Connecticut Library Association

Executive Board Meeting

September 7, 2006

Trumbull Library

 

I.                    The meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m. by President Barbara Bailey.

 

II.                 Introductions: Members introduced themselves, new members were welcomed.

 

III.               Public Comments/Notes from CLA Office: none

 

IV.              Additions to Agenda or Action Items:

 

(a)    CLA/CLC Jobline- Chris Bradley reported that presently there are 2 joblines - one maintained by CLA and its webmaster, the other by CLC and its webmaster.  Because the CLA webmaster is contracted to work on the entire CLA website, not enough time is available to keep the jobline up-to-date and effective. She proposed the two joblines merge to form one. See Votes Taken.

 

(b)    CLA 2006-2007 Proposed Budget- J. Fisher reported that the finance committee met and completed the proposed budget for Board review  Copies of the budget were distributed.  See Votes Taken.

 

(c)    Conference 2007- (1) Conference Fees: Mary Ann Rupert reviewed the proposed fee increase for non-members  and for CLA members attending both days. It was noted that Friend and Trustee rates would stay the same. Based on previous attendance, new rates could increase revenue by approximately $6,500. See Votes Taken. (2) Conference Site: Mary Ann gave an overview and update of the ongoing labor dispute taking place at the Connecticut Convention Center and the affect it would have on the CLA Conference, if any.  She discussed her research on securing an alternative location.  Chris Bradley informed the Board that an attorney reviewed our contract with the convention center and cancellation of the contract at this point would cost CLA $15,000+ .Mary Ann stated that the committee has decided to continue with its original plan of holding the conference in Hartford.

 

(d)    Nutmeg Book Award- Ruth Gaffey spoke to the Board on behalf of the CT Nutmeg Book Award Program.  She discussed the history of the program, and its successes. She asked the Board to consider increasing its annual contribution to $1,000 this year. See Votes Taken.

 

(e)    Emerging Leaders- C. Bradley reported that she received an email from Brendan Gallagher of Middlebury Public Library indicating his interest in the ALA’s Emerging Leaders Program. He is filing a program application.  Should CLA’s sponsor him, the fee would be $500.Funds would come from PEG. (No record of a vote taken.)

 

V.                 Votes Taken:

 

Chris Bradley moved that one Connecticut Jobline be maintained by CLC with a direct link to CLA website. Minimum salary guidelines will be clearly stated at the beginning.  Jobs with no minimum listed would be placed at the end as a fifth category. A fee for the job listings would be charged except to libraries that are members of CLC or those that are Institutional Members of CLA. Motion was seconded by Jay Johnston.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Jay Johnston moved that the CLA Board approve the FY 2007 budget as proposed.  Janet Woycik seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Cynde Lahey Bloom moved that the increase in conference fees be approved as presented by Conference Consultant MaryAnn Rupert:   Non-member, Pre-Conference increased by $10 (to $95); non-member, one day increased by $10 (to $85); and an increase of $10 for CLA members (to $90) and $20 for non-members (to $130) attending the conference both days. Ted Wilmot seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Chris Bradley moved that CLA contribute the budgeted $750 to Nutmeg at the September meeting.  At the October meeting, CLA Board will consider donating an additional $250.  A consideration will be the profit generated by the Joint Children’s Roundtable September 18th. Motion seconded by Jane Ash.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Jay Johnston moved that CLA write a citation for Isabel Danforth in recognition of her service to Connecticut Libraries, specifically the monthly Technology column.  Barbara Bailey agreed to write the citation/letter and seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Janet Woycik moved to accept the minutes of the August 3rd meeting.  Linda Hawkes corrected the name of the November 16th panel discussion to “Librarians as Adopters of Technology”.  Motion to accept was seconded by Ted Wilmot.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.              President’s  Report:  Barbara Bailey introduced Carl Antonucci as the 2006-2007 VP/President Elect.  Barbara also stated her platform for the upcoming year that includes: Streamlining operations and increasing income, Membership, Career Recruitment, continuing the Legislative Drive, and creating a CLA blog.

 

She informed the Board that she received a proposal for CLA to coordinate a Connecticut Information Booth at NELA.  Information about the State Library  CLC, and CLA services would be distributed. 

 

She reported that Henry Dutcher is still working on the statewide book sale for Katrina relief .  He is scheduled to meet with FOCL and the CLC Board.

 

VII.            Treasurer’s Report: None.

 

VIII.         Vice President’s Report:  Carl Antonucci told the Board that he is honored to   serve as the 2006-07 Vice President

 

IX.              Past President’s Report: Barbara reported that Past President Alice Knapp had filled the VP/Pres Elect position with Carl Antonucci and she is now working on other nominations.

 

X.                 Committees/Sections/Roundtables Reports:

 

ACLB: Suzanne Lee stated that the annual Leadership Conference scheduled for October 10th has been cancelled due to scheduling complications. She assured the Board that the scholarship programs are still valid and that forms are on the website with a sliding deadline.

 

CLC: Chris Bradley brought posters and bookmarks for Info Anytime subscribers.  She announced CLC’s Trendspotting Symposium is scheduled October 20 at Quinnipiac University.  Leslie Burger is the keynote speaker.

