NEW
YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF LIBRARY BOARDS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
NYSALB Board of Directors Meeting
Saturday November 18,
2006
The meeting was called to order by President
Norm Jacknis at 9:15 a.m.
N.
Jacknis, R. Strauss, G. Stamatiades, S. Patton,
R. Presutti, Joan Hurley, Mary Ellen O’Connor,
Suzanne Stockman, Arnold Elman and Sally Swierczek. Excused: K.
Achilles, N. Simaitis, Francis Picart, Larry
Jorgensen and Jack Taylor. Also present were: Association
Manager, M. Malicki and Carol Desch (part of
the meeting).
Minutes: The
September Board of Directors meeting minutes
were presented for approval. Bob P. moved
the minutes be accepted with amended change.
Dick S. seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
Margaret
M. gave an update in L. Jorgensen’s absence: Cash flow is tight right
now as we moved in to November. This is typical as we wait for next month when
membership income will increase again. Norm J. asked about investments. Margaret
M. explained we had been doing well up until 2 months ago and we may finish
the year out flat. Sam P. moved that we accept the treasurer’s
report. George S. seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously and will be filed for
audit.
Finance:
The 2007 NYSALB Budget was presented by Dick
S. To balance the budget NYSALB will draw on
its reserve in an amount of $7,420. The majority
of these funds are from the projected loss of
$5,000 on the Institute. To lessen the draw NYSALB
would need to raise more in dues. George S. asked
about non- member libraries and getting the correct
trustee names from systems. Mary Ellen O. inquired
if we can approach them for individual memberships
if their libraries are not joining. Norm said
we do have individual memberships but it is not
promoted. (More on this under membership report.)
George S moved that we accept the 2007 Budget.
Arnie E. seconded the motion. The motion
carried unanimously.
Education:
Trustee Institute: Dick S. extended
his appreciation to Suzanne S. for all the
work she has done on the Institute. Suzanne
reported on details to date.
Cathy Nolan and the Director of Queens Library,
Tom Galante are likely speakers for Friday evening.
Four sessions with potential for a fifth:
- Training Module from PULISDO—Jackie
Thresher: Probably “Critical Partnership
between Library Boards and Library Directors”
- Expanding Teen Library Services: Stephanie
Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library
- “Library by Design“ Queens architects
(if we want) – plus thought to add someone
related to Ossing Library (Green Library).
Unless Queens Library architects can speak
on Green libraries
- Library Insurance by Utica National Insurance
and First Niagara
- Innovative Community Outreach (multicultural)-
Suzanne to ask Carol Sheffer to arrange.
Action Needed: Suzanne received suggestions
for Saturday speakers and will follow up on each.
They included: NY Times author who has written
on Google Projects, Diane Revitch who spoke at
NYLA on the theft of language. Her email is drla@nyu.edu.
Arnie E. inquired about what would we do for
the trustees of smaller libraries. It was explained
that there is usually 1 to 2 sessions for the
newer trustees and the other 2 sessions are for
more advanced trustees. Also the speakers for
Friday and Saturday lunch provide instruction.
There will be a bus tour of two Queens libraries
that will be between 4 pm and 6 pm. It was agreed
that like last year, we should charge $5 per
head for the bus to make guarantee their spot
(and give idea of bus size needed). Attendees
will register for the tour when they register
for the Institute.
Suzanne said attendees will have options for
outside activities which we will provide leads
to but will not handle reservations except the
ballgame. Phone numbers and other supporting
information will be given for shopping, theater,
etc. Mary Ellen O. suggested that NYSALB coordinate
a resource person that weekend to help with directions
and ideas of what to see and do (in additon to
the concierge).
Action Needed: Mary Ellen O. asked
if we could raise extra monies through sponsorships
of the Institute (vendors, book companies, construction
companies, businesses that work with libraries,
architecture firms, unions, technology companies,
etc.). She agreed to head up an effort to enlist
table sponsors and program advertisers. The suggested
amounts were $250 and $100. Mary Ellen asked
that all NYSALB board members to forward potential
vendors to be sponsors¾contact information
are critical.
George S. asked how we would be marketing the
Institute. In addition to the mailings to all
trustee members (in newsletters, membership renewals,
emails, website) there needs to be a grassroots
effort like in Syracuse (which had great attendance).
Areas around Queens really need covered as well
as Long Island.
Action Needed: We will rely on NYSALB
board members in those areas to reach out to
libraries. Margaret M. said that Francis P.
was speaking to a large group of trustees today
and is sharing information on the Institute.
Efforts need to be defined for the non-member
library trustees.
Norm J. asked where would the 2008 Institute
be? It is the weekend May 3 and 4.
Action Needed: Margaret M. will get
room rates for Saratoga and bring for the January
meeting.
LSTA training grant
Dick S. reported that the Pulisdo Grant has 3
topics. Each module is to be a 3 – 4
hour session. To review the content go to www.pulisdo.org.
There is a place for feedback.
Mary Ellen O. indicated that she attended a
trustee training session for the first time this
year and she was a trustee with five years already.
She learned so much and had wished she had done
it earlier in her tenure. Her question was how
could NYSALB catch new trustees in the first
6 months? The question was later addressed with
Carol Desch.
