MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees February 21, 2002
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, February 21, 2002 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Elaine M. Panty, Vice Chair; Annette A.
Juncewicz, Secretary; Phyllis A. Horton; John B. Long; Abdul H. Raoof,
Ph.D.; Judith K. Summer; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora; George
M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: James W. Burns, conflict; William Brosnahan, out of town; Rebecca L. Mahoney; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Raul Vazquez; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Salvatore R. Martoche, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus
Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B - Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The Agenda was approved with the addition of Agenda Item J.4 - Citing Trustee Robert J. Plache.
Agenda Item C - Minutes of the Meeting of January 17, 2002. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Minutes of the meeting of January 17, 2002 were approved as mailed.
Agenda Item D - Report of the Chair. Mr. Roach waived his report due to the late start of the meeting and the lengthy agenda.
Agenda Item D.1 - Committee Appointments. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the 2002 Committee Appointments were approved as presented.
Agenda Item E - Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 - Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that Deputy Director Ken Stone presented information on today's agenda items to the Executive Committee at its meeting on February 14th.
Agenda Item E.2 - Budget & Finance Committee. In the absence of Mr. Burns, Mr. Stone presented the Budget & Finance Committee report.
Agenda Item E.2.a - Contract Library Transfers. Mr. Stone indicated
that Resolution 2002-4 includes routine 2001 year-end transfers. On
motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was
approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-4
WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have been received from the Amherst Public Library, Cheektowaga Public Library, Clarence Public Library, Hamburg Public Library, Orchard Park Public Library, City of Tonawanda Public Library and the Town of Tonawanda Public Library, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $16,308 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library, $22,692 within the budget of the Cheektowaga Public Library, $7,944 within the budget of the Clarence Public Library, $18,537 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library, $13,775 within the budget of the Orchard Park Public Library, $8,593 within the budget of the City of Tonawanda Public Library and $19,050 within the budget of the Town of Tonawanda Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b - 2002 Capital Budget Modifications. This item adjusts the budget to reflect the account configuration set up by the County as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-5
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2001 the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopted a 2002 Budget for the Library that, based upon information provided by the County Budget Office, included county capital dollars for the Central Library building, technical equipment, furniture and fixtures, and building and grounds equipment merged into one capital project, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to adopting the budget, the Budget Office informed the Library that the projects would be set up in the amounts as requested by the Library in Resolution 2001-67 but in a different account configuration including one separate project for the Central Library building, with the amounts requested for technical equipment, furniture and fixtures, and building and grounds equipment being included as line items in county-wide capital projects, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library wishes to acknowledge this change and incorporate the revised account structure and amounts into the 2002 budget, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library revises the 2002 Budget for the Central Library building, technical equipment, furniture and fixtures, and building and grounds equipment to the following:
SFG Account Description Amount #to be arranged after bond sale Central Library Mechanical Equip & Bldg Improvements $1,000,000 441 268 420 931 Library Buildings & Grounds Equipment $50,000 441 268 420 932 Library Furniture, Fixtures & Office Equipment $200,000 441 269 420 933 Library Technical Equipment $250,000
Agenda Item E.2.c - Private Donations for Minor Purchases. Mr. Stone informed the Board that this item would approve a standing authorization to expend proceeds from private donations for minor purchases up to $500. Amounts expended would be included in the monthly "Treasurer's Report of Year-to-Date Donations." On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-6
WHEREAS, from time to time the Library receives small private donations with instructions that the proceeds are to be used for the benefit of a given library activity, branch or department, and
WHEREAS, implementing a standing authorization to expend the proceeds of such donations on the prompt purchase of items would simplify and streamline the process for acquiring said items in accordance with donors' wishes, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library declares a standing authorization for the Library Director or her designee to expend the proceeds of private donations with instructions that the proceeds are to be used for the benefit of a given library activity or department, up to $500 per donation, on the prompt purchase of items to benefit the designated activity, branch, or department, and be it further
RESOLVED, that amounts expended for this purpose be reported monthly in the "Treasurer's report of year-to-date donations."
