WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The Library Council of Washington meeting was called to order by Chair Neel Parikh, a quorum was determined, and introductions were made.

OUT OF CYCLE REQUESTS FOR DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
Projects new and old were reviewed and discussed for use of discretionary funds. The Council makes the following recommendations:

PROPOSAL REVIEW
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library:
Recap: Asking for funding to purchase a new automated circulating system.
Benefits: Provide better services to customers, e.g., on-line access, better searching capabilities, ability to order books in series.
Discussion: Maintenance listed on the budget sheet appears to be inflated, and is an operating cost. There is a question on whether this initiative meets all necessary criteria?
Ranking: 11
Move forward: Yes

Connecting through Information Literacy:
Recap: Schools and public libraries can work together to increase students' information literacy, the ability to locate, evaluate and use information to become an independent life-long learner, and, in turn, contribute to students' ability to meet the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs).
Benefits: Builds on all of the state's connectivity and database licensing efforts. To identify trends of overlaps or gaps between schools and public libraries in how they are addressing the information literacy needs of students, and develops information literacy to support student and professional training. Discussion: This is a natural progression from current Information Literacy, and there is a need to shift beyond reference services and how the public can access electronic services. There is a need for coordination across programs.
Ranking: 3
Move forward: Yes

Washington Preservation Initiative:
Recap: An initiative to assist libraries of all types and sizes in preserving collections of materials with significant historical or cultural value. The Initiative will include a needs assessment survey, workshops, a reference/technical assistance service, and a grant program.
Benefits: Assesses the needs of preservation materials, and assists underserved communities by helping them preserve their cultural heritage.
Discussion: The microfilm version of newspapers, who owns the copyright of the microfilm was not mentioned in the proposal.
Ranking: 12
Move forward: Yes

SQL Initiative:
Recap: Establishes a collaborative group of libraries to continue work on the data warehouse project, while expanding the scope to include the development of shared applications between participating libraries.
Benefits: Establishes on-line reference knowledge based information, and helps libraries see the need to learn and work with SQL.
Ranking: 10
Move forward: Yes

LITWG Initiative:
Recap: The purpose of LITWG is to assist WSL in the identification of information technology issues and the development of possible solutions to assist libraries in the state.
Benefits: Responds to technology needs that continue to plague Washington libraries, and continues to establish technology standards.
Ranking: 13
Move forward: Yes

Statewide Database Licensing Initiative:
Recap: Continues to provide a mechanism for licensing electronic resources on behalf of most of the libraries/citizens of the state, thereby providing wide availability and the opportunity for cost savings to all involved.
Benefits: Widespread availability of this electronic resource provides an excellent means to equalize educational opportunity and information literacy, regardless of the wealth of a family or a community. Many libraries, of all different types, are using a product and are demanding excellent service from the vender. They have committed to matching funds for the next 18 months.
Discussion: A big thank you to Jeanne Crisp who dedicated a lot of time and effort to make this program so successful.
Ranking: 1
Move forward: Yes

K-12 Initiative:
Recap: Provides school librarians with the skills, tools and training needed to make a positive impact on student achievement. It focuses on curriculum development, collaboration, technology resources, leadership and advocacy, and evaluation.
Benefits: Provides school librarians with curriculum models that integrate (link) Information Power standards with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
Discussion: Information regarding training sessions and additional budget information was requested.
Ranking: 9
Move forward: Yes

Information Literacy - Year 3 Initiative:
Recap: Addresses LSTA concerns with "electronically linking libraries with education, social, or information services" by enhancing the skills of librarians in educating their patrons in the proper use and evaluation of these resources.
Benefits: Builds on all of the state's connectivity efforts aimed at making sure that all citizens have access to the world of information available on the Web.
Ranking: 5
Move forward: Yes

Digital Imaging - Phase 4 Initiative:
Recap: Focuses on public recognition of and marking of digital collections held by Washington libraries and heritage organizations. The DigitalWA web portal and the Digital Best Practices web site would be expanded and updated.
Benefits. Helps sustain the earlier efforts of libraries that have created digital collections, and continues to promote and sustain the partnerships between libraries and heritage organizations.
Discussion: The Digital Imaging Institute training begins March 20, 2001, and there are enough funds in the budget to hold a second training session in the fall.
Ranking: 8
Move forward: Yes

