Board Meeting Minutes, February 4, 2004: Wisconsin Public Library Consortium

WPLC Board Meeting Minutes: February 4, 2004
Location: South Central Library System

Present: Kristen Anderson (WRLS), David Weinhold (ESLS), Steve Platteter (MWFLS), Bernie Bellin (LLS), Nancy Fletcher (WCFLS), Peter Hamon (SCLS), Stef Morrill (SCLS), Phyllis Davis (SCLS), Mark Arend (WLS), Rick Krumwiede (OWLS), Inese Christman (WVLS), Evan Bend (OWLS), Bruce Gay (MPL), Kathy Schneider (WiLS), and Linda Miller, Project Manager.

The meeting came to order at 10:00 a.m.

1. Partner Reports

MPL reported that librarians are taking the netLibrary training.

WCFLS reported that they are considering audible.com. WCFLS selected a title for the spring Waukesha County Reads program, which was available through audible.com.

Rick Krumwiede from OWLS introduced Evan Bend, a new OWLS staff member. He also reported that Josh Morrill did a presentation for the trustees on the survey results.

SCLS shared information from audible.com that publishers are restricting sales to libraries. Stef Morrill also commented on the new Sony ebook reader.

Phyllis Davis reported that Madison Public Library believes that the current statistics for netLibrary usage are sufficient, and so, SCLS will not be submitting a proposal to analyze the statistics.

WRLS reported that another library is interested in netLibrary training.

WVLS reported that having records for netLibrary holdings in the public catalog has resulted in an increase in circulation of those titles.

ESLS reported that the e-book readers still generate occasional interest. For netLibrary, ESLS has 800 users, and statistics show 5 accesses per user, and 10 accesses per user for the lifetime of the project. David asked if it was possible to know if it has all of the MARC records that are available for the netLibrary titles. Kathy Schneider will discuss this issue with Debbie Cardinal.

WLS reported that they also are finding that there are too few netLibrary MARC records in their system but plan to wait until after the migration to the new automation system to investigate further. Mark Arend also reported that more librarians are taking the online netLibrary training.

Peter Hamon from SCLS mentioned that the WLA Legislative Day slogan, "I love libraries and I vote." was based on the findings of the library survey undertaken by WPLC. He also reported that SCLS was working on closing the WPLC accounting books for 2003.

LLS reported that there is resistance by some library staff members to continued support for e-books. A complaint was made to the LLS Board about cutting summer reading funds to continue netLibrary and WPLC participation. LLS has just added MARC records for netLibrary holdings to the online database and hopes to see more activity. Both SCLS and WVLS reported increased activity after including the records in their catalogs.

Steve Platteter from MWFLS reported that the netLibrary reference workshop was well received and recommends that more be offered, but in smaller groups for hands-on.

2. Domain for WPLC

It was moved and seconded that WPLC register the www.wplc.info name for 10 years at a cost of $79.50 and register for the free www.wplc.lib.wi.us name and any other appropriate domain names that are available at no cost. Motion carried.

3. netLibrary

Kathy Schneider reported on the news on netLibrary. The new interface is having problems, but they are getting fixed. The training had to be revised because of the new interface.

A netLibrary Reference Center collection is now available for consortia. So far, one public and one academic library are interested. A minimum of five participants is required. Mead Public Library is interested.

The Reference Center collection features new searching functionality and allows the selection of 100 additional titles. The cost is $2,500 per library (IP address). Three simultaneous users are included. The cost would be paid by the participating libraries, not WPLC. Kathy will check if the new titles can work in a consortium, but a response to this offer is needed by the end of February.

968 titles were added to the netLibrary collection in 2003. Thirty-five titles are still back-ordered. When titles are back-ordered, there is a problem with getting the MARC records. WiLS is not accepting back-orders any more because of the numerous problems with the process. A lot of Spanish titles were on back-order.

The WiLS site has links to associate new orders with particular files of MARC records. WiLS may put all MARC records in one file per year unless anyone objects.

Kathy thinks that anyone should be able to access the resource center and get statistics. She thinks that user counts for all of WPLC will be available in the future.

