Memorandum:

To: Winnefox Library System Trustees

From: Mark Arend, Assistant Director

Subject: Report of System activities

Date: 18 May, 2007

The following is an update of activities since our last meeting. I would be happy to provide further details at our meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an email in advance.

Library Summer Reading Programs: Winnefox staff have been very busy lately helping libraries get ready for their summer programs. In addition to supplying the printed materials our staff also helps coordinate the summer performers. In addition to the staff time saved at member libraries we estimate we saved about $2,000 by negotiating agreements with performers and combining mileage costs.

This year’s children’s program, developed by the 36-state Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), is Get a Clue @ Your Library and is being used by all Winnefox libraries. While summer programs for children are a traditional library staple, teen and adult programs are increasingly popular. This year’s teen program, also developed by the CSLP, is YNK (You never know) @ Your Library. Eight libraries are planning teen programs this year.

Renee adapted the “Get a Clue” graphics for adults and eight libraries will be using that theme for adult programs.

Libraries put a lot of effort into their summer programs both because it increases library use and because it’s good for the children. Research shows that children who participate in a public library reading program over the summer start the school year ahead of those who don’t.

Library Director Changes: Carol Cate, director of the Poy Sippi Public Library is retiring in early June. Nicole Overbeck has been hired to succeed her. Kathy Saeman has resigned as director of the Oakfield Public Library.

Act 420 Billing: Many library boards are waiting until their May and June meetings to decide whether they will be billing neighboring counties under the provisions of Act 420. I hope to have more information on this at our July meeting.

Legislative update: The Joint Finance Committee has approved library system funding, Badgerlink, and state contracts (interlibrary loan, CCBC, and Library for the Blind) as proposed by the Governor for the 2007-2009 state budget. They have also approved the Governor’s proposal that county library reimbursements be exempt from levy limits.

Although the budget’s the big news there are several other bills and proposals before the Legislature that affect libraries.

SB-1 would give library boards an additional option for investing gifts and donations. Under this bill boards would be able to transfer gifts to a related public library or community foundation for use in enhancing library services and programs. This bill has passed the Senate and has been referred to the Assembly.

AB-141 would prohibit use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in documents. RFID is a relatively new technology that can be used in libraries to check books in and out, inventory collections, and similar tasks; Fond du Lac PL has begun implementing RFID. Most members of the library community oppose this bill because as the bill is written library materials would be included in the prohibition. At this time this bill has been referred to a committee and indications are that it will stay there.

AJR-27 & AJR 34 are proposed constitutional amendments that would sharply limit the use of segregated funds. As currently written they would prohibit the use of the money from the Universal Service Fund (USF) for system funding. Both resolutions have been introduced in the Assembly and referred to committee. Currently we get about a third of our funding from the USF. I’ve prepared a separate handout that discusses this issue.

Although not yet introduced, we expect to see an amendment to the library confidentiality statute that would create a new narrow exception to the court order requirement for release of library records. Libraries could now release records for library administrative purposes including collection of fines and penalties, and for the protection of library users, staff, and property.

Staff Changes: WCTS clerk Nicole Overbeck has resigned her position to become the new director of the Poy Sippi Public Library.