NEW
YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF LIBRARY BOARDS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
NYSALB Board of Directors Meeting
The Holiday Inn Express, Western
Avenue
Saturday, January 7, 2006
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
NYSALB Meeting Minutes
Meeting attendees: Bob Presutti, Lawrence
Jorgensen, Samuel Patton, Suzanne Stockman, Norman
Jacknis, Jack Taylor, Dick Strauss, Margaret
Malicki, Francis Picart, Karen Achilles
Absent: David Krogmann. Erin Apostol (resigned January 2, 2005)
Excused: George Stamataides, Nancy Simaitis
Guests: Rachel Baum (NYLA president-elect); Carol Desch (NYS Dept. of Education);
Jackie Thresher (Nassau Library System director) and Susan Keitel, both present
on LSTA grant for Trustee Training.
Dick reports
we are still solvent. In reviewing the
P&L, December’s membership put us over
the top for the year by about $12K. 60
libraries became members in December.
Karen – Do we think that phone calls made
a difference. I learned in smaller libraries
that don’t meet as often, they didn’t
know that they hadn’t paid dues.
Jack – Looks like we made $ in Syracuse
at Institute- Think the location was part of
it. If we need $ that is a way to accomplish
this. Dick – Promotion of the event made
a difference. Bob– Better response from
Western NY for the Institute. Syracuse
in center of State.
Motion to accept treasurers report– Bob
made motion, Karen seconded, all in favor
Dick
had conversations with Russ Bancroft – one
of his recommendations is to look at more managed
funds. Part
of the problem is that in order to get out of
where we are today, the cost is about $750. Last
year we made about $3,000. We would be
giving up about that in making the move. Russ
indicated that he can’t necessarily make
the recommendation to change at this time. We
are in B funds and at this stage it would be
about 2% to get out, next year 1%. Dick
agrees that we should stay where we are for now
and look at a more managed fund next year. Dick
presented Russ’s report that included detail. Norm
added makes sense to wait – there is a
fairly hefty fee to get out.
, LSTA grant:
made by Susan Keitel and Jackie Thresher
Jackie is Director of Nassau Library system and
member of PULISDO
Susan is former Director of NYLA and consultant
serving on Trustee Training
Two years ago PULISDO had a retreat in which
issues surfaced. Money as always was an
issue but in addition to looking at those are: stronger,
more actively involved trustees and the other
was better marketing on the part of systems and
on what their roles are. Applied for LSTA moneys
to help with these efforts. Nassau Library
System is lead library on the proposal. Jackie
involved Susan the primary consultant on the
development of the training. The Mid-Hudson
Library System, in Jackie’s opinion, has
best for training to be involved in creating
web site for PULISDO. Overview of project
handed out and list of training modules. Here
today to make sure we are fully informed of the
project. To make sure we have the information
and take our inputs.
Jackie spoke about the web page – 3 training
components, trustees, library directors, systems
and staff. Systems often spend more $ on
the needs of staff and directors. Individual
library directors should train trustees and staff
about the library. She went to a lot of
training in various areas and was not pleased
with various training she saw. Want to
train system staff as to how to develop training
materials, and how to perform training. Library
directors want training on differences in director
and trustee roles. Trustee training modules
are not offer as part of the grant. They
are not offering training, but the tool will
be online for systems. What they hear from
trustees and systems across the state is that
they want something close to home. Decided
that 2 hour modules would suit the need best. Modules
can be offered at the Institute.
Norm asked – Will modules be available
for us to use and modify if we need to?
Jackie– Absolutely – Objective is
to get a core of information down. Want
to take away the barrier of creating materials.
Suzanne asked – Who is primary audience.
Jackie – Available to system directors,
NYSALB, and library directors. These modules
would help to set the framework.
Susan Keitel - SmartBoards was something
that she tried at NYLA. Jackie saw and
liked and asked how it could be implemented long
term. Came up with the idea that after much discussion
they would create core body of material that
would be available via computer. When groups
want to be engaged in training the information
could be available. The difficulty was
be to get trustees engaged. The challenge
is to get trustees engaged long term. What
Susan Keitel is finding is that writing is extremely
dense. It’s the kind of writing a
presenter will use. Hopes that presenters
will take what is presented and use what applies
to their session.
Susan Keitel – The first module is the
one of Role and Responsibilities. Not available
now but will be soon. Jackie can mount
or send to us for review. Indicated that
if it were mounted to a web site we could all
look at it at our leasure.
