Maine InfoNet Board Minutes, March 7, 2012
The Maine InfoNet Board met at Colby College in Waterville on March 7, 2012 at 1:35pm.
Members present: Janet Bolduc, Librarian, Central Maine Medical Center; Richard Boulet, Director, Blue Hill Public Library; 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.
Also present: James Ritter, new Director of Reader and Information Services Division, Maine State Library.
Minutes
Clem made a motion, seconded by Joyce, to approve the minutes of the February meeting, as amended. All voted in favor.
Draft of process for new participants in SOLAR
Reviewed Rich Boulet’s draft, discussing various management issues, including a set-up fee for joining. Currently there are nine openings and slightly more libraries that have expressed interest. Liz moved that we approve the process as presented and authorize James to implement it. The motion passed. David asked that discussion about the possibilty of charging SOLAR members a fee be postponed to a future meeting.
Library Commission comments and formulation of existing and proposed communication architecture
Dick reported on the discussion at the Library Commission about the lack of understanding of the current components of the MaineCat environment and their relationships, and future plans that will allow more libraries in the state to be connected to the statewide system. The Library Commission suggested that a small group of their members work with a small group from the MIN board on addressing these concerns and determine how to have a more inclusive MaineCat environment. Dick Thompson was asked to chair this group. Sarah and Clem agreed to represent the MIN Board.
There was also concern that small public libraries are not represented on the MIN Board. Linda made a motion, seconded by Barbara, that we appoint a representative from a small MaineCat non-participating library to fill the vacant member-at-large MIN board seat. The motion was unanimously approved.
Joyce commented that while MIN has provided minutes of our Board meetings, we have not provided a more detailed report of our work. It was suggested this be on our annual retreat agenda.
MIN Website Project
James briefly reviewed the three proposals and recommended that we contract with Rainstorm Consulting. Several members of the Board are familiar with Rainstorm’s work. The Board endorsed James’ recommendation.
Collaborative Opportunities
MIN’s role in call for broader consortial role for acquiring e-content in state.
Unity College has contacted a number of college and university libraries, as well as James, about creating a consortium for acquiring and managing e-content. The Board agreed that this is not something we should get involved in other than pointing to existing opportunities.
Convene a small group to develop vision of “digital commons” ideas in state and the role of Maine Historical and other groups. Dave Stout in Maine March 22.
Our interest is in educating ourselves about “digital commons.” Existing digital library model is for academic libraries but what we want needs to be more inclusive of public and other types of libraries in Maine; not just government documents, and existing local collections, but in producing new content. Board member are invited to meet with Dave Stout on March 21, 10:00am at the Maine State Library or in the Portland area on March 22.
IMLS Grant Update
Reclaimation work is taking longer than anticipated. Members of the National Advisory Board from IMLS grants will be at Libraries United conference on May 21.
Outline of possible scenarios for future MaineCat environment and Update on OCLC developments
James is continuing white board conversations with OCLC.
Other business
Re-scheduled the retreat to June 13, 9:30am - 4:00pm, at Colby College.
Adjourned at 3:46pm.