Early Learning-Phase 3 Initiative:
Recap: Phase 3 of the Early Learning Initiative will offer a second round of grants for demonstration projects and continue to develop statewide training and support for this service.
Benefits: Improves services to this important population and helps position libraries well in the community to work in collaboration with agencies to provide services.
Discussion: This initiative has generated a lot of enthusiasm.
Ranking: 6
Move forward: Yes

Coordinating Statewide Library Marketing:
Recap: For libraries to have the necessary marketing tools. Components will be to hire an administrator, develop integrating campaign with LSTA, connect with ALA and develop training tools to educate libraries.
Benefits: Increased awareness of libraries; better, more accurate, more timely access to libraries; and more efficient information service and access (availability, ease of use).
Discussion: Response to marketing and access to electronic resources from the most recent survey and from all forums has been high.
Ranking: 4
Move forward: Yes

Continuing Education Grants:
Recap: Assists individuals and organizations to attend or provide training and development events.
Benefits: Assists in increasing the level of performance of all people who work in libraries in the state.
Discussion: CE grant applications and awards have increased from 13 applications in 1998 to over 35 to date. There will not be enough FY2001 funds to carry throughout the year. Susan Baker and Sharon Winters will work with WSL staff to revise the current criteria and report their findings at the May 2001 meeting.
Ranking: 14
Move forward: Yes

Cultural Diversity Initiative:
Recap: Assists libraries in developing effective programs to serve multi-ethnic populations. Grant programs will emphasize effective needs assessment, community partnerships and developing outreach programs. LSTA funds will be used to do a feasibility study for an international language center.
Benefits: Helps library staff to increase their knowledge and their comfort in working with minority groups. They will be prepared to successfully interact with new customers from a variety of backgrounds.
Ranking: 7
Move forward: Yes

Virtual Reference Initiative (Statewide):
Recap: LSTA funding will help toward the development of best practices, methods and standards for creating virtual reference services in libraries in Washington State.
Benefits: Helps establish a communication structure and leadership model and extending the hours of service for patrons. The use of pilot testing of products and establishing best practices helps in cost savings for the library community.
Ranking: 2
Move forward: Yes

Proposal Ranked Scores

Proposal	Total Score	Ranking Order
Statewide Database Licensing (SDL)	246	1
Virtual Reference (VRS)	223	2
Connecting Through Information Literacy	214	3
Coordinating Statewide Library Marketing	212	4
Information Literacy - Year 3	208	5
Early Learning - Phase 3	203	6
Cultural Diversity	196	7
Digital Images - Phase 4	189	8
K-12	183	9
SQL Data Warehouse amd Access to Shared Applications (SQL)	146	10
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)	143	11
Preservation Needs Assessment	142	12
Library Information Technology Working Group (LITWG)	141	13
Continuing Education (CE)	123	14

Digital Images Best Practices Presentation - Gayle Palmer
Information on the web site is arranged around best practices, Washington State collections, and the Digital Imaging Initiative project description. The Washington Digital Portal Site has been launched and is available for viewing at: http://digitalwa.statelib.wa.gov. Comments are most welcome.

Filtering
The library community is waiting for regulations to come from the FCC and IMLS.

Unfinished Business
Meeting costs
It was determined that in order to help keep travel expenses down and for the convenience for long distance travelling members, a central location for meetings is preferred.

Vacancies
After review of the applications for the Library Council vacancies, it was moved and seconded that the Council recommend to the Commission: Laurie Miller of the Pierce County Law Library, and Lethene Parks who currently sits on the Board of Trustees with the Stevens Co. Rural Library District.

Carry Forward
Role of ex-officio
Filtering - discuss CIPA (Internet filtering legislation) at the July meeting
Staffing of projects (project management)
Project Manager

ASSIGNMENTS

NEXT MEETING, May 3, 2001
Lynnwood Library
19200 44th Avenue W.
Lynnwood, WA.

Meeting adjourned 3:15