Winter 2008
President’s Memo
By Richard Strauss, NYSALB Board President
Firstly, let me share some comments I had the opportunity to make at the Legislators Look Ahead to 2008 at the NYLA Conference in October:
I have only two points to make.
First, Let me ask some questions.
Who, by law, is responsible for managing $1.3 billion dollars of public and private annual income, including $1 billion in local, state, and federal public funding?
Who, by law, is responsible for the oversight of several billion dollars in assets including buildings, equipment and $1.3 billion in collections?
Who, as a group, are the least prepared and equipped to meet those fiscal and legal responsibilities?
Library trustees!!!
Some 7,000 library and library system trustees in New York State are responsible for governing 755 local public libraries and 23 library systems with 1,100 facilities.
There are no ongoing, comprehensive State-approved education or training programs for library trustees in New York State. There is a pressing need to train trustees about their fiscal oversight and stewardship responsibilities. There is a need to provide them with the current information and tools necessary to successfully carry out this critical policy and fiscal oversight role.
NYSALB proposes an initiative to fill this need. Our proposal is modeled after legislation to provide mandatory training for school boards.
Trained library boards can save communities money by making informed decisions regarding personnel issues, legal matters, negotiations and contractual obligations.
The time is now to press forward with this legislation.
Secondly, let me paraphrase the late Martin Luther King Jr., I have a dream…
My dream is to provide libraries with consistent, stable, and adequate funding.
My dream is to meet with my legislators each year, not to beg for subsistence, but to plan strategic initiatives. Not to grovel for 1993 funding, but to make plans to bring libraries into the 21st century. Not to plead to hold harmless libraries affected by the latest census, but to plan a vision where everyone is able to read and have full access to our libraries.
NYSALB has begun the process to make Trustee Training mandatory. On October 22 four of the NYSALB Board met with Dave Smingler from State Senator Hugh Farley’s office. Senator Farley is the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries. Later that day three of us met with Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology. Our goal was the same with both visits. We were pushing for legislation to require Mandatory Trustee Training for library trustees. With the mandatory training we are asking for $500,000 to support the preparation of the curriculum and delivery of the training. This coincides with the Board of Regents and the State Library’s 2008 Legislative recommendations.
On November 16 we also met with members of Governor Spitzer’s staff presenting the same message.
Why is this important? Depending on where you are located in New York State, trustee training may be excellent, well funded, and presented often. Or on the other hand, it may be presented occasionally, with little forethought. NYSALB feels it is important to provide consistent training on trustees’ fiscal and governance responsibilities regardless of where you may live.
During this upcoming legislative cycle be sure to ask your state representatives to support mandatory trustee training.
“The time has come,” the Walrus said…Let’s hope we don’t have to wait until pigs have wings.
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NYSALB’s Trustee Training Proposal is on the “Bleeding” Edge
By State Senator Hugh T. Farley, Chair, Senate Subcommittee on Libraries and
Member of Assembly Amy Paulin, Chair, Committee on Libraries and Education Technology
We strongly believe in life-long learning. As technology, globalization, and human knowledge advance at increasing rates, few people actually do the things we were taught to do in school. Formal education should teach us how to learn, while we need various forms of continuing education to teach us how to work and function in society.
NYSALB has proposed legislation to ensure that library trustees — both elected and volunteer — receive training about their significant legal, financial, and leadership responsibilities. We have agreed to introduce this proposal in the State Legislature.
If signed into law, this legislation would put library trustees at the cutting edge of professionalism, particularly among elected offices. Currently, only a handful of elected positions — school board members, elected assessors, and non-lawyer town justices — require formal training as a condition of holding office.
Specialized education is hardly a new idea for library trustees. Most public library systems have long offered formal “introductory courses” for new trustees, as well as seminars and programs covering advanced topics. And, library trustees are bound to be active patrons of their own public library — the institution often labeled “the people’s university.” New York‘s first requirement of formal training for elected governing board members dates back only to 2005. A law adopted that year, reacting to reports of financial scandals, increased requirements for auditing and financial oversight of school districts and, almost as an afterthought, required school board members to receive formal financial management training as a condition of holding office.
Hence, NYSALB’s proposal, although to be applied to all library trustees, whether or not elected, would be, for elected trustees, the first required training for elected officials born neither of specialization (as with assessors) nor of crisis (as with the school boards). Being on the leading edge (sometimes called the “bleeding edge”) has its advantages and disadvantages.
On the plus side, the professionalism engendered by required trustee training is likely to improve library management and to attract more qualified board candidates, although some would argue that the extra effort could reduce the pool of trustee candidates.
