Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Services And Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Director: state cuts will remove databases and reduce delivery; Enrich Iowa agreement signed, summer programs set
Summary
Library director reported May 22 that state library budget changes will remove access to Foundation Directory, OCLC FirstSearch and Brainfuse and reduce Iowa Shares delivery from two days to one; the library has signed an Enrich Iowa agreement for direct state aid and outlined summer programs and seed‑library activity.
The library director told the Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees on May 22 that state library budget changes will reduce services and subscriptions available to the library and its patrons. The director said the state is removing the Foundation Directory, OCLC FirstSearch access and Brainfuse, and reducing Iowa Shares delivery from two days a week to one.
The director said there is no firm end date for the two‑day deliveries but indicated databases will be discontinued around July. On Brainfuse, the director said the database could continue if Iowa Workforce Development selects a similar platform; “the Brainfuse might continue because Iowa workforce development might offer it. They're doing an RFP for a similar type software,” the director said. The meeting record notes Brainfuse access is expected to end July 15, and other databases tied to state contracts end June 30.
The director also reported the library has signed the Enrich Iowa agreement and will receive direct state aid; the signed agreement was confirmed at the meeting but the amount of aid was not disclosed. The director said, “We did also receive the Iowa, Enrich Iowa agreement, so we will be getting direct state aid. We don't know how much, but we've signed the agreement.”
Trustees heard routine department updates in the same report. Staff described summer programs and outreach: summer reading officially starts Tuesday, May 27; a “browsing party” will take place May 30; and ABC Day at the arts festival is planned for Saturday, June 7. Jason from adult services and other staff summarized programming plans and staffing needs for the large summer events.
Staff also reported the seed library continues to be popular, with donations and community partners supplying seeds. The director said outreach partners and volunteers have been key to the seed library’s growth and that staff will coordinate harvesting and community contributions.
No board action was taken on the state cuts at the meeting; trustees requested updates from the state when available and noted potential alternatives under consideration but did not adopt a formal response during the session.
