Board Meeting Minutes, January 20, 2005: Wisconsin Public Library Consortium

WPLC Board Meeting Minutes: January 20, 2005
Location: South Central Library System

WPLC Board Meeting
Minutes
January 20, 2005
South Central Library System

Present: Inese Christman (WVLS), Stef Morrill (SCLS), Mark Arend (WLS), David Polodna (WRLS), Phyllis Davis (SCLS), David Weinhold (ESLS), Mellanie Mercier (WCFLS), Peter Hamon (SCLS), Jim Trojanowski (NWLS), Linda Miller, Project Manager, and Kathy Schneider, WiLS

1. Demonstrations of OverDrive and netLibrary

In the morning, OverDrive demonstrated its e-book and audio book services, and netLibrary demonstrated its audio book services. Since the presentations were done via WisLine, library and system staff from locations throughout the state could participate. Twenty-eight different locations participated with good discussions during and after the demonstrations.

2. Reports from the Partners

Phyllis Davis reported that invoices for 2005 membership have been sent.

David Polodna was pleased to have other members who could not attend in person participate via speakerphone, as Jim was doing, and wants to be sure that others are encouraged to do so. Linda will remind others of this option.

Dave Weinhold reported that netLibrary reports show that seven percent of use statewide is in ESLS. The system is seeing 15 to 20 new accounts created each month. ESLS has had a project to get all MARC records for the netLibrary titles entered in its catalog.

Jim Trojanowski reported that NWLS is in the process of loading the MARC records.

Linda reported that she had spoken with SWLS regarding WPLC membership and had created a test account for SWLS for netLibrary, before the end of the year, to encourage that system to join WPLC. She has not received any response from the system but will contact them again to determine interest.

3. netLibrary/E-book Services

Kathy distributed reports from netLibrary on the current collection. The “access” count includes all accesses. To determine accesses without checkouts, subtract the checkout count from the access count. New statistics available include the count of searches per month and the count of page views. Kathy will send the report to the list. Use of the netLibrary collection continues to grow.

There are 22 persons registered for the online introductory course on netLibrary. The course will be offered again in the spring.
The full amount budgeted in 2004 for e-books was spent. A new order is ready for the Spanish collection titles. Kathy received a request, via the Reference and Loan Library, from a patron wanting the library to purchase an e-book title.

The Board needs to make a decision on weeding the netLibrary collection. Kathy suggested that the approach be that the consortium has a whole does not weed. However, individual libraries, or shared systems, can withdraw bibliographic records from their catalogs. The titles will remain in the WPLC collection, and any user could access the title through the netLibrary web site. There is no cost for WPLC to retain a title which it has purchased. Discussion was favorable. David Polodna moved that the weeding policy be that individual libraries and shared systems may remove any title from its database but that all titles will remain in the WPLC collection for the foreseeable future. Inese seconded, and the motion carried.

Manitowoc-Calumet should soon have access to the netLibrary collection.

Kathy updated the Board on the work of the WiLS committee regarding its investigation of whether or not the Illinois OCLC model has application in Wisconsin. That model provides unlimited access to WorldCat, unlimited cataloging and interlibrary loan. The WiLS committee is also interested in including WebDewey, virtual reference (including cooperative coverage), and Group Catalog. A preliminary quote could be available in February with a more complete quote in May. While an ideal start date would be July 1st, a January 2006 date is more likely.

WPLC could fill the need to promote the service to its members if a statewide project is implemented. WPLC could also fill a need for oversight and management of the virtual reference program if two consortia, one public and one academic, emerge as Kathy anticipates. If LSTA funds support virtual reference services, then RLL may fill that need. Oversight responsibilities could include policy making, public relations, and quality control. WiLS would provide training.

David Polodna asked if WPLC would need to provide financial support. The cost for cooperative coverage is expected to be $66,000 for the entire state, which would be divided among the academic and public consortia. Public libraries are currently clustered in Ask Wisconsin although some have withdrawn. Phyllis believes that the service could generate revenue for WPLC if new members were charged for the service. Peter Hamon stated that if LSTA funds support the service then it will be comparable to the BadgerLink model. If not, then WPLC is the logical agency to initiate the service. Stef Morrill stated that coordination of staffing and scheduling will be required. Factors contributing to an increase in the use of virtual reference include ease of access and increased time when the service is available. Phyllis mentioned that virtual reference can also fill a need for libraries which do not have the resources to provide reference services themselves. Kathy reported that the next step is to complete the merger of the existing virtual reference services and wait to see if LSTA funding is proposed.

