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MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees
May 20, 1999

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, May 20, 1999 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:

Rebecca L. Mahoney, Chair; Phyllis A. Horton, Vice Chair; James W. Burns; Annette A. Juncewicz; Remy Orffeo; Elaine M. Panty; Robert J. Plache; Daniel T. Roach; Judith K. Summer; Stanley H. Zagora; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus

Excused: Frank Gist, conflict; Salvatore R. Martoche, out of town; Simone Mitchell-Peterson, conflict; David J. Shenk, conflict; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus; John P. Wickser, Trustee Emeritus; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus

Chair Mahoney called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m., when a quorum was reached.

Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the Agenda was approved with the following adjustments: Agenda Item E.4 was deleted as the Bylaws Committee had no report. Executive session was added following Agenda Item J.2 in order for the Board to discuss a personnel matter.

Agenda Item C – Minutes of April 22, 1999. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Roach the Minutes of the meeting of April 22, 1999 were approved as submitted.

Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney expressed her appreciation to Trustees Juncewicz, Horton, Gist, Panty, Summer and Administrators Chrisman, Stone, Whelan, Collins and Mahaney for their attendance at a very productive meeting with the ACT trustees on April 24^th at the JBR Library in Cheektowaga. Discussion of the one hiring authority issue included some items which will be taken to the Planning Committee before presentation to the full Board. Ms. Mahoney indicated she was pleased that B&ECPL trustees and administrators will be invited to future ACT meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19^th at 10 a.m. at the Hamburg Public Library.

Ms. Mahoney reported that Mrs. Chrisman and Mr. Mahaney joined her at a meeting of the Erie County Legislature’s Community Enrichment Committee to present an update on The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in the Third Millennium’s 1999 Revised Work Plan. Ms. Mahoney also updated the Committee on the Director Search.

In response to Mr. Orffeo’s question regarding the May 14^th Buffalo News article on the meeting with the Community Enrichment Committee, Mr. Mahaney stated that the $100,000 figure quoted in the article was in response to legislators’questions on qualified costs of various components of the Strategic Plan. That figure was for a specific taskthe originally proposed planning contract before additional fundstasks brought the total to $138,000.

Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.

Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Horton reported that the Executive Committee met on Thursday, May 13, 1999 at 4:30 p.m. The agenda for the May 20^th board meeting was approved, committee reports and proposed resolutions were reviewed and discussed.

Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.

Agenda Item E.2.a – Page and Senior Page Wage Adjustments. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that 1997’s minimum wage increase resulted in the top page rate equal to the minimum wage and the starting senior page rate only five cents above the minimum wage. Since that time it has become increasingly difficult to recruit and retain qualified pages and senior pages. A cCongressional proposal to increase the minimum wage as early as September 2000 appears likely to be enacted within the next year. The proposed minimum wage increase would eliminate the differential between page and senior page hourly rates.

Resolution 99-16 proposes, subject to funding availability, a three- phased increase in page and senior page hourly rates. The first would increase rates up to 50¢ per hour effective July 1, 1999. The increase, estimated to cost $65,107 in 1999, will be funded from available 1998 ending fund balance. The second 50¢ per hour increase, would be effective July 1, 2000, with the third 50¢ increase effective July 1, 2001.

During discussion Mr. Orffeo said he felt this is an excellent proposal. He recalled that during meetings of the Salary Review Committee there was talk about reactivating that committee every third or fourth year. He indicated that there should be some consistency in the review of salary and wage adjustments on a regular basis.

There being no further discussion, on motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION #99-16

RESOLUTION #99-16

Exhibit One

Agenda Item E.2.b – 1999 Budget Adjustments: Allocating 1998 Year-end Balance. Mr. Stone reported that Resolution 99-17 is the annual summation of 1998 available ending fund balance. The Budget & Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends that a portion of the proceeds be used to increase the Contingency Reserve to a total of $450,000 which is approximately 1.5% of the operating budget.

