REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

Winnefox Library System

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

 

 

WINNEFOX LIBRARY SYSTEM - 2004 ANNUAL REPORT
 This year's System Annual Report (Exhibit A) is included in your packet.  This is a required report which must be submitted to the state in order for us to receive our second aids check.  Mark and Julie have prepared it with lots of help from others.  It describes our progress on goals and objectives from our Annual Plan.  Discussion.  Action Requested: accept 2004 Annual Report.

 

WINNEFOX LIBRARY SYSTEM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE UPDATE                     
Since the last election of officers produced some changes in the Executive Committee, it was necessary in accordance with the By-Laws, to modify the makeup of the Committee to maintain a balanced geographic distribution.  We’ll have a memo from Board President, Judy Malueg, with the revised Executive Committee appointments, to distribute at the meeting.  Discussion.  Action Requested: none.

 

WINNEFOX/OPL DIRECTOR RETIREMENT SUCCESSION ISSUES/PROCESS 
As you all know by now, I have announced my retirement for February of 2006.  I've provided an early announcement so the Boards have time to address the issues associated with that retirement and to have sufficient time to conduct a national search for a successor.  As you also know, I’ve been conducting meetings with member library directors to hear what they think should happen to the joint directorship as well as any other issues they would like addressed by me (or not) during this last year of my tenure.  Some of the directors believe it is in the best interest of the System to change the relationship with OPL and employ an independent director for Winnefox.  I, and others, don’t believe that will in fact be in the best interests of all the Winnefox member libraries.  Those views need to be heard and discussed so you can make the best decision for the future of Winnefox’s member libraries.

 

I suggested scheduling a joint meeting of both boards.  I did that because the System and OPL have had a contractual relationship since the beginning of Winnefox – 28 years ago.  It seemed appropriate that both Boards hear the differing views and get to discuss them together before the Winnefox Board makes its decision (since it affects a unique contractual relationship with OPL).  Others have suggested that isn’t necessary and that we should perhaps use a subcommittee of the Board(s) to delve into the issues and come back with a recommendation.  I certainly think all the member libraries need to have an opportunity to voice their opinions with you as well as hear the discussion, so we need to discuss the best way to proceed with a decision-making process on the best future model for Winnefox administration.  Discussion.  Action Requested: determine best decision-making process for future model for Winnefox administration.

 

Legislative Update
Mark and I will provide a brief update on legislative issues we are monitoring on behalf of libraries and systems.  Discussion.  Action Requested: none.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS -

 

·        WCNI Committee Meeting – the Wisconsin Collaborative Network Initiative (WCNI) Committee met finally last week (I’m a member of that Committee representing public library systems).  The major topic of discussion was the signing of the Contract with the Wisconsin BadgerNet Access Alliance (WBAA) which is comprised of a consortium of Wisconsin telecommunication companies including SBC.  The contract ended up being much more difficult to negotiate than anticipated.  Now that the contract is in place, the timetable will move forward very quickly to update the network and migrate all the customers to it.  To that end, there will be a meeting of network and vendor engineers with library information technology and network staff on Mar. 31st in Madison.  Winnefox will have 2-3 staff members in attendance and I may attend as a WCNI Committee member to be aware of what is being covered and issues from the perspective of other public library shared computer systems.  I’ve included (Exhibit B) the meeting Agenda, timetable and contract announcement for your information as well as a draft of a proposal for a new BadgerNet Converged Network (BCN) Advisory Council to replace WCNI.  I’m pleased that libraries will continue to have a representative in this important policy advisory group.  I have also advocated for a local government representative because of the emergence of metropolitan wide area networks like the FoxNet FiberOptic Consortium (of which I am a member of that Executive Committee).  I was told DOA couldn’t find anyone who would agree to serve (even though I submitted a recommendation for the Winnebago County IT Director) but everyone agreed there should be a seat on the new committee for local government.  I will continue to advocate for that.  If you have any questions or suggestions about the draft Agreement, please let me know.

·        April Workshop Presentation – I’ve been asked by the Manitowoc-Calumet and Eastern Shores Library Systems to join Bob Bocher (DLTCL Technology Coordinator) and co-present on Technology Changes and Library Futures.  The workshop will take place on April 7th in Sheboygan Falls.  This is becoming a habit for Bob and I.

·        Trustee Manuals - those of you who asked to continue getting a print manual will be receiving your updated Trustee manuals at this meeting if you haven’t already picked them up. 

 

·        Winnefox Assistant Director’s Report – Mark has prepared a report (Exhibit C) identifying a number of activities/meetings that have been occurring during the past couple of months in order to keep you informed.

·        Correspondence – I have included a very nice letter (Exhibit D) from Superintendent Burmaster on my retirement announcement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

John V. Nichols

Director