• Spring

Winter 2002

• President's Memo: Where's The Librarian?
• Editorial: Resolution For The New Year!
• From Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow
• From Senator Hugh Farley
• Legislative Update
• Trustee Institute 2002
• Selecting A Feasibility Study Consultant
• War Profiteers
• Good Rules For Trustees
• Oaths of Office And Library Trustees
• The Library Circuit: Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center
• Eisner Named Velma Moore Award Winner
• Dallas Named NYLA/NYSALB Liaison
• NYSALB Board & TRUSTEE Ownership

By Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, NYSALB President

At a recent meeting of our library board, we were happily going over the details of the newly expanded children's library room. It was modern, clean, well-lit, and big. It was missing just one thing - a children's librarian. We then discussed with the Director some of the difficulties she has had in filling the vacancy.

But our library is not alone. The shortage of librarians is an issue all over New York State, indeed all over the country. As an example, about a year ago, the three library systems in New York City reported that a third of their librarians had left.

So we have the current boom in library construction, the increasing use of libraries as a twenty-four hour a day resource and the increasing absence of the people who pull it all together.

There seem to be a number of reasons why this is occurring:

• The first is the obvious reason that the salaries for librarians are not very high considering the educational requirements of the job, including a master's degree.
• Even within the library world there are disparities, particularly between librarians in public libraries and those in schools. That's why it is especially difficult to find children's librarians for public libraries. A librarian interested in working with children will find it much more financially rewarding to take a job in a school than in a public library.
• The closing of several library schools over the past couple of decades has also tended to reduce the number of new librarians. Those schools that remain have often shifted emphasis away from public librarianship, and especially children's work.
• The ever growing information-driven economy offers expanding opportunities for educated "knowledge workers," especially women with the kinds of skills that librarians have. An increasing, if not yet overwhelming, number of library school graduates are drawn to these companies and their better pay. For example, the structure of the very popular Yahoo site on the Web was built by librarians. While the inflated dot-com startups have had a hard time financially in the last year, the long term trend is for increasing employment - and increasing temptation for those who would otherwise be librarians.

Of course, not all librarians will vanish overnight. Most public librarians love the atmosphere of their libraries, being on the "front lines" providing service to the community. A number will be able to handle the job on a part time, almost voluntary, basis. But this does not mean we have no problem. Over the longer run, the librarians will vanish unless we can overcome some of the trends described above.

The answers are neither easy nor quick nor necessarily in the control of library trustees. As trustees, though, we will have to start to focus on the issue in a concerted way and try to determine how we adjust our budgets and plans.

If your library is already facing a shortage of librarians or, better yet, if your library has come up with a way to ease the shortage, please write to me care of NYSALB's offices or email me at norm@jacknis.com. In that way, NYSALB can share the best ideas on dealing with this complex problem.

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by Edwin M. Field, TRUSTEE  Editor, NYSALB Director

If you happen to be looking for a New Year's resolution for your library family, why not try a dose of publicity.  A resolution gift of this type can prove to be a proverbial shot in the arm for a staff seeking recognition for their library. It can also be an strong signal and reminder to your hometown community that for those burdened with day-to-day negative thoughts or stories about the mundane, help is only a book, article or web site away.

Most important, a strong dose of publicity can reap revealing rewards for your library in the community by establishing its place in the burgeoning information age.   It can truly provide a place for your community's population to seek personal answers to disturbing questions fostered upon them by events and circumstances. In order for such a program to be effective, you have only to get started.

Why not add an active publicity campaign to your library's everyday activities. It's a good plan that many libraries have successful initiated.

Begin by listing and telling the people in your community about the help, advice and guidance available to them. Do this through a sustained program of news releases especially designed for this information activity.  Reach out by contacting the area newspapers, radio and TV stations, in fact, any of the media currently available to you. Make yourself accessible to answer questions from the press. Be prepared to carry on a timed, full fledged and effective publicity campaign.

