March 7, 2008
Members Present: Kathy Boguszewski, Carol Brill, Carla Burmeister, Leslie Christensen, Sally Drew, Leanne Hansen, Rita Magno, Mark Rozmarynowski, Ed Van Gemert, David J. Weinhold, Janet White
Excused: Karen Grothe
Others Present: Phyllis Christensen, Patrick Wilkinson, Kathy Schneider
Chair Ed Van Gemert called the meeting to order at 10:05am and introductions were made.
Minutes: Approval of minutes from October 5, 2007 was moved by Brill, seconded by Burmeister, and passed. Schneider provided several updates to items from the minutes. The member survey highlights was rewritten as recommended by the Board and other WiLS documents were distributed as handouts. Milwaukee County Public Library System and Chippewa Valley Technical College joined WorldCat at the special pricing discussed at the last meeting.
Budget and Finance: The audit was reviewed, noting that WiLS did well financially because of interest earning. Per audit recommendation, Schneider will now sign off on everything as documentation of her review. New accounting rules will mean more expensive audits in the future because of data collection prior to audits. Even so, the Finance Committee agreed that it's important to have an audit every year. Drew asked about the succession plan that was suggested in a previous audit. The Finance Committee determined that the written procedures, which Schneider is currently reviewing, suffice for a smaller organization like WiLS. Drew made a motion to accept the auditor's report; White seconded; motion passed.
Other financial updates: The bottom line for this year's budget has improved by $10,000. WiLS accounts for the first quarter are close to being reconciled with no problem areas noted. The academic NetLibrary consortium is near extinction; however, the public e-book consortium is still going strong although not with NetLibrary.
BadgerCat Evaluation Survey: In preparation for considering the June renewal of BadgerCat, WiLS surveyed participants on its value and their interest in continuing the group catalog. Overall, members support renewal, although some current members may not rejoin. Public libraries tend to use BadgerCat more frequently than academic library members. Since member commitments are needed prior to the contract renewal, Schneider will ask libraries for a commitment, clarifying the issues to aid decisions.
Scenario Planning: The Board reviewed the highlights of the survey responses. There was not much feedback. Schneider will take the stronger comments for consideration. The Board discussed possible actions for online education and will watch for ideas. Some of these topics may be incorporated into WiLSWorld programs; send Schneider suggestions.
Members Council Report: Christensen attended the February members' council meeting where the focus was on governance and possible reorganization for OCLC. Wilkinson also provided background information. The governance study committee did not look at distribution issues that would have included networks. Issues revolve around representation on council to become more global, the number of members on council, the number of possible regional councils and the composition of the OCLC Board as well as how many Board members are elected by Members Council. There was much discussion with no conclusions. OCLC is moving towards becoming a global information cooperative rather than strictly a library cooperative. A proposal on governance will be forthcoming for the May members' council meeting with any changes beginning in July 2009.
OCLC and Networks Partnership: The relationship of networks and OCLC is also changing, although there are many unknowns at this point. WiLS will want to maintain a relationship with OCLC. Schneider asked the Board for advice on several options. Brill made a motion to pursue a Midwest service arrangement that would maintain the mission of WiLS; Weinhold seconded; motion passed. During discussion Magno suggested that MINITEX be approached first. Schneider will begin talking to targeted groups in Wisconsin regarding potential changes.
WiLS Service Fees FY09: OCLC fees may change, but the Board recommended waiting to make changes to the WiLS fee structure until OCLC decides. Weinhold made a motion to accept the proposed FY09 fees with the exception of maintaining the FY08 annual membership fees and OCLC surchages; Christensen seconded; motion passed.
Wisconsin Heritage Online: The Board reviewed the report and recommendations from the February 26th WHO Board Meeting. There are long-term issues for WHO to determine and WiLS is not necessarily part of the long-term plan. For now, Weinhold made a motion to approve the proposed WHO fees that WiLS charges for FY09; Brill seconded; motion passed.
WiLS Director's Report: Schneider reported on recent staff changes, the new accounting and OCLC billing software, expanding collaboration with MINITEX, and new cooperative purchasing products.
Other business: Van Gemert presented the slate of nominees for FY09 board election: Chair Elect - Hansen and Secretary — Grothe. Weinhold seconded the Nominations Committee motion; motion passed.
Drew discussed the DPI visioning summit on the future of libraries being held in May. Participation at the summit is by invitation only, but there's opportunity for others to submit comments on the COLAND web site.
There being no further business, Drew made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Brill, and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 3:00pm with a reminder that the next Board meeting will be at WiLSWorld on July 24th at 1:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Leanne Hansen
Secretary