Executive:
Bob P. moved to provide Margaret M. with a $1,000
bonus in recognition of her extraordinary work
on the Institute in 2006 and her extra work
this year. George S. seconded the motion and
it was approved unanimously.
Legislation and Policy:
Dick S. reported on the PAC. Dick will
finish his term in December 2006 and asked if
anyone on the Board is interested in serving
on this committee, please let Dick know. It requires
a $250 individual donation to be able to participate
in the conference call meetings.
Norm J. reported that Francis P. providing a
summary of the meeting with Assemblywoman Eddington
in November. (Copy provided to each board member
at this time.) Norm J. noted that NYSALB’s
agenda was 1.) Library Trustee education should
become law and 2.) There should be a dedicated
permanent source of funding for libraries.
Guest Report from Carol Desch:
Carol D. reported on the 2007 Regents Legislative
Proposals to increase in State aid to Libraries.
This includes $10 million a year for NOVEL,
$14 million for library construction, in 07-08,
and $30 million annually thereafter, and $3
million a year in supplemental aid for library
systems. The Regents State Aid for schools
calls for an increase from $6 to $10 per pupil.
Summer reading program in 2007 will be NY’s
first try at joining a national program (NY is
41st state to join). Program theme “Get
a Clue@Your Library”.
Laura Aurahahn has replaced Julie Marlette in
NYS Assembly. Carol will forward her contact
information to NYSALB. Norm J. asked that an
invitation to our board meeting be extended.
George S. inquired about how NYSALB can receive
money like LSTA for training for trustees, especially
new trustees. Carol D. said NYSALB currently
does not qualify based on funding parameters.
However, if we worked with a system that would ‘sponsor’ the
grant - where they applied and received the funding
then turned it over to NYSALB- that might work.
There is a total of $750,000 for 23 systems this
year.
Action needed: Norm J. asked that board
members to speak to their system directors about
a joint LSTA grant with NYSALB and a couple other
systems for the purpose to train new trustees
in the initial year of their position.
At this time Mary Ellen O. explained that she
attended a trustee training session for the first
time this year and she was a trustee with five
years already. She learned so much and had wished
she had done it earlier in her tenure. Her question
was how could NYSALB catch new trustees in the
first 6 months? It is an issue of identifying
the new trustees and getting enough funding to
train them.
Bob P. asked how to formalize regulations to
train new trustees. Carol D. suggested that we
write a letter to Janet Welch explaining what
it is we would like. This letter should be copied
to Commissioner Mills and Regent Dawson.
Action needed: Norm J. asked that
Margaret email the board words needed for the
letter. Members of the board are to provide
a draft and use email to share suggested wording.
(It would b helpful if one person took the
lead.) Letter should include:
- Requirements in regulation or law that would
require new trustees to be trained (should
define what ‘new means’)
- Secure state funding and administration of
money for the purpose of training
- Extend the training to experienced trustees
Sam P. asked what is the best way to learn of
new trustees. Carol D. said she thinks systems
but is not sure if they had all the information
from libraries.
Membership:
Bob P. presented the membership figures. Bob
referred the board to the handouts: Membership
Analysis and Membership Summary. We
started out real strong and if the 62 libraries
that did not renew their membership (were members
in 2005), we would have had our best membership
year yet. System renewals were sent last week.
Invoices for 2007 membership is being sent Monday,
November 20 to accounting offices (if member
in 2006 or 2005). Rests of libraries will get
renewal letter and request by December 1.
George S. initiated discussion about targeted
mailings to non-members during the finance committee
report. There are roughly350 libraries that are
not members with about 4,000 trustees. If NYSALB
had a good list what would be the best way to
enlist their support?
Action needed: Norm J. suggested that
Margaret M. to come up with a strategy to send
multiple mailings to an identified group. She
should share it with the membership committee
and Joan H. for their review. This strategy should
include anticipated expenses.
Nominating:
Dick S. reported that we would loose Norm J.
this year as he completes his last year of
his last term. The terms of all directors were
reviewed. Dick S. asked that if a director
has an interest in joining the executive committee
they should contact him. Generally in the winter
he contacts the board to learn of their interest
so that at the March meeting it can be discussed.
New positions are voted on at the May meeting.
Norm J. will provide leads to a Westchester
replacement.
Newsletter/Public Relations:
Sam P. reported next issue underway. Will mail
after January with deadline for submissions
first of December. Margaret will update Institute
News. Sam P. will have box added did you know
that your library may cover cost of your training
at the Institute?
Two designs were presented for the web site.
Norm J. said one was the preferred choice. Norm
is still accepting policies for posting on the
web. Once received he will have a better sense
of what work will be involved to categorize policy
topics for searches.
Joan H. will do some releases on the Institute.
Margaret M. is to send her information that is
used for newsletter.
Velma Moore Award:
No report as Karen A. was absent. Mary Ellen
O. asked that past recipients be on the web.
Margaret M. will email the list to Norm J.
Communications:
Nothing reported.
Old Business:
The committee assignments for 2006 – 2007
were reviewed. Contact sheet updated and new
version will be emailed to directors. The 2007
meeting calendar was discussed. The September
2007 date for the meeting was the 15th but now
is the 8th.
New Business:
There being no further business the meeting was
adjourned at 2:35pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Malicki subbing for the excused Karen
Achilles, Secretary
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