Stevens moved: It is
the goal of the NSS to make the NSS Library more accessible and valuable to NSS
members by providing members internet access to:
1. A digital catalog
of all books, periodicals and other items in the NSS Library with a on-line
search engine that allows internet users to search the resulting data base for
key words in the publication's author, title, subject, publisher, date of
publication/copyright fields to determine what publications may have the
information sought and whether those publication are in our library.
2. A searchable
index of topics covered in each issue of the NSS News, NSS Bulletin, Journal of
Cave and Karst Studies, and Speleo
Digest
3. A search
capability for "A Guide to Speleological Literature of the English
Language" (with permission of copyright owner).
4. A digital (pdf, Adobe e-book, etc.) collection of publications for
which the NSS has copyright permission (Journal of Cave and Karst
Studies, NSS News, Speleogenesis, Cave Minerals, On
Call, On Rope, On Station, Caving Basics, etc.) which members can download and
view for a specified period of time.
[See http://www.caves.org/pub/on-line-library/
for demonstration]
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Tozer
PASSED
Stevens moved: The
NSS Library collection guidelines are, in priority order:
1. NSS publications.
2. NSS Internal Organization publications.
3. Scientific and technical publications on cave related topics and caving
activities.
4. Publications on caves and karst in the United
States and related activities.
5. Publications on caves and karst in
6. Other publications and documents on caves and karst
and related activities.
The principle focus
is collecting publications in the English language.
The NSS Library
committee chairman or his designated agent is responsible for deciding which
specific publications to acquire. Jones seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in
favor
PASSED
18. NSS
Office/Library Fire Suppressant System
Stevens moved:
<< The NSS OVP is directed to seek quotes for >> an "earth
friendly" fire suppressant system (similar to halon)
<< that could >> be installed in the NSS office and library
building. <<All detailed quotes for this system will be submitted to the
Executive Committee for comment and review. >> <The OVP is authorized
to spend up to $55,000 from the Headquarters Fund for this purpose. >
A. Paquette moved to
amend inserting as the second sentence: "All detailed quotes for this
system will be submitted to the Executive Committee for comment and
review."
Kayes seconded.
Agreed
to by unanimous consent.
B. Moss moved to
postpone consideration of the motion and pending amendments to the August 2003
Convention Board meeting. Devine seconded.
VOTE to postpone:
In favor: Tozer, Moss, Schindel
Opposed: Rest
Abstaining: Liebman
FAILED
C. Kayes moved to amend inserting in the first line "The
NSS OVP is directed to seek quotes for" and "that could" in the
second sentence; and delete "The OVP is authorized to spend up to $55,000
from the Headquarters Fund for this purpose." Olsen seconded.
VOTE to amend:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
VOTE on the amended
motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Tozer
PASSED
19. NSS Library Restricted Fund
Stevens moved to
amend Act 18-525 [NSS Library Fund]:
The purpose of the
NSS Library Restricted Fund is to provide funds for NSS Library purchase and
preservation of cave and karst-related publications
<<, library cataloging, storage, protection, library services to users,
and internet access.>> <and library capital
equipment>. The Fund was established and will be maintained by transfers of
unrestricted funds. <<All expenditures shall be >> <These funds
may be spent by the NSS Library chairman> subject to the Operations Vice
Presidentís approval.
Jones seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in
favor
PASSED
[The FY03/04
budget assumes all NSS Library annual operating expense is paid through the NSS
Library Fund. The motion broadens the purpose of the Fund to reflect this.]
Fee moved: The NSS
tentatively agrees in principle with the 'Statement of
Work' in Attachment One to the Presidentís Report dated February 15,
2003 that describes a potential future relationship among the National Park
Service, the National Speleological Society and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. The NSS will reconsider the
Statement of Work at its 2003 convention meeting. No agreement shall be
consummated or NSS Library items be decided upon or
transferred without the knowledge of the NSS membership and explicit approval
of the NSS Board of Governors. Medville seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in
favor
PASSED
30.
