Public Libraries Advisory Committee
Annual Conference 2002 Meeting Highlights Form
Agenda
The Committee discussed the implications of the newly adopted Strategic Plan on its work. Chair reported to ED Greta Southard that the Committee can "Devote space in Public Libraries (annually) to literacy initiatives of all types and send that information to targeted partners and key stakeholders groups". This instead of devoting a whole issue annually. Though the Committee voted to devote the 2004 theme issue to literacy as a way of bolstering this important goal.Managing Editor Kathleen Hughes gave her report. All indicators are positive and the magazine is in good financial shape relative to the budget. Ad revenues are above expectation. Subscription revenues are down but a change to in-house promotion will most likely turn this around. Kathleen also briefed the Committee on an ongoing effort to package The Shy Librarian with PL. Contractual and other issues remain. Committee members will receive a copy of SL by the end of summer.
Features Editor Renee Vaillancourt gave her report. Submissions are way up and, while this is encouraging, presents its own problems. The 2003 theme issue on disabilities in public libraries is almost full. Christopher Reeve may be interviewed for this issue. There is a good stock of author issues available but Renee encouraged Committee members to continue to recommend authors and interviewers. A new irregular column is planned highlighting grants and other like opportunities given to public libraries.
The Committee touched on the subject of evaluation because one of our regular columnists had asked for this kind of feedback. We decided that while the job seems to be in our charge, it would be better for Renee to informally discuss column issues with the writers and for the ED to discuss terms of work with the Features Editor as a contract issue. The Chair relayed the Committee's support for Renee to the ED. A controversy erupted over the Committee's role in a contract situation. It is clear at this point that all discussion of evaluation and compensation is between the ED and the Features Editor in order to clearly protect the status of the editor as a contractor to the Association.
The Committee clarified the stance that PL should take when its editors or Advisory Committee publishes a work. The magazine will note the publication, give a brief summary and mention the relationship of the author to the magazine.
The idea to have PL articles indexed or available in full text in database collections was discussed and Kathleen Hughes agreed to investigate. Information came later that this is a touchy legal issue at the moment because the current release that authors sign does not cover electronic publishing. We will continue to investigate ways to do this.
Committee members were encouraged by Chair to send in suggestions for sites to link on our home page. The current roster and minutes on the page will do much to fulfill the main purpose of the page and make it useful to active PLA members and staff.
The Work Plan for the June - January period was agreed upon.
- Members will continue to read each issue and critique it for suggestions to the Features and Managing editors.
- Members will continue to read each article written by public librarians in preparation for our January discussion and voting on the best two articles for the writing prize. New members will note that PL gives two cash awards each year for the best and second best article in PL written by public librarians.
- Continue the SHY LIBRARIAN investigation.
- Continue investigation of ways that PL can have a web role.