Linda Miller shared the response from Rich Rosy of netLibrary/OCLC regarding the WPLC request to extend the period before the new netLibrary model will take affect. The request was granted, allowing new members to join WPLC by the end of the year and still gain access to the entire WPLC collection. Discussion followed about contacting the other library systems and inviting them to join. Linda will contact all.

Peter commented that IFLS serves as a precedent for MCFLS. If MCFLS does join, an additional category would need to be created for populations over 900,001.

Kathy suggested that starting in 2005 a lower cost option might be offered since only titles purchased after January 1, 2005 will be accessible.

Peter suggested that the buy-in fee be waived to insure that all library systems have a seat on the WPLC Board. David suggested that the buy-in fee entitle them to two years, not just one.

Rick agreed with the suggestion to waive the fee. David thinks that the buy-in fee should include training. Peter suggested $1,000 be added to the fee to cover two WiLS training sessions and waive the buy-in fee. Rick suggested that the buy-in be reduced to $1000 to get the training. Peter stated that WPLC membership is more than just netLibrary.

Peter moved that an annual fee be charged and the buy-in be reduced to $1000, which will include a two day training session from WiLS. Rick seconded the motion. For MCFLS, the cost to join would be the $1,000 buy-in fee plus $1,000 to bring the annual fee for 2004 to $5,000 applying the $4,000 that Milwaukee Public has already paid, following the precedent set by IFLS. Phyllis stated that new members could be billed in 2005 for 2004 if funds would not be available until then. New members would need to sign the agreement and be profiled by netLibrary prior to December 31, 2004. Motion carried.

The deadline of December 31, 2004 also applies to schools. Kathy encouraged library systems to contact the schools. For affiliate members, 45% of payment comes to WPLC. WiLS has more record keeping required, especially as each school may order its own titles. David suggested that schools submit their title suggestions to the WPLC Selection Committee and pool the money.

Partners were reminded to inform their members that individual libraries may purchase titles on their own. WiLS will provide a list of titles that are not available for purchase by the consortium for their consideration.

Specific Spanish titles were selected rather than purchasing the entire collection. Kathy will send the list of Spanish titles that are available for purchase to the WPLC list. Currently, there are about 25 titles in Spanish in the WPLC collection.

4. Research Services

Linda shared an update from Josh Morrill and reported that information about the services is being added to the WPLC web site.

5. New Projects

Virtual Reference Services
A project to evaluate and compare the two different virtual reference services operational in the state, AskWisconsin and AskAway, was discussed. Kathy reported that AskWisconsin has an evaluation committee. Several members stated that they would find the information helpful in considering whether to participate in a service. A committee composed of Mark Arend, Stef Morrill, Phyllis Davis, and Mellanie Mercier will review the need and draft a proposal.

Storage Facility
Phyllis reported that SCLS is pursuing other options and will not be submitting a proposal.

Overdrive
There is a start-up fee, an ongoing fee and a fee for purchasing content. The estimated total cost for WPLC would be about $70,000: $28,000 - start-up; $25,000 - content; and $1,200 per month maintenance fee. The start-up fee could be shared by all libraries using the same integrated library automation system. To add another library automation system costs $1,500.

MARC records in a library's catalog would point to a server hosted at Overdrive. Users then select their library from the list. The Overdrive server communicates with the library's automation system using the SIP2 protocol.

Steve asked if a library that migrates to a different vendor's ILS would need to pay again.

Different materials are contained in the Overdrive collection compared to netLibrary. Stef thinks that other digital materials can be added to the collection, that the source is not limited to Overdrive.

Kathy said that Overdrive is willing to look at WPLC as a consortium. She suggested that WPLC may want to split the cost over two years.

Members attending PLA will meet with representatives from Overdrive. Discussion will be continued at future meetings.

Library Advocacy
David said that the PR consultant with whom he is working is reviewing the responses received to the questions posted to the WPLC list. IFLS had asked David about doing a statewide project, but David said that they are thinking of just a pilot project with one or a few partners. He will prepare a proposal for consideration at the next meeting.

6. Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the SCLS office.

The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.


