MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS
Date
:
June 2, 2011
Time
:
10:00 A.M.
Place
:
Tewksbury Public Library
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Present
:
Katherine K. Dibble, Chairman; Francis R. Murphy, Vice Chairman; Mary Rose
Quinn, Secretary; Carol B. Caro; George T. Comeau; Vicki L. Kaufman; Dr. Em
Claire Knowles; Gregory J. Shesko; Alice M. Welch
Absent
: None
Staff Present:
Robert Maier, Director; Celeste Bruno, Communications Specialist; Marlene Sue Heroux,
Reference Information Systems Specialist; William Morton, Assistant to the Director; Cynthia
Roach, Head of Library Advisory and Development and Government Liaison
Observers Present:
Diane Giarrusso, Director, Tewksbury Public Library; Uma Hiremath, Assistant Director, Ames
Free Library in Easton; Madeline Miele Holt, Director, Ames Free Library in Easton; Jacqueline
Rafferty, Director, Paul Pratt Memorial Library in Cohasset; Gregory Pronevitz, Executive
Director, Massachusetts Library System; Larry Rungren, Executive Director, MVLC (Merrimack
Valley Library Consortium)
Call to Order
Chairman Dibble called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. and welcomed attendees. She
recognized Diane Giarrusso, Director of Tewksbury Public Library who welcomed the Board to
Tewksbury and the library.
Ms. Giarrusso thanked the Commissioners for the 1996 $2.2 million grant under the
Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program that enabled the building of the 30,300
gross square foot library. She informed the Commissioners that the library has been open for
twelve years.
Ms. Giarrusso noted that her library, along with others around the state, is facing a grim budget
scenario. She thanked her staff for their commitment to providing the best possible services to
Tewksbury residents in spite of fiscal constraints. She also thanked the Commissioners for their
advocacy for libraries and invited them to tour the library following their meeting.
Approval of Minutes – May 5, 2011
Commissioner Kaufman moved and Commissioner Knowles seconded that the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners approve the minutes for the monthly business meeting of May
5, 2011.
The Board voted approval.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Dibble informed the Commissioners that Director Maier arranged a meeting with His
Honor Scott D. Galvin, the mayor of Woburn. She noted that this meeting was arranged at the
mayor’s request, concerning Woburn’s application for a construction grant and was held at the
board offices on May 18, 2011. Chairman Dibble stated that Commissioner Shesko, Board
Liaison to the Construction Program, and she attended along with MBLC Library Building
Consultants Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos, Mayor Galvin, Woburn Library Director
Kathleen O’Doherty, and Richard Bertman from the architectural firm CBT. She
complimented Director Maier and the staff members who she stated were very well prepared for
this meeting and, in her opinion handled it extremely well.
Director Maier stated that the mayor of Woburn made no specific request at the meeting.
However, the options that are open to Woburn were discussed.
Chairman Dibble commented that it’s fair to say that all were disappointed by the budget that
was released by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on May 18, 2011. She relayed that she
was especially concerned about the cut to the board’s administrative account, 7000-7101. She
informed the Commissioners that, after a number of telephone calls, Senator Katherine Clark
from Reading agreed to submit a budget amendment which substituted the figure of $914,448 for
the Senate’s figure of $817,877 for this account.
She expressed her gratitude to all the
Commissioners who called senators urging support of this amendment. Unfortunately, the
amendment did not pass and it will now be taken up by the House/Senate Conference Committee
on the budget. Chairman Dibble stated that, as Cynthia Roach informed the Commissioners,
other amendments concerning library accounts did pass and overall, the state budget for FY2012
is perhaps as good as could have been expected for library services. However, she stressed that
the administrative account is still a major concern since the lower figure used by the Senate is
over a ten per cent cut and will definitely result in curtailing services provided by the staff at the
agency.
Chairman Dibble announced that Commissioner Welch and she are going to Stockbridge
tomorrow, June 3, 2011, to attend the reception honoring the retiring director of the Stockbridge
Public Library, Rosemary Scheyer. She noted that Commissioner Welch and she decided to take
that opportunity to visit other libraries in the area. These are both libraries in Great Barrington,
and the Lenox library
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Maier called the Commissioners’ attention to a list of proposed Board meeting dates for
FY2012. He noted that if there are no objections to these dates, staff will go ahead and book
locations. He informed the Commissioners that there is an offer to host a meeting at the library
in Provincetown.
