. CLA has concerns that the USA PATRIOT Act infringes on the rights of library patrons.

Ms. McNulty also distributed a copy of her testimony before the Appropriations Committee on March 13, 2003.

Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD): Sharon Brettschneider reported that at their February 19th meeting, ACLPD voted to endorse the proposed changes to the State Public Library Construction Grant Program Guidelines. This document and the proposed changes will be addressed by the State Library Board later in this meeting.

ACLPD has unanimously voted to approve the FY2003 LSTA Budget as presented to them. This budget allocates funding from October 1, 2002 until September 30, 2003.

Ms. Brettschneider stated that ACLPD has been discussing the changing needs of seniors and how libraries respond to their needs. As a result, ACLPD voted in favor of establishing a Task Force on Library Services and Seniors and authorized the State Librarian to make appointments to this Task Force.

Cooperating Library Service Units (CLSU)): Anita Barney reported that the CLSUs are getting ready for the transfer to the Connecticut Library Consortium. The mission of this statewide membership collaborative is to serve all types of Connecticut libraries by initiating and facilitating cost-effective services to strengthen their ability to serve their users.

Ms. Barney concluded by reporting that the CLSUs will be exhibiting at the Connecticut Library Association's Annual Conference.

Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB): Sharon Brettschneider reported that ACLB is moving toward planning another leadership conference in the fall of this year. ACLB will once again be sponsoring a program at the annual Connecticut Library Association Conference. The subject of the program is Board evaluation of library directors.

Friends: Marge Storrs reported that the Friends mailed packets to library directors and Friends presidents proclaiming April as Friends of the Library Month. Author Mary Ann Hoberman will be the Honorary Chairperson for this year's Friends of Connecticut Libraries Month.

The Friends will once again be providing the drinks for the CLA Pot Luck Dinner on April 2, 2003.

The Friends established six future goals at their Long Range Planning session on March 11.

Museum Advisory Committee (MAC): Ken Wiggin reported that the Museum Assessment Program is progressing. No action was taken at the March 12th Museum Advisory Committee meeting due to a lack of a quorum.

Advocacy Committee: Board member Bob Harris reported that while he was visiting the Legislative Office Building recently he had the opportunity to visit with several State Representatives. Mr. Harris also will be concentrating on visiting with Senators soon.

OLD BUSINESS
Budget Update: Ken Wiggin reported that the State Library will be receiving the fourth quarter payment for the CLSUs.

The State Library is also dealing with the Early Retirement Incentive Program. This program affects both union and nonunion employees. The State Library has 44 employees who are eligible to take advantage of the early retirement offer. The State has arranged informational meetings for those eligible employees. The State Library will have many staff attending. It is unclear as to what the replacement factor will be for the vacancies left by retirees.

Legislation has been proposed that would merge the Commission on the Arts into a new agency. The Commission is currently administratively attached to the State Library.

The Elementary and Secondary Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee will hold a work session on the Library's budget at the end of the week.

Legislative Update: Ken Wiggin reported that there are only a few bills that he is watching. One piece of legislation addresses whether or not voice mail is a public record.

NEW BUSINESS
Approval of a Corporate Resolution: Ken Wiggin explained the need for a Corporate Resolution. There are times when Mr. Wiggin needs to enter into an agreement on behalf of the State Library and a Corporate Resolution is needed to show the other party that the State Librarian does have statutory authority to sign documents on behalf of the organization. Judge Flynn had some concerns with the way the resolution was drafted. Judge Flynn suggested that the resolution be amended to read that this does not cover deacessioning of any of the Museum's collection. Discussion followed. The discussion led into some areas that needed further consideration. It was MOVED (E. Williams) seconded (F. Hennessy) TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE CORPORATE RESOLUTION UNTIL ANOTHER TIME. PASSED unanimously.

Approval of State Public Library Construction Grant Timetable and Guidelines for 2003-2004: Mary Louise Jensen explained that every year the guidelines are reviewed for necessary revisions. All changes are endorsed by the Advisory Council on Library Planning and Development (ACLPD) before being brought before the State Library Board for approval. Fred Petersen suggested that the motion be amended to read that the guidelines will be made a part of the motion by reference only. It was agreed and MOVED (F. Hennessy) seconded (L. Kibner) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT TIMETABLE AND GUIDELINES 2003-2004, WHICH SHALL BE MADE A PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE. PASSED unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS
Ed Williams suggested that the State Library Board develop a document stating the services that can no longer be provided due to the budget cut backs. Mr. Williams feels that all the Board members should sign this document and then distribute it to the public. There was some concern from Board members that it is too soon for this type of approach. It could be counter productive. It was agreed that a very effective approach to getting this information out to the community is still word of mouth. Mr. Wiggin suggested letters to the editors in newspapers as a possible approach.

Sharon Brettschneider informed the Board that Anita Barney will be taking a position as the Director of The Brookfield Library. Ms. Brettschneider thanked Ms. Barney for her service to the State Library and library community. On behalf of the State Library Board Ann Clark also thanked Ms. Barney and wished her well in her new position.

The location for the next State Library Board meeting still needs to be determined. Mollie Keller suggested moving the Board meetings to the Van Block facility. This will be given consideration.

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It was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (B. Harris) TO ADJOURN. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2003, at 1:15 p.m. (lunch at 12:30 p.m.). The location has yet to be determined.

Respectfully submitted,

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Kendall F. Wiggin, Secretary

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Jane Beaudoin, Recorder