Connecticut Library Association

Executive Board Meeting

January 5, 2006

James Blackstone Library- Branford

 

 

I.                    The meeting was called to order by Board President, Alice Knapp at 10:15. Kathy Reiger, Library Director was introduced and welcomed CLA to Branford.

 

II.                 Board Introductions: members introduced themselves.

 

III.               Public Comments/Notes from CLA Office: A. Knapp announced that Barbara Gibson, who serves as ACLPD and CEN Advisory representative, is retiring.  CLA will have to find replacements for those positions.

 

A Knapp read a thank-you note from UConn Book Fair for CLA contribution and a note of thanks from Nutmeg Book Award for the (2004-05 and 2005-06) $1,250.00 contribution. She also read a holiday card from Anne Shaw Burgan who retired and moved to New Jersey.

 

IV.              Additions to Agenda/Action Items: see Votes Taken.

 

V.                 Votes Taken: J. Johnston moved that CLA Board continue its support of the Spectrum Scholarship.  M. Moran seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

B. Bailey moved to accept the minutes of the December 1, 2005 CLA Executive Board Meeting.  S. Brettschneider seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.              President’s Report: A. Knapp reported on her interview with CNN regarding US Patriot Act.  Alice encouraged Board Members to write to state senators stating their views on this law.

 

VII.            Treasurer’s Report: J. Fisher reported that the IRS has rescheduled the CLA audit for January 18th.  With little check writing activity this past month, she indicated that no written treasurer’s report has been submitted.

 

VIII.         Past President’s Report:  C. Bradley, as Chair of the Nominating Committee, reported that the slate for CLA Board officers will be in an upcoming issue of CT Libraries.  She indicated that the committee is looking for regional reps.

 

IX.              Vice President’s Report: none.

 

 

 

X.        Committees/Sections/Roundtable Reports:

 

ALA: J. Johnston reported that the ALA mid-winter meeting in San Antonio is January 20-25th.  He informed the board that ALA is “politely” requesting a withdrawal of ads from an audio book vendor that advertises “don’t read.” He also reported that he has written letters to the US Secretary of Education and First Lady Laura Bush regarding the omission of “highly qualified School Library Media Specialist” in the No Child Left Behind Act.

 

CLC: C. Bradley reported that with a membership of over 500 schools, the CLC Board thought they should write a resolution supporting the change of wording in the No Child Left Behind Act.  However, two school media specialists on the board objected and therefore the Board decided not to.

 

Chris reported that the Virtual Reference project should be up and running July 2006. A surcharge on the CLC membership and an Additional charge for academic and large libraries will fund the program.  A letter to members regarding this service and its fees is forthcoming.  She reported that the supplier estimates form is now on line at the CLC website.

 

Awards: R. Harten reported that a Request for Nominations has been mailed to members.

 

CEMA: F. Nadeau thanked J. Johnston and the CLA Board for it work on the No Child Left Behind resolution.

 

Conference: A. Knapp read a report from co-chairs B. Bray and A. Barney indicating that to date, 3 pre-conferences are scheduled: Reader’s Advisory, Children’s/YA Poetry and a golf tournament.  Conference information and registration will not be mailed as in the past, but will be available on the CLA website in early March (postcards will mailed to inform the membership of this).  Conference information will also appear in the March edition of CT Libraries. A partial list of scheduled speakers and events include: Frederic Busch, cartoonist Bill Barnes, Jane Yolen, Nutmeg Programs and chair yoga.

 

CSL: Highlights of S. Brettschneider report included: the Willimantic Service Center move to 1320 Main Street as of January 4th;  $7,000 was raised for iConn through the Barnes and Noble “Love Your Library” promotion; Jane Emerson, Electronic Resource Coordinator at iConn is retiring and Lorri Huddy from Trinity College has joined the staff;  the Continuing Education Calendar for Connecticut is now on-line and the Public Library Service Awards nominations are being accepted – the deadline is January 25, 2006.

 

S. Brettschneider reported that funds are still needed for the Historical Hartford Courant database that will include full page coverage of news starting with the Courant’s first publication in 1764 through December 31, 1922.

Editorial: B. Bailey met with graphic artist from Miranda Associates.  Committee will be viewing between 3-12 designs.  CLA logo should be ready in March, along with template for CLA letterhead that will be available on line.

 

D. Kapp reminded everyone of the February deadline (1/13/06) for CT Libraries.  He reported that the Obversion column will be shared by Maxine Bleiweiss and Les Kozerowitz.

 

Friends: A. Wilson stated that RPA of Willamsport, PA has been contracted to create a handbook for Friends of CT Libraries.  FAQ and answers to Friends organizations will be included.  The project is funded by a LSTA grant, will be free of charge to all CT Friends groups in the state at the end of the summer.

 

Legislative: M. Moran reported that he and committee members met with Janine Braun, Deputy Director for Gov. Rell, regarding increased funding for Connecticard.  Ms. Braun promised to discuss funding request with B. Genuario, Office of Policy and Management.  Committee is also working with B. Williams to set up similar meeting with Senator Mary Ann Handley for the purpose of encouraging her to introduce a bill for increased funding of Connecticard.  M. Moran informed the board that there will be a program at the CLA Conference as a follow-up to the Connecticard marketing campaign.  He stated that postcards are being designed now to serve as invitations to the Legislator’s Breakfast Reception (2/15/06) and will be placed in mailboxes at the State Capitol.

 

NELA: M. Etters informed the board that NELA’s newsletter is on-line at www.nelibraries.org. and the Counterparts Conference will be held at Endicott College, Beverly, MA in July.

 

YA: M. Spratlin-Hasskarl announced the two new co-chards for YA Section 2006-2008 are: Katie Bunn of Farmington and Ann Marie Naples of New Britain.

 

Regional Representatives:  T. Conley of Region 6 reported on the results of the two-part referendum regarding expansion of the Bill Library in Ledyard.  Voters supported a “downsized version” of the expansion project. She thought this could have been due to the fact that the Groton Sub Base had been put on (and then removed from) the “Base Closing List” just 2 days before.

 

 

   XI.          New Business: J. Johnston proudly announced that his library recently raised $2,000 for soldiers in Iraq and approximately 4,000 lbs of food for the community.  P. Ciparelli informed the board that the New London Public Library received 10 bids for its renovation project; M. Spratlin-Hasskarl reported that author Frank McCort is being booked for a future speaking engagement.

 

XII.           A motion to adjourn was made and accepted at 11:10.

 

Attendees: J. Cayer, L. Hawkes, T. Wilmot, M. Simpson,  J. Toce (for G. Hurley), F. Nadeau, C. Bradley, B. Reiter, S. Brettschneider, R. Harten, M. Etter, B. Bailey, F. Aloisa, T. Conley, H. Keeler, A. Wilson, J. Johnston, P. Ciparelli, M. Moran, D. Kapp, J. Fisher, A. Knapp.

 

 

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                  Pamela Najarian

                                                                  Recording Secretary