• Spring

Fall 2002

• President's Memo: Show Me The Money!
• Editorial: The Used Book Sale ... Trash To Treasure
• From Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow
• From Senator Hugh Farley
• Legislative Update: More on CIPA
• Links To Useful Websites from ALA
• The Annual Report, It's A Good Thing!
• Librarians Willing To Protect Terrorists
• New Century Libraries Moves Forward
• Great Library Trustees
• The Library Circuit: Goshen Public Library
• NYSALB Programs at the NYLA Conference
• NYSALB Board & TRUSTEE Ownership

By Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, NYSALB President

It has become so common a line -- perhaps a cliché -- that many people may have forgotten what "show me the money" represented in the 1996 movie "Jerry McGuire". This line arose out of the frustration of the athlete (CubaGooding, Jr. who won an Oscar for the role). He was basically saying to his agent (Tom Cruise): if you think I'm so good and you're so good, then deliver -- let's see the money.

While the line has been used in a variety of contexts, it is especially relevant to the frustration we all face with regard to library funding. (By coincidence, perhaps, when I went to Google to search on show me the money, the first item to come up was a website dealing with the reality of library costs at http://www.hshsl.umaryland.edu/information/news/exhibits/money/. We, as library trustees, are forever being told by public officials how much they love libraries and how important libraries are. And the voters are increasingly using libraries in all sorts of old and new ways. But the reality is that library funding hasn't matched all the admiration or the demands.

With the most important statewide election coming up in years, now is the time for all of us to say "Show me the money!" With that in mind, NYSALB and NYLA have had discussions about a series of focused questions for the candidates. All but question 3 below apply to both statewide candidates (like Governor) as well as Assembly and Senate candidates.

1. Where are libraries on your list of priorities?
2. Will you speak about libraries at your public appearances?
3. Will you make a commitment to speak on behalf of library funding in your party caucus?
4. Will you speak to your party leadership about library funding?
5. Will you vote for a much needed increase in funding for NY libraries?

Discussions among the NYSALB board added two, more complicated, questions:

6. What role do you think libraries play in the growth, in the enrichment and continuing education of New York State?

7. Would you support an amendment to the State constitution that mandates state funding for libraries, similar to the mandate for school funding? If not, what form of permanent funding would you support and at what level?

We are asking that each of you ask every candidate for state office these questions - in writing, when you see them, whenever the opportunity arises. If the thousands of trustees around the state are persistent in putting these same questions to the candidates, we will definitely raise the priority of libraries in state government. If we don't speak up now, then the political leaders of the state will be confident that they can get away with assigning a lower priority to libraries.

Please share the answers you get with us so we can see what the candidates are saying in each part of the state. NYSALB's email discussion group for trustees is an especially useful tool for this purpose. To join, just send an email to join-nysalb@www.watpa.org or write directly to me at norm@jacknis.com. Thank you.

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by Edwin M. Field, TRUSTEE Editor, NYSALB Director

In July of this year, the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency collected more than 37,500 books in that county's first campaign to recycle hardcover books. Many of the books were outdated and had outlived their usefulness. Recycling is a great alternative to the trash, but statewide, local libraries are using book sales as a positive way to recycle, provide reading material and raise much needed funds.

The old adage "One person's trash is another person's treasure" is easily recognized as a truism when spotting a crowd eagerly lined up and awaiting the hour when the doors of the library are thrown open to admit a crowd of book hungry buyers.

These are the avid readers who rapidly go through the thousands of books up for grabs looking for a new take-home supply. The first edition collectors are there too. They are seeking opportunities with their eager search geared toward locating just one prized book that others may have overlooked. There are also many who just enjoy browsing among books and picking up a few for future reading entertainment.

This summer a long line at one regional library's used book sale prior to the start of its scheduled opening. It was probably the first of many such library used book sales that abound summer-long.

Waiting on line to be among those first into a book sale apparently has a purpose. For serious book lovers the concept is to be able to get first choice of the pickins'. The early forming line contained the avid readers, the serious collectors, and those people happy to find a way to inexpensively restock their home library shelves.

While pocket books were going for a quarter, hard covered books seventy five cents to a dollar and audio tapes for two dollars, the real bargain appeared to be ten dollars for all the books you could stuff into a carry bag. Once in, it just required a bit of buying self-control. However, judging by the bags going out, no one was exercising very much.

