Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC):
Larry Rungren, Executive Director of MVLC, discussed the organization's recent priorities and accomplishments. MVLC members have been focused on the volume of requests and delivery items. Member libraries have been struggling to understand and control the explosion of transit items. As a result, a limits committee was formed to look at possible solutions to lessen the volume of items in delivery. MVLC is looking at changes in member parameters, new functionality of the Sirsi/Dynix Horizon software and new procedures to govern resource sharing among member libraries such as filling requests from local holdings and generating transit slips automatically with the Horizon software.
Other MVLC priorities and accomplishments include signing a contract with Overdrive to provide downloadable audiobooks to member libraries beginning in July. Member libraries will help fund the collection of digital audiobooks. Joint MVLC/NMRLS training is planned to support this effort. Erin Apostolos will provide training in the use of Overdrive to member libraries and Scott Kehoe will provide training on digital media.
In mid-July, MVLC will be a full member of the Statewide Virtual Catalog. Currently, MVLC is a read-only member.
Delivery Committee
Jackie White, Chair of the NMRLS Delivery Committee, began her report by thanking NMRLS for their cooperation these past several months. Clear and accurate labeling has been addressed. Packaging options are still being reviewed; the committee is waiting for the state standards for packaging due out in June 2006. Time in delivery continues to be of pressing concern in MVLC and NOBLE members. Organizational practices in both member libraries and at Eastern Connection are under review. Volume and cost are also continuing concerns to both consortia and NMRLS.
Jackie White was asked by the MVLC membership to ask the NMRLS Executive Board the following question: What will NMRLS cut or alter in the way of programs and/or services from future budgets to pay for the rising costs of delivery? The answer to which will help MVLC members make decisions about imposing limits on materials.
Board members suggested that NMRLS look at the recent member survey and use those responses as parameters for future decision making and to caution that the cuts should be proportional in future budgets. The question was raised, how much thought had been given to passing some of the delivery costs on to the patrons. While some thought had been given to that tactic, it isn't under consideration at this point. It was noted that the cost of delivery of materials is being borne by patrons out of their local taxes, but it was also being paid for out of their state taxes and that patrons must be educated so that they could advocate for greater funding for this service that they enjoy.
Greg Pronevitz noted that the State budget figures under discussion will allow NMRLS to continue services at the current level. However, unexpected price increases, e.g., for fuel costs or other services could change this.
Marlene Heroux noted that the Statewide Delivery Best Practices document will address all the delivery stakeholders from patrons to the state level.
MBLC Report:
In addition, Marlene Heroux noted that the numerical results of the recently completed MBLC Database Survey are posted on the MBLC website (mblc.state.ma.us/grants/licenses/survey.php). The narrative data is still being analyzed. Marlene Heroux also reminded the Board that the statewide workshops on databases information will be coming soon.
| Date | Location | Time |
| Wednesday, June 14, 2006 | NMRLS, Danvers | 2:30-4:30 PM |
| Thursday, September 21, 2006 | TBA | 2:30-4:30 PM |
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 | TBA | 2:30-4:30 PM |
| Thursday, November 16, 2006 | Annual Meeting
Cascia Hall, Merrimack College | 12:00-3:30 PM |
| Thursday, December 14, 2006 | NMRLS, Danvers | New Member Orientation:
11:30 AM-2:15 PM
Monthly Board Meeting
2:30-4:30 PM |