Agenda Item E.2.d - Amend Budget - Second Chance Proceeds for Library Materials Purchases. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that the Second Chance Program, which was sponsored by the Library Foundation, provided needy children an opportunity to clear their B&ECPL borrower accounts of charges for lost or damaged items. The proposed resolution amends the 2002 budget, increasing fine revenues generated by the program and the operating library materials expense budget. In response to Dr. Raoof's question regarding the Library's definition of "needy" children, Deputy Director Michael Mahaney replied that the program was designed not to identify needy children through any particular financial means, but for the children to justify their circumstances. Children were required to write an essay explaining their need for this help and why their library cards were so important to them. On motion by Dr. Raoof and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-7
WHEREAS, in 2001 the Library Foundation sponsored the Library's Second Chance program, providing needy children an opportunity to clear their B&ECPL borrower accounts of charges for lost or damaged items, and
WHEREAS, between the initial program in the spring of 2001 and the back-to-school version this past fall, 200 children were assisted, with $4,916.82 in charges paid by the Foundation on behalf of these children, and
WHEREAS, the Library Foundation designated Dorothy Gogel bequest proceeds to support this program and said proceeds are restricted to the purchase of hardcover books, and
WHEREAS, placing these proceeds in the Library Materials budget for Centralized Selection purchases will accomplish this objective, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the 2002 budget, increasing revenue and expenditure accounts as follows:
SFG Account Description Amount 820 973 420 456 Library Charges-Fines $4,917 820 973 420 938 Library Materials $4,917
Agenda Item E.2.e - Amend Contract Library Budgets: E-Rate Phone Service Expense Reimbursement. As part of the Universal Services Fund for Schools and Libraries, popularly known as the "E-Rate," local phone service to contract libraries is eligible for discounts which are provided on a reimbursement basis. These reimbursements for services provided in E-Rate Year three (2000-2001) were recently received or are soon expected. This item authorizes amending contract library budgets to incorporate the E-Rate reimbursement amount as indicated in the proposed resolution. After some discussion, on motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-8
WHEREAS, under the Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries, popularly known as the "E-rate," local phone service to contracting libraries is eligible for discounts, and
WHEREAS, these discounts are provided on a reimbursement basis, with reimbursements for services provided in E-Rate Year three (2000-2001) recently received or soon expected, and
WHEREAS, amendments to Contracting Library budgets are necessary to incorporate these reimbursements, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to section EIGHTH of the 2002 contracts, these changes may be implemented by resolution and transmitting a revised Exhibit A to reflect same, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the 2002 contracting library budgets, increasing each library's "Other Income" (revenue) and "Telephone-Regular" (expense) accounts as follows:
Library Other Income Telephone
-RegularAkron (Denio) $199 $199 Alden (Ewell) $188 $188 Amherst $2,520 $2,520 Angola $391 $391 Aurora $616 $616 Boston $419 $419 Cheektowaga $2,617 $2,617 Clarence $575 $575 Collins $391 $391 Concord $471 $471 Eden $354 $354 Elma $312 $312 Grand Island $470 $470 Hamburg $1,116 $1,116 Lackawanna $812 $812 Lancaster $774 $774 Marilla $198 $198 North Collins $558 $558 Orchard Park $532 $532 Tonawanda-City $457 $457 Tonawanda-Town $2,097 $2,097 West Seneca $490 $490 Totals $16,557 $16,557 RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and a revised Exhibit A be transmitted to each library to implement the change.
Agenda Item E.2.f - Steinbeck Program Grant. Mr. Stone reported that the Library has received a $500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to fund a June screening of the film Lifeboat as indicated in Resolution 2002-9. Ms. Juncewicz urged trustees to attend the program and moved adoption of the resolution. The following was seconded by Ms. Panty and approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-9
WHEREAS, in keeping with the desire to develop the Central Library as a "Unique Destination," library staff developed a proposal to fund a screening in June of the film Lifeboat followed by a panel of literary and film critics exploring how Steinbeck came to write the screenplay and the impact Hitchcock's direction had on Steinbeck's original intent, and
WHEREAS, that proposal was awarded a $500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and
WHEREAS, a grant budget needs to be established to undertake the program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully acknowledges the grant award, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the Library Grants budget by creating a Steinbeck Program grant in the following amounts:
Revenue (from NEH) $500 Grant Program Expenditures $500
Agenda Item E.2.g - Buffalo Branch Painting. This is an Educational Technology Initiative project for the city of Buffalo branch libraries as explained in Resolution 2002-10. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-10
WHEREAS, on July 13th, 2000 the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved the $1 million B&ECPL Educational Technology Initiative, a major boost towards improving technology and service capacity in all 52 Buffalo and Erie County public libraries, and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2001, the Library Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2001-63 approving Educational Technology Initiative (ETI) projects for the Buffalo Branch Libraries totaling $299,805 and consisting of ETI proceeds of $254,835 and $44,970 in City of Buffalo Community Development matching funds, and
WHEREAS, the City of Buffalo funds, along with an estimated $37,530 in ETI proceeds, would be used to repaint the interior of up to 13 branches, andWHEREAS, the City of Buffalo will be bidding out and directly paying contractors for the buildings covered by the City's $44,970 share, and the City may also bid out the work to be funded by the ETI's $37,530 share to make a more attractive total package for potential bidders, hopefully resulting in lower cost bids, and
WHEREAS, the Library desires to participate in this cooperative effort to improve the Buffalo branch libraries, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Library Director or her designee to either remit the $37,530 in ETI funds to the City of Buffalo for award and contracting or to contract directly with the winner(s) of the City of Buffalo bid process for the branches to be painted using the ETI share.