		Home > Meetings > Minutes > Board Meeting, February 4, 2004

Members Bylaws Committees Meetings Discussion List Statistics Current Projects Proposals for Future Services Reports Links Home Contact Us		WPLC Board Meeting Minutes: February 4, 2004 Location: South Central Library System Present: Kristen Anderson (WRLS), David Weinhold (ESLS), Steve Platteter (MWFLS), Bernie Bellin (LLS), Nancy Fletcher (WCFLS), Peter Hamon (SCLS), Stef Morrill (SCLS), Phyllis Davis (SCLS), Mark Arend (WLS), Rick Krumwiede (OWLS), Inese Christman (WVLS), Evan Bend (OWLS), Bruce Gay (MPL), Kathy Schneider (WiLS), and Linda Miller, Project Manager. The meeting came to order at 10:00 a.m. 1. Partner Reports MPL reported that librarians are taking the netLibrary training. WCFLS reported that they are considering audible.com. WCFLS selected a title for the spring Waukesha County Reads program, which was available through audible.com. Rick Krumwiede from OWLS introduced Evan Bend, a new OWLS staff member. He also reported that Josh Morrill did a presentation for the trustees on the survey results. SCLS shared information from audible.com that publishers are restricting sales to libraries. Stef Morrill also commented on the new Sony ebook reader. Phyllis Davis reported that Madison Public Library believes that the current statistics for netLibrary usage are sufficient, and so, SCLS will not be submitting a proposal to analyze the statistics. WRLS reported that another library is interested in netLibrary training. WVLS reported that having records for netLibrary holdings in the public catalog has resulted in an increase in circulation of those titles. ESLS reported that the e-book readers still generate occasional interest. For netLibrary, ESLS has 800 users, and statistics show 5 accesses per user, and 10 accesses per user for the lifetime of the project. David asked if it was possible to know if it has all of the MARC records that are available for the netLibrary titles. Kathy Schneider will discuss this issue with Debbie Cardinal. WLS reported that they also are finding that there are too few netLibrary MARC records in their system but plan to wait until after the migration to the new automation system to investigate further. Mark Arend also reported that more librarians are taking the online netLibrary training. Peter Hamon from SCLS mentioned that the WLA Legislative Day slogan, "I love libraries and I vote." was based on the findings of the library survey undertaken by WPLC. He also reported that SCLS was working on closing the WPLC accounting books for 2003. LLS reported that there is resistance by some library staff members to continued support for e-books. A complaint was made to the LLS Board about cutting summer reading funds to continue netLibrary and WPLC participation. LLS has just added MARC records for netLibrary holdings to the online database and hopes to see more activity. Both SCLS and WVLS reported increased activity after including the records in their catalogs. Steve Platteter from MWFLS reported that the netLibrary reference workshop was well received and recommends that more be offered, but in smaller groups for hands-on. 2. Domain for WPLC It was moved and seconded that WPLC register the www.wplc.info name for 10 years at a cost of $79.50 and register for the free www.wplc.lib.wi.us name and any other appropriate domain names that are available at no cost. Motion carried. 3. netLibrary Kathy Schneider reported on the news on netLibrary. The new interface is having problems, but they are getting fixed. The training had to be revised because of the new interface. A netLibrary Reference Center collection is now available for consortia. So far, one public and one academic library are interested. A minimum of five participants is required. Mead Public Library is interested. The Reference Center collection features new searching functionality and allows the selection of 100 additional titles. The cost is $2,500 per library (IP address). Three simultaneous users are included. The cost would be paid by the participating libraries, not WPLC. Kathy will check if the new titles can work in a consortium, but a response to this offer is needed by the end of February. 968 titles were added to the netLibrary collection in 2003. Thirty-five titles are still back-ordered. When titles are back-ordered, there is a problem with getting the MARC records. WiLS is not accepting back-orders any more because of the numerous problems with the process. A lot of Spanish titles were on back-order. The WiLS site has links to associate new orders with particular files of MARC records. WiLS may put all MARC records in one file per year unless anyone objects. Kathy thinks that anyone should be able to access the resource center and get statistics. She thinks that user counts for all of WPLC will be available in the future. Linda Miller shared the response from Rich Rosy of netLibrary/OCLC regarding the WPLC request to extend the period before