Susan continued: First two modules cover all
basics for new trustees – sets a good foundation
for board functioning. Can see that trustees
need the basic concepts so that all are one the
same footing.
Jackie – Directors should be able to give
information about the issues facing libraries.
Norm - Looking for the historical context.
Susan - susankeitel@yahoo.com she
will send the module so we can look at it and
send comments to back to Susan.
Sam – As you work through this how are
you addressing differences between the various
types of library.
Susan and Jackie – woven through the text
and will bring out differences when they are
apparent. Joe Eisner is volunteering at
Nassau and he is also review these in the legal
areas.
Susan – Is working to write with an understanding
between libraries of various sizes and how issues
impact them. Jackie - When she has done
training, issue surfaces of what are the various
roles based on what relates to their situation. Would
like to see tools morph yearly. What Jackie
and she can’t do under the grant they have
is to do the outreach.
Norm – Between NYSALB and PULISDO we can
work to engage Trustees.
Jackie – May look for follow-up grants
to reach out to rural libraries. Anticipate
that it will continue to grow and flourish and
see that it will happen.
Karen – In beginning module is there
something to give to people who are thinking
about becoming trustees. Susan – said
this is great idea. Sam – NYSALB sponsored
a workshop at NYLA that that talked about recruiting
and training board members.
Joan – make sure that you address the
needs of the library in terms of trustees that
serve various roles.
Jackie – Will certainly be referencing
the new Trustee Handbook. Would
like us to look at the Mid-Hudson Library web
site because it is set-up to resemble the new
handbook.
Another thing we will have is a mention of all
organizations that trustees should participate
in.
Francis – in newsletter have the tension
of an ongoing discussion in highlighting the
manual, would the grant support putting info
in the newsletter. Jackie – do you mean
content? The content we’re writing
is not for trustees but for people who will train
trustees. Sam – Would be delighted
to put article in the Trustee to put in the by
March.
Norm - Have listserv for trustees where we could
promote as well. Jackie- web site part
is a page for trustees. The content that
we are trying to teach will be on the web site. How
you teach will not be there. Can take these
resources and mold to their needs.
Norm – Have found that trustees are often
the trainers. There is not a clear dividing
line between student and teacher. Jackie- NYSALB
will have access to content of the modules. Systems
will help to identify trustees who are co-presenters
along with system individuals.
Jackie – Contract for grant has to be
done by March of 2007. Susan- by the end of March
2006 will have 5 to 6 modules ready. Jackie – System
staff will be trained on how to use and would
be also open to NYSALB and NYLA. This
may also include some library directors.
Susan – One of the things that Susan is
wary of is generic trainers. They lose
some of the subtlety of libraries. One
of thing likes about the project is that’s
taking place in the community. Writing
for people who are somewhat connected to the
library community.
Jackie – Has some reservations abut the
train the trainer grants. Grants are never
big enough to train everyone. By doing
sessions there may be some more follow-up that
can happen.
Norm – If there are trainers that present
the material well, could we be involved in getting
voice over of the slides.
Joan – Also could we some video to support
certain segments that would be beneficial as
well. Sam – Is copyright for Jim Ferrell’s
tape with Jim or with DLD. Susan – the
School Board Association has role playing video
tape and the video tape would stop with a question.
Sam – SBA individual in his area and may
have an in to get material. Francis – Role
of video tape – come well done, some in
middle – Frances had begun to work with
Bruce Massis to put things on video.
Larry – As proceed with training for library
trustees, keep in mind training for system trustees.
Jackie – Interesting to think about if
system trustees should be module. Role
different and they can conflict. Thanked
us for the opportunity to be here.
Norm asked that they use Margaret for distributing
information.
-
Guest: Rachel Baum, new NYLA Liaison
Rachel is the Assistant Dean of the College
of Computing at Albany – have been at Upper
Hudson and Ravena libraries – trustee on
Upper Hudson and Bethlehem boards. Since
is trustee on both board wanted to be NYLA liaison. Main
role as she sees it is to learn. What we
do together, what has been happening right or
wrong, how we can train together. Would
like to know something about each of us and wants
to come to some local meetings.