Agenda Item E.2.h - OPAC Project Budget Transfers. Mr. Stone called attention to the lengthy explanation of this request to upgrade software and extend the life of existing hardware contained in Agenda item E.2.h. Funds for this project are contained within the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) capital project accounts. However, a budget transfer is needed to accommodate the design, configuration and installation portions of the project. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-11
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has undertaken an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) System Project to improve services for library patrons, and
WHEREAS, the Library recognizes that the hardware and software deployed as part of the continuing OPAC Project must be upgraded to provide current and effective programs to the residents of Erie County, and
WHEREAS, the Library's Five Year Plan and Technology Plan 2001 - 2004 include activities to upgrade the "public access model" for patrons, and
WHEREAS, a "Proof of Concept" Project was developed by Globalquest Solutions to demonstrate how application delivery using server-based computing technology from Citrix Systems, Inc. could reduce the total cost of ownership and reduce the time to deploy new applications in the B&ECPL, and
WHEREAS, use of server-based computing from Citrix Systems Inc. can allow the Library to easily update applications and to use existing hardware for at least five more years, and
WHEREAS, other benefits to the Library would be significant, including the purchase of less expensive hardware in the future, minimization of bandwidth utilization, improved problem resolution, and the opportunity to maximize the productivity of the Network Support staff, and
WHEREAS, budget transfers within the OPAC project accounts are necessary for services to undertake the design, configuration and installation portions of this endeavor, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approves proceeding with the Citrix project, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library authorizes the following budget transfers within the OPAC project accounts:
From To SFG 490 663 975: $100,000 SFG 490 663 821: $100,000 SFG 490 777 933: $100,000 SFG 490 777 821: $100,000
Agenda Item E.2.i - Professional Services - Video Production. The Board's RENEWAL Committee has identified a need to visually demonstrate the benefits a revitalized library can bring to a community. The most cost effective way to address this need involves producing a brief video presentation. Sufficient uncommitted funds, estimated at approximately $9500, are available in the 2001 Dues & Fees balance. The proposed resolution would reappropriate the required funds. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Dr. Raoof, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-12
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 the Revitalizing & Enhancing Neighborhoods Effectively With A Library (RENEWAL) Committee has identified a need for professional services for video production, and
WHEREAS, such a video would be used to graphically demonstrate the benefits a revitalized library can bring to a community, and
WHEREAS, sufficient ending fund balance is available within the 2001 Dues & Fees balance (SFG 821) 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, increasing revenue and expenditure accounts as follows:
SFG 698 Use of Fund Balance $9,500 SFG 821 Dues & Fees $9,500
Mr. Wisbaum informed the Board that he had to leave early to attend another meeting and wanted to speak about arranging a reception, book talk, reading for local playwright A.R. Gurney. One of Mr. Gurney's plays will be presented at Studio Arena in March/April. Assistant Deputy Director for Community Relations Ami Savigny noted that she has been in contact with Studio Arena's public relations person about partnering with them on such a project. Following discussion, Mr. Wisbaum indicated he will contact Ms. Chrisman when he returns to Buffalo on March 4th.
Agenda Item E.3 - RENEWAL Project Committee. In the absence of Ms. Mahoney, Ms. Chrisman reported that at its meeting on February 12, the Committee identified a need for professional services to produce a video demonstrating the benefits a revitalized library can bring to a community. A Request for Proposal will be released within the next few weeks.
Agenda Item F - Report of the Director. Ms. Chrisman expressed her condolences to Rebecca Mahoney and her family on the passing of Ms. Mahoney's mother.
