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

Members Present:
Chair Mark McKenney, Alice Barrows, Donald Deignan, Deborah Barchi, Donna Good, Rose Ellen Reynolds, Mary Cummings, Tovah Reis, Ann Crawford, Cristina Amedeo, Peter Deekle, Jay Litman

Members Absent:
Joshua Teverow, Phyllis Harnick, Joan Ankner, William Allen

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

Observers:
Dale Thompson, Providence Public Library; Joan Ress Reeves

The meeting convened at 4:35 p.m.

I. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the September 17, 2002 meeting were approved with the following clarification:Under CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT - From: Chair McKenney reported that he has spoken Congressman Kennedy about reauthorization of LSTA, and Congressman Kennedy is very supportive and indicated that he is “on board.” To: Chair McKenney reported that he has spoken to Mr. Vigue in Congressman Kennedy’s office about reauthorization of LSTA….”

II. REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION

An update of Library Board of Rhode Island Members – 2002 was distributed.

Ms. Parent was invited to Washington, D.C. to be present when First Lady Laura Bush presented the Providence Public Library with the 2001 IMLS National Award for Library Service in a ceremony at the White House. Copies of the speech by Dr. David Carr of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, were distributed. Photos provided by Dale Thompson of the Providence Public Library were passed around.

Ms. Parent brought copies of the September 2002 Library Journal issue in which Senator Jack Reed was named (LJ) Politician of the Year for 2002. There is no news yet on the reauthorization of the Library Services and Technology Act that provides Federal funding to state library agencies. If LSTA is not reauthorized it will continue on a “continuing resolution” in 2003, providing level-funding. Rhode Island would receive the same amount as last year, $820,300.

Ms. Perry reported that the Gates Foundation Library Grant Program will provide more than $386,000 in computer equipment to Rhode Island public libraries. Workshops will be held in Seattle, WA.

A transition document, which includes accomplishments since 1995 and hopes for the future, has been prepared for Governor-elect Carcieri. Nationwide, there is concern over the status of state library agencies. Copies of the resolution letter to the gubernatorial candidates and an open letter to the Providence Journal regarding placement of libraries at cabinet-level status and consideration in hiring a Chief Information Officer, as well as recommending the restoration of the Masters in Library Science degree to the requirement for a CIO were distributed.

In response to the op-ed piece by former Governor Bruce Sundlun suggesting that direct grants be eliminated due to the state budget fiscal crisis, Ms. Parent distributed a draft letter–to the editor in response to be sent to the Providence Journal. The letter will be sent with the chair of LBRI and the president of RILA as co-signatories.

An upcoming Continuing Education program of significance is on using free consumer health resources, and will be held at the DOA on December 9 from 3 to 6 p.m., at a time when it is hoped that school librarians will also be able to attend. Representatives of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region will demonstrate the free products and services available on NLM, PubMed and MEDLINE, that will help librarians answer health related questions. Representatives of ARIHSL will also be available to answer questions.

Providence Public Library has received authorization to move ahead with renovations and additions at the Rochambeau and South Providence branch libraries. These projects are expected to be completed in Spring 2003, with the first state reimbursement scheduled for FY 2004. Construction Updates 11/15/02, prepared by Karen Mellor, was distributed. Karen has prepared a newly updated and detailed account of all public library activity in RI. This may be found on the LORI website.

III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

IV. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Chair McKenney reported that he did not receive any response from the gubernatorial candidates or the Providence Journal with regard to the letters sent on behalf of the Library Board. Chair McKenney spoke to Ms. York and Mr. Carcieri and both candidates are supporters of libraries, however they are concerned about the state budget and offered no commitments.

In speaking with Library Board members, Chair McKenney reports that two issues have been brought to his attention; one with regard to taking time at Board meetings to discuss issues of concern to special, academic, and school libraries in addition to those of public libraries, another with regard to time being spent on discussions of issues by non-Board members during meetings. Chair McKenney emphasized that all Board members are encouraged to bring issues to the forefront, especially with respect to their particular constituents, and that given the time restriction of LBRI meetings, public comment would be welcomed at the time for public comment on the agenda.

