ILA Board Meeting
Marlene Earnest called the meeting to order.
Members in Attendance: Kevin Booe, Dan Lester, Anne Abrams, Larry Almeida, Marlene Earnest, Rosmarie Fouad, Pam Bradshaw, Penni L. Cyr, Janet Strong, Kay A. Flowers, Sandra Shropshire, Tim Hillebrand, Heather Stout, and Vicki Kreimeyer Brown.
Revisions to Proposed Agenda: Reports will begin at
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: Minutes approved by Kevin Booe as written, seconded by Larry Almeida. Motion passed.
Reports:
President:
Marlene Earnest showed the Board a certificate of recognition from
First Vice-President:
A summary (Attachment A) from pre-conference at
Treasurer: (Attachment B): Pam Bradshaw reported that she has tried to reach BSU accounting several times, but no one has answered her calls about the possibility of auditing the ILA records. She is currently looking at alternative sources. Pam also stated that the IRS reported to her that there was no reason to worry about any carryover funds as they did not represent a substantial enough amount. Penni Cyr moved to approve the Treasurer’s report and Romy Fouad seconded. Motion passed.
Past President: Larry Almeida reported to the Board that nominations are open for some of the ILA Executive Board positions. (Attachment C) There was some confusion on past ballots, Larry reminded everyone that one can only vote for one’s own division. If the ballot represents the wrong division, the ballot is invalid. Discussion insued as whether to list biographies for each position. There was concern that at least the goals of the individuals nominated should be listed. Ballots must be mailed in September. Pam will provide the mailing list.
Conference Chair Report: (Attachment D: Draft) The main program has been set, but there may be 2-3 pre-conference workshops. Thirty individuals can be accommodated for the Mary Devlin workshop. The cost for the workshop is $50.00. Attendees for the Marco Polo pre-session will be charged $20.00, if the are ILA members, $50.00 for non-members. A teaser mailing will be going out very soon. The conference mailing is planned to be mailed mid-summer. The conference planning committee is still looking at entertainment possibilities.
State Librarian: Charles Bolles was unable to attend the meeting, but Anne Abrams has agreed to give an informal report (Attachment E). Charlotte Fowles will start working tomorrow for the Idaho State Library. The legislature approved $500,000.00 for LiLI. The Library is currently advertising for the LiLi position. The State Library is still analyzing how to deal with shortfall of state funds. Two Librarian positions were lost, and there are no funds for materials for the Read-to-me program.
Division Chair Reports:
Ed. Media: (Attachment F) The planned field trip with State Legislators was very successful according to those involved. Dr. Loerstcher addressed the Legislature as well. He refused to take any honorarium, but money was set aside by ILA for travel, etc. The money was not spent, he paid his own way. The $1200.00 is back in the hands of the board. The Coalition will meet May 3rd. At the meeting, the strategic plan will be reviewed. Dr. Loerstcher had two suggestions for the Coalition, 1. Increase funding to increase LiLi database use and, 2. Provide a bag of books program that includes 2 books: one book for kids to read to their parents, and another book for someone to read to them. Such a program will result in reading scores going up in a few years.
Public: Kevin Booe informed the Board about Tattered Covers, a 1st amendment case in which a refusal to turn over records was upheld by the supreme court. The biggest issue for Public Libraries right now is the CIPA case involving e-rate funding based on use of filters. Regardless of the outcome, the case will be appealed to the supreme court. Right now everything is sitting in a holding pattern while we wait for the outcome of the case. Kevin reported that the Directors compensation schedule is still a work in progress. Kevin remarked that the “Ask a Librarian,” campaign has been a great success with usage up over 100%. Glenda Rhodes will be presenting a workshop at ILA on this campaign. Kevin also reported to the Board that Boise is in the top national average for children’s programming.
Trustees/Friends: Tom Hillebrand reported that the mailing list is now compiled and the committee is also putting together a questionnaire. The end result will be a newsletter featuring information about what different libraries are doing, what boards are doing, etc. He wants to eventually publish it on the web, but will first publish it in print form.
Academic/Special: Marlene reported that she received an e-mail from Chris Ashby stating that his position has been cancelled at LCSC due to the State Funding cuts. He has resigned form the Board. His position was in collection development. Board members were asked to think about possible replacements to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming ballot for candidate-elect. Larry Almeida agreed to contact Ron Force about the possibility of a Librarian from University of Idaho as a possible replacement. The Board is also looking at individuals from all parts of the state.
PNLA Representative: (Attachment G) Susannah Price was unable to attend, but Kevin Booe reported for her that plans for the August PNLA meeting in Missoula, Montana are shaping up nicely and reservation information should be on the PNLA WebPages soon.
Idaho Librarian: (Attachments H & I): Sandra Shropshire informed the Board of Rules for posting to Idaho Librarian and what is policy and what is not. Some changes still need to be implemented. Sandi Ask if we can implement these changes. Discussion ensued. Dan and Sandi will present proposed changes at the next meeting.
ALA Councilor Report: (Attachment J) Issues that are to be discussed at the upcoming ALA conference include the CIPA trial which is currently at trial. Information regarding this case can be found at the ALA Website. The Patriot Act is also causing concern for libraries. The three areas of concern include: terrorist, records, and surveillance. The FBI presented a session on the Patriot Act at the ALA mid-winter conference and are encouraging libraries to participate. Kay also reported that ALA has created a separate body for Professional advocacy. The new body ALA/APA has been established to serve librarians themselves. It is placed in a different IRS category which effects lobbying, etc. It is a professional organization and it is not a non-profit. This body is pursuing the post MLS certification. Kay also reported that there is a draft interpretation on LibIdaho regarding the newly Revised Library Bill of Rights. Comments and suggestions are appreciated and encouraged. Kay also asked the Board to look into the possibility of including information on Patriot Act at the ILA conference.