The Committee also recommends that unencumbered funds be allocated for replacement of a shipping vehicle, system wide improvements for furniture, fixtures and technical equipment, director recruitment, page & senior page wage increases, legal services related to the Strategic Plan, replacement of original lighting ballasts with electronic ballasts and reserve for retirement expense.

Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Burns, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION #99-17

The exhibits mentioned in Resolution 99-17 are attached to these minutes.

Agenda Item E.2.c – 1999 USDA Urban & Community Forestry Grant Budget. Mr. Stone informed the Board that this award from the United States Department of Agriculture will result in improved landscaping at the Crane Branch Library in the City of Buffalo.

On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-18

Agenda Item E.2.d – 1999 USDA Urban Resources Partnership Program Grant Budget. The United States Department of Agriculture has also awarded a grant to the Fairfield Branch Library in Buffalo for the "We Have a Little Garden" project.

On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-19

Agenda Item E.2.e – Amendment to 1999 Budget, Legislative Contingency for Akron and Clarence. Mr. Stone reported that at its meeting on April 29^th, the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Legislator Ranzenhofer to allocate legislative contingency funds as follows: $1500 to the Denio Memorial Library in Akron to purchase CD-ROMoms and books on cassette and $8000 to the Clarence Library for the purchase of an overhead projector, LCD panel and laptop computer, a projector stand and contracted OPAC and Internet training for the public. It is requested that the Board of Trustees accept these funds and approve a budget amendment to allocate the proceeds.

Following some discussion, on motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION #99-20

Agenda Item E.2.f – Monthly Financial Report. The financial report for the period ending March 31, 1999 was received for information.

Agenda Item E.3 – Building Advisory Committee. In the absence of Building Advisory Committee Chair Thomas, Mrs. Chrisman acknowledged receipt of a Library Building Project application from the Collins Public Library. Copies of the application will be forwarded to committee members for their review.

On behalf of Committee Chair Thomas, Mrs. Chrisman indicated that at the April board meeting Ms. Thomas mentioned that information had been received from the Denio Memorial Library in Akron regarding thateir project. Further information is required and will be gathered in conjunction with Central Library staff to clarify seating needs, technological capability, collection size, parking, etc.

Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Mrs. Chrisman called attention to a video of the May 6^th development seminar presented by the Library Foundation which will be made available to trustees following the meeting.

Mrs. Chrisman informed board members that invitations to the grand opening of the Library’s training lab will be mailed as soon as there is a firm date. It is hoped that County Executive Gorski or his representative will be available to join in the celebration.

Mrs. Chrisman reported that Mr. Mahaney has been busy for the past few days handling phone calls from listeners of the Dr. Laura talk radio show. Dr. Laura Schlessinger has taken a strong stand against the American Library Association and asserts that ALA’s liberal views on Internet Access expose children to offensive information and imageshas accused that group of promoting pornography. She has taken exception to a web site supported by the Columbia University School of Medicine which has a link to ALA’s web site for teenagers. Mrs. Chrisman explained that while the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library supports ALA in many instances, the Library does not automatically endorse everything ALA recommendsthey do. In order to address this issue, B&ECPL will prepare a statement indicating its stand on this topic.

Mrs. Chrisman called on Deputy Director Shirley Whelan to report on B&ECPL’s technology rollout plan.

Ms. Whelan distributed copies of the revised technology rollout schedule. She informed trustees that B&ECPL’s primary objective has been to provide access to the Internet and the new web catalog in all 52 libraries by the end of 1999. During development of the schedule staff realized this could not be accomplished without the use of supplemental resources. Funds are available from the Board- approved Erie County OPAC bond allocation to provideunderwrite short term labor requirements. Pursuant to provisions of B&ECPL’s existing contract with Ikon Office SolutionsBusinesses, network system engineers will be added to the Network Support staff on an "as needed" basis at a projected cost of $95,000 to $162,000. Pending reimbursement of over $200,000 for erateE-Rate discounts provides additional flexibility in the OPAC budget.