Proposed NSS-NCKRI MOU
Fee moved: The
President is directed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)
with the
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Tozer
PASSED
Stevens moved: The
NSS gratefully accepts the offer from the Library Development Commission of the
Huntsville Chapter of the NSS, Inc. to work with the NSS Library Committee and
the ad hoc NSS Library Infrastructure Committee to improve the NSS Library and
library services for NSS members. The NSS would appreciate the Commission's
recommendation as to what NSS Library items might be loaned to NCKRI in the
event the NSS agrees to such a loan. Olsen seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in
favor
PASSED
FROM March 2003 Board
Meeting Agenda
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/agenda.html
16) NSS Library
Goals
Stevens moves: It is the goal of the
NSS to make the NSS Library more accessible and valuable to NSS members by
providing members internet access to:
1. A digital catalog of all books, periodicals and
other items in the NSS Library with a on-line search engine that allows
internet users to search the resulting data base for key words in the
publication's author, title, subject, publisher, date of publication/copyright
fields to determine what publications may have the information sought and
whether those publication are in our library.
2. A searchable index of topics covered in each
issue of the NSS News, NSS Bulletin, Journal of Caves and Karst
Studies, and Speleo Digest
3. A search capability for ěA Guide to Speleological
Literature of the English Languageî (with permission of copyright owner).
4. A digital (pdf, Adobe
e-book, etc.) collection of publications for which the NSS has copyright
permission (Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, NSS
News, Speleogenesis, Cave Minerals, On Call, On Rope,
On Station, Caving Basics, etc.) which members can download and view for a
specified period of time. [See http://www.caves.org/pub/on-line-library/
for demonstration]
17) NSS Library collection guidelines
Stevens moves: The NSS Library
collection guidelines are, in priority order:
1.
NSS publications.
2.
NSS Internal Organization publications.
3.
Scientific and technical publications on cave related topics and caving
activities.
4.
Publications on caves and karst in the United States
and related activities.
5.
Publications on caves and karst in
6.
Other publications and documents on caves and karst
and related activities.
The principle focus is collecting publications in
the English language.
The NSS Library Committee Chairman or his designated
agent is responsible for deciding which specific publications to acquire.
18) NSS
Office/Library Fire Suppressant System
Stevens moves: An ěearth friendlyî
fire suppressant system (similar to halon) be
installed in the NSS office and library building. The OVP is authorized to
spend up to $55,000 from the Headquarters Fund for this purpose.
[Fund
President's
Report Scott Fee http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/pres.html#President's%20Report
Progress:
Per the October
NSS Board directive, the Government Liaison Committee and the Legal Committee
have been hard at work developing a ěproposalî for the possible
lending of some of the NSS Library resources to the NCKRI.
Hazel Medville, chairman
of the Government Liaison Committee, relates: ěAll I am asking the BOG to review is the Statement of Work (see Attachment One to this report.) not the other portions of the agreement which I feel are
still in contention. NCKRI doesn't currently feel that the agreement can get
past review on either side without more work including a complete re-thinking
of the use of one document for all the things that are in the current draft
agreement. My guess is that we will see an MOU similar to the NPS MOU first
then maybe a joint committee to determine what part of the library is to be
considered for loan, followed later by a loan agreement. Each step will be a
separate document to be considered by the BOG before it is signed.
ěThe step for March is to review the preliminary agreements (or statement of
work) on what each party would do should the NSS loan NCKRI part of its
library; if we don't like these agreements then why waste any more time in
negotiating a loan agreement?î
NSS/National
Cave and Karst Research Institute LIAISON Committee:
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/pres.html#NSS/National%20Cave%20and%20Karst%20Research
Dr. Penelope J. Boston (Cell), 303 579 4775, pboston@complex.org
Committee members:
No formal committee
roster exists. I have been drafting help ex
officio, as I needed it for various items. Val and Jim Werker
have done much of the footwork vis
ý vis the potential NSS library/NCKRI agreement.
Progress and Activities:
NCKRI has taken on
its new permanent Director, Dr. Louise Hose, as of the middle of December.
Progress continues on architectural selection for the NCKRI Headquarterís
Building. I participated in New Mexico Tech.ís assessment
of the architectural firm candidates. Site selection negotiations continue in
NCKRI and NMT have finally agreed on a formal
Memorandum of Understanding Draft and it will be signed in a formal signing
ceremony within the next several weeks.
My specific NSS/NCKRI activities have continued
primarily with work on the White Paper described in my last report.
A joint NCKRI and NMT meeting is planned for
sometime during late summer or next fall. We have discussed including NSS as a
sponsorship partner for this meeting. If we decide to proceed with this, then a
formal proposal will be submitted to the BOG.