- Liaison
from State education department to NYSALB
Waiting on what the governor will say in budget
on 15th. Regents will meet and talk about
New Century libraries. They are looking
at same as what the pushed last year, NOVEL – $14M
for this – 5m for state wide resources
Second priority public library construction – NCL
includes proposal for $30M for library construction. System
and libraries can ask for monies. Third is to
bring money up to education law and to hold others
harmless $2.6 M. NCL is $117M proposal for libraries. Included
is also half million for trustee training. Also
look at NCL web site and the report is the blueprint. Norm – Link
to NCL on our website.
NYLA lobby day is March 14. Go to visit
legislators on that Tuesday. Also important
to visit them in their home towns.
NYLA pushing for bond act for library construction. $500M
over 5 yrs.
Carol passed out materials about NCL and info
about construction. State library working
on data collection efforts. Systems to
give info to state about $ needs for construction. About
half way through that. Other data collection
is about an online survey for each director for
library needs. Assembly wants that detailed
information. DLD working on data collection.
Other news is that we have a new director of
research library. Name is Loretta Ebert – currently
at RPI in Troy. Starting on January 17
same day as executive budget. Position
filled as part of national search – position
has been open since 9/11. Still haven’t
been able to fill senior level positions. Currently
have 5 senior positions and there used to be
8 of them. Lots of other high level positions
are being filled but these aren’t .
NOVEL portal – web site that has been
set up as a portal and the way you get into is
through driver’s license or non-driver
ID. Alternative way for NYers to access
the databases. Another way for them to
get into the databases. Norm asked how
many people taking advantage of this. Carol– not
a lot yet, but haven’t really publicized
yet. Lots of libraries have linked to the
site and are promoting to patrons. Promotion
kits on State library site that libraries can
use to promote access. This site has federate
searching – can search across all of the
databases at one site. Not available through
NOVEL with regular library card unless you have
Federated service. NOVEL is available to
all libraries in state that are members of systems.
Carol – Summer reading program did once
again exceed goal of 1M participants in 2005. New
goal 1.10 M. Funding mini-grant for programs. In
Nassau used mini-grant for SkyBanner and also
at movie theater slides.
Norm asked if DLD have info about statistics
on circulation. Carol said DLD has stats on their
web site.
Trustee Manual Assignments -
Francis – new trustee manual – each
take an area to see if we can undertake writing
of articles for the Trustee. Didn’t
know how to go about making assignments. Dick – Recommendation
by use of Table of Comments in an email and everyone
pick 2 to3 topics they are interested in summarizing.
Sam - Two column limit for newsletter. Norm-
Reference manual and how we dealt with subject
manner on our boards.
Sam – Suggested Francis and Jerry Nicols
start with intro article of how the new Trustee
Handbook came into being. Then follow-up
with articles about each section.
Joan – work on Education piece – How
to contact our legislator, reach media, evaluate
a director or trustee or board.
Norm – anything about trustee certification?
Carol – write up something that would define
the program and why would they want to pursue
it. May want to start with something that
is not in law. Talk with system directors,
DLD and NYLA.
Norm - the way we talked about it before
if you can exhibit that you’ve attended
a certain amount of training during a year then
you are certified. Carol – doesn’t
know if it how it would be viewed if it came
from DLD. Bob – the state school board
has training and incentive program. End
result at platinum level is that the organization
picks up cost of attendance at the training event.
Bob will research their program and present at
March meeting. Carol suggested – self assessment
on web site, etc. Begin with credit at this
year’s Institute.
Trustee Institute; lost Erin
for coordination.
Margaret – have secured Library for tour,
Janet Welch is slated to do something relative
to the institute. Dick will help but can
Margaret help us manage the process (for a fee). Margaret
it willing to do that.
Norm – Can we get governor candidates
to come to speak? Norm will give contacts
to Margaret for a letter to be sent ASAP.
Norm – Typically we attract new trustees
but have two session tracks – for new and
experienced trustees. Norm- video conferencing-
one of the things we have been wanting to do
for years – is there any capability in
state education, but know that the state university
system has capability. Carol- there is some video
conferencing through BOCES.
Dick – We should be involved in the Jackie
Thresher and Susan Keitel effort in support in
terms of getting trustees involved in education. Also
from a $ standpoint. We need to encourage
trustees to attend.
Norm – Sessions could be basic boot camp,
public library district panel, fund raising and
development outside the normal sources
Francis will contact grant writer facilitator
in Suffolk. Margaret will research other fund
raising speakers. Joan - promote and have a session
to the Friends
Norm – should have panel on what will
impact library services, Google, etc. Norm
will define the topic. Karen – Jennifer
Morris could say some words.
