May 4, 2006

Present: Susan Bedell, Marvin Bergman, Susan Craig, Kristin Gerhard, Monica Gohlinghorst, Sid Huttner, Roy Kenagy, Robin Martin, Marilyn Mercado, Carl Orgren, Kristin Steingreaber, Lorna Truck, Katherine Von Wald, Tim Walch, Mary Wegner, Cynthia Weiss, Annette Wetteland, Charlotte Wright.

Meeting was called to order by Walch at 10 a.m.

1. Introductions.
2. Approval of Minutes.
   Huttner moved; Mercado seconded; motion carried
3. State Library Report.
   Wegner said the teacher librarian bill passed in the legislature. It requires that Iowa school districts have a teacher librarian. There are currently 150 districts without teacher librarians. Craig, Wegner and Duncan Stewart (ILA Governmental Affairs Chair) visited Iowa Congressmen in Washington DC May 1-2. They reported that Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are used to support the Iowa Center for the Book and spoke about the Center’s activities. Wegner thanked First Lady Christie Vilsack and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chair Dale Ross for helping with the All Iowa Reads ICN session in January.
4. ICB Foundation.
   Wegner said she had talked to the attorney in charge of creating the foundation. The process is moving slowly since the attorney is working pro bono. The articles of incorporation were passed by the Iowa Commission of Libraries. Wegner said we are waiting for the attorney to file the document with the secretary of state so that work can begin on the bylaws.
5. All Iowa Reads (AIR).
   Craig reported that this was a “fun” time of year for the committee as they begin to think about books to consider for next year. This year’s author, Marilynne Robinson will be reading from and talking about Gilead on June 20 as part of the Iowa City Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program. Craig said the ICN session in January went well. Craig invited the Council to submit ideas for next year’s AIR book. Selection criteria have remained much the same. The fourth criteria was changed to “preferable but optional” that the book have an Iowa or Midwest connection.
6. Letters About Literature (LAL).
   Von Wald explained the program. There were 47,000 entries nationally this year. Iowa’s entries were slightly down from last year. Iowa judges pick a winner and second and third place runners up in each of the three levels. This year, judges sent feedback forms back to each of the semifinalists with the strengths of the letter and suggestions for improvement. State and national winners, as well as Iowa runners up and semifinalists’ letters are on the ICB Web page.
7. Literary Calendar Committee.
   Von Wald distributed a summary of the discussion at the March 3, 2006 Literary Calendar Committee meeting. Members include Jillian Duggan (Ames Public Library), Gohlinghorst, Huttner, Kenagy, Martin, Von Wald and Wetteland.
   Highlights of the meeting:
   
   • The question “Looking for a Book Discussion?” will be added to the home page of the ICB Web site.
   • Provide local libraries with a URL for “Looking for a Book Discussion?” that can be added to their own Web sites.
   • Von Wald will send a monthly e-mail on Iowalib reminding libraries to add their events
   • Discussion of how an ICB electronic newsletter could be used to publicize literary events and the calendar
   • Discussion of committee members and maybe others adding events for other institutions.
   • Other suggestions included PSAs on public radio stations; links to other Web sites; think more broadly about what a literary event is (maybe add exhibits with a literary theme); advertise it in State Library’s booth at ILA. Several mentioned that it was difficult to get information soon enough, especially from universities, to add it to the calendar.
8. Report from Donna Niday, Iowa State University, Chair of the Iowa Authors’ Map and Website Committee.
   Niday reported that the committee has completed the preliminary phase of the work and is now in the implementation phase. They have evaluated each individually nominated author, as well as authors listed on past Iowa maps, with the given criteria (literary contributions, awards, connection to Iowa). The authors for the printed map have now been researched and selected. The Web site will first include information for the authors selected for the map and then expand to add many more authors. The audience for the Web site will be Iowa schools and the general public. When completed, the ICB Web site will have a link to the map.
9. Future Projects Committee.
   Walch, Barrett, Truck and Von Wald comprised the committee. They held a telephone conference March 16 to discuss future projects. The committee agreed on three projects for further consideration:
   
   • Develop a list of authors presently living and writing in Iowa that would be added to the ICB Web site.
   • Establish an Iowa Center for the Book newsletter and make it available electronically
   • Establish an “Iowa Book Showcase” to feature various aspects of the process of writing and creating books.
   Discussion:
   
   • Craig suggested the committee wait on number one until they had seen what other groups have author lists. Von Wald said the list being considered would be different in including only authors that are presently living and writing in Iowa. Gerhard suggested looking at what other groups consider “Iowa” authors. Truck suggested it was not hard to start a list; authors will come forward. Von Wald suggested a “working” committee that will go beyond setting the criteria. Bergman said the list would also be useful as a speakers’ list. He noted contact information would be necessary. Kenagy suggested speakers could include those who were not necessarily authors. Von Wald said the committee would be responsible for editing the list. Gerhard said she would serve on the committee; Walch and Truck will also serve.
   • All board members would be asked to submit information for the newsletter. It was agreed that the newsletter should be short and informative with links to more information. There was discussion as to whether the newsletter would be an added annoyance to people on mail lists. Most thought it would be a good marketing tool. Committee members will be Steingreaber, Huttner, Kenagy, Wetteland and Von Wald.
   • Several members wanted to wait on developing an Iowa Book Showcase. Because of a lack of funds, Walch suggested to table this objective for now and concentrate on the other two.
   • Craig said she would like to be sure that First Lady Christie Vilsack’s “Kindergarten Book Giveaway” be continued. Wegner said the ICB wants to encourage and support the endeavor but financial resources are unavailable at this time. Walch said he would convey that message to Vilsack.
10. Advisory Council Membership.
    The following people agreed to continue serving on the committee: Kenagy (Iowa Library Service Areas), Martin (college or community colleges), Chris Rossi (Humanities Iowa), Steingreaber (K12 school or Area Education Agencies), Vilsack (At Large), and Weiss (public libraries). Carl Orgren will replace Christine Pawley representing the University of Iowa Library School. Craig moved; Gerhard seconded; motion carried.
11. Election of Chair for Advisory Council.
    Walch agreed to continue as chair. Steingreaber moved; Gohlinghorst seconded; motion carried.
12. Tour of new Des Moines Public Library.