For the true bibliophile, the used book sales are a coveted summer event ... a source of supply at extremely reasonable prices. As a  matter of fact, especially in resort or vacation type communities, a library event such as a book sale always receives the blessing of the governing fathers.

For the library, the sales event brings in cash, extra income which can rapidly be turned to good use. At the same time, the sales event helps clear a portion of the library's stacks for new book arrivals. Perhaps one of the most vibrant points of a library used book sale is the opportunity to recycle, to create a new, useful life for good books.

Many community members feel the same way. Being raised when it was not acceptable to throw books away, some of the best book sales you find are full of not only discarded library books, but also those books donated by people in the community. This produces a treasure trove of books on every conceivable subject.

The used book sales most cherished by buyers are those where the library staff or Friends group divide up the available books into specific recognized categories. One person might collect cook books and another texts on physiology. Another individual's special interest might be audio tapes, while mysteries or true romances are what others seek out. What better way to come upon a library used book sale then to be able to head directly for the area of interest and not have to search through stacks and boxes for a specific area of interest.

While standing in line patrons shared a couple of useful techniques that work well at library used book sales. Get there early and make sure you bring strong, fabric tote bags with you to carry the books you buy. Often Friends of the Library groups have their name imprinted on these tote bag and sell them as a fund raiser for eager book buyers to stuff at the fair.

Organizing and promoting used book sales at area libraries provides a great community service, can raise funds for library groups and recycles reading material in the best possible way. It's supportive, fun and a rewarding personal experience.

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The needs of an increasingly diverse and technologically adept public are straining already tight library budgets. Libraries which rely on appropriations from local municipal budgets are especially challenged, as the national recession is forcing many towns and villages to cut back their budgets. Many libraries are now looking into transforming themselves into independent taxing entities, as school district public libraries or special legislative district libraries.

Both school district public and special legislative district libraries, often called district libraries, have the ability to present a budget directly to the voters and then, upon approval, collect taxes independent from other municipal budgets. These libraries tend to be the best funded of all library types. According to the Library Research Service, district libraries have a higher per capita funding than any other type of library. The Service analyzed libraries across the United States and concluded that when voters are allowed a direct vote on the library budget they are "more generous than the city councils, county commissioners and other decision making bodies to whom other public libraries must go for funding."

In addition to having a direct vote upon their budgets, district libraries have Boards of Trustees elected by the voters. This assists in creating community support for the library and its budget, as local voters appreciate having a voice in library leadership and policy. The New York State Board of Regents has endorsed the creation of district libraries statewide as part of its New Century Libraries initiative, stating that such libraries will not only stabilize funding but will also help in addressing the problem of unserved areas.

For those libraries seeking to make the change to a district model, the choice between school district public or special legislative district library needs to made first. Libraries that serve an area defined by a school district, where no other library also serves that school district, should follow the school district public library model. These districts are able to go directly to the voters of the school district for approval of the district and its new budget, without the need for state legislation.

For libraries that serve a population in an area that crosses over school district lines, or serve a part of the school district while another library serves a part of the same district, the special legislative district model will be necessary. These districts require state legislation to be passed and signed by the governor before they can present a budget to the voters.

Each district is unique, and while some basic generalities can be made about its creation, a simple how-to is quite difficult. The most important part of either process is to bring together all the people concerned. A unified team of library board members and staff, local elected officials, library patrons and friends and staff from the State Education Department and local Public Library System will have a much greater chance of success.

The Assembly Library Committee staff in Albany is always ready to help you if you have questions about how to proceed. Jim Farrell at the Division of Library Development is the expert on creating library districts and is available to answer questions and to serve as a consultant.

As the need for library services grow, the need for adequate funding becomes even more crucial. Forming district libraries is a great way to increase public involvement in the library, stabilize library funding and provide library services to unserved areas. By increasing library funding, we will be able to provide the variety of services necessary to encourage an even more informed community that will in turn ensure New York's future.

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What will your library be like twenty years from now?  Are you preparing for that today?

Back in 1981, the University of Virginia sponsored a series of symposia exploring predictions for the twenty-first century. Looking back, some of the library- and information-related visions were a tad off base. In the real twenty-first century, newspapers are not delivered "on the family television screen," nor have facsimile machines become "the centerpiece of the American home."

Nevertheless, these projections are remarkably close to what has happened using the then-barely-invented internet and personal computers. And other predictions -- such as the resiliency of the book in an electronic world, and one participant's mantra of "multiplicity, interaction, and digitization" -- have been right on target.

