Updated: 08/09/01
This site maintained
by:
Rick Krumwiede
Terry Dawson
Minutes
of the System & Resource Library Administrator’s Association
of Wisconsin
Meeting
August 11, 2000
Wausau, Wisconsin
Members present: Joan Arnoldi, Bernie Bellin, Terry Dawson, Barb Dimick, Heather Eldred, Alan Engelbert, Rich Gustafson, Peter Hamon, Thomas Hennen, Janet Jennings, Karen Krueger, Rick Krumwiede, Shannon Lang, Jessica MacPhail, Mark Merrifield, Milt Mitchell, Ruth Ann Montgomery, John Nichols, David Polodna, Tom Strange, Michael Tyree, David Weinhold. Proxies: Rich Gustafson has Sharon Winkle’s; Tom has Jane Ameel’s, Milt has Mark Morse’s, Heather Eldred for Mary Bethke.
Guests Present: Cal Potter, Matthew Bollerman, Sally Drew, Al Zimmerman, and Mike Cross.
The regular meeting of the SRLAAW was called to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Wausau Center Mall, Milton Mitchell presiding.
Sally Drew was recognized as having received the WLA Special Service award, and Rick Krumwiede for being named WLA Librarian of the Year.
Milt Mitchell asked for additional agenda items. Terry Dawson requested that we wait until after Cal’s presentation to consider action on WLA’s Legislative Agenda.
Pete Hamon moved and David Polodna seconded approval of the minutes of the May 19, 2000 meeting.
6a) New Business: Karen Krueger distributed the results to date of the Unifying Vision meetings. Mark and Heather’s systems have not met yet. Standards were seen as a help to smaller libraries. A low response rate was noted. David W. said that the information was too new, not enough time for the library to respond; South Central is already involved in a planning process, the issues are of interest, but they need more time. Joan discussed the power of teamwork. John Nichols said his library was intrigued with the issues but not interested in changing to the possible detriment of the library unless benefits are made known to them; libraries are happy with systems. Tom H. said it was interesting to look at this survey in relationship to passing the legislation. Rick said that libraries are seeing that not all libraries are happy with the status quo. David W. said that libraries are demanding more services, can’t get them from systems, more willing to support statewide initiatives. Karen would like more surveys: new deadline is mid-October. John Nichols said this provides new evidence that libraries want to get more politically involved. Libraries look to SRLAAW for leadership. Milt said that the structure issue might have clouded the issue. Karen noted that surveys from the director only were tabulated. Matt distributed lots of copies to trustees, etc.
Tom Strange pointed out that the new census may affect legislators, we may want to look at where the clout is, where the votes are. Barb mentioned that LD&L is forming regional committees, looking at who’s active politically in the state, who’s willing to attend fundraisers, etc. Other interest groups aren’t so reluctant to get involved; they’re driven by money. Milt said that Paul Nelson would be sending a list of names to contact early in the budget process, to help them develop their positions. Tony Driessen suggests we meet with unopposed candidates to get their support for the 13%. Pete said that redistricting will affect legislators, but we haven’t been successful because of us. If it gets into the Governor’s budget, it looks good; if it’s not in, we play catch-up. We need to tell legislators what this will buy for the state of Wisconsin, and we need to sell it. Bernie pointed out that all the systems are doing different things with the funds, so we have no "one message." Pete answered that systems are different, and we need to tell legislators, "this is what your people need." DOA needs to see a broad base of support. John said we need to make headway with Republicans, that librarians are mostly Democratic and trustees mostly Republican. Milt was concerned about diluting the message. Terry said that Cal’s presentation has some good points; hit big issues that we have in common. Now is the best time; the unopposed Republicans are a golden opportunity. Joan said the issue is library service in Wisconsin, that the broad issues unify us. Karen answered that legislators don’t react to broad issues, they react to specific issues; it’s better to say, this is where the money will go. What is like Badgerlink and how can we learn from it and build on it? Milt asked about statistical reliability with so few surveys returned.
David Polodna moved that the surveys are due back by October 11th, with the goal of 50% response, one per library. Mark seconded. Bernie added, one per public library. Tom seconded. Motion approved.
