NMRLS Executive Board Meeting Summary
September 20, 2007
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Financial Issues: The Board accepted the monthly financial report and a recommendation to authorize certain Board officers and staff to access to NMRLS' investment account.
Fy2008 Budget Revision: The Board approved the budget revision after Greg reviewed Significant Changes to the FY2008 Budget, e.g., the budget was reduced by $9,475 due to change in funding for the Library of Last Recourse at Boston Public Library, contracting delivery services with an allowance for anticipated increases, electronic reference services were continued this year, MassCat was increased due to contract cost increases, new pricing allocation by MassCat, and planning for system migration to improve services; benefits increases to comply with Personnel Committee recommendations, and allowing for the purchase of a new copier.
FY2009 Plan of Service and Budget: The Board approved the budget and Plan of Service for approval by the Council of Members in November after a report from Greg on related issues, e.g., delivery is funded at the anticipated level for services with no cushion for growth or fuel surcharges; funding for reference databases will fall short and service reductions are likely; and MassCat costs are up to cover migration expenses.
The Board discussed contingency planning for FY2009 in the event that costs increases compel NMRLS to reduce services to cover high priority services. MassCat, the ILL Centers, and the Regional Reference Center ensued. The Board discussed forming a Task Force to look at Regional contractual services. The Board approved formation of a Task Force to review NMRLS services and make recommendations for prioritization in the event of a need to reduce services. Services for consideration include: eLibrary, OCLC WorldCat, Informe, renegotiation or rebidding Regional Reference Center and/or Interlibrary loan center services, materials grants to small public libraries, MassCat, and moving to less expensive office space when the current lease expires.
FY2007 Annual Report: Greg reviewed the final FY2007 Annual Report with the Board. The document is comprised of reports submitted by committee chairs and staff and includes additional information about service. The format combines Committee and program area activities, placing Committee rosters separately. Greg noted that the FY2007 Budget is un-audited as we are in the middle of our annual audit proceedings. The audited budget will go to the Board at their October meeting. The Board approved the Annual Report.
Board Development Committee Recommendation: Mary Behrle explained that, in light of the resignation of Mary Rose Quinn, the Board was in need of a public library representative. The Committee approached Nadine Mitchell, an incoming Board member by election in November, if she would take Mary Rose's seat early until she is voted in in November. Nadine agreed and the Board approved the appointment.
Personnel Committee Recommendations: Becky Herrmann, Personnel Committee Chair, summarized changes to the Personnel Guidelines. The Committee did a comparative analysis of benefits, as well as personnel policies in similar regions, libraries, and organizations. The Board approved changes to make benefits equal for full-time, part-time, and non-exempt staff and to make a small adjustment to bring about salary equity across positions.
Annual Meeting Planning: Susan Grabski explained that the Annual Meeting will be held at the Nevins' Memorial Library in Methuen on Thursday, November 15, 2007. A brief business meeting and reports will be followed by our engaging keynote speaker, Lane Glenn who will present on Appreciative Inquiry. Dr. Glenn is Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northern Essex Community College. (See related story: http://www.nmrls.org/news/oct07/anmtg07.shtml)
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, October 18, 2007 -- Chelmsford Public Library -- 2:30 - 4:30 PM