Library trustees and librarians from twenty years ago did a good job of preparing most of our institutions for the twenty-first century. Professional librarians earn new respect as they navigate the chaotic world of unfettered information. Libraries accommodate the "multiplicity, interaction, and digitization" of new media and new devices. If only we'd been better at predicting how many more electric outlets we really need!

What is your library doing to be ready for 2020?  The Board of Regents and the State Library have given us a vision for the future. The NOVEL legislation, thought of by most as primarily a funding vehicle, also defines a programmatic vision. When implemented, NOVEL will offer libraries and their patrons a portfolio of low-cost, broadly-available, but centrally-selected, databases.

How will this affect your library?  Most predictions that in-home information access will reduce library usage have proven wrong. It may well be that further increased availability of information through NOVEL will draw even more people into your library, as tantalizing electronic information develops in people a thirst for the other resources found at the library itself. Are you planning to accommodate this growth in usage?

NOVEL's concept of centrally-selected databases maximizes cost-effectiveness, and offers all New Yorkers a common body of information which has been selected for accuracy and usefulness. But this may not meet the information needs of all patrons. Does your library have an information niche which may expand in importance when other information becomes standardized?  Are you planning for the impact this may have on your Statewide or even nationwide presence?  

And maybe you won't be physically growing. In some areas, an aging population may be increasingly homebound or institutionalized. How will you serve them?  Perhaps a major library expansion in a neighboring community will offer your patrons more than you could ever expect to. Can you co-ordinate, rather than compete?  And, given the dire fiscal straits of many local governments, maybe there's simply no chance of replacing that grand old Carnegie building, even over the next couple of decades.  How can you plan to deal with that reality?

The job of strategic planning is one of the most important responsibilities of library trustees. Your work today will determine whether -- or not -- the next generation will be well served by your library. I encourage you to scan the future, set your goals, and build the plans to meet them.

And, by the way, be sure to plan for more electric outlets than you think you could possibly need ...

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By Robert N. Wells, NYSALB Trustee, Legislative Chair

The three-judge panel sitting in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania held that "we are constrained to conclude that the plaintiffs (ALA) must prevail in their contention that CIPA requires them to violate the First Amendment rights of their patrons and accordingly is facially invalid."  The three-judge panel ruled Sections 1712(9)(2) and 1721(b) of CIPA to be facially invalid under the First Amendment and permanently enjoined the government from enforcing those provisions.

Furthermore, the three-judge panel in the CIPA case held that the FCC and IMLS cannot withhold funds on the grounds that a public library has failed to install mandatory filters on every computer. The Court held that "because of the inherent limitations in filtering technology, public libraries can never comply with CIPA without blocking access to a substantial amount of speech that is both constitutionally protected and fails to meet even the filtering companies' own blocking criteria."  While this decision is directly binding only on the agencies and is not a directive to any particular library, the factual findings and legal conclusions of the Court may serve as useful precedents for other lower courts.

The Justice Department, acting on behalf of the FCC and IMLS, formally notified the U.S. Supreme Court on June 20, 2002 that it would appeal this ruling.

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The American Library Association website includes a very useful page with links to help you locate names and contact information for Federal and state government representatives.  It also provides guidelines for communicating with representatives, as well as valuable information on issues and events of importance to the library community.

The URL for this page is http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/contacting.html.

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By Brenda Adams, Fiscal Officer, RCLS

Editorial note: Annual reports are not only for library fiscal officers. They are also an important tool for library trustees who bear the ultimate responsibility for the operation of their library. The following article was prepared by the fiscal officer of the Ramapo-Catskill Library System and while clearly pointing up the value of the annual report will also clarify some of the areas that you will want to know about. Actually, an alternative title for this article might have been "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Annual Reports But Were Afraid To Ask."   Enjoy!

The Annual Report supports local advocacy and marketing. It helps RCLS set priorities and establish policies that will support our member libraries. It provides the State Library and Division of Library Development with data to campaign for State policies and funding levels that will support local libraries and systems. And it provides essential data for the State to be eligible for LSTA (Federal) funding.

New York State requires all Chartered Libraries to file an annual report with the Division of Library Development (DLD). "Requires" is the key word. This report is the library's counterpart to Federal and State Personal Income and Corporate Tax Returns. It is mandatory, not optional. It is due at the same time every year. The information is based on the same time period every year. Providing accurate information is an obligation of being a Chartered Library and the responsibility of the Library Board. HATE it you may; DO IT you must!

