The meeting was called to order at 9:25 AM by president Teri Caouette.

Secretary's Report: The minutes of the January meeting were approved pending two name corrections.  Joyce relayed that a thank you note was received from the Maine Student Book Award committee thanking MASL for the $500.00 donation.  Teri stated that she sent a letter to the Maine Cultural Alliance and they were delighted with MASL's support.  Gretchen received a thank you note from Mary Moore for the Taranko plaque.

Treasurer's Report:  Donna Chale stated that there was little activity and that MASL's financial status was about the same as last month.  The Treasurer's report was accepted as presented.

AASL Seattle:  Teri shared several ideas for professional development and new library media specialist training that she picked up during her roundtable session.  Some of the highlights were: a committee that does professional presentations for intern teachers on the role of libraries in schools, a law requiring universities to teach collaboration with school librarians, videoconferences for credit, a survival workshop in the summer for new librarians, a joint conference between MASL and the Maine Learning Results committee, and invite legislators and administrators to a free lunch. Teri stated that she would email her report to members.

Her second session dealt with how to enhance the value of AASL to members.  They discussed the ethics of how to spend organization monies.  Teri handed out a copy of the AASL draft of 21st Century Library Learning Standards.

Sylvia attended a session on a national library agenda developed by library and non-library representatives in an initiative by the ALA President. Contact Sylvia if you are interested in a copy.

Sylvia handed out pamphlets for the AASL Reno conference. Edna mentioned that Lynn Lowell was accepted as a presenter at Reno.

Sylvia passed around a book titled, Designing School Library Media Spaces for Now and the Future by Tom Hart.  Jeff made a motion that MASL purchase a copy of this book, Peggy seconded the motion. The motion was accepted.

Sylvia had a conference call with the Washington office on the Highly Qualified Teacher act.  There will be a campaign for letters from parents, teachers, students, etc. to be sent to ALA telling stories of the value of school libraries.  She also asked that people consider testifying at upcoming hearings in D.C.  ALA will cover transportation expenses. 

Peggy spoke about the Visioning Conference and expressed the need to embrace technology.  Teri mentioned that Nancy Grant agreed to be our Technology Chairperson.

Literacy Leader:  There will be a meeting in Lewiston on February 27th -28th on helping for literacy leaders. Sylvia added that there are summer opportunities for literacy training in July.

School District Consolidation: Discussed the issues surrounding the Governor's consolidation plan and possible impacts to school libraries. Teri stated that it will be up to the new regional boards to decide what will happen with programs and services.  She encouraged lobbying on EPS with reminders that librarians are teachers as well as facilitators/administrators.  A small task force was formed to lead an effort to target legislators and tell them what we can do.  Nancy, Teri, Jeff, Peggy and Sylvia agreed to meet on Sat. 10th at 9:00 AM to come up with talking points.

Maine Library Fund:  Meeting on February 15, 2007.

Taranko Award:  Nominations deadline will be September 15, 2007.

Web Page:  Edna checked for accuracy of the board list and noticed that there are still openings, facilities chair and affirmation of Marilyn's position as reading chair.  Nancy reminded the board of the NEEMA conference which will focus on facilities on March 29th.  Edna handed out copies of emails about MLA/MASL pages.  Edna asked for suggestions and/or concerns about the website.  She reported that there are currently 209 members.

Conference:  Jeff reported that there will be a conference meeting immediately following the regular board meeting. Edna is working with guides for different conference aspects.   She suggested a MASL/MLA retreat as used to be held annually to discuss joint issues.  Teri look into accommodations and contact the MLA President.

Other: 

• Edna showed a copy of the bulletin from Franny's memorial service. 
• Edna stated that Mary Moore wants her conference registration check to go to the scholarship fund.  Discussed whether we should offer conference fees to LMS of the year.
• Discussed whether lunch previous to conference meetings should continue. It was decided that it should.
• The next meeting will be held at Rumford Elementary School.  Eileen will send out directions.  She will take care of snacks and give the receipt to Edna at the next meeting.