Maine InfoNet Board Minutes, February 1, 2012
The Maine InfoNet Board met at the Maine State Library in Augusta on February 1, 2012 at 1:32pm.
Members present: Janet Bolduc, Librarian, Central Maine Medical Center; Richard Boulet, Director, Blue Hill Public Library via speaker phone; Sarah Campbell, Portland Public Library; Judith Frost, Director of Library Services, CMCC; Clem Guthro, Director, Colby College Libraries; Linda Lord, State Librarian; Barbara McDade, Director, Bangor Public Library; David Nutty, Director of Libraries at USM; Elizabeth Reisz, Director of Library Media Services, York Schools; Joyce Rumery, Dean of Libraries at UM; and Richard Thompson, Member-at-Large.
InfoNet staff present: James Jackson Sanborn, Executive Director.
Minutes
Clem made a motion, seconded by Joyce, to approve the minutes of the December meeting. Rich requested the addition of the Bus Committee report. All voted in favor.
MIN Website Developer and Project
James has requested a third bid, and is still waiting to receive proposals. Once all proposals have been received, and a decision made, James anticipates it will probably take about three months for development.
Report on Maine Metadata Meeting at PPL with OCLC
Clem and Sarah reported that the presentation on OCLC WorldShare™ Management provided more detail about the system and where they are in their development. Two conversations are happening simultaneously, one about how WMS libraries can be integrated into the statewide system, the other is about how the system can allow more small libraries into the statewide system. Some major concerns have yet to be adequately addressed. Some of the desired components probably won’t be fully developed for several years out. As more large systems buy in, it is likely they will place more priority on the specific needs of those systems. OCLC seems to be placing a high priority on working with consortia.
Report on URSUS Director’s Meeting with OCLC on WorldCat Local
URSUS Directors and James were able to take an in-depth look at WorldCat Local. Some concern that it may be a step backwards, but it does seem like it would be better than what we have now. WorldCat Local is not just a catalog, it is also a discovery layer so something like Summon wouldn’t be necessary. Many of the things we are now doing, e.g. cataloging, authority control, serial solutions, etc., through various sources, would all be managed through OCLC rather than through multiple places, as well as maintaining local servers. URSUS has made a commitment to a WorldCat Local trial.
Next Steps on MIN technology agenda
James suggested we consider putting out an RFP for our next management system. Dick Thompson requested that James create a visual representation of where we are now and what we would like to see happen.
IMLS Grant Update
Clem reported that the reclamation part of the project is taking longer than anticipated. Once the data is cleaned up there will be major decisions to make and technology hurdles to overcome in order to manage the 4 million records.
Board Priority Digital Library: Digital Commons and Open Shelf
Clem posed the question about whether there should be a digital library in Maine. At the moment no infrastructure for sharing or for connecting to Digital Public Library of America exists. If we are considering creating an infrastructure, we should talk with Digital Commons, an open source institutional repository software for managing digital content. How would this differ from what the Maine Historical Society has done in creating the Maine Memory Network? Before talking with Digital Commons a small group should develop a vision for Maine. Linda commented that being able to create and preserve local content may be what saves public libraries. Rich cautioned that if we are to take on another project we need to consider our current obligations and the staff workload. Janet asked that integration of Maine Memory Network be looked into.
Defining a Process for New Participants in SOLAR
James asked for guidance in determining which libraries should be added to SOLAR. There are more libraries interested in coming in than there are spaces available. Rich offered to draft a recommendation to bring back to the next board meeting.
Observations from ALA Midwinter Relevant to MIN
Linda commented that most of the meetings she attended were about national digitization projects. David added that there was considerable talk about e-textbooks.
Annual Retreat Date and Agenda
- Replace June 6 regular Board meeting at Colby College, Blue Hill backup.
- Suggested agenda items:
- Coordination of Library Governance Bodies
- Review of current strategic priorities and identify strategic priorities for coming year
Executive Director’s Report
In addition to other items in his report that have already been discussed, James reported that the check for the 501(c)3 application fee has been procured and the package mailed to the IRS.
Other Business
Next meeting of the Board is scheduled for March 7 at Colby College.
The Board adjourned at 3:38pm.
Respectively submitted by
Elizabeth Reisz, Recording Secretary