Problems:
The association of
NSS with NCKRI is promising. It has been slow to develop because of delays in
hiring the permanent director. Now that Dr. Hose is on board, the pace of
activities and frequency of contact has accelerated. We anticipate that this
will continue into the future.
Until the plans for the new NCKRI building become
solidified, it is impossible to move very far forward with the NSS library
issue. Safe housing of the collection, whether to move or not move the present
NSS library inventory, and potential funding to
support any such activities are still unclear. Work is continuing as possible.
We hope that this issue can be fully explored and a determination made very
soon about the future of a possible NSS/NCKRI joint library connection.
Statement
of Work:
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/pres.html#Statement%20of%20Work
A. The NSS
shall:
Work
with the Institute to determine what portion of the NSS collection will be lent
to the Institute. NSS may indicate any materials that the NSS does not wish to
transfer to the Institute.
Allow
the Institute to have temporary possession of the mutually agreed upon NSS
collection to be kept and housed by the Institute at its facility in
Work
with the Institute to determine a schedule for the transfer of the mutually
agreed on NSS collection.
Provide
a valuation of each book or item transferred.
Transfer possession of the agreed upon portion of
its collection to the Institute in
Retain
ownership of all books and materials transferred to the Institute.
Provide
a valuation of the annual dollar amount for use of the NSS collection by the
Institute, which will constitute an in-kind match of funding.
Provide
an annual (federal fiscal year) valuation of NSS volunteer hours for activities
related to the NSS collection, which will constitute an in-kind match of
funding.
Transfer
possession of mutually agreed upon new acquisitions to the Institute in
The
NSS will send five copies of the NSS News and the Journal of Cave
and Karst Studies to the Institute when they are published. In addition
three sets of the bound periodicals will be forwarded after they are bound by
the NSS.
Fund
the shipping costs of any or all books in the NSS collection housed at the
Institute that the NSS requests in writing to be returned.
B. The
Institute shall:
Work
with the NSS to determine what part of the NSS collection will be loaned to the
Institute.
Work
with the NSS to determine a schedule for the transfer.
Fund
the shipping of the NSS collection, as mutually defined, from
Not
move the NSS collection in the initial move from
Fund
tasks related to the shipping, cataloging, and maintaining the NSS collection
as described in individual task orders to this agreement.
Provide
professional cataloguing of the NSS collection resident at the Institute,
including the addition of keywords to the current electronic card catalog.
Provide
a secure physical environment for the NSS collection within the Institute
Library.
Employ
staff to manage and maintain the Institute library and the NSS collection
housed at the Institute.
Provide
clear identification of the NSS collection through the cataloguing system and
physically on each book, monograph, or other component of the NSS collection.
Provide
a separate area of the Institute library for the NSS collection.
Provide
Internet and interlibrary connections to facilitate wide access to the
Institute library and the NSS collection.
Enhance
the off-site library search capability by making at least book indices (or when
no index exists, the table of contents or chapter headings) word searchable on
the Internet.
Digitally
scan rare books or publications withheld from circulation so the information
may be accessed over the Internet, if copyright permits. The NSS will determine
whether any particular rare book or publication may be circulated, and the NSSí
determination of which parts of its collection are ěrareî shall be final.
Protect
proprietary or sensitive information, possibly by not accepting this type of
information, but rather leaving proprietary or sensitive parts of the
collection in the physical possession of the NSS. The Institute recognizes that
caves are sensitive and easily damaged and that locations of individual caves
must be treated as confidential, sensitive and proprietary information, and
that the NSS, as a matter of its institutional policy, has for many years
carefully restricted access to cave locations contained in its collection.
Not
lend or circulate any publication in the NSS collection unless there are more
than two copies. The first two copies of any work shall not be taken or sent
outside the physical library.
Set
and publish hours for access to the Institute library and the NSS collection.
Accept
future transfers of mutually agreed upon material from the NSS (additional
books and periodicals acquired by the NSS either through purchase or donation)
and identify those books as part of the NSS collection.
Perform
an annual inventory the books and provide a copy to the NSS
Report, in writing, within 14 days of discovery, any
losses or damage to the NSS collection. The Institute shall pay the full amount of
such loss or damage within 60 days of such report. Any disputes regarding
damage shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the
American Arbitration Society and not through litigation.
Replace
or repair any books in the NSS collection lost or damaged while in the care of
the Institute. Any disputes regarding damage shall be resolved through binding
arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Society and not through
litigation.