For the 2001 reporting period, the blank report and instructions were available from DLD's website in November 2001. Access to the actual data entry website was delayed due to technical problems and when it became available navigation between the screens was slow. However, with an accurate draft copy in hand, it took about three hours to enter the data. Overall, this is a good program and it beats typing those old forms.

The ability to view the previous year's data makes it easier to determine if a note of explanation is needed and/or makes possible errors visible at a glance. Although correcting errors, listed in the edit check report, was time consuming and a source of anxiety for library staff this year, the vendor is aware of the software and hardware limitations and is working to resolve these problems. Please be optimistic, it is in their best interest to have these imperfections corrected before the 2002 reporting season.

Library Directors and other staff voiced their frustrations throughout the "reporting season" that the Annual Report is a waste of valuable staff time. They contend that State Aid to Libraries is insignificant and does not respond to the changes in their local environment yet they are required to complete this form every year. The intent of this article is to change the perception that the Annual Report has no value.

It is true that Local Library Service Aid (LLSA) remains at thirty-one cents ($.31) per capita for the library's chartered service area. It is also correct that 2002 LLSA payments to libraries will not reflect the 2000 Census. As a result each library serving an increased population will receive State support at less than $.31 per capita. Over the last 10 years the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) has experienced a population growth of almost ten percent (10%). The legislators' decision to maintain funding at the 2001 level has financial and service implications for all of us.

So, why are Annual Reports important?

The Annual Report For Public and Association Libraries is the only report that collects data about library activities, use, revenue and expenditures in an identical manner for every library in the State. Consistency in reporting yields authentic library statistics and financial data. That is, providing every library answers the questions accurately by applying the criteria as explained in the instructions.

Each library can transform the Annual Report data into an excellent marketing tool to demonstrate accountability and support a request for an increase in revenue. The Report provides a comparison between your current year's and previous years' activities. Once all of the member libraries submit their Annual Reports, RCLS prepares a statistical report with data for all member libraries that makes it possible for each library to compare itself to other libraries in the System.

Just a few numbers can have a major impact. They are population, total materials holdings, total circulation, library visits, quantity of staff, local revenue, total revenue, salaries and benefits paid to the staff, expenditures for materials, costs associated with electronic access and total expenditures. The data in the Annual Report makes it possible for you calculate the percent of change for each of these and to compare your library to other libraries within your county, area or to libraries of similar size.

Have you ever selected data from the Annual Report for comparison?

Common sense would argue that increases in population and cost of living would warrant additional funds, just to maintain current level of services. Technology is an integral component of today's libraries although it is costly to acquire and maintain. The data available to you makes it possible to develop reports that can show how your funds are spent, what the cost per capita is for circulation, automation or acquisition of materials. Using a spreadsheet application you will be able to prepare charts that would provide a graphical representation of the data.

At the System level, the comprehensive summary provides a view of the diversity among our member libraries. It enables policy development and efficient allocation of funds. The primary source of RCLS revenue is State Aid. New York State supports all the services we deliver, with the exception of the Automated Network Services (ANSER). ANSER is funded by a combination of RCLS funds and cost-recovery from the member libraries.

The Annual Report is also essential for the State Library and the Division of Library Development (DLD). Analyzing the Annual Reports allows DLD to document the inequities among the libraries of New York State and to use this data to campaign for policies and funding that provides benefits to all libraries and their patrons.

In addition to advocacy and public relations uses, throughout the year the DLD receives requests for information from the Commissioner of Education, the State Legislature, individual libraries and library systems, American Library Association (ALA), New York Library Association (NYLA), the Office of the State Comptroller, Civil Service, U.S. Senators and the press. Senator Schumer's office was supplied with detailed information regarding the needs of RCLS libraries in less than twenty-four hours. He used this information to promote support for libraries in Washington.

Certain information from the Annual Report is extracted and filed with the Federal-State Cooperative System (FSCS). This is a mandatory program that requires each State to file a federal report on library activity. This is the reason for the separate "Federal Edit Check." These Reports are used to allocate federal funding to the States, including Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants. LSTA funds support the licensing, by the State Library, of electronic databases available at your library. These databases provide access to over 2,000 full text periodicals covering a wide-range of subjects, from health to business to current issues. The value of these databases, if the Ramapo Catskill Library System paid for them, would be over $150,000 per year.

Overcoming negative characteristics of the Annual Report requires the cooperative efforts of the Division of Library Development in streamlining the report, the Vendor in improving program functionality, and the Libraries by maintaining complete and accurate records. Yes, the Library must take responsibility also. Since the Report is due at the same time each year, each of you can plan ahead and prepare your data in advance. As always the staff at RCLS is ready, willing and able to answer your questions and help you complete the Report. Heads up! Some Libraries have already reached Annual Report "data collection" time.

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by Dr. William Taber, NYSALB Trustee

Libraries must face the need to communicate continuously with the public; for, if we don't, others will define what we are seen to be.

The following letter was printed in the Oneonta Daily Star under the title, Librarians Willing To Protect Terrorists:

"The al-Qaida murderers now know that the Patriot Act means nothing to some librarians. Maybe these terrorists will now start targeting libraries. If they learned how to make bombs from library books, their rights will be protected by folks such as Elaine Downing of the Milne Library at the State University College of Oneonta, Marie Bruni, director of Oneonta's Huntington Memorial Library, David Kent, director of the Cooperstown Village Library; and Judith Krug, the American Library Association director for intellectual freedom.

"The feelings of the lefties at the libraries can be summed up in Elaine Downing's statement in the Daily Star. 'These are very serious times, and it's a very serious matter. But we are still a democracy, and we still have to protect our patrons.' Apparently not serious enough, huh, Elaine? When will it get serious enough for you not to protect terrorist patrons? ---Robert Ross, Hobart"

This letter was sufficient provocation for me to reply, and the newspaper was kind enough to print my reaction under a title (which the editors created) Librarians Standing Up For Our Freedom: "In a letter entitled 'Librarians Willing to Protect Terrorists', Robert Ross denounces four librarians, three of them local) by claiming that they will protect 'terrorist patrons'. The accusation is made because most libraries oppose the hasty empowerment of law enforcement last fall to gather information secretly from public libraries about library patrons and to threaten librarians with Federal criminal prosecution if they resist or even reveal it.

"No handful of Islamic fundamentalist terrorists can kill America liberty and democracy (for which Americans have already died throughout our history) unless we destroy it ourselves by failing to protect our own freedoms, including the freedom of Americans to read and to learn in public libraries without fear that they will be secretly dossiered and that their every choice of book to read may be examined someday by unnamed and suspicious investigative officials with their own agendas.

"When I was a child, the feared force in this world was fascism: ideas that empowered and sanctified unlimited government control, investigations, intrusions into individual lives and thoughts, and the elimination of opposition by claiming that those who tried to defend freedom were somehow enemies of the people.

"Perhaps my generation, like the explosives-trained dogs that are used nowadays, is more likely to detect the odors of fascist tendencies before they blow up in our faces; for they contrast violently with American ideals.

"Librarians are protecting millions of Americans from another little razor cut into the freedoms that define the best aspects of our way of life. Each cut weakens our core and corrodes our future. In fact, the handful of terrorists who may be in this country probably welcome the support given -- albeit unwittingly -- by Americans who are willing to throw your freedoms away with ease. Fortunately, there are few librarians in that crowd. --- Dr. William Taber, Richfield Springs"

Unanticipated consequences are always to be expected in general although they are unknowable in particular. To my surprise, a day or two later (July 13 & 14), the managing editor of the newspaper, Cary Brunswick, wrote and signed a full-column editorial entitled Stand Up Against the Patriot Act.

In a strong denunciation of those aspects of the Patriot Act that threaten American civil liberties, he identified a number of communities who already have passed resolutions opposing the Act and declaring that "...local authorities will not cooperate with the feds in enforcement of it against local citizens." Specifically referring to libraries, he writes:

"... the 342 pages of fine print really get into what the FBI and other authorities can now do, a d we recently learned of one specific result that affects privacy at your local library. Under the Patriot Act, the FBI has authority to obtain library circulation records of people suspected of terrorist involvement. That's right, and with the FBI history of abuses of its power, basically agents could say anything they want to justify getting a peek at the kinds of books people are reading.

?Fortunately, many librarians in this area, including Oneonta's Marie Bruni, are appalled and say that they would fight such intrusions."

In a curious way, libraries are a small but real part of the front lines of defense of our individual freedoms and of the survival of our nation's democracy. It is worth the trouble for trustees and others to engage in public discussion of libraries, i.e. to support the libraries directly as valuable institutions, to provide the occasions through which the support that already exists out there among the public can reveal itself publicly, and to reaffirm the basic values of citizenship and liberty to which public libraries contribute so much.

