Texas Council of State University Librarians
Minutes of the Business Meeting

Thursday, September 19, 2002
Austin Marriott South, Austin, Texas

Committee Reports  /  Old Business-New Business  /   Announcements and Reports


President Carolyn Kacena called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. and welcomed attendees.  She expressed thanks to Ebsco, Elsevier, Baker & Taylor /YBP, and Blackwell’s for their support.

New and continuing members introduced themselves from the floor.  Eight attendees indicated this as their first TCSUL meeting.

Approval of minutes

Minutes of the October 1, 2001 meeting were approved as distributed.

President’s report

President Kacena announced that TCSUL funds were successfully transferred this year to an audited account managed by the Texas Library Association.

Secretary/Treasurer’s Report

Cindy Scroggins reported a September 16, 2002 cash balance of $10,197.77. The treasurer’s report was approved as distributed.       

Committee Reports

Nominating Committee

Mike Kelley spoke on behalf of committee chair Richard Wood, who was unable to attend. The committee put forth the following nominees for office: 

  • Dana Rooks – President Elect

  • Ken Jones – Secretary/Treasurer

  • Elizabeth Eaton – Member at Large

The full roster was approved by acclamation.

Binding contract

Committee chair Ken Jones reported that the TCSUL binding contract included testing of all samples submitted for consideration. Highly qualified librarians from U.T. Austin performed most of the evaluations. Mr. Jones reported that only two bids were received last year, and the sample of one of those failed the evaluation process. The product was re-evaluated at the vendor’s request and again failed.  The GSC decided to do away with sample evaluations and ultimately placed both vendors on the contract. Mr. Jones questioned the usefulness of the binding committee under these circumstances.

Materials contract

Committee chair Joan Heath reported that the State book contract was extended an additional year, through 2003. Ms. Heath reported no questions regarding the materials contract in the past year. She is working with Penny Farias of the GSC on revisions to the contract that will allow multiple awards similar to the binding contract. The contract will also be opened to school and public libraries. Ms. Heath will send a short questionnaire to the membership to gather usage data on contracted vendors, since we are no longer required to use them.

Legislative Committee

Al Cage is the sole member of this committee. He reminded us of last year’s discussion surrounding how we might undo some of the damage that has been done by changes in library formula funding. Mr. Cage reported seeing no evidence in the legislature that libraries are on anybody’s mind. Mr. Cage discussed the need to involve our local information technology and telecommunications departments in our efforts to ensure continuation of TIF. Finally, Mr. Cage urged us once again to contact our legislators, presidents, provosts, and IT department heads in support of TIF continuation and further Texas State Library funding for TexShare.

Old Business

Library fee survey

Cindy Scroggins reported that 70 percent of our libraries now collect a library-related fee.  Ms. Scroggins is developing a report reflecting all revenue sources in our libraries and will distribute that report electronically on its completion.

Bylaws Committee

Virginia Bowden, committee chair, pointed out suggested changes to the Bylaws (copies of the bylaws with suggested changes were distributed to the membership prior to the meeting). There was discussion on the floor regarding seemingly contradictory statements in Article V, Section 1 and Section 3. Al Cage moved that Section 3 be substituted for Section 1, with the remaining sections to be re-numbered appropriately. Tom Wilding seconded the motion, and it was approved. The Bylaws were approved as amended.

New Business

Membership Fee

President Kacena made a motion on behalf of the Executive Committee that the institutional membership fee remain at $100. The motion was approved.

Announcements and Special Reports  

Peggy Rudd - Texas State Library & Archives Commission

Peggy Rudd announced that TexShare has a current membership of 657 libraries, including three libraries of clinical medicine. TexShare was able to add a number of new databases through an additional $1 million in TIF funding. The TexShare Expansion Project is conducting a test with school libraries in Hidalgo County. Ms. Rudd urged us to view the TexShare Communication Plan on the website. Finally, Ms. Rudd reported that Lt. Governor Ratliffe claims that a large deficit is looming, while others in the Legislature seem to think that things aren’t so bad.  The Texas State Library is asking for a healthy amount for TexShare funding, with the hope that it comes through general revenues.

Dirk Jameson – Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board (invited)

Dirk Jameson reiterated Peggy Rudd’s comments regarding uncertainties in legislative funding.  Mr. Jameson stated that many State agencies believe that TIF cuts will save them, making TIF an open target.  Mr. Jameson stated that, assuming no changes to the current plan of TIF dissolution in 2005, appropriations from the last session are to be used through 2003.  Grants would be reduced in subsequent years, with no money in 2005 - all monies are to be spent by the end of fiscal 2005.

Mr. Rudd stressed that we must articulate the message that students can do things now that they could not do before libraries advanced technologically.

Joe McCord – TIF Library Working Group

Joe McCord reported that the Library Working Group is requesting approximately $20 million for FY03.

Program for 2003

Kathy Hoffman assumed her role as President of TCSUL. Ms. Hoffman acknowledged Carolyn Kacena’s hard work for the last four years.  Ms. Hoffman also acknowledged Joe McCord, who will rotate off the TIF Library Working Group. Ms. Hoffman announced that she is seeking nominations for that position.

Ms. Hoffman suggested potential dates for the 2003 meeting of September 15-16 or September 25-26.

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted by Cindy Scroggins, Secretary
cscroggins@tambcd.edu

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