Don't give the program just a single shot and then give up because you're too busy. Continually seek out sound reasons to develop articles. Continue to give members of the press a list of story options and ideas. Provide them with the nuts and bolts and background information about the proposed story. One or more press people will pounce on the story and develop their own approach and story line.

Think about the purpose for a publicity campaign. Basically, it's an invitation, a reason, an opportunity to talk about your library and provide an insight into the tremendous resources available to all. Remind yourself how little most people know about the contents of your stacks and shelves and you automatically have a reason to initiate a publicity campaign.

Consider the quest for knowledge, sometime complex and other times simple.  It really is all about the happenings around us on a daily basis.   There may be questions about new drugs for personal and family health care. The facts are probably readily available from within our collection!  

On the other side of the coin, one might want an insight into the hazardous chemicals and pharmaceuticals launched by terrorists or terrorist copy-cats.  These facts, too, are generally accessible.  Perhaps guidance with the proper direction to take in order to protect our families, homes and way of life  is upper most on our minds! A book or touch of a computer key will probably reveal this information.

Pinpointing the geographic location of a country in which danger lurks for us may be a new exercise.  The map, however, is probably in the pages of a reference book on our shelves  and will provide a clear location and tell the tale!  The data is within our walls and the doorway is free to enter and wide open.

The key to an effective program is merely to get started and continue until successful.  It can all begin with a special library resolution for the New Year.

Happy New Year!

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Library Lifeline - Funding

The terrorist attacks of September 11th wounded our nation, and while our spirits have been scarred, our country has emerged stronger and more united. We continue to grieve and honor those that were lost as we work together to repair and restore our landscape, our economy, and our hearts.

Much well-deserved praise has been given for the remarkable efforts of rescue workers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, blood donors, volunteers and contributors.  There is, however, another group whose response was also valuable - librarians.

While the rest of the nation struggled to comprehend what had happened, librarians immediately put their skill and experience to use identifying useful resources for those in need of assistance.  Information was posted to bulletin boards and web sites, and staff members were at the ready to answer questions and give direction to those who did not know to whom they could turn for help.  Libraries offered a wealth of information for those who wanted it, but also provided a quiet retreat for those who wanted to escape the media coverage for a short time.  Librarians were put to the test - and passed with flying colors.

The value of libraries to our communities continues to be demonstrated.  It is therefore all the more important to remind the Governor of the importance of providing financial support so that libraries can continue to be available as a resource, a refuge, and a gathering place for all New Yorkers.  While state funding is uncertain as we cope with the aftermath of September 11th, I will continue to work to secure funding for libraries, and I urge you to do the same.

Write to Governor George Pataki.  Tell him of your interest in and support of appropriate state funding of our libraries.  Never has this message been more important.

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It is impossible to reflect on the present or the future without considering the terrible events of September 11th.  In the aftermath of a horror we could never have contemplated, New York's libraries responded magnificently.

• Within hours of the attacks, the academic library at the State University at Morrisville was maintaining an internet site providing links to rapidly developing information resources.
• Public libraries across the State provided immediate community resources, including not only internet access, but also reference materials on terrorism, religion, and grief.
• As public needs turned to rebuilding, the Brooklyn Public Library's Business Information Center expanded operations to respond to the specific needs of small businesses in the New York City area which had been affected.
• State Librarian Janet Welch tells me that almost all libraries in the State have reported increases in usage since September 11th.

On September 11th, librarians faced issues requiring immediate decisions.  Should libraries, particularly in vulnerable urban locations, close early, as did many schools and government agencies?  Or should libraries remain open as places of refuge for shocked and grieving patrons? Should librarians assume the role of grief counselors, especially for children, or should they limit their role to the functions for which they have been professionally prepared?  Should collections be stripped of information potentially valuable to terrorists, such as local maps or disaster plans, or would that constitute inappropriate censorship?

