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Members Present: 
Chair Mark McKenney, William Allen, Alice Barrows, Rose Ellen Reynolds, Peter Deekle, Leslie McDonough, Phyllis Harnick, Cristina Amedeo, Deborah Barchi, Mary Cummings

Members Absent:
Joan Ankner, Jay Litman, Tovah Reis, Joshua Teverow, Donald Deignan, Donna Good

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

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

Reporting:
Laurie Scialabba

Materials Distributed:

1. Construction Updates (9/13/04)
2. “TechSoup.org—The Technology Place for Nonprofits” Software Donation
3. Library Commission Members (as appointed by the LibFutures Committee)
4. RI State Government Information Website
5. 2004 RI LIBRARY LEGISLATION FINAL REPORT (September 10, 2004)
6. VA Medical Center Library Receives NCLIS Award
7. Committee on Public Relations Report for 9/20/2004 meeting
8. Statewide Reference Resource Center
Questions and Answers
Annual Use
Contract FY2004: Including Budget and Program of Service (2003-2004)

The meeting was convened at 4:20 p.m.

Regina Connor nominated to replace Donald Deignan as representative of Users of the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and Joan Ress Reeves, nominated to replace Jay Litman as representative of General Library Users, were introduced. Ms. Parent stated that Senate approval is needed for confirmation. Outgoing Library Board members vote on Library Board issues until the Senate confirms the newly nominated members. Ms. Connor and Ms. Reeves have previously served on Library Board and were warmly welcomed.

I. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the May 17, 2004 meeting were approved.

II. REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION

Ms. Parent reported that the House of Representatives passed the appropriations bill for FY 2005, recommending funding for LSTA at: $219.9 million, which is an increase of $21.7 million higher than recommended by committee. The appropriations bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. ALA Washington Office has issued an alert and recommends that library supporters contact their Senators to support LSTA at the legally authorized level of $232 million. More information and talking points can be found at ALA's Washington Office website: http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/washfunding/funding.htm

Ms. Perry reported that the Gates Foundation Training Grant designated for training of librarians and the Spanish-speaking population is underway. Workshops for library staff of all public libraries regarding Library Service to Diverse Populations will be held this fall. A bilingual trainer has started teaching trial courses to Spanish-speakers in basic computer and Internet use at the Rochambeau and South Providence branches of the Providence Public Library and the Central Falls Public Library. Outreach was done through flyers and an interview via the Spanish radio station Poder. Ms. Perry added that OLIS Library Services has applied for a $79,000 three-year grant to the Gates Foundation. This funding would be used to replace older machines, technical support and training for support staff and the public. Notification is anticipated by the end of September.

In light of Providence Public Library’s crisis situation and in light of questions she has received in re: OLIS’ position on the issues, Ms. Parent stated that the functions of the Statewide Reference Resource Center (SRRC) as well as the ability of Providence Public Library to meet minimum public library standards are concerns of OLIS. She made reference to the SRRC Questions & Answers prepared by OLIS, which can be found at www.lori.ri.gov . The above-mentioned documents pertaining to the SRRC were distributed. The FY 2005 contract for SRRC services is currently under negotiation. Some elements, such as evening hours, are being discussed in light of the recent cutbacks.

Ms. Parent reported that the Library Futures (LibFutures) Steering Committee has made its appointments to the Legislative Commission to Study the Future of Libraries in Rhode Island. The list of appointments was distributed. The Steering Committee also recommended five names to the Governor for consideration in his selection of two appointments to the Commission. Chair McKenney and Mr. Allen are on the list of candidates for the Governor’s appointments. Information on appointments to date can be found at http://www.ric.edu/adamslibrary/library_futures/legislative.html
The committee to select a consultant for the study has been meeting. It is hoped that the study will be conducted in calendar year 2005, and will yield recommendations for legislation benefiting all types of libraries that could be introduced in the 2006 session of the General Assembly.

Today Senator Elizabeth Roberts who sponsored the Legislative Commission legislation, met with Kathryn Hopkins and Dale Thompson of the Providence Public Library, David Macksam of the Cranston Public Library, and Ms. Parent to discuss legislative appointments to the Commission. Three senators will be appointed, presumably as recommended by Sen. Roberts, and three representatives, presumably as recommended by Rep. Betsy Dennigan. It is hoped that Senator Roberts and Representative Dennigan will be elected co-chairs of this commission at its first official meeting.

Ms. DiMichele reported that the Providence VA Medical Center Library won an award from the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) for its services in the area of consumer health. A ceremony was held on August 30, and OLIS presented a special plaque from NCLIS to the Providence VA Medical Center Library. Senator Reed, Representative Langevin and Representative Kennedy sent congratulations. Governor Carcieri sent a letter and citation. Chair McKenney was also in attendance and offered congratulations. The page about the ceremony from the LORI website was distributed.

Construction Updates (9/13/04) was distributed. Ms. Mellor reported that the
newly renovated and expanded East Greenwich Free Library opened in July. A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house is scheduled on Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m.. The Governor, a resident of East Greenwich, is expected to attend.