As we have discussed the idea, however, three issues have been raised. First, some people are philosophically opposed to any constraints, including post-election office-holding requirements, on a decision made by the voters. Second, others ask why we need to spend $500,000 a year when many library systems already provide trustee education. And, some recommend a cooperative approach with the New York Library Association (NYLA), which is expected to seek continuing education provisions for certified librarians.
These are valid questions which will require negotiation, education, and cooperation to resolve. We commend the members of NYSALB for taking the lead in this discussion, and look forward to working with you.
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Spanish Language Outreach Program
Results for New York’s Libraries
By Cassandra Artale, Library Development Specialist, and Michael Finnerty, Graduate Student Assistant, New York State Library.
The New York State Association of Library Boards and the New York State Library partnered for the Spanish Language Outreach Program, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation U.S. Libraries Program and WebJunction initiative to help libraries reach out to Spanish speakers in their communities. A grant of $91,200 was made to New York’s libraries during the fall of 2006 for participation in Round 2 of the national Spanish Language Outreach Program.
The training grant helped trustees, library and library system staff as well as library graduate students learn outreach techniques for the Spanish speaking community.
Overall, 756 people took park in 47 workshops held between October 2006 and May 2007.
Trustees can often make the important connections between libraries and the Spanish speaking community through their own network of associates. Because community leaders are integral to the Spanish Language Outreach Program’s goal of fulfilling need as expressed by community members, library board members and the relationships they have within all segments of the community are especially valuable.
The Spanish Language Outreach program in New York State
had three phases. First, the staff members appointed by the twelve participating public library systems joined State Library and WebJunction staff in Albany for the three-day Training Institute. Next, the new trainers returned to their library systems to schedule and present three training workshops each to local library personnel and trustees in their regions. The final phase consisted of trainer and state follow-up with workshop participants. This follow-up was accomplished in several ways: one-on-one contacts and consulting; group sharing through meetings, listservs, and library or system events; and the state level follow-up program, “Spanish Language Outreach Success Stories,” presented at the New York Library Association’s Annual Conference in Buffalo. These programs allowed for sharing of experiences and reports on community connections and library program successes and challenges.
A basic principle of the Spanish Language Outreach Program is the importance and value of working with community leaders before the library determines what services can or will be offered to any target population. Spanish Language Outreach Program workshop participants practiced how to contact and begin to establish a relationship with leaders in the Spanish-speaking community. Trustees and other community leaders serve on panels during the workshops, and this aspect of the workshop day was often cited as the most valuable part of the training.
The workshops have resulted in new outreach efforts and programming in libraries statewide. A few examples are:
- Libraries in Rochester and Buffalo plan to set up booths at upcoming Puerto Rican cultural festivals to promote the libraries’ offerings;
- The Suffolk Cooperative Library System on Long Island translated local history pamphlets to help Spanish-speaking residents learn about their new home;
- The Patchogue-Medford Library and Buffalo & Erie County Public Library are among libraries offering a language café where community members can meet other learners and practice speaking English;
- The Sodus Public Library has hired a teacher to provide basic Spanish lessons for the entire staff;
- The Mid-York Library System is working with local correctional facilities and a Latino community organization to develop a better Spanish-
language collection.
- Many libraries have added Spanish-language computer skills classes and translated brochures, information guides, and library web sites.
Other partners in the program included the public library systems of New York State, the Mid-Hudson Library System, the New York Library Association, and the Public Library System Directors Organization.
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From the Editor’s Desk
Sam Patton, TRUSTEE Editor
Trustee training is becoming a more visible need to the Legislature, NYSALB and NYLA. When our small Free Association Library became a Legislative District Library, we quickly realized that we needed a lot more information. I have also talked with a friend who is a long time member of the State School Boards Association, who supported the change to make training mandatory for School Board members.
So be sure to take advantage of our own Trustee Institute at Saratoga Springs in May. There will be more information in the next TRUSTEE, and on our web site. Not only will you find spring in Saratoga a pleasant time to visit, you will have an opportunity to hear from many experienced people on subjects of interest to Trustees. And perhaps just as important, you will have a chance to meet informally and discover who has had, or solved, a problem similar to yours, or knows someone who has.
I have attended many workshops, seminars, expositions, and technical society meetings all over the US, Canada, and a lot of Europe for almost 50 years, covering computer science, mathematics, school systems, and libraries. And I think that my observation after the first few has held true: that at least 50% of the value came from personal contacts and informal conversations, and the other 50% from the formal presentations.