Return to the NSS any or all books in the NSS collection housed at the Institute upon written request. Expense and arrangements for return of books is the responsibility of the NSS.
C. Additional tasks may be defined under this agreement with the mutual written consent of the Institute and the NSS Board of Governors.
Starting 60 days after the receipt of the NSS
collection at the Institute, and annually thereafter, the Institute shall
provide the NSS an inventory of the NSS collection.
Within 14 days of discovery, the Institute shall
report to the NSS any loss or damage to the NSS collection and specify how it
shall be corrected.
With the original delivery and each subsequent
delivery of materials from the NSS to the Institute, the NSS will provide an
inventory of the contents of the delivery. Materials sent as new acquisitions
from the NSS to the Institute will include the information for the library
catalog entry.
Additional reporting requirements may be described
in specific project plans as detailed in task orders to this agreement.
Operations Vice President Report Colin Gatland
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/ovp.html#Operations%20Vice%20President
Problems: The latest problem to crop
up at the NSS Office is the leaks in the roof. As of this writing
two have occurred. Currently we have been working with Clyde Simerman an NSS member and a roofer by profession. He has
been getting cost estimates from reputable roofers in the
The library
proposal, as you might guess, continues to be a topic that is well
discussed. The main problem that I have encountered is the amount of false to
absurd rumors that have spread like wild fire and that no amount of accurate
information that may be given to counter those rumors has done much to dispel
them.
Andy had worked with an NSS member from
NSS Library
Committee http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/ovp.html#NSS%20Library
Richard Downey 380 N. 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843
801 224-6678 cavediva@msn.com
PROGRESS: In communication with Paul
Stevens, we have identified a collection development guideline for the NSS Library. This is preliminary at
this point and details may need to be clarified at a later date. Many
individuals have been working hard to develop the Online Catalog for the NSS
Library. These include Title, Author, and Publisher. Also coming are the
indexes to the NSS publications. Diana Northrup is
working to acquire a license to put the "Guide to Speleological Literature
of the English Language" online. This will be a great asset. We are still
looking at options regarding the possible move of the NSS Library. I have
looked at dollar numbers for Catalogers and Cataloging software to be possibly
used in the library project. I have given the ballpark figures to the
Operations Vice President.
PLANS: At this point, it would be a good idea to
invite more members of the Library Committee to advise
with areas of expertise that I do not personally have. I will be at the BOG
meeting in
PROBLEMS: Most of the problems are
coming from the misinformation that is out on the net concerning the whole library project. This is a touchy
subject with patriotic declarations on all sides. It makes it hard to sift
through al the bombast to get to the core issues. Just a thought
on a possible patch to the whole "move to
That's it for now. Richard
Please note: An NSS Library Ad Hoc
Committee was formed and that information can be found in the Presidentís
Report.
Colin
NSS
LIBRARY INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC COMMITTEE
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar03/pres.html#LIBRARY%20INFRASTRUCTURE
Paul Stevens (Chairman) (home) 703 724-7642 (e-mail) paulstevens@adelphia.net
Plans:
The recently chartered ad
hoc Library Infrastructure Committee is developing an on-line NSS Library
web site and searchable indices to NSS periodicals. Andy Niekamp,
Tom Rea, Ira Sasowsky, and Paul are the principle
participants. Paul is working with Roger McClure and Diana Northrup
to acquire permission to display a searchable ěGuide to Speleological
Literature of the English Languageî on-line.
The recently chartered Huntsville Grotto Library
Development Commission [led by Charles Lundquest] is
also working to improve the NSS Library. Jim Hall is almost finished adding
subject key words to the on-line library catalog. He then plans to start adding
NSS internal organization periodicals to the catalog. Jennifer Pinkley is working on entering all the available
bibliographies into a searchable format. The library has probably 150
bibliographies. She hopes to have everything entered by the end of February.
This is just the title, author, etc. not all of the
citations in the bibliographies.
Progress:
The web site can be
viewed at http://www.caves.org/pub/on-line-library/.
Problems: None.
Minutes NSS Board of Governors Meeting October 5, 2002
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/oct02bog.html
16.