Carol – Federally funding training project – Southern
Adirondack Library – Growing a Reader,
Carol will send info to Margaret.
Action items for sessions at Institute:
- Dick Strauss and Sam Patton with Susan’s
LSTA trustee training material
- Public Library District – Dick Panz,
Jim Farrell, Mark Chevalier, Ed Mersecak
- New Age of Libraries – Norm
- Fund Raising and Development – Francis
and Margaret-new WLS director and Guilderland
Library through their foundation, someone at
Wood library
- Lunch state-wide political candidates
Carol – will check to see if librarians
room would be available for our Board meeting
on Friday.
Carol said we should promote - Hold the date
May 5 & 6 – newsletter, NYLINE and
NYSALBnet. Margaret can put insert in next membership
mailing
Have few two positions to replace with E. Apostol
and N. Simiates resigning. To place an ad in
next issue of TRUSTEE and send something out
on listserv.
Committee communicated via
email – need to reopen the nominations. It’s
in the next newsletter. Have contacted
nominators from last year. Reworked guidelines. Have
one nominee now for 2006. Dick – noted
that we should send an email to NYLINE
Dick – Member of the NYBL PAC. Did
a mailing list to board presidents. Have
yet to sit in on one of the conference calls.
Dick – Attended and spoke at state wide
Standing Committee on Libraries and Education
Technology. State spends 800K on construction
and need is 1B. MB sent out a blurb that
did not include all the speakers.
Carol – NYLA has other legislative priorities
that it’s promoting that would bundle libraries
together.
Norm – Evaluating NYSALB advocacy efforts
and visit with Governor, minority and majority
leaders.
Francis – Setting up a progressive plan
to visit libraries in Suffolk county to identify
areas where legislative areas that would be appropriate. Go,
visit, talk and get issues relative to libraries,
repackage those together and bring to selected
legislative authorities. One of the things
we can’t tell someone is what NYSALB can
do for it’s constituents. Norm – Asked
FP to give update in March. Good opportunity
for us to be evaluating our advocacy efforts. We
want to know what we need to do to take advantage
of the opportunity.
Bob – Margaret and he working on membership
together. Membership analysis – 42%
of libraries states joined in 2005. 18%
of systems joined. Membership analysis
in 2006 - way ahead of last year. This
is thanks to Margaret. Came up with
new letter and progression system as to how we
should approach people.
Bob – First letter went to the president’s
home address. System letters went on 11/29. Special
version of letter went to libraries who were
never members. Another version sent to
lapsed members. The second letter will
be sent to Presidents at the library address,
excluding those who’ve already responded. In
March, third appeal made to those who’ve
not responded yet. Bob would like to see
board members do personal calls to the director
of president of board to encourage membership. Personal
touch makes a tremendous difference. Letters
under each members name. Francis – Suggested
that we invoice the libraries director. Suzanne
- Interested in list of talking points and benefits
this information was included in the letter.
Encourage people to use the 800 number. 888-4NY-SALB
Library District Task Force would like representative
from this group. It’s a NYLA task
force being put together. Group of people
who will be working to help provide expertise
and trustees for libraries wanting to become
public library districts. Want trustees
represented as well. Meetings will be
conference calls and meetings. Francis
volunteered and Karen will be back-up. Norm
will send email out to Francis and Karen.
Norm and Carol - Janet Welch initiated LSTA
Evaluation RFP. State needs to provide
report to federal government re money use and
outcomes. NOVEL is focus on the independent
evaluation. Looking to hire an evaluator
to look at NOVEL. On web site and mailed
to others who can evaluate. If know of
evaluator or consultant interested in bidding,
let Carol know. There is a short window
of opportunity to conduct evaluation and create
report.
Sam was asked to organize previous newsletters
by topic. If anyone would like to help
him that would be good. The task is to
create a reference to the articles by topic. If
anyone is willing to help that would be great. Susanne
said to ask her again in March.
Norm – need rep from Ramapo Catskill for
potential board member.
Dick – Recommended that we ask Tina Thompson
to be liaison to NYLA.
Meeting dates: September 16 firm date – November
11 new date.
Motion to Adjourn: Jack moved, Bob second,
all in favor.
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