Planning Committee Report
August 6, 2002
The Lion Planning Committee met on Tuesday, August 6 at the Russell Library.
President Sandy Ruoff and the executive committee appointed Leslie Scherer, Marie Shaw, Jan Day, Marcia Trotta, and Sandy Ruoff to a search committee to advertise and interview candidates for a Lion Executive Director. Leslie Scherer, Marie Shaw, and Sandy reported that they had interviewed each LION staff member to solicit input on the qualifications needed for the new Director. Every staff member agreed that Ed Murray’s combination of administrative, planning, and public relations skills were ideal for the position, but every staff member, including departing director Ed also stated that, at present, there is not enough administrative or development work to warrant a fulltime Executive Director. The search committee will meet on August 12, and make a recommendation for a job description and search strategy at the August 27 Board meeting.
The Planning Committee discussed the purpose and status of continuing discussions with Connect. Ed stated that he had explored every avenue, and felt that nothing would happen for the foreseeable future. The consensus of members present was that as long as Connect is part of CRLC, it would be very difficult to merge. The Connect libraries have several years left on their commitment to the Sirsi system. Since Connect members do not seem particularly happy with Sirsi, LION would need a really compelling reason to leave a stable Dynix system. Planning Committee members agreed that it is important that Lion keep a dialog with Connect open, and explore any opportunities for cooperation.
The Committee reviewed the Libraries on Line General Guidelines, and makes the following recommendation to the Lion Board:
Page 2, Section B3. Should be changed to read: No member may acquire equipment to operate with LION’s computer system that has not been approved by LION for compatibility.
In addition, a section B8 should be added to read:
Paul reported that he had investigated virus protection for the LION email system, and found that Symantec would be the most cost effective method to use. Lion will be able to offer very inexpensive licenses to members who wish to have protection at their local workstations.
Paul also showed the Committee a very compact workstation which he had made. The Committee asked that he demonstrate the workstation at the August 27 Board meeting.