So come not just to listen, but to participate. If you have a subject you want to talk about, seek out any member of the NYSALB Board. We will always be ready to listen, and try to put you in touch with people who can help.
Become (or continue to be) active in keeping library interests on the radar screen of your local Assembly and Senate representatives. Join NYLA and NYSALB in Albany on March 11, 2008 for the annual Library Lobby Day. It is important that Trustees are represented and visible supporters. Trustees are volunteers, not paid employees, and we carry more weight with legislators than we sometimes realize.
Meet with your representatives at their local offices. Keep them informed on what your library is doing. Invite them to any special events, get a photo and get the picture in the local paper. Establish contact with their local office staff, so they know you and the library. Thank them publicly when they do something to help your library.
I hope many of you will be in Saratoga in May.
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Should a Keyboard be Dishwasher Safe?
Sam Patton, TRUSTEE Editor
This small item came to me as an ad, which I have tried to reproduce here.
“The average keyboard harbors 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat,” Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona.
Your library and school computers are a health hazard!
Here is what the experts say...
“Harmful bacteria can survive as long as 24 hours on computer keyboards.” Dr. Gary K. Knoski, Northwestern Memorial.
Why clean your Keyboards and Mice ?
“All computer keyboards in public areas should be routinely disinfected every day.” Dr. William Rutala, University of North Carolina.
Seal Shield is the first and only fully dishwasher safe keyboard and mouse solution on the market. We have built this product to help tackle infections, and the spread of germs in ... libraries... or any public areas.
I have not done a search of the faculty records to see if there are a Dr. Gerba, a Dr. Knowski or a Dr. Rutala at any of the places cited, nor have I browsed to their web site, www.sealshield.com.
The ad certainly caught my eye, especially with the new publicity about strains of bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, and how they spread so readily.
Clearly, this is not an endorsement of any particular product. If any library has tackled this problem, I’d appreciate hearing from you, by email or postal mail to NYSALB in Albany.
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Regents Propose “New York Library Initiative” For 2008
By Janet M. Welch, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries
The Board of Regents approved a budget and legislative proposal that, if passed by the Legislature and Executive, would provide more State support for public libraries and systems in 2008. Training for New York’s public library trustees is a key component of that proposal. The New York Library Initiative includes increased support for public library construction and renovation, library systems, all library programs in Education Law, trustee training, literacy, school readiness programs, and a robust Statewide Internet Library.
Libraries and Library Systems
The New York Library Initiative would continue and make permanent the $8 million in Library System Supplemental aid from 2007-2008. There would also be a $3 million inflationary increase for all library aid programs in Education Law.
Trustee Training
The proposal also recommends $750,000 to provide training for trustees of libraries, library systems, museums and public broadcasting. It is anticipated that the New York State Association of Library Boards will be a key partner with the State Library and the public library systems in developing and delivering this service.
Public Library Construction
While many public libraries were helped by one-time appropriations of $14 million for public library construction in 2006 and 2007, a recent needs assessment shows that there remains a $2.1 billion statewide need for construction and renovation. The “New York Library Initiative” would provide $20 million in ongoing support for public library construction grants to enable public libraries to continue to renovate facilities and provide energy efficiency and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Statewide Internet Library
Following the overwhelming success of the NOVELNY pilot project, the New York Library Initiative proposes $10 million to grow and sustain a permanent Statewide Internet Library. Included in the $10 million would be ongoing support for library systems to assist their member libraries in using new technologies and for additional statewide digital resources.
Growing Readers @ the Library
The New York Library Initiative also proposes $7.5 million for the “Growing Readers @ the Library” program. Included is $5 million for early literacy programs in
partnership with public television stations, $1 million for library summer reading programs, and $800,000 for library materials and services to New Yorkers with disabilities. Another $750,000 would enable the New York State Library and New York State Archives to open to the public on Saturdays.
School Library Materials Aid
In addition to the New York Library Initiative, the Regents included an item in the State Aid to Schools proposal to increase School Library Materials Aid from the current $6.25 per pupil to $10 per pupil.
For more information go to the New York Library Initiative web site at :
www.nysl.nysed.gov/fundingproposals/ or contact Janet M. Welch, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries, at (518) 474-5930 or via email at jwelch2@mail.nysed.gov
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Trustees Can Help Make Newest Gates Foundation Initiative a Success!
by Mary Linda Todd, Library Development Specialist, New York State Library
All public libraries in New York State offer free computer and Internet access to their communities. However, many library trustees find it a challenge to obtain ongoing funds to maintain or upgrade the equipment and the connections necessary to deliver quality technology services to their customers.
