We would like member library staff feedback about Central Book Aid (CBA) resource allocation. Recommendations by the Central Library Advisory Commitee and member comments will be used to influence CBA expenditures in 2008. Please review the following synopsis of the first Central Library Advisory Commitee Meeting.
Following guidelines set in the 2007-2011 Central Library Plan of Service a meeting was held November 7, 2007 at SALS to establish the Central Library Advisory Committee and its plan of action. The committee is charged with establishing program and expenditure recommendations for the selection of CBA materials by the Central Library. Volunteer representatives from at least one-quarter of the member libraries were invited to participate. Attendees: Marie Ellsworth, Caldwell-Lake George; Becky Fasulo, Corinth; Mary Ann Hunter, Saratoga Springs; Denise Coblish, Round Lake; Gail Winters, Clifton-Park Halfmoon; Anna Jane Abaray, Burnt-Hills-Balston Lake; and Andrea Herman and Kathy Naftaly, Crandall Public Library. Guest Harry Dutcher, Saratoga Springs. SALS representatives included Elaine Baker and Jennifer Ferriss. Participants unable to attend included Peg Culver, Bancroft (Salem); Nancy Berkowitz, Indian Lake; and Andrea Simmons, Ballston Spa.
Committee recommendations grew out of the following State guidelines relating to Central Book Aid collection development.
“Expenditures should strengthen services to the entire library system rather than services that are primarily for the central library’s local service area. State funds should be used to improve services to residents of the entire library system.”
Lengthy discussion emphasized the following:
- CBA materials need to be available for holds through the PAC if they are to serve all SALS member libraries
- Reference materials should be made available for holds through the PAC for all patrons of SALS member libraries
- Expand non-fiction media holdings (DVDs, CDs and playaways, especial foreign language learning) and make available for holds through the PAC for all patrons of SALS member libraries
- Purchase multiple copies of high demand NF bestsellers and midlist titles not usually purchased by smaller libraries (both in print and media)
- Eliminate non-request items, such as magazines and journals from CBA budget
- Develop an online form that member libraries can use to send requests to Crandall for NF purchases with CBA funds
What the committee initially recommends:
- Changes in budget allocation from 2007 to 2008 to be reviewed by the committee in December of 2008
- Create budget chart showing the CBA allocation for 2007
- Create a 2nd chart showing CBA recommended budget for 2008
- Continuing Education workshop on ILL services available from the Central Library, including how to request books written in foreign languages
We welcome your input.