The schedule calls for completion of the project in early November. The Library’s first priority is to complete in June the installation of libraries awarded the Gates Library Foundation grants. The regional libraries will be completed in September and by the end of the year all 52 libraries will have access to the Internet, the web catalog and Microsoft applications.

Mrs. Chrisman called on Deputy Director Stone to update the Board on the Central Library roofing project. Mr. Stone informed trustees that a series of significant leaks occurred in areas of the second floor on Sunday, May 16^th. Six books sustained some water damage. The ones that cannot be salvaged will be replaced. The contractors have removed and replaced a vapor barrier over the Network Support Room and hope to complete the east building in June. They plan to begin work on the west building after July 1^st. Roof installation will occur during the day using cold- based material. Federal MSDA sheets will be provided to assure Library staff that non-hazardous materials are in use. Asbestos monitoring will take place while any work is occurring. The roofing project should be completed by September.

The following report was submitted by the Interim Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:

Library Administrators and Staff Mourn the Loss of Erich J. Mayer: On April 29^th, reference librarian Erich J. Mayer suffered a heart attack and died while at work. Mr. Mayer was a 13-year veteran of the Business, Science and Technology department at the Central Library. He was best known for his expertise with the Patent and Trademark collection. Through a cooperative effort between B&ECPL and the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program (PTDLP), Erich worked in Washington, D.C. for one year (August 1994 to August 1995) and continued to be the Library’s liaison to PTDLP upon his return. This included updating his knowledge yearly, as recently as March of this year, through attendance at the PTDLP annual conference. Known for his caring and professionalism as well as his sense of humor and enthusiasm for life, Erich is already missed by staff, administrators, and the public he so admirably served.

At the request of the family, contributions are being directed to the Library Foundation to establish a fund in Erich’s name. With the assistance of colleagues and family, Library administration will determine a suitable testimonial that will be submitted to the Board for approval at some future date.

Strategic Planning: On May 13^th, Board Chair Rebecca Mahoney, Assistant Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Interim Director presented the 1999 Revised Work Plan to the Community Enrichment Committee of the Erie County Legislature. Committee Chair Lynn Marinelli and her colleagues expressed interest in receiving future updates as tasks included in the Work Plan are accomplished.

B&ECPL Trustees/ACT Meeting: B&ECPL trustees and members of The Association of Boards of Trustees of the Contracting Libraries of the B&ECPL (ACT) met together on April 24^th to discuss ACT involvement in addressing the many issues regarding the one hiring authority concept. The dialogue was open and frank and many attendees expressed optimism that the meeting was a milestone in improving communication and understanding among all trustees. An invitation to B&ECPL trustees to attend future ACT sessions was a clear indication that trustees are determined to work together in defining the future of the Library System.

One Hiring Authority Committee Meets: On April 28^th, the One Hiring Authority (OHA) Committee was convened to meet James Schmit of Damon and Morey who has been retained by the Library Board to assist with various negotiations required to accomplish this significant change. The charge of this staff committee is to identify the issues that must be addressed in such negotiations and offer operational recommendations, keeping in mind other proposals related to organizational objectives contained in The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library in the Third Millenium. A preliminary report from this committee is expected in August 1999 for review by trustees and administrators. Ruth Collins is serving as the administrative liaison to the committee until June, when Patricia Angstadt will resume committee chairmanship.

Urban Libraries Council Leadership Symposium: Board Chair Mahoney and the Interim Director attended a May 1-2 session in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Urban Libraries Council. The topic of the symposium was "Developing Leaders from Within" and featured Dr. Eugene Schnell from the University of Maryland National Leadership Institute. Other speakers included The Honorable Philip N. Bredesen, Mayor of Nashville and Buzz Bissinger, author of A Prayer for the City. The symposium concluded with an update on national legislative issues and a review of the Library Services and Technology Act.

Denio Library Update: On April 26^th, the Interim Director attended a meeting of the Denio Library Board of Trustees to discuss implications of the "specialty library" concept for the proposed new facility in the Town of Newstead. Denio trustees understood that the "specialty library" recommendation from Aaron Cohen Associates, Inc. requires greater definition and study and indicated their willingness to work with the B&ECPL to create a model library in Akron.

Regents Commission Hearings: Public hearings on library services are being conducted by the Regents Commission at sites throughout New York State, including one which was held at the Central Library on May 13^th. Board chair Mahoney presented testimony citing the Library’s strategic planning process and enumerated ways in which the State could assist the Library in delivering quality service to Erie County residents.

Helen Lyman Honored: On April 28^th, the Interim Director attended a colloquium in honor of Helen Lyman, retiring adjunct professor at the School of Information and Library Studies. Nationally known for her work in the field of adult literacy, Ms. Lyman worked for the former Buffalo Public Library from 1932 to 1952.

Board Committee Meetings: The Board’s Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Trustee Simone Mitchell-Peterson, met on May 13^th to discuss a proposal to increase the wage paid to page and senior page staff. The Committee also reviewed 1999 budget adjustments, federal and local grants and discussed Year 2000 budget planning and the proposed calendar. Later that day, the Executive Committee met to prepare the agenda for the May 20^th Board meeting.

Managers’Meeting Focused on New Services and Procedures: The May 12^th Managers’ Meeting addressed the gamut of new services and procedures that have, and will continue to have, considerable public service impact system-wide. The introduction of receipt printers and the availability of the Internet and personal applications software -- not to mention the new web-based OPAC -- have staff training implications. Plans to address these were discussed along with strategies to "sell" these new services to the members of the public who might be less comfortable with the new technologies. Statistics support that the overwhelming majority of Library users are very positive about these changes. In the Central Library’s Learning Center alone, computer usage doubled (from 2000 to 4000 patron hours) from March to April.

The format for the Monthly Checklist (the primary selection list for new library materials at the B&ECPL) was unveiled at the meeting. Earl Kunz, Collection Development Librarian in Support Services has worked diligently with one of the Library’s major book vendors, Brodart, in creating a polished, easy-to-read ordering tool. Not only is this new document less cumbersome and more cost effective to produce, it offers staff more help in selecting material for purchase.

Acquisitions Module Training: Support Services Manager, Carol Batt, has begun a series of hands-on workshops designed to help staff become more proficient when using the Acquisitions Module. The training offers "beyond the basics" strategies for searching and interpreting the "on order" information available on-line. The Acquisitions Module, fully operational since January of 1998, has proven to be an excellent fund and materials management tool.

B&ECPL and WNYLRC Investigate Resumption of WNYIndex: The Library and the Western New York Library Resources Council have teamed up to investigate ways to revive an important local resource, the Western New York Index (WNYIndex) which provided a key to local persons, companies, and events as reported in the Buffalo News and Business First. Produced by B&ECPL staff for in-library use -- and offered for sale to area schools and businesses -- the print Index ceased publication in 1996 after a sixteen year run. The availability of an online index to the Buffalo News (with full text) from a commercial vendor resulted in a drop in subscriptions to the Library’s product and a perception at the time that it was a duplicative effort. The commercial index fails to meet the needs of many B&ECPL patrons, however, in that it concentrates on national news not items of local significance.

The first step in the B&ECPL-WNYLRC partnership has been implemented. With the tapes of the print version supplied by B&ECPL, WNYLRC’s Regional Automation Committee has developed an online version of the Index that went live in April @ www.wnyindex.org. Next, the Library and WNYLRC are developing an LSTA grant to bring the Index up to date (1997-2000). Additional sources of revenue are being explored to resume this Index as an ongoing resource available via the web

Take Your Daughter to Work Day: The Central Library was rejuvenated by the experience of having 17 young "workers" in the building on April 23, 1999 as part of the MS. Foundation’s national effort to provide young women ages 9-15 with exposure to the many and varied work opportunities available to them. The Library has broadened the scope of this annual event over the years to include young men and for the first time this year, there was a greater number of the male gender!

TYDTWD provides an opportunity for the Library to recognize the importance of the teamwork necessary to provide superior service to the public -- and to begin the recruitment process for the next generation of pages, librarians, clerks etc.!! Lots of staff efforts were required to make this a successful experience for the children. Special thanks go to Gerri Cuddy (in Assistant Deputy Director Collins’ office) for coordinating the event; Betsey Higgins, reference librarian and tour guide extraordinaire for educating and entertaining the group; and Jane Rosenfeld, manager of special projects at Central, for conducting a PowerPoint workshop for the children.

City Branch Activities: Fairfield Branch manager Cathy Foertch presented a career day program for grades 5-8 at the Frederick Law Olmstead School on May 14^th and a similar program at a job fair at the Parkside Lutheran Church as part of a local Girl Scout requirement for a Career Exploration Pin. The programs included a slide/tape program, "What’s it like to work in a library?" along with a discussion of the different jobs required to make a library work.

On May 7^th North Jefferson Branch staff presented an exhibit at the Buffalo Convention Center entitled "Shower Your Baby with a Healthy Start." Seventeen health-related and educational organizations offered the program, which was geared to serving pregnant teens or new teen mothers. B&ECPL’s LSTA "Early Discoveries" grant was highlighted.

Lookie Bookie: B&ECPL’s popular mobile unit appeared at many local events this spring, such as the Buffalo Elementary School of Technology Show on May 14^th which gave 450 pre-kindergarten through 5^th grade children the opportunity to visit the vehicle.

The following report was submitted to the Interim Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:

Central Library Re-roofing Project Underway: Work has begun on the "East Building" (that portion of the building on the East side of Ellicott Street). All Roofing work is now taking place after normal open hours to minimize disruption to library operations with the occasional exception for supplies loading or inspections.

Work will focus exclusively on the East Building this month and next, with work on the "West Building" to begin on or after July 1^st. Watts Engineers, Inc., hired by the county to monitor for asbestos during the project, is on board and charged with monitoring whenever activities on the roof might have an impact on the ceilings and beams below. The County and Trautman Associates are providing general project oversight.

Weekly project coordination meetings are held on Wednesday evenings. The library is represented by Maintenance Supervisor Robert Gervan, Chief Stationary Engineer Mark Kross, and myself.

HVAC Improvements in the Network Room Area are Operational: Installation of efficient HVAC units in the network room is essentially complete, with both units operational. This was necessary before scheduled asbestos abatement above the ceiling can begin. Network operations will continue uninterrupted during this work.

More E-Rate Funding Reimbursements Received: As of this week, reimbursement checks totaling over $112,000 have been received. Of this total, almost $97,000 directly reimburses OPAC/Graphical Internet internal connections project expenses, and just under $7,000 helps offset the cost of our Internet Access.

A total of six appeals of funding decisions by the Schools and Libraries Division that warranted an appeal were filed. We have recently received notification that three of our appeals were approved at the amounts requested by the library, three were denied. The three approved will add just over $37,000 in reimbursements to the Library.

The following report was submitted to the Interim Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:

Technology Plan Update: The Technology Plan schedule was updated as a result of several critical decisions made by the Administrative team to enhance the objectives of the original OPAC project and the project timing. The schedule now reflects a work plan that includes the implementation of the same high-level workstations, with access to the Web catalog, Internet and Microsoft applications as provided by the grant from the Gates Library Foundation, at all libraries by the end of 1999. This decision represents a dramatic improvement from the original plan which included use of a text-based catalog only for our patrons.

In addition, a resource plan was developed to ensure that adequate personnel was available to complete the project on-time. Enhancements to the initial OPAC budget from many grants including the Library Foundation, MCI, the Gates Library Foundation and Goldome, as well as reimbursements from our "E-Rate discount" applications, have made these developments possible.

Gates Library Foundation Urban Leadership Grant: Computers have now been installed at six of the libraries that received funding from the Gates Library Foundation Grant. Added this month were East Delavan and Niagara.

Use of workstations with access to the Internet and applications continues to be a very popular new service offered to our patrons. All libraries report seeing new Erie County residents visiting their libraries for the first time to use the new computing equipment. At the Central Library, the number of sessions used by patrons (both with reservations and as "walk-in") almost doubled in April from 2,323 to 4,165.

OPAC – Branches and Towns: Minor changes to the new North Collins library plans to accommodate workstations in the Children’s area and librarian’s workroom were made. Data cabling plans were developed and work will be coordinated with the representative from Bernard & Desimone responsible for the construction of the new building.

Telecommunications Act of 1996 and E-Rate 1998 and 1999/2000: The reimbursements received as a result of our 1998 E-Rate applications will be used to fund the additional equipment and resources necessary for the completion of our 1999 Technology Plan goals.

Wendt Foundation Grant: I accompanied you and Kathryn Vedder, Library Foundation Director, to a meeting with the Wendt Foundation. The purpose of the meeting was to provide supplemental information and to answer questions about a grant proposal submitted by Ms. Vedder to request partial funding for the OPAC

Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. A written report which included information on the Erich J. Mayer Memorial, the Development Seminar, the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, the John R. Oishei Foundation Rare Book Room Grant, the Spring Grosvenor Concert, the Library Foundation Poster and Brochure, and the 1998-1999 Fiscal Year Audit was distributed to board members at the beginning of the meeting. In addition to her written report Ms. Vedder expressed her appreciation to trustees who attended the Development Seminar. She also thanked Interim Director Chrisman and Deputy Director Whelan who accompanied Foundation staff and board members to the Wendt Foundation. The Library Foundation has received approximately $1700 in contributions from family, friends and colleagues of Erich Mayer. A suitable memorial will be determined at a later date.

Agenda Item H – Public Comment. Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo, New York presented her concerns regarding the Strategic Plan. A copy of her testimony will be available for trustees.

Valerie Neiderhofer of Buffalo, New York expressed her appreciation to the Board for accepting USDA grants for the Crane and Fairfield branches and presented her concerns regarding the Strategic Plan.

Mary Warthoshow of Tonawanda presented her concerns regarding the Strategic Plan’s proposal for the Kenilworth Library. She indicated that she liked the modern look of the Plan to get into the computer age but felt that the B&ECPL also needs its neighborhood libraries.

Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business.

Agenda Item I.1 – Foundation Request/Display of Special Collections. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth A. Collins informed the Board that the B&ECPL is requesting that the Library Foundation identify $40,000 to fund the purchase of ten custom-made cases to properly display rare materials from the Special Collections Department. This would allow the library to adequately showcase appropriate materials during the forthcoming Pan American CentennialExhibition, the Milestones of Science and other rare materials in sturdy, attractive and lockable display cases for viewing by the public.

On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Mr. Burns, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-21

Agenda Item I.2 – Foundation Request/Preservation of the Milestones. Mrs. Collins indicated that $30,000 is being requested to hire a conservator to repair and preserve protectitems in the collection for posterity so that further damage does not result from effortsplans to display these important works. Funds would be made available in installments over a five to six year period.

During discussion Ms. Summer recalled that when art works from the Albright Knox Art Gallery were taken to Japan, the public was allowed to view some of the conservation efforts. She wondered if the Library might consider allowing this. Mrs. Collins indicated that she will investigate the possibility look into this question.

On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-22

Agenda Item I.3 – Foundation Request/Excellence in Children’s Collections. Mrs. Collins reported that this request involves funds from the Gogel bequest to promote excellence in children’s literature through the purchase of two reference volumes for each B&ECPL unit to provide collection development and readers’ advisory assistance for librarians working with children. The request also involves the purchase of award- winning children’s collections to be housed at Central and five regional libraries but available through Request Plus to all children throughout Erie County.

Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-23

Agenda Item I.4 – Foundation Request/Enhancement of Reader Collections. Mrs. Collins explained that this proposal seeks to promote literacy through the enhancement of reader collections at every B&ECPL unit. Under this plan, each library would receive a sum of money to select volumes from a special reader replacement list prepared by the Children’s Services Coordinator for release in June, 1999. Each library, depending on size, would be able to purchase 50-150 readers for primary grade patrons.

Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-24

Agenda Item I.5 – Foundation Request/Children’s Homework Centers. Mrs. Collins informed the Board that the intent of this project is to establish homework centers for children at the Central Library, regional libraries and strategically located branches within the City of Buffalo. The funds are requested to create the centers initially in one city location and one regional library location. Each will require an investment of approximately $15,000 for books, electronic resources, shelving and equipment to create the centers. An additional $3,000-$5,000 each year will be required for upkeep of the collection. The Foundation has already received $10,000 from the Gannett Library Foundation and is seeking an additional $20,000 for the two initial locations.

During discussion, Mr. Orffeo indicated that he felt the proposal is a great start but that the Library should contact Buffalo, Erie County and local municipalities to contribute to the project.

Ms. Mahoney stated that this subject has been brought up during meetings with local officials so they are aware of the need. The Library is attempting to work with them to help students meet the new education standards and requirements.

Mrs. Chrisman indicated that the Library Foundation hopes to raise additional funds so that this concept can be extended to other system libraries.

There being no further discussion, on motion by Mr. Roach and seconded by Mr. Orffeo the following was unanimously approved:

RESOLUTION 99-25

Agenda Item J – New Business.

Agenda Item J.1 – LSTA Grant Applications FY 2000. Assistant Deputy Director William A. Miles informed the Board that the LSTA grant applications are divided into the following components:

Training for Networked Services: New Methodologies and Expanded Access. This request for $32,000 is to improve the curriculum presently in use in the B&ECPL training facility. The Library plans to translate current workshops to meet the needs of Buffalo city branches and contract libraries. The grant would provide consultant services for modifying material and training staff at a designated city branch and the five regional libraries. It also proposes enhancing training opportunities for library patrons with vision impairment. This will require the addition of both software and hardware to the six unit libraries.

The Western New York Index: Filling the Gap and Widening Access. This request is for $100,000. The electronic segment (1983-1996) of the Western New York Index has been made available on the web by an EDL grant to the Western New York Library Resources Council. This index provides vital access to local content for students, historians, government and business researchers. The goal of this project would be to fill the indexing gap from 1996-2000 and create the infrastructure, procedures and training for continued indexing for web access. Funding for continuation and expansion of the index is being sought from both private and public sources.

The Be Learning Wise – Because Everyone Caring Promotes Learning (BECPL) request is for $83,065. This project is a city-wide B&ECPL library promotion of specially displayed book collections and family focused programs to help 1^st through 6^th graders develop positive character traits and effective people skills. Buffalo’s public libraries will be portrayed as safe, welcoming places of learning where families can benefit from a variety of exciting literacy- based experiences.

There being no discussion, on motion by Mr. Plache and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 99-26

Agenda Item J.2 – Ranking of B&ECPL Literacy Applications. Mr. Miles informed the Board that the Adult Literacy Services grant is a state aid discretionary grant program providing funds for adult literacy/library projects. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their application and budget to their system for ranking. The Amherst Public Library was the only applicant from this system and it is recommended that Amherst Public Library be ranked #1.

There being no discussion, on motion by Mr. Plache and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was unanimously approved:

RESOLUTION 99-27

At approximately 5:10 p.m., on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton the Board voted to adjourn into executive session for about a five minute discussion of a personnel matter. No action will be taken.

At approximately 5:18 p.m., on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz the Board concluded executive session and reconvened in public session.

There being no further business, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Chair Mahoney asked trustees to observe a moment of silence and adjourned the meeting in memory of Library staff member Erich J. Mayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Simone Mitchell-Peterson, Secretary