He stated that the agency has worked with MLS to schedule 3 trustee orientations: on June 7,
2011 at John Curtis Free Library in Hanover, on June 9, 2011 at Townsend Public Library, and
on June 15, 2011 at the MLS Whately Office. He noted that these events provide an opportunity
to meet trustees, present an overview of MBLC and MLS programs and answer questions from
trustees.
Director Maier announced the outside review panels for grant applicants in the new construction
grant round have met and completed their work and now Library Building Consultants Rosemary
Waltos and Patience Jackson are finalizing the technical review.
He informed the
Commissioners that most libraries have secured the local votes needed to make their applications
official and June 16, 2011 is the deadline. He relayed that two meetings are scheduled with
Commissioners Comeau and Shesko, Board liaisons to the construction program, to review the
awards and discuss how they will be presented to the Board on July 14, 2011. He informed the
Commissioners that they will receive a special mailing with the recommendations on July 1,
2011. He stressed that this mailing is embargoed until the Board votes on July 14, 2011.
Director Maier reported that the joint MLS/MBLC consulting staff meeting was very successful.
Staffs had a chance to meet each other, discuss the areas they focus on and list gray areas where
coordination is needed. Staffs will continue to work on these gray areas at future meetings. One
example is the BLT (Basic Library Techniques) courses that MLS offers to library staff and that
are required of directors working in libraries serving fewer than 10,000 residents who do not
have an MLS. There was a robust discussion of this program requirement and everyone came
away with a clearer understanding of the program and the way MLS and MBLC work together
on this.
He said that the reduced LSTA budget for federal fiscal year 2011 that is spent in state FY2012
has caused staff to reassess spending and noted, later on the agenda, there is a proposal to reduce
direct grants for next year. As part of the bigger picture, both internal expenditures and special
projects will be reduced next year. Each of those budgets is reduced about $50,000 to close a
total $300,000 gap.
Director Maier emphasized that the Senate budget presents a new challenge as it underfunds the
Board’s Administrative account by close to $100,000. The House budget called for level
funding to FY2011 so this is the only line item in conference committee. He informed the
Commissioners that he has prepared a statement of the overall impact of the Senate budget for
their consideration.
He mentioned that he attended the presentation of the Outstanding School Library award to the
Plympton School (Judy Paradis, Librarian) in Waltham on May 13, 2011. The award was
presented by Nancy Everhart, President of the Association of American School Libraries, as part
of her nationwide vision tour to focus attention on exemplary school libraries. Waltham is one
of two districts in the Commonwealth that has a professional library teacher in every school.
Commissioner Knowles attended as well.
Director Maier reported that at the recent meeting of COSLA (Chief Officers of State Library
Agencies) participants spent a four-hour block working with a facilitator to develop a statement
of principles for COSLA in the e-book environment. He stated that this statement will be ready
for public release in the near future.
Commissioner Knowles asked Director Maier or Ms. Rafferty to explain the recent
developments of the Equitable Access to Electronic Content (EQUACC) Task Force, established
by the ALA president Roberta Stevens. She also requested that he and Jackie Rafferty, a
member in the audience, and past president of Massachusetts Library Association, and a member
of EQUACC consider the issues of accessibility for those who live in rural areas and those who
are disenfranchised.
Ms. Rafferty informed the Commissioners that EQUACC is examining issues, including
accessibility for people with disabilities, areas for possible education and outreach to a variety of
stakeholders (e.g., publishers, authors, vendors, librarians, and the general public), and areas that
would require further research.
Commissioner Knowles also suggested that perhaps, COSLA could consider fiscal support for
the ALA Spectrum Initiative and assist by offering funding to help contribute to diversity
building of the library profession. She relayed that this occurred to her after attending the event
mentioned by Director Maier at the Plympton School in Waltham where there are many
multicultural students. She stated her belief that more needs to be done in the profession to
promote this and COSLA could contribute to the matter.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Cynthia Roach, Head of Library Advisory and Development and Government Liaison, reported
that, as previously mentioned the Senate budget level funded all account lines except the Board
of Library Commissioners, account 7000-9101. The House Budget level funded this line to the
FY2011 level at $914,448. The Senate Budget funds the line at $817,877, a 10.6% reduction.
This line item will go to conference committee to work out the discrepancy in the two budgets.