Different libraries responded differently.  I hope that Trustees have, first, thanked your library staffs for doing what they thought best for your community.  Next, this is a good time for Trustees to actively review your library's plans for coping with emergencies, to see how well they worked and to incorporate lessons learned.

Looking forward, libraries will play a crucial role in shaping the new face of America.  The library community has long been a bastion of our open society, and of ensuring open access to information.  Yet, reasonable people are now asking whether the line should be moved a little - whether a small reduction in freedom will lead to a great increase in safety.  This is a public discussion in which libraries and their supporters must participate.

Contact Senator Farley at 518-455-2181.

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By Mable Robertson, NYSALB Trustee, Legislative Chair

As long as I can remember, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's has been one of the happiest and brightest times of the year.  Despite the growing winter chill, the warmth of family and friends make the holiday season special in so many ways.  The season also gives us pause to consider what really matters in our lives-a time to set our priorities and to cherish the ones we love and value.

This year it is especially so.  On September 11th our world changed in many ways.  Clearly, the attacks on the World Trade Center made us painfully aware of the dangers we face in the modern world.  Yet, out of the fear and pain of that tragic day, it also allowed us to reevaluate the importance of community - of standing together united during these difficult days.

All New Yorkers shared in the tragedy of September 11th, especially those residing and working in New York City.  In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, New York City's public libraries played a particularly important role in informing and calming the community.  At the Brooklyn Public Library, the doors were open on September 12th.  At the Central Library and in branches across the borough, parents and caregivers brought children into a warm and welcoming space for storybooks and storytelling.  Many came to the library to check out a book, to rent a video-to find solace in the comfort of routine.  To cope with the resulting emotional distress,

Brooklyn Public Library bought numerous titles designed to cope with grief, anxiety and the new reality of a world changed forever.  Brooklyn Public Library was not alone; indeed New York City's other systems and libraries across New York State provided the same essential services in the days and weeks following the tragedy.  As a library trustee, I am grateful that public libraries demonstrate daily their vital role in our communities.

Since September we have had to reevaluate how to deal with our changed reality.  Libraries across the state have been surveying their security and safety procedures.  As trustees, we have an obligation to our patrons and staff to ensure that buildings and grounds are fully protected.  We also have to maintain the delicate balance between guaranteeing physical protection and ensuring that privacy and intellectual inquiry are also respected.

Also, as trustees we have to adjust to a new economic climate that challenges libraries across the state.  While the nation was entering a recession before September, New York State subsequently faced a vastly compounded situation.  Governor Pataki and State legislative leaders have the unenviable task of wrestling with reduced revenue and high rebuilding costs.

In New York City the problems are aggravated even further, with multi-billion dollar budget gaps projected in the coming years.  Libraries are partners in meeting these difficult challenges. While the days ahead will be difficult, I believe that working together as a united library community we will emerge stronger and better than before.

In these challenging times, I wish the entire NYSALB community a warm, uplifting and blessed holiday season.  May the coming year bring peace and calm to our world.

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Save the date!  Plan to join other library trustees at the Holiday Inn Turf in Albany, Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 2002 for the NYSALB Trustee Institute.

Friday, May 3:  A REPEAT PERFORMANCE
Friday evening dinner participants will have the opportunity to network with trustees from libraries of all sizes.  Those who attended in previous years were so enthusiastic about this part of the program that is has been decided to give you this opportunity again.  It is a time to share your successes and to learn how others deal with library problems, programs and activities.

Saturday, May 4  Choose One At Each Time

9:00 AM: HOW TO BECOME A PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Jim Farrell from Library Development and David Krogmann, a NYSALB trustee will present this timely program.  The Regents initiative, NEW CENTURY LIBRARIES, recommends the formation of Public Library Districts to promote the availability of service and to improve local support for public libraries.

9:00 AM: TRUSTEE MARKETING/ADVOCACY
Patricia Owens is the former Director of Development at the Connecticut State Library.  Today, she is a well-established private consultant who provides assistance to local library boards, staff, and friends groups on marketing and advocacy issues.  She helped in the reopening of the Corning library.  She is a very well respected consultant.