Milt thanked Karen and her research assistant.
WLA program was discussed: Larry Nix, Paul, Mike Gelhausen, Karen, and Pete will be the panel, with Milt as the facilitator.
6b) Postponed until later in the agenda.
6c) WATF grant was discussed by Pete Hamon. They had a brief window to apply for netLibrary e-books using the WATF grant; the grant paid for the training (by WILS), evaluation (by Himmel & Wilson). This can be expanded to a central collection, with other libraries buying in. It’s mainly a reference collection at this point, as well as Project Gutenberg, but is being expanded. The question of how to measure circulation was discussed; this is an issue that will be looked at as part of the grant process.
Tom Strange left, gave his proxy to David Polodna.
12:05 – 12:55 lunch
Milt apologized that the regular February election was not held.
6d) On the SRLAAW web site, the agenda for today’s meeting was posted. Rick asked that we send items to Terry and himself.
6e) Member participation: Tom Hennen moved to have the bylaws of SRLAAW amended to include membership by one member library of every library system in this group. Peter seconded. Much discussion followed. Shannon asked if every system have all their libraries on the Library Advisory Committee; Milt and John said they have one library per county participate. Pete Hamon stated that other opinions make us stronger. David Polodna said that it might be that SRLAAW has taken on more than it was started for; by adding member libraries, the focus would change; a group like this may be needed as an outgrowth. We already have a group for all public libraries: WAPL. John Nichols said that the system director should represent all opinions of all libraries in the system; other members would bring their own opinions, not necessarily all libraries in the system. Heather liked the idea of giving libraries who care some means of input; the SRLAAW website might be an avenue without creating an unwieldy group; librarians could see the issues and make comments. Terry said we have some statutory reasons to be here; more members may dilute and lengthen meetings; WAPL and LD&L representatives may achieve the same purpose. Tom asked if we can’t expand the membership, how can we plan a vision and restructuring? Milt asked, if other members determine the action of the group, how are they accountable? David Weinhold said the surveys show that restructuring is not a priority. This is an ad hoc group that was formed to address common problems. Any group can form for the same reasons, and ask DPI to address the issues too. Shannon said that SRLAAW members have never prevented anyone at SRLAAW meetings from speaking. Terry said this would be a fundamental change in the nature of the organization. Motion was defeated.
6f) No other new business.
7a) Division matters: Cal Potter reported that the budget would be presented September 15. Since 40% of the legislators are not opposed, now is the time to reach them.
7b) TEACH will ask for SB60 in their budget request; if they don’t we’ll ask for separate legislation.
6b) WLA Legislative Agenda: John moved to endorse. Heather seconded. Terry moved to send a letter to Paul’s list; Tom seconded. Matt said that LSTA is up for reauthorization next year, we could use a centralized effort to tell local stories. Barb said we could take this back to LD&L, it’s not part of the state package endorsement. Matt asked if the statewide filtering issue could be sent to SD&L for a statement, that local policy should be followed. Matt also asked what the status of UCITA is in the state. Terry said legislation has not yet been introduced in Wisconsin, that plans are to have Jane Pearlmutter provide training in the fall. ALA videoconference is set for December 13 and tapes will be made available. Motion approved.
7c) Reference: Sally Drew reported on WisCat problems (also covered in Channel Weekly), BadgerLink (Madison newspapers back in), Library Technical Information Advisory Committee meets September 29 to prioritize issues; Delivery services could be a possible pannel discussion.
Mike Cross reported that Channel Weekly would be distributed to trustees via state delivery system. Extra copies will be dropped.
7e) Phil Sawin is the new chair of COLAND and is moving the meetings to make them more visible and active.
7d) IMLS grants for digitalization will be awarded in mid-September.
7f) WILS, Terry reported that WiLSWorld conference was a sellout, that slides will be available on the website (www.wils.wisc.edu).
8) Treasurer’s report, Karen thanked Heather for the treats and party.
It was agreed that the agenda for the next SRLAAW meeting could be posted on the website and on wipublib.
Meeting adjourned
2:55 p.m.
Jessica MacPhail, Recorder