Ms. Roach informed the Commissioners that House Speaker DeLeo and Senate President
Murray announced Conference Committee members this week. Senator Stephen Brewer (Barre)
and Rep. Brian Dempsey, freshman Ways and Means Committee chairs working under former
budget chieftains Therese Murray and Robert DeLeo, were named to lead a six-member
conference committee. Other conference committee members are Reps. Stephen Kulik (DWorthington) and Viriato deMacedo (R-Plymouth) and Sens. Steven Baddour (D-Methuen) and
Michael Knapik (R-Westfield). She stated that there is a push to get the budget to the Governor
before the end of June.
Ms. Roach reported that on May 9 and 10, 2011 over 300 library supporters arrived in
Washington for National Legislative Day to meet with Congress on budget and bills of
importance to libraries. She informed the Commissioners that Massachusetts had seven attendees
Leigh Barnes (Pittsfield), Millie Gonzalez (Framingham State), Allison Kenney (Friend of
Swampscott Public Library), Rebecca Larson (Newton), Lee Fogarty (Springfield), Director
Maier and herself. She reported that they met with aides of all Massachusetts Representatives
and Senators except for Congressman Frank, who would rather meet in the district. Two items
that were “hot issues” were the funding of LSTA reauthorization and improving literacy through
school libraries, which is the only federal government spending specific to school libraries.
Ms. Roach informed the Commissioners that the Department of Revenue’s May mid-month
report through May 16, 2011 shows tax collections totaled $769 million, down $61 million from
the same period in May 2010, with the full month May benchmark (based on the $19.784 billion
estimate) projecting total tax revenues of $1.562 billion, a decrease of $13 million from May
2010.
MARKETING PLAN UPDATE
Celeste Bruno, Communications Specialist, talked about efforts to promote summer reading
across the state. She relayed that the summer campaign highlights the Board’s partnership with
the Bruins and that summer reading participants are eligible for Bruins prizes. Ms. Bruno showed
the Commissioners examples of online banner ads that will be running on various websites
during the month of June, including Boston.com and Comcast. She also played one of the radio
ads which provide coverage to harder to reach areas of the state for the Commissioners.
Ms. Bruno also highlighted some of the tools that were created to assist librarians in promoting
their local summer reading programs. The MBLC has developed summer reading flyers (for
school visits) in Spanish and English (separate flyers for the teen and children’s program) and a
print ad that libraries can use with their local newspapers. To highlight the Bruins partnership, a
template news release was created that libraries can use with their local media, as was the Bruins
“When you read, you score!” sticker template, Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins (a player
recommended reads list), and a flyer with the Bruins summer reading prizes. Bruins bookmarks
have also been sent to libraries.
Ms. Bruno then discussed the changes to the consumer portal. In addition to an updated design,
changes include an easier database search, expanded information for jobseekers, and easier
navigation to resources such as ESL classes and special collections. The new site will be tested
by MBLC staff before it goes live which should be in July. Ms. Bruno informed the
commissioners that the agency is still awaiting state approval before Facebook is added to the
site.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A BUDGET REVISION FOR THE FY2012
LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT (LSTA) DIRECT GRANT ROUND
Cynthia Roach reported that this past month the agency was informed that the Board’s LSTA
allocation for Federal Fiscal Year 2011 is $3,323,269. This is a reduction of $236,719 in the
anticipated LSTA allocation. It appears to be an even larger reduction as our Federal Fiscal
Year 2010 allotment was $3,621,427; this included a one-time special allotment of $61,439.
Ms. Roach reminded the Commissioners that the agency spends approximately one-third of the
LSTA allocation on operating costs (salaries, rent, etc.), one-third on special projects and onethird on the grants to libraries program. To compensate for the reduction on the operating side,
the agency will not fill the Grants Manager position. Within the Special Projects, the agency
will need to include the cost for evaluation of its current five year LSTA plan and development
of a new five year plan. This offsets most of the cuts that can be made in this part of the budget.
Ms. Roach stated that there is a need to reduce the FY2012 Grant program cap by $163,202 to
stay within the Federal Fiscal Year 2011 allotment. She noted that in April the Board approved
a cap of $800,982 for FY2012 grant spending. She stated that the motion requested today asks
that the Board set a cap of $637,780 for this grant round.
In addition, it is expected that the LSTA program will have additional cuts in the Federal Fiscal
Year 2012 budget. She also noted that in April the Board approved a cap of $221,581 for those
grants that would run for 2 years. She also stated that the motion requested today asks that the
Board set a cap of $100,000 on second year payments.