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By Valerie Chevrette, New York State Library

New Century Libraries is moving forward. Endorsed by the New York State Association of Library Boards, the bold and imaginative Regents legislative proposal will bring the benefits of 21st century library service to all New Yorkers. The Regents remain committed to the $105 million proposal that would provide more support for libraries of all types in New York State.

When Commissioner Mills and Chancellor of the Board of Regents Robert M. Bennett addressed 160 library advocates at a May 17 meeting in Albany, both affirmed their commitment to the New Century Libraries proposal.  When asked about the status of New Century Libraries and plans for its future, Mills commented that the Regents will "stick with it until it's done."

Commissioner Mills introduced NOVEL, the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library, to New Yorkers at a press conference in September. While the Regents have taken the first steps to create the statewide virtual library, Mills noted that NOVEL is currently supported with temporary federal funds. He commented that the Regents have taken the long view and are committed to New Century Libraries, which will provide the permanent funding needed to make NOVEL the information powerhouse that New Yorkers deserve.

Since its introduction by the Regents in 2001, New Century Libraries has received the sponsorship of more than 50 state legislators. In addition to NYSALB, the proposal has won endorsements from a wide range of organizations including the New York State Reading Association, the New York State Council of Educational Associations, the New York City Partnership, the New York State Council of the Blind, and HSBC Bank USA. Endorsements also came from the Public Library Systems Directors Organization (PULISDO), and the Public Library Directors Association (PLDA). A resolution from the Association of Towns urged the Governor and the Legislature to support New Century Libraries.

The Vital Role of Public Libraries

The tragic events of September 2001 made the importance of public libraries very clear. New Yorkers flocked to their libraries looking for information, news, and community solidarity. Since then, library use has surged 20% statewide.

But large numbers of New York's libraries are stretched to meet this growing need. The numbers from the study by the Regents Commission on Library Services remain unchanged: more than one million New Yorkers have no local library, more than 900 school libraries and 400 public libraries lack essential services, and 63 urban communities cannot respond to the demand for library services. With half of New York's public libraries over 60 years old and sub-standard, the estimated need for library construction and renovation tops $1 billion.

Investment in Libraries is Investment in New York

Participation in the new economy requires access to information. The public library provides a level playing field where all New Yorkers can access the information they need for work, school, and to build a better life. New Century Libraries will strengthen New York's public libraries with $10 million for aid to high need communities and $10 million to create public library districts. It includes $20 million for public library construction and renovation, and $14 million to develop and sustain NOVEL, the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library. There is also a $10.2 million Urban Library Initiative to help New York's struggling urban libraries. Library services for disabled New Yorkers and English and computer literacy programs offered by public libraries will also receive support.

If New York is to regain its stature as a leader among the states, New Yorkers must have strong libraries. The time has come for this important investment, and it is one that New Century Libraries will make.

For more information on New Century Libraries, see the New York State Library web site at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov, or contact Janet M. Welch, State Librarian, at 518/474-5930, email jwelch2@mail.nysed.gov.

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By Susan Lehman Keitel, NYLA Executive Director

10 THINGS EVERY TRUSTEE NEEDS TO KNOW

1. What the CIPA case means for each public library
2. How to evaluate the director of a public library
3. What the first step is in designing a new library or a library addition
4. How to market a library
5. How and when to recharter a library
6. What the leadership responsibilities are of a library trustee
7. What the demographics are of the population in the library's service area
8. Why the New York State Legislature matters to library trustees
9. How libraries work
10. How to write a safety/security policy for the library

Trustees must be aware of a daunting number of issues. From capital construction to court cases, from budgets to baby-boomers, trustees need to have an awareness and perhaps a knowledge of dozens of issues that affect their library. Every trustee needs to be a quick study in a variety of areas that changes often, and every trustee needs to share with others what he or she has learned along the way.

How does a trustee become great at his job? One way is to attend the annual NYLA conference and take a crash course in as many trustee-related subjects as possible. Over a three day period, trustees can choose from dozens of programs, each of which covers at least one vital area of librarianship, administration, intellectual freedom, advocacy, technology, or leadership.

For trustees to increase their understanding and skills, there is no other opportunity in New York State as varied or as rich as NYLA's annual conference. To learn at your own pace, to renew old acquaintances, to make new professional friends and colleagues and to become a great trustee is possible once a year. DON'T MISS THIS YEAR'S OPPORTUNITY.