Ms. Chrisman reported that Mr. Mahaney and Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins joined her at the Association of Contracting Library Trustees (ACT) meeting on February 16th at the Clarence Public Library. One of the topics of discussion was ACT's interest in working with the Library System Board and Administration to develop an advocacy event. She indicated that administrators look forward to working with ACT on such an event.
WIVB Channel 4's News Team will present a program on the Underground Railroad called the "Road to Freedom" on Saturday, February 23rd at 1 p.m. at the Central Library's Ring of Knowledge.
Patrick Martin informed the Director that the Brazilian Ministry of Education has officially declared that A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage will be required reading for every fourth grade student in Brazil. It is estimated that this will result in sales of one to two million copies of the Portuguese edition of the book. Rizzoli, the Italian publisher of this book, will sponsor a writing contest over the Internet, similar to the competition that B&ECPL conducted. Monetary prizes will also be awarded.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
Citrix "Proof of Concept" Report: The Library has received the final "Proof of Concept" report from Globalquest, recommending the use of Citrix server-based computing at the B&ECPL. After careful consideration, the Library administrative team enthusiastically endorsed the recommendation because of the many advantages and cost savings opportunities it presents. The use of Citrix computing will allow the Network Support staff to accomplish software upgrades without having to visit every library and touch each of the 700 plus public access computers in the System. Further, software improvements demand increasingly powerful hardware, which would require upgrades to Library computers in the near future. The Citrix System will extend the life of B&ECPL's existing hardware for at least five more years. Additional details about this important project are in Agenda Item E.2.h.
Managers' Meeting Highlights Service Enhancements: On February 13th, managers from Central, Extension Services and contract libraries assembled to learn about recent and forthcoming service improvements intended to benefit both public and staff.
Librarians Rosemary Vazquez and Carey Harmon provided details about the Central Library's Remote Reference Center, how it fields reference inquiries from the public and what special assistance it can provide for branch and contract library staff. Librarians Peggy Errington and Kate Weeks explained the new "Capsule Collections" designed to take advantage of Central's comprehensive collections, providing in-demand titles (both print and non-print) for use in local libraries for as long as 60 days.
In addition to demonstrating the new WEB 2 version of the online catalog, Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks and Support Services Manager Ann Kling presented the Administration's proposals for service enhancements inspired by the increased functionality of the new software. These include:
- offering patron-initiated requests, with a maximum of 15 outstanding requests at any time,
- removing the 25-cent fee for notification of a request and offering patrons the option of e-mail notification,
- allowing patrons to place requests for videos and DVDs,
- permitting return of videos and DVDs to any B&ECPL library.
Deputy Director COO Michael Mahaney and Deputy Director CIO Shirley Whelan presented an update on the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and B&ECPL's ongoing efforts to address compliance issues under that law.
Central's Reference Telephone Lines Open 6 days a week: On January 5th, the Central Library's reference phone lines rang on Saturday for the first time in twenty-five years. In the mid-70s, staffing shortages forced the curtailment of this service (and many others) as casualties of budget cuts. Although some other services resumed long ago through the restoration of staff, this was not the case with telephone reference. Fourteen months ago, Monday through Friday telephone service was expanded by five hours per week through the establishment of the Remote Reference Center (RRC). With a new approach to scheduling and training and the centralization of the telephone operation, Saturday hours also are provided without an increase in staff or operating costs. Another feature introduced with RRC is a hotline for staff of branch and contract libraries that allows them to reach a Central reference librarian for assistance in serving patrons. RRC can be reached by dialing 858-8900 Monday through Saturday, from 9 to 5.
Jefferson Construction Project: On January 26th, Peggy Skotnicki, Sharon Holley and Library Foundation Executive Director Kathryn Vedder attended the second phase screening session of the grant process for The Junior League of Buffalo/The Buffalo News 2001 Decorators' Show House Proceeds. The Foundation has requested approximately $250,000 for the library's African-American Resource Room/Gallery and computer training lab.
The current North Jefferson Branch Library recently received eight microfilm reels of the Reverend J. Edward Nash papers to be placed with the Afro American Historical Association Collection. Reverend Nash was a prominent minister of the Michigan Street Baptist Church for 61 years. His home is being restored by the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation as a museum and historical site.