Discussion turned to the information collected during the morning demonstrations of OverDrive and netLibrary. David Polodna commented that LaCrosse is very eager to introduce materials from OverDrive. Phyllis Davis liked the fact that OverDrive’s approach puts the library in the front and OverDrive behind the scenes. SCLS libraries have had a concern with the netLibrary interface for some time. Kathy believes that OverDrive fills a gap that netLibrary has not been able to fill, providing both audio books and popular fiction. If WPLC contracts with OverDrive, it could still also contract with netLibrary in the future for its audio book services, which all felt were not yet ready.

The OverDrive proposal is for three years with $15,000 allocated for content, although more content could be purchased. Stef reported that half of the ListenUp partners stated that they would pay $100 - $300 per year for audio book content. If the annual cost was divided among all WPLC partners, Board members believed that it would be reasonable. Libraries could also use collection development funds to purchase electronic resources as they do to purchase print resources. WPLC funds could be used to pay for a part or all of the first year cost. Libraries may be able to use LSTA funds to pay for their share. The Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped may also be interested. There was consensus that the content should include both audio books and e-books. A new selection committee would be needed.

Questions about the OverDrive proposal include pricing after three years and the ILS systems supported. Input from libraries is needed before committing to a contract. Inese believes that this is a great opportunity and gives the libraries time to plan for budgeting.

Peter moved and David Polodna seconded that a contract with OverDrive should be negotiated for the Board’s consideration at its next meeting with a July 1st implementation date targeted and the first six months paid by WPLC. Motion carried. Kathy and Linda will negotiate a contract for the Board’s consideration.

Linda informed the Board that there was a cost to using WisLine for the demonstrations. The issue of doing the demonstrations via web conferencing arose after the last Board meeting. Kathy had informed her that the estimated cost would be $500 but was dependent on the number of lines which were used. David Weinhold moved and Mark Arend seconded that the WisLine expense for the demonstrations be paid.

4. Project Proposals/New Projects

IMLS Grant
No announcement has yet been made on the decision regarding the grant which Josh Morrill submitted through the UW to IMLS to develop a course to train librarians in evaluation and statistical analysis.

MOTOR
Stef shared information on MOTOR, Mentioned On TV Or Radio. SCLS subscribed to the service but the subscription option covered the entire state for $250. Stef will send the password to each WPLC member, which can then share it with its libraries. She will also collect e-mail addresses for persons who want to receive the list. If libraries want to continue the subscription next year, WPLC will need to cover the cost.

5. Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the SCLS office.

Linda K. Miller
LMA Techwork
linda@lmatechwork.com
815-229-8215 voice
815-229-5362 fax