New York Library Association
Annual Conference
October 23-26, 2002
Buffalo, New York
<www.nyla.org>

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By Pauline J. Kehoe, Director, Goshen Public Library

The Goshen Public Library and Historical Society was established in 1894, and housed on the upper floor of the Orange County Surrogate's Court building. Established as an Association with an annual subscription fee of $2.00 ($25 for a lifetime membership) , the library successfully sought voter approval to become a school district public library in 1984. Per capita support is now $36.12.

The library has occupied its present building in Goshen's historic district since 1918. Built to serve a community of 2000, the 5610 square foot building serves a community of nearly 17,000 today.

The library celebrated its centennial in 1994. On July 6, the anniversary of the library's incorporation, an ice cream social complete with a brass band concert, was held on the library's front lawn. The event was so successful that the Friends of the Library have continued it as an annual kick off for a summer lawn concert series.

Initially a reading room which served mostly the men of the village, the library's role in the community has expanded to the extent that it is now the cultural center of Goshen. A full range of children's programs for toddlers through teens are complemented by discussion series, concerts, calligraphy classes , and poetry readings for the whole family. Our book collection has been supplemented by extensive video and audio book collections. With a community of commuters, we have difficulty keeping up with the demand for audio book titles.

The Library's most recent initiative has been a Spanish language story time to serve our growing Spanish- speaking population. After- school programs for Spanish- speaking children are in the planning stages. ESL classes have been offered for the mothers of these children and we expect to establish a Spanish language collection this year. The library's trustees are developing a fund raising campaign to support these initiatives.

Our imagination is bounded only by the space available to us. Unfortunately, space is a serious limitation and the library has been seeking a site for a new building since 1994. This past year we were forced to choose between meeting the needs of our daily patrons (our taxpayers) and those of visiting genealogists and historical researchers. We stored our collections of artifacts and nearly 52,000 historic documents , some of which date back to the 1700's and includes Alexander Hamilton's brief for a 1785 boundary suit, to free space for day-to-day service needs. The collection will be made available again in our new building.

While building support for moving the library, we have addressed the community's attachment to our historic building; its desire that we remain in the village of Goshen which is the population hub of the school district, as well as the location for all of the schools; and its confusion over the lack of state aid for school district public library construction. We have been working with village officials for the past year and hope to have confirmation of a site within the next few months.

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Evaluating Your Library Director

8:30 am, Saturday, October 26, 2002, The who, why, how and when of evaluating your library director. Speakers are Nancy Cummings, Trustee Fairport Public Library and Sam Patton, Trustee East Fishkill Community Library

Selling a Re-chartering Referendum to Your Community

10:30 am, Saturday, October 26, 2002, The importance of long range plans, needs assessment and public relation campaigns in the successful passing of library budgets and re-chartering referenda. Speakers are Erin Apostle, Trustee Upper Hudson Library System and Christine Culp, Trustee Brighton Public Library

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Vol. XIII, No. 4, Fall 2002

TRUSTEE is published by the New York State Association of Library Boards, 338 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207, four times a year for $10.00 annually per subscriber.  Subscription is a benefit of paid membership; cost of the subscription is covered by membership dues.  Second class postage is paid at Albany, NY and an additional mailing office.  USPS#010-872, ISSN:1085-3170. Volume XIII Issue #3, Postmaster: Please send address changes to NYSALB, 338 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207.

NYSALB
338 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-434-5973 
Fax: 518-434-0072

EDITOR: Edwin M. Field, efield@catskill.net
PRESIDENT: Norman J. Jacknis, norm@jacknis.com
1st VICE PRESIDENT: Martina Thompson
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Joan Hurley
TREASURER: Richard Strauss
SECRETARY: Samuel Patton
ASSOCIATION MANAGER: Karen K. Dyer

DIRECTORS:
Edwin M. Field, Monticello
Joan Hurley, Horseheads
Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, Cortlandt Manor
David Bruce Krogmann, Glens Falls
George Manitzas, Freeport
Samuel Patton, Hopewell Junction
Francis Picart, Brentwood
Nancy Simaitis, Waverly
Richard Strauss, Memphis
Jane Sweet, Clarence
Dr. William Taber, Richfield Springs
Martina Thompson, Pittsford
Dr. Robert Wells, Canton
Paula Werth, Shortsville

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