Director's Report | Chairperson's Report | Committee Reports |
New Business | Future Meetings

Members Present:
Chair Joan Ress Reeves, Donald Deignan, Joanne Aspri, Jay Litman, Mark McKenney, Mary Cummings, Ann Crawford, Donna Good, Phyllis Harnick, Deborah Barchi, Joshua Teverow, Madelyn Rumowicz

Members Not Present:
Anne Kayarian, Dennis Cheek, William Shuey, Artemis Kirk, Rose Ellen Reynolds

Present from the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS):
Barbara Weaver, Donna Longo DiMichele, Laurie Scialabba

Observers:
Dale Thompson, Providence Public Library

Chair Reeves convened the meeting at 4:40 P.M.

Chair Reeves introduced Mark McKenney as a newly appointed member of the Library Board, awaiting confirmation by the Senate.

The Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries was distributed. The Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries can also be found on the web.

Ms Weaver updated the Library Board on the status of the Children's Internet Protection Act, which was added to the federal Budget Act. The American Library.

I. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the November 20, 2000 meeting will stand as circulated.

II. DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Ms. Weaver reported on the recruitment status of the position vacated by the retirement of Dorothy Frechette. Interviews have taken place and she is in the negotiation process. An announcement will be made shortly.

Association has hired legal counsel to protest that action. Since federal funds have not been used for Internet access by Rhode Island public libraries, nor have e-rate discounts been used directly by public libraries for Internet access, there does not appear to be a current problem for them. The issue of access through CLAN or RINet is not resolved, nor is the situation regarding school libraries. Questions and Answers on Children's Internet Protection Legislation was distributed.

Ms. Weaver has been assured that legislation for UCITA (Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act) will not be introduced in Rhode Island this year.

The Federal appropriation for the current year was passed very late. Rhode Island will receive approximately $40,000 more than was expected. Census 2000 was used and Rhode Island population increased by about 45,000 people. The money will be used to help make up the deficit this year.

Regulations for the public library construction/renovation reimbursement funding under 29-6-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws APPENDIX F was distributed. Clarification language has been added to specify certain costs that are not included in the cap on per square foot allowable costs. This is not a change in regulations, but a clarification to respond to questions about delineation of costs.

LORI Grants Awarded for Year 2001 was distributed by Donna Longo DiMichele. Seven applications for grants were received. Six of the applications were awarded grants totaling approximately $65,000.

III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

IV. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT

Chair Reeves reported on the LSTA (Library Services Technology Act) Reauthorization Task Force. A major change that is recommended would increase the appropriation from $150,000,000 to $500,000,000. $203,000,000 was appropriated this year. Federal funding for Rhode Island this year was $820,096. Within the $500,000,000 appropriation, the base grant to each state would double. ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) is also coming up this year. Senator Reed is supporting ESEA.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee on Legislation
The Advocacy Task Force Report of the meeting held on January 8, 2001 was distributed. Chair Reeves gave the Library Board an overview of the Advocacy Task Force meeting. The Advocacy Task Force voted, in principle, for the FY2002 Library Linx Project to include Virtual catalog interface, databases, multi-type linkages/networking, staffing and support, and resource sharing and delivery in the amount of $1,750,000. This amount is $500,000 greater than the amount for the Library Linx Project that the Library Board approved at the November 20, 2000 meeting. ARIHSL (Association of Rhode Island Health Sciences Librarians), SLA (Special Libraries Association) and RIEMA (Rhode Island Educational Media Association) voted in favor of supporting the Library Linx Project at the $1.75 million dollar level. The CLAN (Cooperating Libraries Automated Network) Steering Committee voted to recommend to the CLAN membership to support the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) Legislative Proposal, not the proposal supported by the Advocacy Task Force.

Ms. Crawford reported that the Legislation Committee moves that the Library Board support the FY 2002 Library Linx Project in the amount of $1,750,000.

When asked why CLAN did not support the Library Linx Project, Ms. Barchi, as CLAN president, responded that CLAN was unable to support numbers that do not have any data to support them. It would be hard to get legislative support. Other concerns were the amount of money for the project, and the issue of 25% state support for public libraries. Some libraries are not getting 25%. Discussion followed.

OLIS Survey Results: Library Subscriptions to CD and Online Resources was distributed. Ms. Weaver explained the survey. Approximately $500,000 is now spent on electronic resources that are available only to specific groups. The FY2002 Library Linx Project, if funded, would allow everyone to participate. Ms. Barchi will bring this information to the next CLAN meeting. Artemis Kirk, Cheryl Bannick, Joan Reeves and Alice Barrows of the Advocacy Task Force have volunteered to work on public relations for the project.

The Library Board voted to support the FY 2002 Library Linx Project in the amount of $1,750,000. There were no objections. Ms. Barchi abstained from the vote.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

None.

VII. AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

A revision of the Five-Year Plan for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will be sent in advance to the Library Board for review before the next meeting. There will be a vote on it at the next meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 26, 2001 at 4:30 P.M. at the Department of Administration, Conference Room B.

Chair Reeves read excerpts from the letter received from RILA stating that RILA will support the following issues: network development in the state; database licenses, a catalog interface, resource delivery service and a statewide union list of serials.

The Annual Meeting of the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at the State House. Joan Ress Reeves will receive the Sweetheart of the Year Award.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P.M.