the new netLibrary model will take affect. The request was granted, allowing new members to join WPLC by the end of the year and still gain access to the entire WPLC collection. Discussion followed about contacting the other library systems and inviting them to join. Linda will contact all. Peter commented that IFLS serves as a precedent for MCFLS. If MCFLS does join, an additional category would need to be created for populations over 900,001. Kathy suggested that starting in 2005 a lower cost option might be offered since only titles purchased after January 1, 2005 will be accessible. Peter suggested that the buy-in fee be waived to insure that all library systems have a seat on the WPLC Board. David suggested that the buy-in fee entitle them to two years, not just one. Rick agreed with the suggestion to waive the fee. David thinks that the buy-in fee should include training. Peter suggested $1,000 be added to the fee to cover two WiLS training sessions and waive the buy-in fee. Rick suggested that the buy-in be reduced to $1000 to get the training. Peter stated that WPLC membership is more than just netLibrary. Peter moved that an annual fee be charged and the buy-in be reduced to $1000, which will include a two day training session from WiLS. Rick seconded the motion. For MCFLS, the cost to join would be the $1,000 buy-in fee plus $1,000 to bring the annual fee for 2004 to $5,000 applying the $4,000 that Milwaukee Public has already paid, following the precedent set by IFLS. Phyllis stated that new members could be billed in 2005 for 2004 if funds would not be available until then. New members would need to sign the agreement and be profiled by netLibrary prior to December 31, 2004. Motion carried. The deadline of December 31, 2004 also applies to schools. Kathy encouraged library systems to contact the schools. For affiliate members, 45% of payment comes to WPLC. WiLS has more record keeping required, especially as each school may order its own titles. David suggested that schools submit their title suggestions to the WPLC Selection Committee and pool the money. Partners were reminded to inform their members that individual libraries may purchase titles on their own. WiLS will provide a list of titles that are not available for purchase by the consortium for their consideration. Specific Spanish titles were selected rather than purchasing the entire collection. Kathy will send the list of Spanish titles that are available for purchase to the WPLC list. Currently, there are about 25 titles in Spanish in the WPLC collection. 4. Research Services Linda shared an update from Josh Morrill and reported that information about the services is being added to the WPLC web site. 5. New Projects Virtual Reference Services A project to evaluate and compare the two different virtual reference services operational in the state, AskWisconsin and AskAway, was discussed. Kathy reported that AskWisconsin has an evaluation committee. Several members stated that they would find the information helpful in considering whether to participate in a service. A committee composed of Mark Arend, Stef Morrill, Phyllis Davis, and Mellanie Mercier will review the need and draft a proposal. Storage Facility Phyllis reported that SCLS is pursuing other options and will not be submitting a proposal. Overdrive There is a start-up fee, an ongoing fee and a fee for purchasing content. The estimated total cost for WPLC would be about $70,000: $28,000 - start-up; $25,000 - content; and $1,200 per month maintenance fee. The start-up fee could be shared by all libraries using the same integrated library automation system. To add another library automation system costs $1,500. MARC records in a library's catalog would point to a server hosted at Overdrive. Users then select their library from the list. The Overdrive server communicates with the library's automation system using the SIP2 protocol. Steve asked if a library that migrates to a different vendor's ILS would need to pay again. Different materials are contained in the Overdrive collection compared to netLibrary. Stef thinks that other digital materials can be added to the collection, that the source is not limited to Overdrive. Kathy said that Overdrive is willing to look at WPLC as a consortium. She suggested that WPLC may want to split the cost over two years. Members attending PLA will meet with representatives from Overdrive. Discussion will be continued at future meetings. Library Advocacy David said that the PR consultant with whom he is working is reviewing the responses received to the questions posted to the WPLC list. IFLS had asked David about doing a statewide project, but David said that they are thinking of just a pilot project with one or a few partners. He will prepare a proposal for consideration at the next meeting. 6. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the SCLS office. The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

		Updated January 31, 2005