Present : Alan Benkert, David Bretthauer, Samuel Brown, Sandra Clockedile, Joseph Gambini, Alfred Hopkins, Alana Meloni, Jonas Zdanys.

Others : Lynette Baisden, Sharon Brettschneider, Stephen Cauffman, Kendall Wiggin, William Sullivan (CSL)

Absent: Cheryl Beturne, Jenifer O'Connor, Deborah Salewski, Jim Smith

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes

Sam Brown MOVED (2 nd Sandra Clockedile) to approve the amended minutes of July 2, 2003. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Welcome - Sandra Clockedile

Al Hopkins welcomed and introduced Joseph Gambini to the Board.

4. Approval of Agenda

Alan Benkert MOVED (2 nd Sam Brown) to approve the agenda as presented. VOTED unanimously.

5. Public Comment

There was no public comment. Sam Brown reported that this would be his last meeting. Sam is also on the Connecticut Library Consortium Board and also on the board's search committee for an executive director. He stated that the committees are fascinating but tiresome and that he would no longer be able to serve on the Digital Library advisory board. Sam's term is formally up in 2004. Sharon Brettschneider noted that the position representing academic libraries can be added to the nominations forms when they are sent out.

Kendall Wiggin reported that the State Library and iCONN budget are in good shape. The vendors have been cooperative about keeping the databases active while we were waiting for a final budget. The funding for reQuest was as we requested. The funding for CLC was reduced by 75%. Ken attended the grand opening of the Silas Bronson Information Technology Center today. The library received funds in 2001 and was renovated to have a 29-seat technology training area with about 100 computers. The library received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ken distributed material on the website WebJunction, which is funded by the Gates Foundation. The website provides online library technology assistance to libraries. Connecticut may be a pilot for making state versions of the website. Mike Helfgot is leaving the Commission of Education Technology for a position at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.

7. Department of Higher Education Report - Jonas Zdanys

Jonas Zdanys thanked Bill Sullivan for allowing him to publish the article regarding iConn and academic libraries in the iCONN Times . Jonas reported that he received many responses from libraries concerning libraries in the 21 st century. The University of Phoenix which is seeking state accreditation feels that iCONN substitutes for an actual library and that books are no longer necessary. Jonas explained that iCONN is an excellent addition but that institutions also must have a core collection of books.

8. Other Reports

a. Commercial Database Discount Program - Sharon Brettschneider

Sharon Brettschneider reported that the Capitol Regional Library Council (CRLC) previously arranged databases and billing for public libraries. Vendors are moving away from the need for a central office to coordinate billing and registration. Because this is no longer necessary the cost of the program is reduced. All that is needed now is to coordinate trials with the vendors and put up the links and announcements on the web. Also, CRLC no longer exists and is now the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC). . Sharon spoke with Patricia Holloway chair of the CLC Board to see if they could handle the program. If they cannot, then Jane Emerson may do it in-house. The discounts are currently still going and September would bring in another round.

b. Database Update - Sharon Brettschneider

Sharon Brettschneider reported that the Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD) voted not to offer LSTA sub-grants, but to use it under purposes defined in the 5-year plan. There wasn't much money available for sub-grants so it was voted to hold it back until we knew about iCONN funding. Since we now have full funding, we may be able to offer an additional database. Some money may also be set aside for public awareness activities. The Database Committee will meet to discuss possible new databases. The Board expressed the opinion that some money must be reserve for publicity.

c. Digital Library Progress Report - William Sullivan

Bill Sullivan reported that the effort to hire Marissa Kalt as the part-time statewide catalog coordinator was back on track. She will possibly start by September 27, depending upon how long it takes to process the required paperwork. Theresa Ebenhoe from the CSU Systems Office has been filling in as Webmaster until such time as Linda Braun can be rehired as a consultant to continue this function. Steve reported that CLC formed a task force to examine options for the continuation of the OCLC brokering service. Steve will report back in November with an update from the task force.

d. RFP Update - William Sullivan

Bill Sullivan reported that the RFP committee will meet this month to continue the scoring of proposals. The process has taken longer than initially expected due to the number of requirements (1,300+) that need to be separately scored. This process must be completed before the cost analysis can begin.

e. C-Car Update - Sharon Brettschneider

Sharon Brettschneider gave a brief update on Connecticard. She has asked all libraries to put CDs and DVDs in envelopes because of a loss problem. The system is running quite well. She is meeting with BeavEx to resolve some minor problems.

9. New Business

a. Public Awareness

The Advisory Council on Library Planning and Development discussed putting money into public awareness rather than spending it all on databases. We have $20,000-$30,000 for marketing and about $90,000 - $100,000 for databases. The database sub-committee can meet to do a trial on databases. The board discussed public service award ideas such as CTN and radio stations. Bill Sullivan also discussed an idea to insert iCONN material in motor vehicle registrations and in state employee paychecks. Sharon asked if the database committee could meet after the meeting to discuss Heritage Quest.

b. Nominations

Bill Sullivan distributed the Digital Library Advisory Board list. Four members have terms that will be up at the end of the year: David Bretthauer, Jim Smith, Jenifer O'Connor and Cheryl Beturne. These are all their first terms. Since Sam Brown is resigning that position will also need to be filled. The Nomination Committee will ask current members if they would like to stay on and serve again. If they're not interested in serving again, we will send out nomination forms for those slots. The nomination committee consists of Alan Benkert and Jonas Zdanys.

11. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 2:44 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2003 at the Middletown Library Service Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Baisden,

Connecticut State Library