The Road to Freedom: The B&ECPL is presenting The Road to
Freedom: A Look at the Underground Railroad in Western New York in observance
of Black History Month. Through the work and insight of WIVB Channel
4's team of journalists, the unique role of Buffalo during the abolitionist
movement will be explored. The program will be held on February 23rd
at 1 p.m. at the Central Library's Ring of Knowledge.
During the program, Channel 4's latest documentary Beyond the Road to
Freedom will be shown with commentary from presenters Rich Newberg,
reporter, co-producer and host, Mylous Hairston, reporter, Don
Dawkins, researcher, project coordinator and producer and Tom
Vetter, co-producer, photographer and editor.
The Central Library's Ring of Knowledge area is also hosting a related display throughout February entitled "Along the Freedom Trail: An African-American Quest for Freedom."
B&ECPL Participates in Buffalo Schools Event: The Buffalo School Library System Conference Day was held February 7th at Emerson Commons School, and B&ECPL was well represented. Assistant Deputy Director Ami Savigny and Central librarians Chris Moesch and Carey Harmon presented an overview of the B&ECPL Web site. Branch librarians Sandra Williams Bush and Cathy Foertch conducted a session on African American and Hispanic literature. Raya Then (Music Department) discussed her children's publication at the local author session. Sharon Holley (Extension Services) is a member of the Council and served on the Conference Committee.
Central Library Space Study Update: Despite snow and ice storms, the Central Library space redesign project is proceeding on schedule, with completion targeted for April 1st. Habiterra Design associates David Walter and Tim Benson are reviewing preliminary drawings with County engineers in order to generate accurate cost estimates. Central Library staff input has driven proposed modifications intended to enhance the user-friendliness and aesthetics of the building for current and potential visitors.
Process Improvement Committee: On February 11th, librarian Doreen Woods started work in the Office of Service Evaluation and Planning, where she will devote the majority of her time to the completion of the Process Improvement Project. Revision of the New York Public Library survey documents is progressing well, and the B&ECPL work distribution chart should be transmitted to Tony Fischetti at NYPL by the end of the month.
Service Evaluation & Planning Committee: The New Services Task Force has evolved into the Service Evaluation & Planning Committee, which will guide the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the New Services Task Force Summary Report and monitor developments for future services. Its structure is the same as the Task Force: membership is comprised of the chairs of various subcommittees plus two at-large participants. Since the Task Force and its committees have been officially disbanded, recruitment is underway for the new teams.
B&ECPL Joins Forces with SBA: On January 26th, librarian David Pfeiffer of the Central Library's Business, Science and Technology (BS&T) Department participated in "STRAIGHT TALK 2002," sponsored by the Small Business Administration at Erie Community College. Mr. Pfeiffer, who assisted in planning the event, staffed the B&ECPL information table, encouraging persons to register for a library card and visit BS&T to browse the Small Business print collection and numerous electronic resources. More than one thousand B&ECPL information packets were distributed at the event, which was attended by County Executive Giambra and Buffalo Mayor Masiello.
Akron Construction Project: The opening of the new library is
targeted for mid-May.
ALA Midwinter Conference: Deputy Director Mahaney, Assistant
Deputy Director Collins, Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator
Skotnicki and the Director, attended the annual midwinter meeting
of the American Library Association in New Orleans from January 18th
through 21st. Each represents B&ECPL as a member of one or more
ALA or PLA (Public Library Association) committees.
Meetings: The February 14th meeting of County Commissioners and Department Heads was held at the Erie County Fire Academy, which serves as the Emergency Operations Center. After Deputy County Executive Carl Calabrese concluded his agenda, Michael Walters, Commissioner of Emergency Services, conducted a tour of the facility and explained its operation during times of emergency.
Agenda Item G - Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder called attention to her report, which was distributed earlier in the meeting. She expressed her disappointment at the elimination of the Library Foundation's Jefferson Library Project application from consideration for Junior League Show House Proceeds. The Proceeds Committee indicated they thought the application was strong, but the two finalists better fit the Junior League's priorities.
Agenda Item H - Public Comment. No public comment.