10:30 AM: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION & OPEN MEETING LAW
Robert J. Freeman is the Executive Director of the Committee on Open Government.  A dynamic speaker, he will discuss and take questions throughout his presentation on public access to government records and meetings of public bodies - including a variety of library boards.  He will also discuss the thrust of Open Meeting Laws.

10:30 AM: DISASTER PlANNING
Barbara Lilley, Library Development Specialist II, will help you look to the future and be prepared for an unexpected event in your library.  She will address what can be done to ward off a disaster, what steps can be taken to prepare for aL disaster, and what to do if disaster strikes.

12:00 PM: TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES IMPACTING LIBRARY SERVICES (AND LUNCH)
Carey Hatch, the Assistant Provost for Library and Information Services. He coordinates technology services among the 64 SUNY campus libaries, and will share with us the changes impacting library services.

Invitations to the Trustee Institute will be mailed in February.  Please plan on joining your fellow trustees for this worthwhile learning experience.

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By Eleanor Charwat, President, Board of Trustees, Poughkeepsie Public Library District

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District recently concluded a four-month process to select a fund raising consultant for our upcoming capital campaign, which will help fund a major facilities expansion. The majority of the funding will come from municipal bonds, which will go before the voters in a public referendum.  Other libraries may benefit from an explanation of our process.

The Board of Trustees agreed to send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to fund raising consultants in July.  This RFP included background on our library (size, budget), the scope of the project (two phases - feasibility study and conduct of capital campaign), timing of the project, and deadline date (August). The RFP was mailed to 14 fundraising consultants, compiled from sources given by the Mid-Hudson Library System, contacts in non-profit organizations and other libraries in the area.

I asked four people plus myself to serve on an ad hoc committee to review the proposals, interview the consultants and check references: two board members, a member of the Friends of the Library board, and a former fund raising professional from an area college. The committee met several times from August to October to review the four proposals received interview the consultants, first by phone, then in person, at our library, and check references. We agreed on a set of questions for the consultant interviews and the reference checks.

The committee also agreed on the criteria for selection:

• Documented success rate
• Experience with library projects on a scale with ours
• Someone we would be comfortable working with
• Quality of written materials
• Personal presentation
• Range of services available
• Cost
• Availability
• Timeliness
• Grant experience

After the interviews and reference checks, the ad hoc committee met to review the candidates vis-à-vis the above criteria. The committee then made its recommendation, which was reported to the Library Board at its October meeting.  The Board of Trustees authorized hiring the recommended consultant to conduct a feasibility study, that would include:

• Identification of 75-100 prospective interviewees, preparation of a case statement, and preliminary estimates of project benefits and costs;
• Development of a customized questionnaire for the personal interviews;
• Interviews with 60 community leaders, friends, and benefactors;
• A grass roots direct mail questionnaire mailed to 1,000 residents including potential donors and library patrons;
• A report that will include an evaluation of the findings of the interviews and questionnaires, recommendations for the financial goal of the capital campaign, a case presentation, campaign plan, potential major donors, prospective campaign leadership, an operational budget and time line.

The role of the library's executive director was to be involved and informed; but the responsibility for fund raising rests with the board of trustees. We asked the executive director to sit in on the ad hoc committee for the consultant interviews and selection.

Next steps:

The board president will identify and recruit a 7-9 member feasibility study committee made up of board and community members;

• The newly formed committee will approve feasibility study tools such as the case statement and questionnaires;
• The board and committee will determine a list of potential interviewees;
• Library staff will mail interview request letters to the interviewees;
• The consultants will conduct interviews and mail the questionnaires;
• The consultants will write the report and make a presentation to the board and committee.