With regard to the letter drafted by Ms. Parent for the Providence Journal responding to the op-ed piece by Bruce Sundlun, it was recommended that advocacy for libraries and library users be the focal point.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee on Planning and Budget
Ms. Barrows reported that the committee met on October 10, 2002 to review Appendix F of the Construction Regulations as requested by the Library Board at its September meeting, specifically addressing the caps on allowable costs per square foot. A report of that meeting was distributed. OLIS staff member Karen Mellor had provided data to the committee on U.S. Library Construction Costs from the annual architectural issue of the Library Journal. Ms. Barrows summarized the discussion from the meeting noting that the Northeast has higher construction costs due to higher labor costs, architect fees and state prevailing wage mandates; Rhode Island provides the highest reimbursement costs in the nation and the LBRI is proud of that and wishes it to continue; inflation is low; the caps in question are reviewed biannually, and the LBRI has a responsibility to treat cities and towns in an equitable fashion.

The committee voted to recommend that the Library Board of Rhode Island leave the current dollar amount of the allowable construction cost caps unchanged, and remove the references to “1998 constant dollars,” so that Paragraph 4 would read, “Allowable costs may not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per square foot for new construction or one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) per square foot for renovation and remodeling. If the actual project costs exceed one or both of these costs per square foot, the state share will be based on the not-to-be-exceeded costs.”

The committee also recommended that the LBRI authorize OLIS to establish a “completed application deadline” for the construction reimbursement program, so that all applications from any given fiscal year may be reviewed before funds are awarded.

The committee further recommended that it meet again in January to explore whether there should be limits on “soft costs,” and to discuss the options for allocating grant-in-aid.

Chair McKenney suggested acceptance of the report as given and discussion of it under New Business.

The motion was moved and unanimously approved that the Library Board of Rhode Island accept the report, Library Board of Rhode Island Budget & Planning Committee: October 10, 2002.

Committee on Legislation
No meeting was held.

Committee on Public Relations
No meeting was held. Tovah Reis will chair the committee.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

Discussion about the Library Construction Regulations followed. Mr. Litman stated that in his experience, costs for renovation and remodeling are $200 per square foot and new construction at $250 per square foot. Mr. Litman would like the libraries to be aware of the difference between institutional and commercial standards and costs, and those differences be addressed in the guidelines for public library construction. Mr. Litman suggested changing the word “Allowable” to “Reimbursable” in Paragraph 4 to further emphasize that these are not recommended limits, but simply the amount to which reimbursement may be sought.

The Library Board of Rhode Island moved, seconded and unanimously approved the following revised wording for Current caps and priorities established by the Library Board of Rhode Island, Appendix F of the Library Construction Regulations:

“4) Reimbursable costs may not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per square foot for new construction or one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) per square foot for renovation and remodeling. If the actual project costs exceed one or both of these costs per square foot, the state share will be based on the not-to-be exceeded costs.”

And, an additional clarification that states:

“Reimbursable costs per square foot reflect the maximum amount that will be reimbursed, and should not be construed as recommended costs per square foot. (Added November 18, 2002)”

The Planning & Budget Committee is charged with further exploration of “soft costs” in construction reimbursement, and will meet in January. OLIS staff will draft guidelines clarifying the difference between commercial and institutional construction costs with the assistance of Mr. Litman. These are expected to be made available in the construction notebooks that construction libraries receive, as well as on the LORI website.

Ms. Amedeo proposed making a short presentation about Committee 211 of the United Way. 211 is an access number for information and referral for social services and may be used as a research tool. Ms. Amedeo added that in October, thirty people researched the availability of public housing from the Washington Park Library. Ms. Amadeo stated that she wished to share with the Library Board the fact that while she was making presentations to school libraries in the state, she heard that school librarians are very proud of their libraries. Ms. Crawford stated that summer patrons of the Cross Mills Public Library remark that Rhode Island has a wonderful library system. Mr. Deekle stated that Bob Martin, Director of IMLS, would like to have comments about libraries from business and community leaders.

Mr. Deekle requested time to make a short presentation at the next meeting to bring to the attention of the Library Board concerns about state funding to higher learning institutions and the disproportionate cuts to the libraries of those institutions.

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT

As the Library Board’s liaison to the IRMB, Ms. Reeves discussed the electronic portal through which businesses and individuals can access Rhode Island government information and services. Website address is www.ri.gov

VII. AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

A meeting has been scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2002 at 4:30 P.M. at the Department of Administration. This meeting may be canceled if there are no pressing issues.

The meeting adjourned at 5:35 P.M.