Agenda Item I - Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J - New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 - Request to Library Foundation. Online Inter- active Homework Help. Mrs. Collins informed the Board that B&ECPL would like to undertake a pilot project, funded by the Library Foundation, to determine the need for and effectiveness of online interactive homework help for children. Live Homework Help is a subscription-based service that allows 4th through 12th graders to connect, via the Internet, to qualified educators for individualized, live tutoring sessions for up to 20 minutes in length. Students will be able to log into the Library's website to receive help after school hours and on weekends. Funding in the amount of $9000 is required for a 6-month trial that would be conducted through the Central Library, one city branch and one contract library. If this pilot proves to be as popular as it is in other library communities, ongoing funding would be requested from the Library Foundation for the pilot sites, additional B&ECPL libraries and remote access for evening hours when the libraries are not open. Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-13
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) mission includes assisting younger patrons with their information needs and providing access to computers, and
WHEREAS, the Library does not have the resources to offer individualized homework assistance for all students who might require such assistance, and
WHEREAS, the Library is not open all of the evening and weekend hours that students require assistance, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will submit a proposal to the Library Foundation requesting that it identify funds to support, first, the pilot project for an online interactive homework help subscription, and second, upon favorable assessment, support access for this service for all B&ECPL cardholders.
Agenda Item J.2 - Request to Library Foundation - Summer Cyber Camp. Mrs. Collins reminded trustees that Summer Cyber Camp 2001 was a Library initiative that brought Erie County children and computers together for a fun-filled learning experience. Staff for last year's program was funded through a special appropriation from the County Legislature. Thirty-four libraries throughout the System hosted the sessions. In order to repeat the successful project during the summer of 2002, the Library will need an estimated $56,200. With the approval of Resolution 2002-14, the Library Foundation will be asked to raise new funds to cover the costs of this year's program. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Dr. Raoof, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-14
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) mission includes making information accessible to children in both print and electronic formats, and
WHEREAS, many children do not have the technical skills required to use computers for learning, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will submit a proposal to the Library Foundation requesting funds to support the highly successful Summer Cyber Camp, 2002.
Agenda Item J.3 - Request to Library Foundation, Battle of the Books. Mrs. Collins informed newer board members that the Battle of the Books, a quiz bowl style competition with questions based on pre-selected books, began in 1999 with seven libraries participating. By 2001, more than thirty libraries were involved. For summer 2002, an estimated thirty-five libraries will enter teams in the competition. Children in grades 6 to 9 - for whom programming is typically light - are the target group of this popular project designed to stimulate reading interest over the summer. The Library Foundation has sponsored this program for three consecutive years. Funds are used to purchase multiple paperback copies of the books, T-shirts, awards and a plaque for the triumphant library. The request for this year in the amount of $2850 reflects the need based on a projected higher level of participation. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-15
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library's (B&ECPL) mission includes the offering of creative programs that encourage children to read, and
WHEREAS, for 3 years the Battle of the Books has proven to be successful for the previous 3 years in stimulating the reading interest of children in grades 6 to 9 during the summer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will submit a proposal to the Library Foundation requesting funds to support the Battle of the Books, Summer Reading Program, 2002.
Agenda Item J.4 - Citing Trustee Robert J. Plache. Ms. Summer indicated that it was her pleasure and privilege to offer a resolution acknowledging Robert J. Plache for his years of exemplary service to the Library and the Library Board of Trustees and confer upon him the title of Trustee Emeritus. Ms. Horton noted that Mr. Plache was faithful in his attendance at board meetings and always did an excellent job. Mr. Roach concurred with those remarks and indicated he looked forward to Mr. Plache's attendance at future meetings. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton and Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2002-16
WHEREAS, ROBERT J. PLACHE served on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library from January 9, 1992 to December 2001, and
WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Board from 1995 through 1997, and
WHEREAS, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Board in 1992, and
WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Board's Executive Committee and its Rare Books Committee, and
WHEREAS, he served as a member of the Board's Budget and Finance Committee, its Planning Committee, its ACT Liaison Committee, its Library Materials Policy Committee, its Foundation Review Committee and its Investment Subcommittee, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in recognition and appreciation of the decade of leadership, wisdom and exemplary service which ROBERT J. PLACHE devoted to this institution, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees expresses on behalf of the Library and the community at large its profound gratitude and deepest respect, and be it further
RESOLVED, that by virtue of ROBERT J. PLACHE'S outstanding contributions to the Library and under the terms of Article I, Section 3 of the Library's Bylaws ROBERT J. PLACHE be appointed Trustee Emeritus of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.
Ms. Chrisman added that a reception to honor Mr. Plache will be held in April. Trustees will be notified of the date and time.
Ms. Horton congratulated Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki on her appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Niagara Falls Public Library.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz
Secretary