An exciting new statewide matching grants initiative from the State Library and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help some 420 public library facilities in New York to better address these funding challenges. Trustees have an opportunity to play a significant role in ensuring that their libraries remain eligible for these computer grants by helping library staff fulfill the multiple grant requirements of the Gates Foundation.
The new initiative, the Gates Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program, will bring over 2,100 computers valued at $5.6 million to some 292 public libraries beginning in 2008. The two-year matching grant program, running through December 2009, will pay for public computer workstations, associated training, and technology support. The Gates Foundation requires all participating libraries to provide a 25 percent match in 2008 and a 50 percent match in 2009. Funds remaining after computer purchases may be spent on related technology peripherals such as printers, printing supplies, scanners, and special keyboards and monitors to serve special populations.
The 292 public libraries chosen by the Gates Foundation as program participants are libraries that serve high need communities, in which 10 percent or more than 3,000 people live in poverty. These libraries have also demonstrated that their computer and internet services are vulnerable to becoming obsolete by running TechAtlas, an online computer inventory program. It is a requirement that TechAtlas be run multiple times during the grant period. The libraries are also required to complete several online technology surveys conducted by the American Library Association.
Participating libraries must also fulfill additional eligibility requirements, such as attending a two-day advocacy workshop. The workshops are designed to provide library staff and trustees with the skills and resources necessary to seek increased funding, create community partnerships, and build alliances. Each library will be invited to send up to three representatives, one of them being a trustee, to an advocacy workshop. The Gates Foundation has tentatively scheduled two such workshops for New York State, one on April 7-8 and the other on April 10 -11, 2008. Both workshops will be held at the lovely Sagamore Conference Center in Lake George, New York. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will cover participant costs for travel and lodging.
Complete information regarding the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program can be found on the New York State Library’s website at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/gateslib/hardware/index.html
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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT for VELMA MOORE AWARD – 2008
by Karen Achilles, NYSALB Trustee
It is time to submit your nomination for the Velma Moore Award. The award will be presented at the Trustees Institute May 2 – 3, 2008 at the Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs, NY.
This award was established in 1962 to honor the memory of Velma Moore who worked as a very effective library activist from 1947 to her death in 1961. Mrs. Moore was one of the chartered members of the Library Trustees Foundation of New York (predecessor of NYSALB). For two terms she was the organization’s president and also served as trustee, for 33 years, of the Kenmore Public Library (near Buffalo, NY). She was the wife of former NYS Lieutenant Governor Frank C. Moore. The award carries a $750 stipend to be donated to the library or library service of the award winner’s choice. The winner will be presented with an attractive engraved plaque at the NYSALB Trustee Institute each spring.
Our 2007 winner, Beth Peck, has been associated with the Western Sullivan Public Library at the Tusten-Cochecton Branch for over twenty years. The award has been a “wonderful boon” for the three tiny rural libraries that serve the Western Sullivan Library. The award monies were used to fund a Harry Potter Extravaganza that included many activities for the entire family. Retired patrons in the community now have a much larger collection of books on tape as a result of the award.
Think about community volunteers, library trustees, library friends, library staffers, in fact anyone whom you believe has made an important difference in your library community, or who has traveled that extra mile to make things significantly better and/or more effective for your library. Submit a one page nomination letter with relevant information that describes the individual’s commitment to library service. Include his or her name, address, phone number and email address. Send the nomination to the Velma Moore Award Committee at: kls823@rochester.rr.com or mail it to Karen Achilles, 4477 Snug Harbor, Geneva, NY. The nominator should include their full contact information as well. The deadline for submission of this prestigious annual award is February 15, 2008.
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Who, by law, is responsible for managing $1.3 billion dollars of public and private annual income, including $1 billion in local, state, and federal public funding?
Who, as a group, are the least prepared and equipped to meet those fiscal and legal responsibilities?
The answer is, you and me, and the other 7,000 library trustees in New York.
NYSALB has made significant strides in the last six months to help change this. See page 1 for more details. NYSALB is a not for profit membership organization which supports library trustees. We offer trustee training, lobby on library issues with the
legislature, with the ultimate goal of improving our libraries. This newsletter is one tool to keep trustees informed. Libraries subscribe as members on an annual basis, which automatically enrolls their trustees as members
of NYSALB. If you are receiving this newsletter, please thank your library director and board president for your membership. Individuals may also join independently at a rate of $10 per year.
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