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Members Bylaws Committees Meetings Discussion List Statistics Current Projects Proposals for Future Services Reports Links Home Contact Us		WPLC Board Meeting Minutes: January 20, 2005 Location: South Central Library System WPLC Board Meeting Minutes January 20, 2005 South Central Library System Present: Inese Christman (WVLS), Stef Morrill (SCLS), Mark Arend (WLS), David Polodna (WRLS), Phyllis Davis (SCLS), David Weinhold (ESLS), Mellanie Mercier (WCFLS), Peter Hamon (SCLS), Jim Trojanowski (NWLS), Linda Miller, Project Manager, and Kathy Schneider, WiLS 1. Demonstrations of OverDrive and netLibrary In the morning, OverDrive demonstrated its e-book and audio book services, and netLibrary demonstrated its audio book services. Since the presentations were done via WisLine, library and system staff from locations throughout the state could participate. Twenty-eight different locations participated with good discussions during and after the demonstrations. 2. Reports from the Partners Phyllis Davis reported that invoices for 2005 membership have been sent. David Polodna was pleased to have other members who could not attend in person participate via speakerphone, as Jim was doing, and wants to be sure that others are encouraged to do so. Linda will remind others of this option. Dave Weinhold reported that netLibrary reports show that seven percent of use statewide is in ESLS. The system is seeing 15 to 20 new accounts created each month. ESLS has had a project to get all MARC records for the netLibrary titles entered in its catalog. Jim Trojanowski reported that NWLS is in the process of loading the MARC records. Linda reported that she had spoken with SWLS regarding WPLC membership and had created a test account for SWLS for netLibrary, before the end of the year, to encourage that system to join WPLC. She has not received any response from the system but will contact them again to determine interest. 3. netLibrary/E-book Services Kathy distributed reports from netLibrary on the current collection. The “access” count includes all accesses. To determine accesses without checkouts, subtract the checkout count from the access count. New statistics available include the count of searches per month and the count of page views. Kathy will send the report to the list. Use of the netLibrary collection continues to grow. There are 22 persons registered for the online introductory course on netLibrary. The course will be offered again in the spring. The full amount budgeted in 2004 for e-books was spent. A new order is ready for the Spanish collection titles. Kathy received a request, via the Reference and Loan Library, from a patron wanting the library to purchase an e-book title. The Board needs to make a decision on weeding the netLibrary collection. Kathy suggested that the approach be that the consortium has a whole does not weed. However, individual libraries, or shared systems, can withdraw bibliographic records from their catalogs. The titles will remain in the WPLC collection, and any user could access the title through the netLibrary web site. There is no cost for WPLC to retain a title which it has purchased. Discussion was favorable. David Polodna moved that the weeding policy be that individual libraries and shared systems may remove any title from its database but that all titles will remain in the WPLC collection for the foreseeable future. Inese seconded, and the motion carried. Manitowoc-Calumet should soon have access to the netLibrary collection. Kathy updated the Board on the work of the WiLS committee regarding its investigation of whether or not the Illinois OCLC model has application in Wisconsin. That model provides unlimited access to WorldCat, unlimited cataloging and interlibrary loan. The WiLS committee is also interested in including WebDewey, virtual reference (including cooperative coverage), and Group Catalog. A preliminary quote could be available in February with a more complete quote in May. While an ideal start date would be July 1st, a January 2006 date is more likely. WPLC could fill the need to promote the service to its members if a statewide project is implemented. WPLC could also fill a need for oversight and management of the virtual reference program if two consortia, one public and one academic, emerge as Kathy anticipates. If LSTA funds support virtual reference services, then RLL may fill that need. Oversight responsibilities could include policy making, public relations, and quality control. WiLS would provide training. David Polodna asked if WPLC would need to provide financial support. The cost for cooperative coverage is expected to be $66,000 for the entire state, which would be divided among the academic and public consortia. Public libraries are currently clustered in Ask Wisconsin although some have withdrawn. Phyllis believes that the service could generate revenue for WPLC if new members were charged for the service. Peter Hamon stated that if LSTA funds support the service then it will be comparable to the BadgerLink model. If not, then WPLC is the logical agency to initiate the service. Stef Morrill stated that coordination of staffing and scheduling will be required. Factors contributing to an increase in the use of virtual reference include ease of access and increased time when the service is available. Phyllis mentioned that virtual reference can also fill a need for libraries which do not have the resources to provide reference services themselves. Kathy reported that the next step is to complete the merger of the existing virtual reference services and wait to see if LSTA funding is proposed. Discussion turned to the information collected during the morning demonstrations of OverDrive and netLibrary. David Polodna commented that LaCrosse is very eager to introduce materials from OverDrive. Phyllis Davis liked the fact that OverDrive’s approach puts the library in the front and OverDrive behind the scenes. SCLS libraries have had a concern with the netLibrary interface for some time. Kathy believes that OverDrive fills a gap that netLibrary has not been able to fill, providing both audio books and popular fiction. If WPLC contracts with OverDrive, it could still also contract with netLibrary in the future for its audio book services, which all felt were not yet ready. The OverDrive proposal is for three years with $15,000 allocated for content, although more content could be purchased. Stef reported that half of the ListenUp partners stated that they would pay $100 - $300 per year for audio book content. If the annual cost was divided among all WPLC partners, Board members believed that it would be reasonable. Libraries could also use collection development funds to purchase electronic resources as they do to purchase print resources. WPLC funds could be used to pay for a part or all of the first year cost. Libraries may be able to use LSTA funds to pay for their share. The Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped may also be interested. There was consensus that the content should include both audio books and e-books. A new selection committee would be needed. Questions about the OverDrive proposal include pricing after three years and the ILS systems supported. Input from libraries is needed before committing to a contract. Inese believes that this is a great opportunity and gives the libraries time to plan for budgeting. Peter moved and David Polodna seconded that a contract with OverDrive should be negotiated for the Board’s consideration at its next meeting with a July 1st implementation date targeted and the first six months paid by WPLC. Motion carried. Kathy and Linda will negotiate a contract for the Board’s consideration. Linda informed the Board that there was a cost to using WisLine for the demonstrations. The issue of doing the demonstrations via web conferencing arose after the last Board meeting. Kathy had informed her that the estimated cost would be $500 but was dependent on the number of lines which were used. David Weinhold moved and Mark Arend seconded that the WisLine expense for the demonstrations be paid. 4. Project Proposals/New Projects IMLS Grant No announcement has yet been made on the decision regarding the grant which Josh Morrill submitted through the UW to IMLS to develop a course to train librarians in evaluation and statistical analysis. MOTOR Stef shared information on MOTOR, Mentioned On TV Or Radio. SCLS subscribed to the service but the subscription option covered the entire state for $250. Stef will send the password to each WPLC member, which can then share it with its libraries. She will also collect e-mail addresses for persons who want to receive the list. If libraries want to continue the subscription next year, WPLC will need to cover the cost. 5. Next Meeting The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the SCLS office. Linda K. Miller LMA Techwork linda@lmatechwork.com 815-229-8215 voice 815-229-5362 fax

		Updated March 7, 2005