 

Children’s:  Jane Ash discussed the Children’s Joint Roundtable, co-sponsored by CLA’s ADA Committee, Sept. 18th at the Cheshire Public Library.  The topic is Creating Welcoming Environments for All Children- Reaching Children with Special Needs.  She indicated the committee has begun planning for the 2007 Pre-Conference program.

 

Conference: Karen Ronald announced that the 2007 conference theme is “The Third Place –“ways to make your library the 3rd place in people’s lives”.  Mary Ann Rupert passed out a list of programs and contact information for the board to review and indicate changes needed.  Section heads were reminded that they would be meeting after the Board meeting to discuss conference program planning.

 

CSL: Ken Wiggin distributed the State Library report highlighting the November 14th Digitization Conference with follow-up workshops throughout the year.  He distributed a materials catalog for “Get a Clue@ Your Library” the 2007 Collaborative Summer Library Program.; He distributed and discussed the National Rankings of CT Public Libraries Report released August 9, 2006.  Connecticut libraries consistently place in the top 10 of many categories.

 

Editorial: Connecticut  Libraries editor  David Kapp reminded the board that the deadline for the October issue is September 15th.  He also reminded the Board that he will be looking for book recommendations for the December issue. 

 

David reported to the Board that Isabel Danforth, author of the Technology column has retired and moved to New Hampshire.  Her final column will appear in the October issue.  He is receiving writing samples from several interested individuals who would like to contribute to this monthly column.  He also suggested a letter from the Board to Isabel in recognition of her service. See Votes Taken.

 

Friends: Anita Wilson showed the board the Friends Handbook being distributed to all Friends groups throughout the State.  She also informed the board that the annual membership drive has begun.

 

Intellectual Freedom: Barbara Bailey reported for Peter Chase who asked if CLA would like the Connecticut Four on the Conference program.  They have the following speaking engagements scheduled:  CBS News and Northeast Magazine (on a special 9/11 report); a National Press Conference, Take Back Your Rights Conference, UConn Law School, and Trinity College.  They will accept the “Between the Lines” Award on behalf of John Doe in New Hampshire. The CLA Board is preparing a reception honoring the CT Four on November 6th where local and state political leaders will be invited. Barbara Bailey offered to disseminate this information and schedule through Conntech and David Kapp will publish “A Year in the Life of John Doe” in Connecticut Libraries.

 

Legislative:  Barbara Bailey reported for Peter Ciparelli and distributed his written report.  Highlights include: a reception to honor “legislative champions” who helped with the Connecticard funding will be Sept. 20 at the Welles Turner Library; a draft CLA legislative agenda for 2008-09 including increased funding for Connecticard, CLC, public library construction grants, and iConn among other items.

 

Membership: Janet Woycik reported the latest statistics for the current membership drive.  Current CLA membership totals 565 . The drive has produced $320 in CLA donations and  $295 for PEG.

 

Public Libraries: Claudia Cayne announced “Managing Chaos in Your Life” workshop in Clinton, October 4th from 10-noon.

 

YA: Katie Bunn’s committee is moving forward with the November program featuring Patrick Jones. They are working on “Bridging the Gap with Books” a multi-cultural themed program for pre-conference as well as four other programs including Book Talking: Nutmeg and new YA; Teen Volunteers in the Library; Teens, Librarians and Technology, and Homework Centers.

 

 

Regional Representatives:

 

Region 4- Lauren McLaughlin reported on a number of programs scheduled throughout region 4 including a “Ladies Soiree Fund Raiser “ in Wilton, Edward P. Jones at the New Canaan Library and Mary Higgins Clark at Ridgefield Library.  Lauren reported that the South Norwalk Library Grand Reopening is scheduled September 16 with a ribbon cutting at 11 am, and that the Black Rock Branch Library is closed for renovation until further notice.

 

XI.              Old Business: None

 

XII.            New Business: Karen DeLoatch reported that Capital Community College’s LTA Program is over-enrolled with 17 registered students.

 

Ted Wilmot informed the Board that he will be a presenter at a forum October 18th at Manson Correctional Facility on “Selecting and Keeping New Books”.

 

Mary Ann Rupert extended an invitation to all Board members to attend NELA, October 22-24 in Burlington, VT.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:35.

 

Attendees:Chris Bradley, Anita Wilson, Mary Engels, Jane Ash, AnnMarie Naples, Katie Bunn, Xiaomei Gong, Linda Hawkes, Mary Ann Rupert, Karen Ronald, Cynde Lahey Bloom, Lauren McLaughlin, Claudia Cayne, Janet Woycik, Gayle Bogel, Ramona Harten, Jacqueline Toce, Jay Johnston, Jan Day, Suzanne Lee, Kendall Wiggin, Ruth Gaffey, Gerald Seagrave, Ted Wilmot, David Kapp, Karen DeLoatch, Carl Antonucci, Barbara Bailey, Jan Fisher.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                    Pamela Najarian

                                                                                    Recording Secretary