Minutes
June 4, 2010 Directors Association Meeting
Mid Hudson Library System Auditorium
Meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m. by Steven Cook.
Present
Columbia County
Luisa Sabin-Kildiss, Chatham Public Library; Sally Alderdice, Claverack Free Library; Lynn Place, Germantown Library; Jeannie Bogino, New Lebanon Library; Karen Garafalo, Philmont Public Library; Elizabeth Powhida, Valatie Free Library
Dutchess County
Carol Rodriguez, Beekman Library; Julie Spann, Blodgett Memorial Library; Terry Sennett, Clinton Community Library; Gloria Goverman, East Fishkill Library; Matthew Pfisterer, Grinnell Library Association; Phyllis Keaton, Howland Public Library; Gregory Callahan, Hyde Park Free Library; Lisa Karim, LaGrange Association Library; Joanne A. Meyer, Morton Memorial Library and Community House; Daniela Pulice, Pleasant Valley Library; Tom Lawrence, Poughkeepsie Public Library District; Erica Freudenberger, Staatsburg Library; Steven Cook, Starr Library; Bonny Corrado, Tivoli Free Library
Greene County
Putnam County
Gillian Thorpe, Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library; Frank Rees, Kent Public Library; Patricia Kaufman, Mahopac Public Library; Patti Haar, Patterson Library; Kathleen McLaughlin, Putnam Valley Free Library
Ulster County
John Giralico, Elting Memorial Library; Margie Menard, Kingston Library; Tracy Priest, Phoenicia Library; Jessica Gonzalez, Saugerties Public Library; Amy Raff, Woodstock Library
Mid-Hudson Library System
Merribeth Advocate, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Christina Ryan-Linder, Laurie Shedrick
Action Items
T. Lawrence moved that the M inutes of the previous meeting be approved. S. Alderdice seconded and the motion passed.
2011 Member Library Database & Audiobook Costs – T. Lawrence moved to table this item. G. Goverman seconded. Motion fails. J. Gonzalez moved to approve 2011 costs. F. Rees seconded. Discussion: The chart showing costs was presented and discussed at last month’s meeting. 2011 estimated costs indicate a $20,000 reduction from 2010 costs. Central Library Committee approved. Some concerns were voiced regarding the reduction in Duchess County funds, an issue which has arisen since the last meeting. Motion passed.
MHLS Reports
MHLS Executive Director’s Report
No report.
MHLS Board Liaison Report, Frank Rees
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting. The last meeting was 5/12
New York State Aid: The MHLS board has asked that the DA discuss what services should be cut in the event that state funds are not received by September or October. While it is likely that funding will come through as it did last year, the board would like to be proactive in case the worst case scenario happens. The fund balance is not sufficient to get us through in the case that state funds do not come. The board wants input for this fiscal year only and would like us to focus on service cuts, not personnel. There is also a line of credit secured in case we need to tap into that. This issue is difficult to address without an Executive Director to facilitate, but it is important to face the possibility that things may not work out in the way we had hoped. It was suggested that this be discussed at county meetings and the results be referred to the System’s Task Force. The next board meeting is 7/8. If county meetings do not occur before then, listservs and email should be used to solicit feedback. Some directors requested specific budget information, as well as a definition of discretionary spending. The long term deficit is another issue and should also be addressed. This will be on next month’s agenda.
Advisory Committee Reports
Central Library/Collection Development
No report. No meeting. The next meeting is 8/4.
Continuing Education/Professional Development
No report. No meeting. The next meeting is 9/16.
Marketing and Program
No report. No meeting. The next meeting is 6/17.
Resource Sharing, Amy Raff
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting. Committee met on 5/18.
Holds: 10% of hold items are not being picked up. This item does not need to go on the DA agenda until after the next RSC meeting.
ExecDirector Search Committee, Steven Cook
The Search Committee is continuing to seek a new Executive Director.
Consultant Activities
Outreach & Education Coordinator, Merribeth Advocate
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting.
Central Library Training Survey: Only half of libraries have responded. All staff who work with patrons should fill it out if possible. This survey is mandatory for plan of service.
Some directors feel that too many Survey Monkey requests have been sent. If anyone would like to request a paper copy, they can do so.
Overdrive: Stats for the month are up on the website. We have now exceeded NetLibrary checkouts. To check your individual stats, go to Resource Sharing – Web Access Management monthly stats.
Coordinator for Library Growth & Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting.
NYS Budget: The budget still has not passed and is now two months overdue. The governor is continuing to file extender bills and is likely to propose cuts soon. Construction grants will not be released until budget is passed. Rebekkah would like to see the narratives asap, because a record number of libraries are applying for construction grants this year
Youth Services & Community Connections Coordinator, Christina Ryan-Linder
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting.
Fall into Books: Will be held on 10/ 21 at Mount St. Alphonse.
Automated Systems Manager, Laurie Shedrick
A written report was circulated in advance of the meeting.
Millennium Upgrade: Was bumpy, largely because the backup system which usually requires a single tape required two. A few other issues arose which are now fixed. Only Rhinecliff is not yet up and running. This is due to a MAC issue. Holds freeze is not yet turned on in the OPAC but staff can do it manually.
System Funding Task Force, Tom Lawrence
No meeting. No report. Next meeting 6/23.
Old Business
None
New Proposed Business & Information
Free Libraries and Waiving Fines: RSC was asked to review.
Adjournment
T. Lawrence moved to adjourn the meeting. J. Spann seconded and the meeting was adjourned at11:30 am.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jeannie Bogino
New Lebanon Library