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by Dr. William Taber, NYSALB Trustee

At first, it seems incongruous even to conceive of public libraries and of war in the same thought. Places of refuge, of study, of access to the knowledge and to some of the beauty that humankind has produced are not easily reconciled with murder, horror, death, and fear. However, our nation was plunged by September 11 into a multiple-front war, and the facts of deadly terrorism within our own domestic boundaries and the country's response to this inevitable threat are a tide of history that sweeps up to and over our libraries as well.

As best as I can in limited space, I'm going to point out a couple of the problems that I see in the future of public libraries.

First, libraries are already besieged by social and political groups who fear open access to knowledge and who target libraries as the sources of unwelcome knowledge, whether that knowledge be about sex, secularism, competing religions, technology, unpopular political literature or any other of the endless kinds of information that some group or other deems to be contrary to their own views or beliefs. The result is always an attempt to control and to restrict. The combination of a narrow intellectual focus and an emotional feeling of certainty tends to allow such people to use any means available to them to further their cause without qualms of conscience. In fact, terrorists themselves are extreme examples of such attitudes.

In time of war (whether it be a conventional war among countries or a 21st Century terrorist war), the pressures to control and restrict are enhanced by arguments that security needs must be paramount: hence the proposed control and restriction are now matters of life and death, and resistance to them is criminal or unpatriotic.

Examples of the first step toward this attitude may be seen in the media claims that soon surfaced that terrorists had used public library computers to communicate with each other. (So what? Otherwise they would have used telephones, the mail, drops, couriers, etc. to get their job done. Conspiracy has a long history.) There were also stories that you can find bomb-making information in libraries or on the internet. (Again, so what? You can find similar information in a lot of other places as well if you hunt for it.) I haven't seen any verification of these reports about library involvement in terrorism, but they were published anyway, and they will probably come back in future months. As time goes on, the pressures to restrict the rights of others to obtain information will increase.

What should be the library's response to this? Basically, the library must now DISTINGUISH between (1) the occasionally possible real threat to our society that might be promoted through library resources and (2) the far more likely "war profiteering" by those who use the turmoil, uncertainty and pain of war-time as an opportunity to advance their own selfish interests, whether these interests be ideological, financial, political, or otherwise, by defining and propagandizing the threats in ways that will be useful to them.

A real threat to our society might be the use of a library computer to "hack" into financial, military, or air control systems to cause nation-wide crashes. Likely? No, since anybody sophisticated enough to do such a thing could scrape together a couple hundred dollars to buy a used computer and do it at leisure with much more security. Possible? Yes, it is remotely possible, and if you or I were to see and recognize that a patron was trying to do such a thing, we should and would blow the whistle instantly.

Does this remote possibility mean that the access of Americans to our library resources must be censured, monitored, and documented? Of course not; not if we wish to preserve our freedoms from the strictures of our own domestic groups who are almost Taliban-like in their willingness to exercise controlling power over others, if given the chance. War time always means losses, but the worst loss that a free nation can suffer at war would be the disintegration of any of the institutions that support its freedom and democracy. Once lost, they are usually gone forever. The public library and the intellectual freedom and opportunity that it supports are among not only the blessings of a free society but are also among the foundations and support of that free society.  Our war aim must be to preserve them.

Second, it is conceivable that some public libraries could become targets of terrorism. "What! My library could be bombed, attacked, gassed? That wouldn't make any sense!" Unfortunately, it does make sense in accordance with well established theories of terrorism. The purpose of acts of terrorism is to create a reaction  - (1) in the targeted population, and (2) in the government.

The desired reaction among the public is uncertainty shot-through with fear, a withdrawal from the normal activities that keep a society healthy and its people sane, and an increasing doubt about the power of the government to really protect them. Hence, targeting includes malls, workplaces, buses, discotheques, sporting events, churches ... why not libraries? People who are educated, active and productive are perfect targets, and they tend to congregate in places from which they can draw value to make their lives more productive and supportable. In addition, our libraries are priceless repositories of our culture and knowledge, which is the very basis of our civilization, and which is indeed hated and feared by some groups in this world.