Anne asked the Board if they would mind accompanying her at 12:15 p.m. at the Simplot Micron building as she is performing 7 minute speech needs an audience. Several members agreed to go. The Board recessed for Lunch.
Old Business: The 2001 Conference Committee (Pam, Larry, & Marlene) asked that regional conference funds to be carried over year to year. They have researched and discussed this issue since the last meeting. Currently we do not roll over any funds. Discussion insued. During the telephone conference in November with all the regional directors, the first agenda item will be to provide each director with the information that we still do not roll over funds year to year. All monies must be returned every year. Also each region needs to accept the seed money and open an account, they need to provide a report to the Treasurer, and they have to close the account and then send the money back to ILA.
Lynn Baird contacted Marlene Earnest to inform her that they are sending a school representative, Ann Joslin and herself to Washington DC on May 7 & 8 for Legislative Day.
Tim Hilldebran reported to the Board that he has asked Micron to give an annual E-Book award. They did not agree to the award this year, but Tom is pursuing the establishment of such an award.
New Business:
Membership: Anne reported that there is now in place a category for Corporate dues: (Attachment K) Anne requesting that the board make a new category for corporations not attending the conference, the fee to be set at $200.00. Discussion. Anne reported that there is a lot of support for such a category. Many vendors are bypassing smaller conferences, but they want to support the local libraries. Larry Almeida moved that “The membership budget line can be used to streamline the website.” Dan will still maintain the webpage. Seconded by Penni Cyr. Discussion. To read that “other budget lines that may increase awareness of ILA can also be used.” Both the ammendment and the original motion passed. Anne then moved “to create a corporate membership category at $200.00 for vendors not attending the conference with benefits.” Seconded by Kevin Booe. Motion passed.
Legislative Update: (Attachment L) Vicki Kriemeyer Brown reported that House bill 650 did not get any action. John has a draft report he will submit to the board. Vicki summarized the legislative actions during this session as follows: ILA was very pro-active in educating Idaho legislators on the importance of school librarians and certificated librarians. The house education committee also heard from Dr. Loertcher. We were unable to get an interim committee started, but great success was achieved in the education of legislators and positive progress was made. Attempts were made to get several bills printed and through the revenue tax committee. Senate bill 1478 was passed but it changed a bit from the original bill. House bill 688 passed – it was a revised bill from a previous session. John also worked with State library on both the Read-to-me and Lili funding. He did find support for the Read-to-Me program, but there wasn’t quite enough. Vicki announced that her committee will have a strategic plan on legislation for next session and encouraged members to get to know their legislators. She also suggested that the Board look into the possibility of having a Library PAC. Vickie asked that we re-evaluate the legislative reception. It is very intensive work or those involved and this year the turn-out was very low. Shall we try something different? Discussion insued. Suggestions included the possibility of perhaps a November Orientation or small groups talking with legislators. The book give-away is very successful, perhaps it could be expanded to include every legislator. Larry Almeida moved that “Vicki, John Watts, Kevin and Anne meet to re-evaluate our legislative breakfast and come up with a new proposal for making contact with the legislature” for the Board in October. They will e-mail the board by July. Seconded by Penni Cyr. Motion passed.
PNLA Leadership Institute: PNLA wants to establish an institute that teaches workshops on fundraising, session curriculum and learning styles, and evaluation techniques. Currently it is felt that there is not enough on actual procedures and steps, but a lot on this is to foster new goals within the library community. Discussion. Kevin moved “that ILA pay food, lodging and travel for Kay Flowers and Larry Almeida to attend the PNLA Leadership Institute Planning Session meeting in Vancouver, BC.” Anne second for Charlie Motion passed. Money to go to Leadership conference to be paid from Contingency fund as directed by the board.
Partnership between Library Associations/National Park Service/Corps of Discovery II: Correspondence from the Coordinator of the Corps of Discovery. The Corp questioned what role rural libraries have play in with in their local areas during the Corp. of Discovery. Last year ILA reported to the Corp that ILA would support local libraries in their local programming, but would not instruct local libraries as to what they should do.
Strategic Plan:
Goal I: (Attachment M): Encourage and maintain a vital and active organization and membership. Accomplish almost all goals as due help from Anne. Encourage everyone to post Membership at individual libraries.
Goal II: (Attachment N) Advocate and promote Idaho’s libraries.
Goal III: Promote intellectual freedom for all Idaho residents.
Goal IV: (Attachment O) Provide opportunities for continuing education and informal communication opportunities membership.
Goal V: Support and encourage the advancement of Idaho’s libraries into the electronic Age.
Romy Fouad reported that strategies and activities are quite specific to the goals. Most objectives are ok, but there aren’t any evaluation components. How is the Board to measure and monitor these plans in the future? Annual activities, and other activities need monitoring and evaluation. The same goals were re-assigned and specific suggestions are to be brought to the next board mtg. Please include measurable objectives. There should be close communication between the chairs and the board. Romy Fouad made a motion that read; “Be it moved that board members revisit the assigned goals of the ILA strategic plan, giving specific attention to the activites. Activities should be measurable, incorporate language for the board to monitor progress.” The motion was seconded by Penny Cyr. Motion carried.
Meeting was close to adjournment, but the Secretary had to leave to catch a plane.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Stout
Lewiston City Library