September 18, 2003—NMRLS, Danvers
Recertification of School Library Media Specialists: NMRLS normally verifies school library certification every two years. Brian Archambault explained that other regions, BRLS and CMRLS, are opting not to check this year and asked Board members whether NMRLS should also consider postponing our recertification process for one more year. The Board discussed the issue and took into consideration the following points:
- The need to understand how school districts have been affected by budget cuts.
- While the FY2004 budget is bad, FY2005 may be even worse.
- The reality that the benefits of regional membership aren't necessarily compelling enough for school administrators to hold onto their certified librarian positions in tough budget times.
- MSLMA's strong position regarding last year's proposed lessening of the eligibility standards for membership in the regions.
The Executive Board unanimously approved a motion to proceed with the school library recertification process in Fall 2003.
MassCat Fees: Greg Pronevitz summarized the proposed MassCat Pricing Schedule for FY2005, based on an anticipated total cost of $2600 per library. Actual costs have risen about 30 percent from original estimates. After polling several MassCat members on new fees, he recommended the following fee schedule with smaller increases to members.
| Library Holdings
| Base Fee (Current, FY2004)
| Approved Base Fee (FY2005)
|
| Under 10,000
| $250
| $275
|
| 10,001-25,000
| $650
| $700
|
| 25,001 - 49,999
| $1,300
| $1,400
|
|
50,000+
| $2,000
| $2,200
|
The Board discussed the impact of greater increase, as was originally proposed, and agreed that a smaller increase was more reasonable given the current budget environment and approved the revised recommendation unanimously.
Annual Review: The Executive Board approved the Regional Administrator's annual review and salary recommendation unanimously.
Annual Meeting: The Executive Board reviewed and commented on draft versions of the following documents that will be presented to the membership for approval at the November 19th Meeting in Methuen:
- FY2003 Annual Report
- FY2005 Plan of Service
- Slate of candidates
Staffing Changes and Related Topics: Greg Pronevitz explained that, on August 12, 2003, due to budget issues, NMRLS was compelled to lay off the Training Support Specialist. Remaining staff has started absorbing these duties and, consequently, NMRLS has been forced to look at more efficient ways of administering related programs. We have already streamlined important processes as we work together to reorganize responsibilities.
NMRLS' lease is up in April of 2004. We have begun to reevaluate our office space needs given a pared down plan of service and budget. Currently, NMRLS occupies 3,500 square feet of office space. Greg is investigating several options and asked the Board for their input.
Delivery: Susan Grabski explained that CD&L of Boston is the new delivery service provider. The past two months have been "exciting" as we moved from a longstanding service provider to a brand new one. CD&L is running four delivery routes that have been "tweaked" several times to create smoother runs. Our participating libraries (those on Route 2 in particular) experienced a "rocky" transition period; however, fortunately, after two months, service to our region has dramatically improved.
CD&L drivers are required to get a signature on his/her manifest at time of delivery. The driver will fill in the following information, which needs to be verified at each library:
- number of bins delivered
- number of bins picked-up
- number of bins left behind, if any
- time of delivery
Librarians have been asked to check the accuracy of this information and make corrections, if necessary, before signing. This is important so that, one, we will be able to monitor volume; and, two, so that we can be certain that our billing is correct.
