Directors' Brown Bag: How to Handle State Aid Decertification of a Neighboring Library
Two dozen directors and assistant directors met on August 13 at Nevins Library in Methuen to discuss the issues of decertified library neighbors. Several of the libraries spoke of concerns with their own need to submit requests for waivers this fiscal year.
Among the questions that emerged was the timing of waivers with possible decisions to decline services to neighboring patrons. The vote to waive certification of state aid requirements will be taken at the February MBLC meeting.
The outcomes of the meeting were:
- Networks might want to look at their out-of-state library user charges,
- NMRLS will collect policies on decertified libraries and reciprocal privileges and post samples on its Library Information Files page http://www.nmrls.org/lif/index.shtml,
- NMRLS will design a template policy based on the elements that libraries would most like to see in a policy statement,
- Libraries should consider a zip code survey of their users, in order to gauge the possible impact of decertified neighboring libraries on their own services,
- The NMRLS listserv http://www.nmrls.org/lists/index.shtml is a good communication tool for libraries and for NMRLS to share information and comments on waivers and closings.
The July/August issue of MBLC Notes has an article on reciprocity and decertified libraries: http://www.mlin.lib.ma.us/mblc/publications/notes/22.4/reciprocity.shtml.
Thank you to Krista McLeod and to the Nevins Library for hosting this event!
Upcoming Brown Bag Discussions:
Brown Bag Discussion: Implementing Your LSTA Grant
September 17, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
As you prepare to implement your FY2004 LSTA grant, come to discuss your funded proposal and the course you will take to make it a success. We have invited a few members who received grants in fiscal 2003 to meet with us to share information and advice about their grant implementations. If you are considering submitting a proposal for FY2005, join us to gather ideas for projects. This discussion will be held at Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, South Hamilton.
Directors' Brown Bag: Fundraising
September 25, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Join your colleagues at Flint Memorial Library, North Reading, to share ideas on raising revenues in lean times. Bring your lunch, along with campaigns or publications that have worked (or not) for your library. Trustees and/or Friends are most welcome.
Click Here for a brief bibliography to get you started thinking about fundraising:
