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MEETING MINUTES

Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees December 20, 2001

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, December 20, 2001 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:

Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Elaine M. Panty, Vice Chair; Judith K. Summer, Secretary; James W. Burns, Treasurer; William Brosnahan; Phyllis A. Horton; Annette A. Juncewicz; Rebecca L. Mahoney; Robert J. Plache; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora;

Excused: Abdul H. Raoof, Ph.D., out of town; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Salvatore R. Martoche, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus

Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The Agenda was approved as submitted.

Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of November 15, 2001. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Minutes of the meeting of November 15, 2001 were approved as presented.

Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Mr. Roach informed Board members of the appointment of Raul Vazquez, M.D. who replaces Rev. Casimiro D. Rodriguez on the Library’s Board of Trustees.

Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.

Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that Deputy Director Ken Stone presented the items on today’s agenda to the Executive Committee at its meeting on December 13th.

Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.

Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-66

WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have been received from the Amherst Public Library, Elma Public Library, Grand Island Memorial Library and Hamburg Public Library, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $11,041 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library, $6,301 within the budget of the Elma Public Library, $5,400 within the budget of the Grand Island Memorial Library, and $2,191 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library.

Mr. Wisbaum arrived at approximately 4:05 p.m.

Agenda Item E.2.b – 2002 Budget Adoption. Mr. Stone called attention to the items included in the Board packet regarding the Library’s 2002 budget. After a lengthy explanation, he informed trustees that the next step in the process is for the Board to adopt its 2002 budget, which now consists of three elements: operating, Erie County Capital and grants.

After some discussion, on motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Mahoney, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-67

WHEREAS, the Erie County Legislature has recently adopted a 2002 budget for the Library totaling $26,562,352 in the Library operating budget, $6,264,852 for debt service, library materials and equipment purchases in the Erie County Debt Service and Capital budgets, and $741,191 in estimated library grants, and

WHEREAS, that amount sustains current operations and provides modest service improvements, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2002 Operating Budget in the amount of $26,562,352, consisting of a County share of $22,969,980, Library Revenues of $3,146,958, and use of available fund balance of $445,414, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2002 Capital Outlay Budget for debt service, library materials, buildings and grounds equipment, furniture, fixtures, & office equipment, and technical equipment in the amount of $6,264,852, consisting of County capital funds, resulting in a combined operating and capital budget of $32,827,204, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2002 Grants Budget in the amount of $741,191, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library directs that said budget be implemented pursuant to the current labor agreements, Resolution 2001-30, and Resolution 2001-45, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library directs that the managerial/ confidential position of “Secretary to the Director of the Library” receive salary increment and benefits in the same manner as provided by the Civil Service Employees Association contract with Erie County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Library Director be instructed to transmit this adopted budget to the appropriate Erie County Office for input into the County Solutions for Government Financial System.

Agenda Item E.2.c – ALA Live at the Library Supplement. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that in the spring of 2001 B&ECPL received a grant from the American Library Association to support the “Buffalo Bred/Buffalo Bound: Artists With a Connection” program co-sponsored by the Library Foundation. A new program featuring nationally known sports commentator and author Frank DeFord has received the enthusiastic support of ALA as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Mr. Plache and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-68

WHEREAS, in keeping with the desire to develop the Central Library as a “Unique Destination,” library staff developed a proposal to follow upon the success of last April’s American Library Association (ALA) sponsored program entitled “Buffalo Bred/Buffalo Bound: Artists with a Connection,” and

WHEREAS, the new program featured nationally known sports commentator and author Frank Deford speaking on the theme “Sports and the Arts,” and

WHEREAS, the American Library Association enthusiastically endorsed this proposal for inclusion in ALA’s LIVE at the Library Project, providing $1,000 to support part of this program’s cost, and

WHEREAS, the remaining program costs were to come from the unexpended grant balance for the April program, which was being held by the Library Foundation, which also made the payments associated with this program, and

WHEREAS, it is now appropriate to release the $1,000 being held in the Library’s trust account to reimburse the Library Foundation for the ALA share of program expenses, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the American Library Association to this worthy program, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes transmitting the $1,000 proceeds to the Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County.

Trustee Wisbaum indicated his enjoyment of the DeFord presentation and wondered if more authors could be brought into Buffalo for similar programs. Ms. Summer noted that Studio Arena will be presenting an A.R. Gurney play in April and wondered if the Library might want to co-sponsor a program featuring Mr. Gurney. Mr. Wisbaum said he will discuss this matter further with Library staff.

Agenda Item E.2.d – Library Foundation Grant to Continue Rare Book Access Project. Mr. Stone called attention to Resolution 2001-60 which was approved unanimously on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Burns.

RESOLUTION 2001-69

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2001, the Library Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2001-50, requesting the Library Foundation continue funding the existing Rare Book Access Project, which would run out of funding by the end of the year, and

WHEREAS, in its meeting following the September Library Board meeting, the Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County approved $50,000 to fund a Librarian I position for one year to support the project, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the Library Grants Budget to incorporate this continued grant and position by appropriating the additional revenue and expenditure as shown below:

Library Grants Budget

Revenue	From Library Foundation	$50,000
Project Expenditures	Librarian I – Rare Book Access Project	$50,000

Agenda Item E.2.e – Convert Existing Part-time and Seasonal Positions to 2 Part-time Technical Specialist-Library Positions.

Mr. Stone presented the following resolution which was approved unanimously on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton:

RESOLUTION 2001-70

WHEREAS, the B&ECPL prides itself in its ability to provide excellent customer services, such as the Cyber Train and Public Access Computer Training, and

WHEREAS, to better support these programs within existing budgeted resources, converting two existing part-time Senior Page positions in the Computer On-line Training function into two new part-time flat-rate Technical Specialist-Library positions is necessary, and

WHEREAS, the hourly rate for these positions would be $10.00 per hour with $0.25 merit increases, following the same timetable as Senior Pages, at 6, 18 and 30 months of employment, and

WHEREAS, since these positions earn more than the Senior Page positions they will replace, it will be necessary to eliminate two additional seasonal part-time positions to maintain budget neutrality, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees directs the creation of two part-time positions in the classification of Technical Specialist-Library with a starting wage of $10.00 per hour and increments at 6, 18 and 30 months of employment as shown below:

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees directs that these positions will replace two Senior Page positions in the Computer On-Line training function, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees directs that two additional seasonal part-time positions be eliminated to maintain overall budget neutrality from this action.

Agenda Item E.2.f – B&ECPL ETI Approvals & Transfers. Mr. Stone informed trustees that this item includes transfers and approvals of ETI projects in the Central Library and the Lancaster, North Collins and West Seneca Public Libraries as indicated in Resolution 2001-71. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-71

WHEREAS, on July 13th 2000, the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved the $1 million BECPL Educational Technology Initiative, a major boost towards improving technology and service capacity in all 52 Buffalo and Erie County libraries, and

WHEREAS, on July 20th 2000, the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 2000-38 gratefully accepting these funds from the Erie County Legislature and approving a budget amendment to allocate these proceeds, and

WHEREAS, one element of the grant provided $620,000 for technology and facility improvements at each library, and

WHEREAS, given that the specific items to be purchased and improvements to be made with this funding would not be determined until proposals for each individual library were received, reviewed and approved by Library Board resolution, the proceeds were placed in one account, the System’s technology equipment account (SFG #820973420933), with the intention that as proposals are approved, the funds will be transferred to the appropriate account, and

WHEREAS, two libraries have recently submitted new project requests and three libraries have submitted amended requests totaling a combined $53,063 and consisting of ETI proceeds of $32,048 and $21,015 in matching funds, and

WHEREAS, the proposed projects will add computers, purchase equipment, replace furnishings, improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, and improve facilities’ interior appearance, and

WHEREAS, the libraries have provided the necessary certification or included a request for release of private funds for the matching funds portion of the proposed projects, and

WHEREAS, those matching funds include proceeds from Library donated book sales, patron donations, Lancaster Women’s Civic Club, Friends of the Lancaster Library, North Collins Library Assn., Friends of the City of Tonawanda Library, Friends of the Ken Ton Libraries, and

WHEREAS, those matching funds include proceeds from County Legislature member items from Legislator Greenan, and

WHEREAS, those matching funds further include proceeds from State Legislature member items from Assembly member Sandra Lee Worth, and

WHEREAS, to implement the non-technical equipment portion of the projects, budget transfers are needed, and

WHEREAS, the proposed projects were reviewed by Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney, Stone and Whelan, who recommend approval of the ETI funds requested, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the following ETI projects:

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the following budget transfers to accomplish the non-technical equipment portions of the projects:

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the use of up to $2,998 in unrestricted private funds held in trust as the match portion of the Central Library project.

Ms. Juncewicz arrived at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Agenda Item E.2.g – Amendment to 2001 Budget, County Legislature Member Aid Items for Libraries. At its meeting of November 29th, the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution co-sponsored by Legislators Ranzenhofer and Weinstein allocating funds from various accounts in the amount of $18,150 to the benefit of several libraries as indicated in the proposed resolution. There being no discussion, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-72

WHEREAS, at their meeting of November 29th, the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Legislators Ranzenhofer and Weinstein allocating monies from various accounts in the amount of $18,150 to the benefit of the Newstead (Akron), Amherst, and Clarence libraries, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local branch libraries situated within localities throughout Erie County, and

WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County are routinely in need of additional funds to provide services and materials to local patrons, and

WHEREAS, Legislators strong support for the community’s public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accept the $18,150 from the County Legislature for the above mentioned libraries, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes a budget amendment to the 2001 Library budget to allocate revenues of $18,150 into SFG# 8209737206863200 (Inter-fund Subsidy) and expenditures into SFG department account 820973720, in the amounts and object accounts shown below:

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair to execute a contract amendment with the Town of Amherst Library Board to transfer the $4,150 Weinstein item proceeds, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Amherst Public Library Board be allowed to retain these funds into 2002 until such time as the projects are complete, or June 30, 2002, whichever occurs first.

Agenda Item E.2.h – 2002 Budget Adjustments: Re-budgeting Available Balances for 2001–2002 Ongoing Projects. Mr. Stone reported that the proposed resolution authorizes budget adjustments and the rebudgeting of available balances for 2001-2002 ongoing projects. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:

RESOLUTION 2001-73

WHEREAS, at its regular meeting of December 20, 2001, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library adopted Resolution 2001-67 adopting the Library’s 2002 Budget, and

WHEREAS, subsequent to adopting the 2002 Budget a number of 2001 projects and activities not completed or implemented in 2001 are desired to be completed or implemented in 2002, and

WHEREAS, normally, as part of the year-end closing process, final totals and balances available are brought forward for Library Board consideration and action in the Spring of the following year, and

WHEREAS, this year the size and scope of some of these ongoing projects and activities are of such magnitude that waiting until final figures are available would result in disrupting and delaying these projects, and

WHEREAS, these projects include the Educational Technology Initiative, a County Legislator Member aid item for computers allocated by the County Legislature on November 29, 2001, Central Library major building component replacement and augmentation, and market research activities supporting Expanding Horizons’ planning efforts, and

WHEREAS, sufficient ending fund balance is estimated to be available to meet these objectives, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amend the 2002 Operating Budget revenue and expenditures as shown on the attached Exhibit One.

Resolution 2001-73: Exhibit One
Estimated Balances Available for Immediate Re-budgeting in 2002
To Avoid Disrupting Ongoing Projects

Agenda Item E.2.i. Monthly Financial Report for the period ending 10/31/01. The monthly financial report for the period ending 10/31/01 was presented for information.

Budget & Finance Committee Chairman James Burns expressed his appreciation to Mr. Stone and his staff for consistently first-rate budget preparation. He noted that the Library is very fortunate to have someone of Mr. Stone’s caliber in its organization. Ms. Summer and Ms. Panty concurred. Mr. Wisbaum asked that the record show the Board’s appreciation to Mr. Stone and Library staff for another outstanding budget presentation. Ms. Panty seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.

Agenda Item E.3 – RENEWAL Project Committee. Ms. Mahoney reported that the Committee met on December 18th. Discussion centered on the production of an 8-9 minute video to highlight what has been accomplished at various B&ECPL Libraries and what potential exists elsewhere.

Agenda Item E.4 – Committee to Explore Donor & Sponsor Opportunities. Ms. Summer reported that the Committee had a very productive meeting on December 11th. Policies were approved at that meeting and have been sent to legal counsel Patrick Martin for his perusal and approval. The Committee hopes to have these policies ready for the Board by the February meeting.

Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Ms. Chrisman reminded the Board that when she mailed the report of the New Services Task Force to trustees a few weeks ago, she indicated that she would answer any questions at this Board meeting. Ms. Chrisman expressed her appreciation to Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins for coordinating the process. She noted that this was a big effort involving many people. Administrators will review the report and incorporate staff recommendations deemed feasible into the goals and objectives for 2002.

In response to Mr. Burns’ question regarding the correspondence from Erie County Legislators suggesting a moratorium on library construction and expansion, Ms. Chrisman reported that she and Deputy Director Michael Mahaney attended a session of the Legislature’s Community Enrichment Committee and answered questions relating to the Library’s 2002 budget and State funding. The topic of a moratorium on library construction and expansion was not on the agenda.

Ms. Chrisman reminded trustees that her monthly report indicates that the last moratorium did not prove effective. In 1996, the Board adopted Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction. Those Guidelines were updated in 1999 to include city branches and required that all projects remain expenditure neutral. Following discussion, the Board authorized Ms. Chrisman to forward a written response to Legislators Marinelli and DeBenedetti addressing their concerns regarding library construction.

Ms. Mahoney suggested that a letter offering the Board’s congratulations be sent to Clarence Public Library Director Marie-Therese Robillard, who was recently awarded the honor of “Citizen of the Year” in the Town of Clarence. Board members approved Ms. Mahoney’s suggestion. Ms. Chrisman indicated that B&ECPL staff members will attend the dinner in Ms. Robillard’s honor.

Mr. Plache brought up the subject of the Library’s materials budget spending plan. Following a lengthy explanation of the figures included in the increase, Mr. Stone noted that the funds to be distributed include the 4% increase plus money from prior years.

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

Library Protection Act: On December 6th, the Erie County Legislature unanimously adopted the Library Protection Act for one year.

Library Construction: A letter from Legislator Lynn Marinelli dated November 9, 2001 and another from Legislator Albert DeBenedetti dated November 14, 2001 requested that the B&ECPL Board of Trustees impose “a moratorium on new library building or expansion in outer ring towns or elsewhere.” Following is background information regarding this subject:

In April 1996, the B&ECPL Board of Trustees adopted Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction. This document was developed because a six-year “moratorium” on library construction had not proved to be an effective means of managing facility projects within the Library System. The process outlined in Guidelines… has been a valuable tool for evaluating proposed projects and ensuring an open, cooperative partnership among the community seeking to construct a new library, the B&ECPL and the County of Erie.

In 1999, the Guidelines… document was updated to address the process for approving library construction projects in the City of Buffalo and to require that proposed projects have no negative impact on funds available for existing libraries. The Guidelines… stated that proposed building projects must “demonstrate that their operation will be expenditure neutral (i.e., imposing no new financial burden on B&ECPL operating funds when adjusted for inflation). A comprehensive funding analysis that determines long term operating needs is required.”

One of the B&ECPL objectives for 2001 is to review and modify the Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction. The revised Guidelines… will be ready for Board consideration soon.

With Board approval, the Director will respond to Legislators Marinelli and DeBenedetti, as well as the County Executive, Budget Director and other Legislators who received copies of the letters, informing them about B&ECPL’s requirement that new construction projects be expenditure neutral, noting that Trustees encourage proposals for projects that reduce B&ECPL operating costs, while improving library services to Erie County residents.

Community Enrichment Committee Meeting: Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director attended the December 10th meeting of the Community Enrichment Committee of the Erie County Legislature. Committee chair Lynn Marinelli had requested information about 2002 alternative revenue sources and plans for future service delivery and innovations. Committee members were assured that B&ECPL trustees and administrators are committed to a course of fiscal prudence.

System Meeting Offers Glimpses of the Future: On December 12th, approximately 75 librarians from all B&ECPL locations assembled at the Central Library for a preview of what is on the horizon for 2002. In the opening portion of the meeting, architect David Walters and designer Tim Benson, both of the Habiterra Design Team, unveiled preliminary concepts to transform the Central Library into a more exciting downtown destination. In the second half of the program, Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins delivered a PowerPoint slide presentation outlining highlights of the New Services Task Force Report. She acknowledged the work of the twelve-member task force and the 52 persons who served on the six committees that worked with it to develop recommended service strategies for the System. With the submission of the report, a new committee structure replaces the NSTF to oversee the implementation of identified services and evaluate new staff proposals. Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki edited the Task Force’s summary report and prepared the PowerPoint slides for this presentation.

Robillard is Clarence “Citizen of the Year” for 2002: The Clarence Chamber of Commerce has selected Clarence Library Director Marie-Therese Robillard as Citizen of the Year. The award is given annually to a person who has demonstrated continuous leadership and commitment by contributing to the educational resources of the community. Based on written recommendations of individuals, businesses and organizations, the selection is made by the Chamber Board. Ms. Robillard will be honored at an Awards Banquet on January 24th. Congratulations, Marie! This is a great honor for you and the library profession.

Meeting with Congressman LaFalce: The Director met with the Honorable John LaFalce on November 19th to discuss library issues and B&ECPL’s plans for the future. The Congressman, who is exceptionally knowledgeable about library services and supportive of the Library’s mission, expressed his appreciation for the resources and services libraries provide.

Noted sports Journalist Visits Central: On December 6th, award- winning sports journalist and novelist Frank Deford appeared before a large and enthusiastic crowd in the Central Library’s Mason O. Damon Auditorium as another joint venture of B&ECPL (with an ALA Live at the Library grant) and the just buffalo literary center (with an award from the John R. Oishei Foundation). Mr. Deford read selections from his numerous published works and conversed with the audience about his experiences in the professional sports media arena. A reception, arranged with the assistance of the Library Foundation preceded the event.

Rare Book Cataloging Project: Three of the team of four staff members have been selected and have begun creating electronic records for rare monograph and manuscript materials not listed in the Library’s catalog. Funded by the Library Foundation with a grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation, this project will commence with the Central Library’s rare items and conclude with cataloging of items in the U.B. Poetry and Rare Books Collection.

2002 Materials Budget Spending Plan: Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks announced the 2002 spending plan at the System Meeting December 12th. The B&ECPL was pleased to receive an overall 4% increase in its materials budget for 2002. The Materials Budget Committee (chair Lucille DeFranks, Carol Batt, Sharon Edward, Sharon Holley, Judy Rivard, Elaine Mahaney, and Sue Minekime) recommended the spending plan, subsequently approved by the Administration. Highlights include:

• Budgets for the Central Library, Buffalo branches and contract libraries will be increased 4% over the amount allocated in 2001.
• $150,000 will be distributed among the Buffalo branches and contract libraries based on community need. Funds will be allocated using the e-rate formula for 2001-2002.
• $75,000 has been designated for collection development grants. Libraries throughout the System will be able to submit an application for additional funds to strengthen existing collections.
• A remaining balance of $110,644 will be assigned to a new budget line to support centralized selection and acquisition of popular videocassettes and DVDs.

Count for Something: The Performance Measures Committee recommends repeating this valuable assessment program, with some modifications, in 2002. Responses to the project were overwhelmingly positive. The committee is reviewing all evaluation forms for further refinement.

Jefferson Construction Project: Buffalo’s Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets has directed the architect to complete B&ECPL’s requested design changes in the computer training lab and staff workroom. Staff are concluding their review of budget analysis cost estimates for the project and will transmit corrections, clarifications and questions to the City by mid-month. B&ECPL staff are beginning work on the design of the custom circular circulation/reference desk.

Librarians Encourage Students to Pursue Science Careers: On November 8th, B&ECPL branch managers Doreen Woods (Fairfield) and Dorinda Hayes (Fronczak) represented the library at the 2nd “Imagine Yourself a Scientist - Exploring Science and Technology in Careers,” sponsored by the Buffalo Middle Schools. Ms. Hayes’ presentation to 51 students at the Lydia Wright School of Excellence #89 stressed how librarians utilize math and analytical skills, as well as technology, in their jobs. Ms. Woods spoke with 120 students at the Drew Science Magnet School about careers related to science.

Children’s Book Week: Many B&ECPL libraries celebrated Children’s Book week in November. On November 15th, the Riverside Branch hosted a “Harry Potter Extravaganza” where Harry Potter (in the person of library page Patrick Crist) performed for 31 children, each of whom made a sorting hat from the popular children’s books. The Crane Branch Library hosted Ann Marie Jason, a regular Crane customer, who sang songs and told stories from around the world. On November 13th, the Ladies of Charity sponsored a Circus Train program for 23 children at the Fronczak Branch Library. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Karpinski, who conduct programs on toys, trains and Scout memorabilia, discussed the history of railroads, and demonstrated a functional miniature circus train that runs on the carpet and emits smoke from the engine smokestack. “Celebrate Your Community,” an event sponsored by B&ECPL, Niagara Mohawk, WNY United, Young Audiences of WNY, and Learning for Life was held at the Niagara Branch Library on November 15th. The program encouraged Buffalo City School students in grades 7 - 12 to read, to use the library and its resources and to learn for life. Entertainment, refreshments and prize drawings were highlights of the evening.

Teens Talk: As part of B&ECPL’s LSTA funded L.I.F.T. (Library Involvement For Teens) Project, a Teen Focus Group was conducted in each of the 15 Buffalo branch libraries to ask teens for input on current and future library services. Discussion centered on materials, computers and programs. Information from the sessions will be used to define the next phases of the L.I.F.T. Project, whose goal is to serve this population better.

Finger Imaging: On November 7th, finger-imaging technology (an innovative biometric identification system for the circulation of library materials) arrived at the Central Library. Hundreds have registered to take advantage of the new option. With the continuing cooperation of Ultra Scan Corporation, which developed the technology here in Western New York, the Crane Branch will begin to offer this service in coming weeks.

Process Improvement Study: Tony Fischetti of the New York Public Library visited the B&ECPL from November 14th through 16th. Mr. Fischetti met with the Administration and the Process Improvement Committee to review details of the NYPL study and to begin customization of NYPL’s project for B&ECPL use. Mr. Fischetti also toured selected libraries to increase his knowledge of our System and its components.

Seniors Connect Series: The last of the scheduled Seniors Connect training sessions were conducted at Niagara and East Delavan branches in November. A joint pilot project with Kaleida Health Libraries that began in the spring, this series of computer training classes focused on assisting senior citizens in economically depressed areas of the city in locating quality medical information via the Internet. Encouraged by the public response – especially from other agencies that serve this population – Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins and Diane Schwartz, Director of the Kaleida Libraries, are exploring future collaborative ventures.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems): On November 29th, Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki attended a New York State Archives workshop, “Introduction to GIS for Records Management,” as part of Erie County’s GIS Needs Assessment study. This collaboration with Erie County and the towns of Cheektowaga and Wales is scheduled to proceed in 2002.

Measuring Usage of Electronic Resources: B&ECPL staff met with Keith Mayer and David Meller of Consulting Practices to review a proposal to determine catalog and database access attempts by both in-library (specific locations) and remote users. Replacement of the firewall must precede the start of any measurement. Other vendors will be canvassed for alternate proposals. As more of B&ECPL’s performance measures shift from staff-assisted and paper-based resources and services, it is vital that electronic use be reliably monitored and measured.

Central Library Cooperates with HUD: Recently the Buffalo HUD Field Office experienced its first evacuation since Library officials agreed to provide HUD employees with a safe haven in the case of emergencies. HUD sent the Library a letter of thanks with a special commendation to Principal Security Officer Michael Miechowski, who made arrangements to accommodate the HUD staff.

Firewall Replacement Evaluated: New firewall software has been selected. A final configuration and implementation plan is in development.

Citrix “Proof of Concept” Project Developed: As planned, B&ECPL worked with Globalquest to develop a “proof of concept” model using Citrix and three of the most popular public access profiles (e.g. OPAC, OFFICE and a modified CHILD). The prototype proved that new and updated applications could be deployed quickly, using this technology. In the coming month, it will be presented to the administrative team for further review.

InoculateIT Evaluation Extended: An implementation plan for the new virus protection software, InoculateIT, has been developed. However, the final decision on the purchase of the program has been delayed to ensure that its use will be compatible with the new firewall software. Representatives of both software organizations will meet to resolve any remaining issues.

CIPA Evaluation and Implementation Committee: The CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) Evaluation and Implementation Committee has been appointed. Members are Carol Batt, Jude Jacobs, Ann Kling, Ann Laubacker, Glenn Luba, Mary Ann Ozimek, Jane Rosenfeld, Ami Savigny, Kelly Shepherd, Ken Stone and Shirley Whelan, Chair. One of the objectives of the committee is to evaluate and make recommendations on the use of technological protection measures (filters). The committee will meet soon to consider the criteria to be used in evaluating the use of filters.

SIRSI Announces New Product Strategy: SIRSI, the leading library automation vendor, who purchased DRA three months ago, has completed an evaluation of all SIRSI and DRA products. As a result, SIRSI has announced that after February 2002, there will be no further development of the client-server product, TAOS. The focus for the future will be on the SIRSI product known as “Unicorn.”

In 2002, as part of its Technology Plan, the B&ECPL intended to evaluate continued use of the DRA Library Automation System. Obtaining additional information about SIRSI products will be a critical part of the evaluation and selection process.

Agenda Item G – Nominating Committee Election. Mr. Roach reminded trustees that the Library’s Bylaws stipulate that a Nominating Committee consisting of five members, two of whom shall be appointed by the Chair and three of whom shall be elected by the Board from its members, shall be selected at the December meeting. Pursuant to the powers vested in him, Mr. Roach appointed Robert Plache and Rebecca Mahoney, who will serve as Chair. Ms. Mahoney nominated Phyllis Horton, Elaine Panty and Judith Summer. There being no further nominations, the slate as presented was approved on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz.

Agenda Item H – Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder called attention to her report which contained information on the Annual Fund 2001, Mark Twain’s A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage, the Collins Public Library, Children’s Book Week and B&ECPL Funding Support. She indicated that copies of the Annual Fund brochure are in the mail. Ms. Vedder thanked trustees for their past generosity and hoped everyone will be supportive again this year.

Mr. Wisbaum brought up the subject of a Library Foundation annual newsletter. Following some discussion, Mr. Roach suggested that Mr. Wisbaum contact Foundation Board President W. Lawrence Buck.

Agenda Item I – Public Comment. No public comment.

Agenda Item J - Unfinished Business. No unfinished Business.

Agenda Item K – New Business. No new business.

There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judith K. Summer
Secretary

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