Back to Table of Contents


Thursday, March 18, 2004 - Peabody Institute Library, Danvers

School Library Media Center Recertification Updates
The Executive Board acted on several motions related to school library media center recertification.

  • Eight libraries that do not meet requirements for certification were removed from membership. Services shall no longer be provided because they do not have on staff a Massachusetts state certified library media specialist (librarian).
  • The Executive Board discussed the presentation that Stephen Jankauskas, Principal of the Sanborn School in Andover, made at the February meeting. The Board accepted the one-time waiver request from this school with the requirement that this library media center fully meets certification requirements within the time frame described in their one-time waiver application.
  • The Board tabled action on the Shawsheen Elementary School recertification pending a presentation at the April Board meeting.

FY2005 Budget, Revision #1
The Board unanimously approved the proposed revision on a recommendation from the Budget Committee to recognize a change in subcontractor for the Supplemental Deposit Collection management services. Merrimac Public Library will be taking this over beginning on October 1st. We have agreed on a contract and are awaiting signatures. As a result of this change we are also contracting with Memorial Hall Library to continue this service on a short-term basis until October to ensure a smooth transition. Savings are recognized in the renewal of NMRLS five-year lease and in our delivery contract. These funds have been moved, for the most part, to electronic databases.

Legislative Update
Mary Behrle discussed the Legislative Breakfast she attended on March 12, 2004 in Beverly. The event was successful having been attended by Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, Robert Maier, as well as other legislators and library supporters The Haverhill breakfast was somewhat less attended; however, also a success. The Board discussed holding just one breakfast, in a central location, next year.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Thursday, April 15, 2004 -- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM -- Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover
  • Thursday, May 20, 2004 -- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM -- Peabody Institute Library, Danvers
  • Thursday, June 17, 2004 -- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM -- Location TBA

Membership Update
Susan Grabski informed the group that NMRLS Membership stands at 309 (13 Academic, 53 Public, 203 School (1 pending), and 40 Special).

Other Business
The group discussed the cut backs at the Peabody Essex Museum. NMRLS is investigating the best method to work with members in expressing the concerns of local libraries about access to this important collection.