PRESENT: Suzan Nelson, Nancy Grant, Donna Chale, Sylvia Norton, Shelly Swazy, Francie Aley, Abigail Garthwait, Linda Hazard, Walter Taranko, Margaret McNamee

THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Suzan received a call for presenters for a Professional Practices Conference to be held in Augusta April 28-29. She recommended an article on copyright issues, "The Educator's Lean No Fat Guide to Fair," from Technology and Learning, September, 1999.

Walter Taranko, Gary Nichols, and Elaine Albright have been discussing the possibility of legislative, grant and library support for statewide database access through libraries. Dot Gregory did research on what other states are providing (copies were distributed). A survey will be posted on ME-Libs asking school librarians to respond to Suzan with recommended databases within the month. Suzan will collate and forward to Walter. Walter will also discuss this initiative with Heidi McGinley.

Suzan announced that Michele Adams has resigned as membership chair. The Board feels it is important to fill this position quickly, to update the membership dues list and brochure, and to encourage new members to join. Suzan will contact a possible candidate.

THE SECRETARY'S REPORT was accepted.

THE TREASURER'S REPORT was accepted: $980 income for December, 1999; income year-to-date $9,001. $188.47 expenses for December, 1999; expenses year-to-date $753.83.

An acknowledgment will be mailed to Audrey Conant.

David Anderson took some books back with him to Morocco, others will be mailed.

A motion was passed to approve the nonbudgeted expense of $1000 towards sending Sylvia Norton to Chicago for Information Power implementation training.

Suzan noted that all information needed for affiliation with AASL has been sent.

Concern was again expressed about outstanding membership dues

1ST VP'S REPORT: Nancy Grant reported that the Spring Conference committee has about 66 programs lined up; they are still looking for more. MASL and MLA presidents will present an overview of the two professional organizations. The facilities presentation will discuss common concerns of school and public libraries, but at this time, no one is preparing a public library focus. Shelly Swazey is preparing a piece on school libraries. Linda Hazard volunteered to participate in the panel discussion on aligning information skills standards with the Maine Learning Results.

The Civic Center has been rewired so Internet access is available in every room. The Maine State Library will handle equipment requests, but presenters who are bringing their own equipment should send ahead their IP addresses.

Elliot Engel will present the program Sunday night. Nancy asked Board members to indicate interest in his possible programs.

Nancy highlighted a recent issue of Curriculum Administrator about School Library Media Centers.

A recent mailing to school superintendents regarding INET was discussed. Nancy will post to Me-Libs the evidence of the weak curriculum support that this resource offers.

2ND VP's REPORT: Gretchen Asam was not able to be present. She asked Suzan to remind everyone to set aside scholarship auction items.

OLD BUSINESS: Suzan and Walter presented the Administrator of the Year award to Superintendent Jay Bartner and celebrated with him the new community-built middle school library in Old Orchard Beach.

NEW BUSINESS: Suzan reported on the meeting in Augusta about unexpended state funds which may be available to provide schools with Apple products. Interest should still be expressed to Ed Gomes.

Francie Aley was appointed legislative chair. Tricia Gordon hopes to attend the next Board meeting as PR chair.

Suzan Nelson will be registered for the National Library Legislative Day in Washington on May 1-2.

Chair Linda Hazard and her committee have been working on a new draft of the library standards document to be used in conjunction with the new facilities document. Basics such as collections, equipment and personnel have been addressed, but there is a need to address and interpret the issues covered in the Essential Services document, in the new Information Power and AASL Information Skills Standards, and the Promising Futures work. Some more work will be done by Linda's committee, but other pieces will be shared by the whole Board.

Suzan distributed copies of MEMA Goals 1996-97 for review and updating. Information skills are embedded in the subject curriculum in the Maine Learning Results. As the state begins working on assessment for the Learning Results it is imperative that assessment of information skills be visible statewide. Nancy Grant will contact Connie Manter and ask if she would facilitate a planning session for the Board to make connections with the State Learning Results Assessment Committee. If she can attend the March meeting of the MASL Board, it will be held at Boothbay Regional High School. If she is not available at that time, she will be invited to attend either the February or April meeting.

Gail Garthwait asked for suggestions from the Board for new items for the MASL webpage.

NEXT MEETING: The next MASL board meeting will be February 8, 2000 at the Maine State Library. A conference call may be placed to the NEMA meeting at 10:00 o'clock.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret McNamee margaretmc@lamere.net