Ms. Roach informed the Commissioners that the state Advisory Council on Libraries (SACL)
met on April 6, 2011to review grants. Several grant seekers were asked to rewrite grants or
answer additional questions. These revised grants were due in early May. Seven libraries
decided to withdraw their proposals based on these questions. The total amount requested based
on these withdrawals is $773,633 for FY2012. Second year payment requests increased slightly
to $227,381.
Ms. Roach announced that SACL will meet June 8, 2011 to make final recommendations in
preparation for the July 14, 2011 Board Meeting.
We need to provide final instructions for
SACL; thus this request to revise the budget for the FY2012 grant. We would also like SACL to
have the opportunity to fund those grants that are the best, so have not presented you with a
revised grant program for FY2012 at this time.
Commissioner Quinn moved and Commissioner Knowles seconded that the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners approve a revised FY2012 Library Services and Technology
Act Grant Round Budget that allocates $637,780 for the grant round and limits second year
payments at $100,000.
The Board voted approval.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A FY2011 BUDGET REVISION FOR THE
MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM
Gregory Pronevitz, Executive Director, Massachusetts Library System, presented the budget
revision. He informed the Commissioners that the most significant changes in the budget are a
reduction in personnel costs due to delays in filling all positions this year, lower than anticipated
delivery costs (MLS was prepared for volume and fuel cost increases that did not occur), lower
costs for the Whately facility as WMRLS had deposited the mortgage payments late last fiscal
year, and shifting the bulk of unspent funds to online content which is highly desired by member
libraries. He noted that this budget was approved unanimously by the MLS Executive Board at
its meeting on April 29, 2011.
Commissioner Kaufman moved and Commissioner Comeau seconded that the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners approve the FY2011 budget revision, filed on May 18, 2011 for
the Massachusetts Library System to reflect revisions in the budget, with a bottom line of
$6,920,993.00 as detailed in the accompanying documentation.
REPORT FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM
MLS Executive Director Gregory Pronevitz informed the Commissioners that during April MLS
staff had 143 advisory contacts with member library staff, 18 of which were site visits. MLS
staff spent 60 hours visiting member libraries and 61 hours responding to advisory questions.
Notable were delivery workflow visits; MBI questions; and MassCat cataloging help.
Mr. Pronevitz relayed that 280 participants attended 24 continuing education offerings in April.
Highlights of the month were Basic Library Techniques, Teen Library issues, and ILL
roundtables, and well-attended ereaderpallooza events.
He stated that the agreement with Optima to provide statewide delivery is signed and will take
effect on July 1, 2011 and more detailed implementation planning is underway. Mr. Pronevitz
also noted that MLS staff members have met with seven networks and hosted a statewide/virtual
meeting attended by over 50 members to explain the new service agreement.
Pertaining to online content Mr. Pronevitz relayed that MLS has begun the implementation of
Cape Cod Times and Springfield Republican from NewsBank and that MLS expects that it can
provide geolocation authentication for many users.
Also, MLS has arranged for discounts for many of the legacy titles: Grolier Multimedia
Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia Americana, Issues and Controversies, eLibrary, World Book
Online, Literary Reference Center, and Science Reference Center.
Mr. Pronevitz announced that MLS has hired Amanda Fauver, Member Services
Coordinator/Office Support Staffing. Ms. Fauver came to MLS from the Topsfield Town
Library
He reported that MLS has signed a lease for a new headquarters at 225 Cedar Hill St. in
Marlboro and that a move is planned for June 17, 2011. He noted that technology
implementation and moving preparation are underway.
Regarding the Whately facility, Mr. Pronevitz informed the Commissioners that MLS has chosen
a realtor and has begun discussions on announcing the space availability.
Commissioner Comeau suggested that MLS keep in regular communication with the legislators
from western Massachusetts to apprise them of any news concerning the Whately facility and
also other MLS activities in western Massachusetts.
REPORTS ON FY2011 LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT (LSTA)
PROJECTS
Cohasset's Next Chapter project
Jacqueline Rafferty, Director, Paul Pratt Memorial Library in Cohasset, relayed that there is no
doubt that the Next Chapter Grant Program has filled an essential and timely need, as evidenced
by the dramatic surge in social networking as a mainstream communication tool. In preparation
for Cohasset’s program, Cohasset resident Diane Danielson was hired to create a Facebook page
for the library, http://www.facebook.com/CohassetLibrary. Ms. Danielson developed the tag
line “Life happens at the Library. Check us out” for the library’s Facebook page and
everyone loved it so much that it was adopted as the new library tag line and published on the
library’s website. Ms. Danielson also has been one of the key program presenters, and is posting
slides of all her social media programs presented to Next Chapter participants on the library’s
Facebook page.