Libraries, as well as museums, eventually may find themselves facing moral and legal responsibilities to protect themselves from terrorist attacks and to mitigate damages to patrons if they were to be attacked. The list of possible methods of terrorist attack seems to grow steadily since September 11; so the problem is a bit mind-boggling.  Nevertheless, your library's disaster plans should now be looked at with these possibilities in mind.

The reaction by government that terrorists traditionally want is a combination of repression and ineffectiveness in dealing with the threat. This gradually erodes the legitimacy of government in the minds of the public. Frequently, an energized but bewildered government, sometimes unduly influenced by the "war profiteers" of this world, goes to extremes in attempts to solve the terrorism problem, and the results are a loss of freedom, a vanishing of rights, a forgetting of the inherent values of democracy and justice.

Libraries - even in a time of war - are like nature preserves in the midst of some region of frantic "development" that threatens the ecological basis for life on our planet. Libraries can help preserve and eventually renew the lessons of human experience that stretch far back beyond the furies and possible excesses of the present moment. But the nature preserve must be defended.

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Most of us have a set of rules for the many different activities in which we become involved. Some of the rules are universal while some are specific to one area.  A while back, the Mid-Hudson Library System printed a special set of rules for library trustees called "Good Rules for Trustees."  We hope they don't mind if we borrow their copy.

Noses in, fingers out!
Ask tough questions!
Money is your problem!
No trustee has special authority!
Board meetings under two hours!
Public agreement with board decisions!
Work on the issue, not the person!
Take complaints seriously!
Have fun!

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What is an Oath of Office?

Public Officer's Law requires public officials to take and file an Oath of Office. This requirement is set forth in Public Officer's Law #10, which provides in part that "(e)very officer shall take and file the Oath of Office required by law."  The oath to which public officers must affirm is set forth in Section I, Article XIII of the New York State Constitution, and provides:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of __________, according to the best of my ability."

Who is required to take an Oath of Office?

All public officers are required to take and file an Oath of Office, unless specifically exempted by statute. Library trustees are considered public officers and must therefore take and file an Oath of Office. Public Officer's Law #10;23 Opinions of the State Comptroller 980.  The oath must be taken and filed by trustees of all types of public libraries (village public, town public, city municipal, special legislative district public and school district public libraries.

Is a trustee of an association library required to file and Oath of Office?  

No. Trustees of association libraries are not considered public officers but rather are considered trustees of a private, not-for-profit organization incorporated (chartered) by the Regents or created by a special act of the legislature.

Where should a library trustee file his or her Oath of Office?

Public Officer's Law specifies that a trustee or officer of a public library shall file the Oath of Office with the clerk of the county in which her or she resides.

Who administers the Oath of Office?

Public Officer's Law #10 specifies a number of officials who are authorized to administer an Oath of Office. For a library trustee, the oath can be administered by either the clerk of the county in which the trustee resides or the president of the public library's board of trustees, provided the president has taken an Oath of Office. In addition, any judge of the Court of Appeals, the Attorney General or any officer authorized to take the acknowledgement of the execution of a deed of real property in the state can administer the Oath of Office.

Is there a specific time frame for filing an Oath of Office?

Yes. A public officer is required to file his or her Oath of Office within 30 days of commencing the term of office for which he or she is chosen, in the case of an elective office, or in the case of an appointive office within 30 days after the commencement of such term. Public Officer's Law #30(l)(h).

Why is it important to file an Oath of Office?

The official oath is required by law for the trustee to officially undertake and faithfully discharge the duties of a trustee.

Where can I get more information on Oaths of Office?

For further information on Oaths of Office and other aspects of library trusteeship, contact your public library system. Additional information is also available from Janet M. Welch, State Librarian - e-mail: jwelch2@mail.nysed.gov

Source: Division of Library Development, New York State Library, New York State Education Department.

