Board approves Monarch membership appendix on IT projects and vendor integration

The West Bend Community Library board approved adding Appendix F to its Monarch Library System membership agreement Tuesday, a change that clarifies review and oversight for IT projects that connect to the shared ILS and network. The appendix adds a formal review process for proposed hardware and software that would connect to Monarch’s network, the library director said, and makes clear Monarch may require additional vendor review or decline integration if a product would cause security or compatibility issues. “If, for example, Tom's locker system comes up with this with something, and it may cause security flaws or it might not be easy for them to integrate into our library system, the Monarch would have the right to say, no,” Steve said. The board discussed that Appendix F also covers large equipment such as automated materials handlers — the book sorters some libraries install — and that Monarch staff will likely contact vendors to confirm compatibility before a library proceeds. Board members and staff noted Monarch’s staffing for technical support is limited and the group needs lead time to schedule integration work. The board voted to approve the appendix and authorized the director to sign the final document when it is received. One board member asked whether the board could wait to see the final document before authorizing signature; staff said Monarch’s system board had already approved the appendix and a final copy was imminent. The vote to approve the addition to the agreement was recorded by voice vote: “All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.”