Ms. Rafferty reported that in October, 2010, the library began offering basic computer skills
workshops. Three workshops have been offered each month: basic computer skills, basic email,
and basic internet search. The content is based on the Seattle Public Library’s computer skills
workshop lesson plans posted on their website. The lesson plans, which Reference Librarian
Gayle Walsh customized for Cohasset’s needs, provide a simple approach to computer use. The
library takes reservations for up to 6 people to receive hands-on experience using the 6 libraryowned laptop computers, and also welcomes those with their own laptops to set up their
machines in the back of the room and to follow along. Drop-ins are also welcome to attend.
Everyone is supplied with a printout of the slide presentation, a copy of upcoming Next Chapter
workshops, a Next Chapter survey, and a pencil. Since October, 25 people have attended the
basic computer skills workshop, 25 have attended the basic email workshop, and 26 people have
attended the basic internet search workshop.
Also beginning in October, a variety of technology-based information workshops have been
offered for those seeking to broaden skills in their careers and volunteer positions. Programs
include: Facebook for Beginners, Blogging for Business, Creating PowerPoint Presentations,
LinkedIn for Beginners, and E-Newsletters. Information sessions were also offered on Current
Topics in Technology, Protecting PCs from Security Threats, Digital Photography Basics,
Getting to Know Your Computer, and Digital Media Players & Downloadable Audiobooks,
which appeal to the general public. Rounding out the programming, a 6-week Memoir Writing
Workshop and a 6- week Fiction Writing Workshop lead by Grub Street writing instructor and
author Lynne Griffin were offered. The workshops have attracted both novice and seasoned
writers looking to explore the art of writing and to hone writing skills. Comments have been
positive for the Memoir workshop, citing Lynne’s talent of teaching as a valuable component of
the experience.
Ms. Rafferty noted that in order to encourage public use of the library’s eBook and
downloadable collections, the library purchased two Nook e-Readers, which have been
cataloged for public use and LSTA funds were used to purchase Overdrive Advantage, which is
a collection of e-Books and downloadable audio books available only to Cohasset residents.
She informed the Commissioners that Next Chapter programs have been well attended by the
target group (50-70+ age group). Instructors have been extremely knowledgeable and very
comfortable with speaking to and interacting with audience members. The time of day (10:00
a.m. – noon for social media, technology, and writing workshops) seems to work well. Ms.
Rafferty stated that the library is on target with programming and continues to add more as
funding allows. The library continues to promote the workshops through its website, the library’s
news/events listserv, Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as news media outlets, Cohasset Elder
Affairs VISTA newsletters, and library flyers and posters.
She reported that numerous programs have been scheduled twice due to public demand. For
example, numerous people requested a second presentation of Facebook so that they could have
another chance to familiarize themselves with the logistics of participating. Ms. Rafferty
concluded by noting that feedback from participants in the project has been very positive. She
stated that llibrary trustees have had numerous people speak to them personally about how
valuable they think the series of social networking, technology, and writing workshops have
been.
Easton's On the Same Page project
Director Madeline Miele Holt and Assistant Director Uma Hiremath of the Ames Free Library
informed the Commissioners that Easton’s project was designed to establish that the library is a
place “where the community connects.” They noted that the library launched this motto the year
before the project began. The theme for the project was around the book Last Child in the Woods
that explored how today’s children are being deprived of contact with nature. Bill Bryson’s A
Walk in the Woods was also used. A group of residents came together to work on planning the
events that included planning book discussions and a host of community events around the theme
of nature. An attractive logo was created; program brochures were distributed to public school
children; a personalized email was sent to every teacher in the public school system; a weekly
column was set up in the local newspaper.
They relayed that sixty copies of both books were purchased; the library developed a libraryinitiated brochure “Easton’s Hidden Treasures” that focused on key conservation areas with trail
maps, descriptions and detailed access information. A film featuring locally prominent author
Chet Raymo and historian Ed Hands visually captured three conservation areas and provided a
short geological history of Easton. During six months between April and September the library
conducted 291 programs, 57 were specific to the project and the others were hosted by the
library and its partners. Between April and September the number of attendees per month at an
average of eight programs was around 694.
