HEARTLAND LIBRARY COOPERATIVE BOARD MEETING

May 24, 2000

HLC Governing Board voting members present: DeSoto-Paul Erickson; Hardee-Elinor Batey; Highlands-Perry Newport, Jeanne Renton, Bob Bullard; Okeechobee-Marilyn Buxton, Robbie Clarke, Clois Harvey.

Voting members excused: Ann Ryals, Gloria Davis, Reason unknown: Bob Avant, Walter Olliff, Jr.

Others present: Cooperative Coordinator Mary Myers, Librarians Diane Hunt, Elizabeth Kenney, Ed Kilroy, State Library Consultant Charlie Parker, Administrative Secretary Carolyn Hesselink

Chairman Bob Bullard called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. The secretary read the Notice of Meeting. Clois moved the adoption of the agenda, seconded by Perry, passed by voice vote. The March minutes were moved for acceptance by Perry, seconded by Jeanne, and approved by voice vote.

COORDINATOR'S REPORT

Mrs. Myers told board members that the current completion date of May 27 for the Sebring Library construction will not be met. Workmen continue to be in the library in all areas. She is, however, planning a tentative June 22 ribbon cutting, to take place after the BCC meeting. She invited the board o hold their July meeting in the newly remodeled facilities at Sebring. Elinor moved acceptance of her report, seconded by Clois, approved by voice vote.

LONG RANGE PLANNING

State Library Consultant Charlie Parker presented a synopsis of the planning recommendations the library directors had come up at their meeting with him. The focus is on the ending of the first stage of the cooperative development and the beginning of an emphasis on services rather than administration. Mr. Parker commended Heartland Library Cooperative's board, calling the cooperative "the best in the state" and citing as one example of the swift progress made, the establishing of our materials processing center in the Hardee County Library.

A copy of the recommendations is attached and includes one that all library computers, whether purchased by a county or by the cooperative, would be maintained by the cooperative. An automation update may be needed as better products become available. Ed Kilroy, Okeechobee Co. Librarian, told the board that migrating to a new product will be made much easier now that all the libraries have the same barcodes and substantial progress has been made in raising the level of cataloging records. We're in the right format to be able to change to a new system without changing patron cards or barcodes. The new self-check-out services will be considered--this would tie in with security systems.

The directors also felt that community polls or surveys should be used to assess the needs of our counties and show what we do best and where we need improvement.

Commissioner Bob Bullard stated that he feels that we've spent a lot of time and money getting our "ship" read to sail and now is the time to talk to the "passengers" to see if they agree with where we're going.

Myers told the board that a draft of our revised long range plan, the budget, and the annual plan of service will be presented at the July meeting. Paul Erickson moved that the board accept the general focus of the planning recommendations of the directors, seconded by Robbie Clark, carried by voice vote.

MEETING DATE SET

The board agreed to meet at Sebring Public Library on July 12, the 2nd Wednesday, at 10 a.m.

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT

Mrs. Myers brought to the board the recommendation by the library directors that the board not renew the current contract with Computer Interconnections. The cost for it has been $56,000 plus all travel. The librarians instead recommend the cooperative hire a computer technician with an A+ certification. She noted the cooperative would save almost half in expenses. Since a thirty day notice is required if renewal isn't forthcoming, Highlands County lawyer Ross Macbeth has said he will pen the notice.

Myers informed board members that Polk County Library Cooperative Director Gladys Roberts, had recently hired a systems librarian, Brad Bates, and old Mary that Brad would be available as a consultant. Since both our cooperatives are in close proximity and we have identical operating systems, this would be a small first step in eventually sharing other resources with them.

Robbie moved that the board not renew the contract with Computer Interconnections, seconded by Paul, and approved by voice vote.

STATE OF THE STATE

Consultant Charlie Parker reported to the board that this year's appropriation by the legislature is about the same level of funding as before. A new sales tax law makes 501C3 organizations (like Friends of the Library) eligible for sales tax exemption. Internet filtering legislation was not passed as this was perceived as a local issue, but deferral legislation is still in the works. Other legislation that may become reality involves funding grants for libraries that partner with local groups, including faith-based organizations, for outreach in their communities.

Concerning state cabinet reforms, the Secretary of State position will continue but as an appointment by the governor. This means stability and continuity for libraries, but libraries will no longer have a direct voice to a cabinet member. Charlie recommended that we develop a stronger attachment to the governor's office, rather than the Secretary of State.

Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Hesselink

Administrative Secretary