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

Members Present:
Chair Mark McKenney, Ann Crawford, Rose Ellen Reynolds, Deborah Barchi, Donna Good, Cristina Amedeo, Joshua Teverow, Alice Barrows

Members Absent:
Joanne Aspri, Dennis Cheek, Donald Deignan, Phyllis Harnick, Mary Cummings, Jay Litman, Joan Ankner

Present from the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS):
Anne Parent, Beth Perry, Laurie Scialabba

Observers:
Joan Ress Reeves, Peter Deekle

The meeting convened at 4:40 p.m. Chair McKenney thanked Donna Dufault, Director of North Kingstown Free Library, for hosting the Library Board meeting. Ms. Parent introduced John Etchingham, a retired faculty member of the URI GSLIS and a member of the COLA Board, to the Library Board and thanked him for COLA's sponsorship of the public meeting on LSTA that was to follow the LBRI meeting. Ms. Parent also introduced Peter Deekle, candidate for member of the Library Board representing academic librarians. Mr. Deekle is awaiting confirmation by the Senate. Introductions were made.

I. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the February 19, 2002 meeting were approved.

II. REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION

RILA's legislative proposal has been submitted and bills have been introduced in the House (sponsored by Rep. Betsy Dennigan) and in the Senate (sponsored by Senator Steven Alves.) The bill numbers are H7039 and S2523. A bookmark and postcard campaign has been launched in libraries throughout RI. "Talking Points" for the bill was distributed. No hearing dates have been set for the bills.

Information on the OLIS Library Programs Continuing Education Workshops for April - June 2002 was distributed. It was noted that this information is also available on the LORI website.

The Request for Proposal for the delivery system has been submitted to the Division of Purchasing. The current contract for the delivery system expires on June 30, 2002.

Ms. Parent spoke with Dr. Robert Carl, Director of Administration, about the Middletown Public Library construction project. The $1.5 million project would cost the state approximately $82,500 in FY 03 and FY 04, and would bring the state's total commitment to under $2.5 million. Dr. Carl will approve the project pending approval from the Budget Office.

Development of a new LSTA Five-Year Long Range Plan FY 2003-2007 has begun. The new plan is due to IMLS by the end of July. Two focus groups, for the LORI Committee and for selected library directors representing all types of libraries have been held. Two open forums are scheduled. The open forum for the public, sponsored by COLA, will be held today from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. directly after the Library Board meeting. Another forum for library staff of all levels will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on March 20, at the Warwick Public Library.

Ms. Reeves stated that reauthorization of LSTA is being discussed in Congress. It is hoped that it will be authorized and appropriated at $500 million dollars. "Small" states would benefit particularly if the base grant level is raised. David Macksam, President of RILA, will testify at the hearing on April 10. Senator Reed is co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

Reauthorization of LSTA will be a topic at the American Library Association National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., May 6 and 7, 2002. Library organizations in Rhode Island have been invited to send a representative to attend Library Legislative Day.

III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

IV. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

At Chair McKenney's request, Ms. Reeves reported that a committee from the Information Resources Management Board will go to Dr. Carl and the Governor regarding the concerns expressed by Mr. Litman about the physical facility housing the Information Technology Operations Center located in Johnston.

Chair McKenney has contacted the offices of Representative Patrick Kennedy and Representative James Langevin, requesting their consideration in co-sponsoring reauthorization of LSTA. Response appears to be favorable.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee on Planning and Budget
No meeting was held. Ms. Barrows will convene a meeting when needed to revise current year LSTA funding, after the bill for the LSTA Evaluation has been received.

Committee on Legislation
No meeting was held.

Committee on Public Relations
No meeting was held.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

None.

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT

Providence Public Library is preparing a comprehensive plan to renovate the central library and the branches.

LSTA evaluation process is still ongoing. The evaluator is expected to submit a report in April.

VII. AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2002, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P.M.