Ms. Holt reported that the Easton Cultural Council wanted to create an outdoor evening for the
community. The Council set up a series of lantern making workshops in the library and
organized a lantern walk around the town that culminated in the library’s garden. The Easton
Reads Together (ERT) framework allowed the library the latitude of offering programs that
varied from puppetry to xeriscaping and yet provided the strength of presenting it all in one
powerful composite. Survey cards were distributed at each event and an average of 97.2% agreed
strongly or agreed that the programs had alerted them to the importance of Easton’s natural
resources.
Ms. Hiremath noted that among the many partners with this project were the Town’s Dept. of
Public Works, Recreation Department, the Easton Cultural Commission, YMCA, Garden Club,
Friends of the Library, local community access cable , the Easton Journal, school department,
Historical Commission to name a few. She stated that these were heretofore unexploited
relationships. The project also shone a light on the abundance of natural resources in the 3,000
acres of conservation land in the community.
Ms. Holt commented that this project was an amazing combination of talented library staff that
enlisted a host of community members in support of the dual themes of the need for children’s
access to natural resources and a confirmation of the wealth of natural resources available in the
community of Easton. She said that, given the success of this project, the library plans to
establish a theme, collect programs around that theme and move forward with a 100th
anniversary celebration of the library’s Queset Garden.
Ms. Holt and Ms. Hiremath concluded by noting that this program which was viewed as quite
ambitious at the initial funding stage exceeded the expectations of the library. The library
attracted over 5000 people in the months between April and September 2010. They cooperated
with 17 agencies and town departments and 90% of participants indicated that there was a
positive change as a result of their participation. They informed the commissioners that the Ames
Free Library was awarded the inaugural "Elise Ames Parker Friends of Conservation Award" for
the high level of cooperation and awareness it was able to bring to Easton’s institutions and
residents through the Easton Reads Together program. Easton Reads Together was an
unqualified success providing the library the opportunity to forge new alliances that would
enhance the life of the community.
REPORT ON LSTA PLANNING AND EVALUATION
Cynthia Roach reported that the MBLC has joined 8 other states to issue a RFP for evaluation of
the current LSTA plan that will end June 2012. Four responses were received: Nancy Bolt
Associates, Himmel & Wilson, Library Development Solutions and Lyrasis. She noted that
pricing ranged from $150,000 to $210,000. Ms. Roach announced that there will be a
conference call to discuss proposals and to make recommendation shortly. She also reported that
a RFP will be issued in the future for a planning consultant to help the MBLC develop its next
long range plan for 2012-2017.
REPORT ON THE STATEWIDE DATABASE LICENSING SURVEY
Marlene Sue Heroux, Reference Information Systems Specialist, reported on the results and
analysis of the Statewide Electronic Resources survey that the MBLC conducted in April 2011.
She relayed that the survey was conducted to plan for the next round of statewide licensed
electronic resources that will be available for July 2012 and beyond. Over 1000 respondents
participated in the survey. The survey covered interest in the current statewide licensed content
by the MBLC and MLS, as well as the desirability of content for future statewide licensing.
Ms. Heroux stated that the survey confirmed interest in many of the electronic resources
currently licensed by MBLC and MLS. Libraries would like more training and resources to
market the electronic products to their users. She noted that several respondents found the newly
enabled access by geolocation, which allows patrons to access databases without entering any
credentials, as a major boost to use. Respondents from all types of libraries expressed interest in
The New York Times and The Boston Globe, as the paper of record for Massachusetts.
Ms. Heroux relayed that school and academic libraries are the key target audience for many of
the electronic resources, which is also borne out by the usage statistics of the currently licensed
products. They would also like to see access to resources in science and technology, in addition
to the currently offered products covering health and literature. Schools would also like
statewide access to an encyclopedia product. Public library respondents reflected their growing
interest in statewide access to products covering language learning, genealogy, downloadable ebooks and more.
Ms. Heroux announced that a copy of her PowerPoint Slides will be sent to the Commissioners.
A slightly abbreviated version will also be sent to all Massachusetts Library System members as
well as the Massachusetts School Library Association listserv and can be viewed online at:
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/licenses/survey-results.pdf
COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES
Commissioner Knowles attended the presentation of the Outstanding School Library award to
the Plympton School in Waltham on May 13, 2011.
Commissioner Shesko attended the meeting at the Board office with the mayor of Woburn on
May18, 2011.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Dibble adjourned the June 2, 2011 monthly business
meeting of the Board of Library Commissioners at 1:02 P.M.
Mary Rose Quinn
Secretary