The new Exeter Public Library will open on Saturday, September 25, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m.. Exeter is the last of Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns to open a full-service library that meets state standards.

The East Providence Public Library will break ground on the new Riverside Branch Library September 21 at 4:00 pm. The new building will be located on Bullock's Point Avenue, and is expected to be completed in May 2005. The cost of the project is $1,700,000 with state reimbursement of $792,000. Riverside is currently served by a library less than half the size located in the old Riverside Junior High School. OLIS has signed a construction agreement with the Barrington Public Library in July to reorganize the main floor of the library, which will create a new young adult area and create a more efficient layout for the library. The project, which is expected to be completed in April 2005, will cost $1.3 million with state reimbursement of $640,000. The Town of Burrillville has hired Newport Collaborative to design a new library building. A bond referendum for the project will be on the November ballot. Smithfield will also have a bond referendum for a new library building on the November ballot. The Greenville Library has engaged Newport Collaborative to design that building. Both buildings will increase the existing size of library facilities in their respective towns.

Thousands of music compact discs made available to libraries through the Attorney General’s office in the national antitrust settlement have been distributed. OLIS is sponsoring two swap sessions for libraries to exchange inappropriate or duplicate copies. Libraries are not permitted to sell the CDs unless the profits are used to buy other music CDs. Ms. Amedeo will be happy to receive any donations to Crossroads Rhode Island.

Shirley Long, former assistant director of the Providence Public Library has been appointed library director in South Kingstown, replacing Connie Lachowicz, who retired after many years of service.

The fall schedule for Continuing Education programs has been posted.

Ms. Parent reported that the legislature approved a bill that grants libraries with endowments the opportunity to receive state aid based on the portion of endowment fund income that is used for library operations. Providence Public Library was granted the same aid in the preceding year by the legislature. OLIS staff has worked to respond to difficulties encountered by libraries in applying for the aid. Ms. Mellor has designed the forms required to document the aid, and has fielded the many questions inherent in the process. In subsequent years, OLIS staff member Ann Piascik will handle endowment aid applications as these will become part of Annual Reports submitted by libraries. Ms. Reeves opined that this was a controversial issue and asked if anyone would track the effect it would have on other libraries (that have no endowments.) Ms. Parent responded that this issue would be discussed at the October 14, 2004, Public Library Director’s meeting during the Annual Report agenda item.

Ms. Parent will be on vacation for three weeks, September 20 through October 8. Donna DiMichele and Beth Perry will respond to questions and have administrative authority in her absence.

Ms. Perry reported that the Government Information Website, http://www.info.ri.gov maintained by OLIS staff, has undergone significant changes, is now available as a database-driven resource, and includes Spanish resources.

III. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Chair McKenney thanked the Cumberland Public Library for hosting the Library Board meeting in May, and for the tour of the library. Chair McKenney acknowledges and appreciates the time and efforts of Library Board members. Chair McKenney also noted that he had spoken at the award ceremony at the VA Medical Center Library, but that Ms. Parent would report on that award more fully.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee on Legislation
2004 RI LIBRARY LEGISLATION FINAL REPORT (September 10, 2004) was distributed and reviewed by Ms. Reynolds.

Committee on Planning and Budget
No report.

Committee on Public Relations
A written report submitted by Ms. Reis, who was unable to attend the meeting today, was distributed.

Ms. Barrows updated the Board on current activities of the IRMB. DoIT is the new name for Information Technology within the Department of Administration. A draft internet policy can be viewed at http://www.it.ri.gov , enter “policy” at the user prompt, and “fiscal” is the password (or go directly to the policies page at draft policies on the DoIT site at http://www.doit.ri.gov/documents/index.php
Highlights include an e-payment solution for teacher certification; relocation of the Johnston facility; upcoming RFP for a comprehensive telecommunications study; and renegotiation of the Verizon contract resulting in a 10% savings.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

Crossroads Rhode Island (formerly Travelers Aid of Rhode Island) has relocated to 160 Broad Street in Providence and now houses a small library for its clientele. Volunteer librarians are needed. Donations of children’s books, popular books and CD’s are welcome. Contact Library Board member Cristina Amedeo, 521-2255 ext 331, camedeo@crossroadsri.org An announcement will be posted on the LORI website.

Mr. Deekle announced that the Ministry of Education in Afghanistan has appealed for library support to rebuild library collections decimated by the Taliban.

Ms. Good, who is recuperating from surgery, sends her regrets in not attending the Board meeting.

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

VIII. AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

The Library Board meetings scheduled in the fall are as follows:
October 25, meeting place to be announced; November 15 (DOA) and December 20, 2004 (DOA.) Ms. Parent will compile and send out a listing of 2005 meeting dates to be scheduled on the third Monday of month except when other meetings interfere.

Ms. Amedeo offered to host a future meeting at Crossroads Rhode Island. Chair McKenney thanked her for the offer, and added that only 1-2 meetings would likely be scheduled at remote locations due to the need to transport staff and materials to these locations.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.