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By Marcella O'Hanlon, NYSALB Trustee

While in Hogansburg, New York, be sure to visit the Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center at 321 State Route 37.   This library straddles the border of New York and Canada and is very interesting as it is part of the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation.  It has a collection of more than 28,000 books which have been selected to provide for the educational and entertainment needs of the concerned community of Native American people that wish to preserve their culture and fulfill the needs of future generations.  

The Native Collection is one of the largest in the northern New York area.  It has over 2,400 volumes containing information on Native people throughout the United States and Canada. Carol White is the director of the Akwesasne Cultural Center and Akwesasne Library.

Editorial Note: Please let us know if you would like to see your library featured in the Library Circuit. If you will let us know, we will try and schedule an article. We need only two items. Some brief background information about your library and a photograph. The photo can be of the exterior of the library or some interior section that you feel is important to the article.

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Joseph Eisner has been named the winner of NYSALB's Velma Moore - 2001 Award.  The presentation was made at the Award Ceremony at the annual NYLA/NYSALB conference in Albany in late October. In addition to being selected for the prestigious award Mr. Eisner received a specially designed plaque and $750. to donate to the library or library service of his choice.

Recipients of the award are selected on the basis of their contributions to the development of library services in New York State.

Mr. Eisner, who recently retired as Director of the Plainedge Public Library, has dedicated himself to the advancement of Library Science for the past 47 years.  During his years in the profession, he has served as a library director, library board trustee and library school instructor.

Through the years, he has been an active participant in innumerable regional, state and local library related committees, workshops, planning and building programs. Mr. Eisner is the author of the "Library Trustee and New York State Library Law - A Brief Introduction", originally published in New York State Bookmarks.

The Velma Moore Award was established in 1962 to honor the memory of Velma Moore who worked actively for the improvement of New York State library services from 1947 to her death in 1961.  As one of the chartered members of the Library Trustees Foundation of New York State (predecessor of NYSALB), she served two terms as Foundation president and was a member from its inception. Velma Moore also served as a trustee of the Kenmore Public Library  located near Buffalo, NY for 33 years and was the wife of Lieutenant Governor Frank C. Moore.

For information about the forthcoming 2002-Velma Moore Award, please contact the NYSALB office at 338 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207 (phone:518-434-5973; fax:518-434-0072; email: karen@carrpa.com).

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Sara Dallas, Outreach Consultant and Deputy Director of the Upper Hudson Valley Library System, Albany, NY, have been named the New York Library Association's liaison with this organization's affiliates including NYSALB.

Ms. Dallas, one of three Councilors-at-Large on the NYLA Council, is now the official connection between NYLA and NYSALB. Part of her duties will be attending the regular board meetings of the New York State Association of Library Boards. She expects to provide input on NYLA activities  as well as alerting her organization to specific actions and program activities of NYSALB.

Elected to the three-year Counselor-at-Large position in October 2001, Ms.Dallas has lived or worked in New York City, Long Island, Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, Buffalo and Albany.

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Vol. XIII, No. 1, Winter 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 Rensselaer, NY and an additional mailing office...USPS#010-872, ISSN:1085-3170. Volume XIII Issue #1, 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: Nancy Simaitis
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Judy Rosen
TREASURER: Richard Strauss
SECRETARY: Martina Thompson
ASSOCIATION MANAGER: Karen K. Dyer

DIRECTORS:
Edwin M. Field, Monticello
Joan Hurley, Erin
Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, Cortlandt Manor
David Bruce Krogmann, Glens Falls
George Manitzas, Freeport
Marcella O'Hanlon, Lindenhurst
Samuel Patton, Hopewell Junction
Mable Robertson, Brooklyn
Judy Rosen, Albany
Nancy Simaitis, Waverly
Audrey J. Smith, Nunda
Richard Strauss, Memphis
Dr. William Taber, Richfield Springs
Martina Thompson, Pittsford
Dr. Robert Wells, Canton

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