NSS LibraryÝ
Gatland moved:
The President is authorized to <negotiate> << explore >> an
agreement with the National
Caves & Karst Research Institute to provide a secure environment,
maintained by a professional staff, for the NSS Library. The
agreement will allow member access to the books, retain NSS ownership, and
require their return upon our request. The President shall present the
<proposed agreement> << subsequent proposal >> to the Board
of Governors for approval.
Barton-Olsen seconded.
A) Bussey moved: Insert
the phrase ", and other interested parties" after the words
"Karst Research Institute."
Lera seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Bussey, Jagnow, Lera
Opposed: Rest
FAILED
B) Barton-Olsen moved to amend: Delete
"negotiate" and insert "explore" in the first line; delete
"proposed agreement" and insert "subsequent proposal" in
the last line.
Klimack seconded.
VOTE to amend:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
C) Barton-Olsen called the question.
VOTE to call the question:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Kilmack, Tozer, Moss, Liebman, Olsen
PASSED
VOTE on the motion as amended:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Liebman
PASSED
Dept of the Presidentís Report Scott Fee
Ýhttp://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct02/pres.html
NSS/NATIONAL
CAVE AND KARST RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIAISON COMMITTEE
Dr. Penelope J. Boston (Chairman), (Cell) 303
579-4775, pboston@complex.org
Committee members: No formal committee roster
exists. I have been drafting help ex officio as I needed it for
various items. Val and Jim Werker have done much of
the footwork vis
ý vis the potential NSS library/NCKRI agreement.
Progress:
This past half year has been a busy one for NCKRI and consequently has been reflected in our interactions with
it. NCKRI now has funds in hand to construct the headquarters building in
NCKRI has concluded formal agreements with a number
of entities for various joint projects including Western Kentucky University,
Karst Waters Institute, ACCA, etc. It has agreed to jointly sponsor several NSS
books and is very enthusiastic about that connection.
The primary research institution having a joint
partnership with NCKRI is New Mexico Tech in
My specific activities vis ý vis
NCKRI have centered around putting together a ěwhite paperî drawn from views of
the scientific community that is concerned with all aspects of speleological
science. This white paperís purpose is to provide an intellectual framework for
the speleological communityís
interactions with NCKRI and for NCKRI to use in seeking the non-federal
matching funds that are specified in its mandate. (For those not already
familiar with this provision, the wording of the legislation that brought NCKRI
into being specifies that the federal funds expended on NCKRI must be matched
on a dollar per dollar basis by non-federal funds). I have drawn heavily on
ideas and concerns from the scientific
community within the NSS to provide content for this effort.
I attended the recent (August 7/8) NCKRI working
group meeting in
Plans:
I am attempting to assemble a showcase presentation for high level potential
funding sources to explain the significance of cave and karst issues, the need
for conservation and management, and the drastic lack of scientific
understanding of our national and global cave resources.
The search for a permanent director for NCKRI is
moving forward aggressively. The field of finalists has narrowed to three
candidates (all very active NSS members, I am pleased to report). I understand
that the final selection and offer will be made within days or weeks of the
submission of this report.
NSS
LIBRARY AD HOC COMMITTEE:
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct02/pres.html#NSS%20LIBRARY%20AD%20HOC
Dave Luckins (Co-Chairman),
(Day) 810 575-1521, dave.luckins@gm.com
Mike Hood (Co-Chairman), 937 252-2978, mhcaver@aol.com
Progress:
The Maine convention saw a fair amount of informal
discussion on the future of the NSS Library. At the beginning of August,
Dave Luckins, drafted a summary report for
distribution to the Board and other interested parties. That report is included
for the public record as Attachment B
Plans: Two interesting approaches to maintenance of
the Library have emerged. Both involve, essentially, committing the Library to
the care of a third party.
One approach
involves committing care of the library to the newly formed Karst Research
facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is proposed the NSS will retain ownership of
the library with administrative responsibility in the hands of the facility. Several open issues exist with this
approach, including the ability of the NSS to accept donations of private collections
from its members, and the relative remoteness of the facility for access by
members.
The other approach involves the creation of an independent Library Trust to administer the NSS Library, and presumably the libraries of other speleological organizations. Promoters of this concept envision a structure similar to that used by NSS founders when they created the National Speleological Foundation, Inc. Since this concept, apparently, emerged during the convention, there is a fair amount of work needed before the concept could be employed. Promoters suggest the library would remain in its current facility while money is raised; first to provide a professional librarian and then to locate the library in an appropriate, more central facility. (This concept has received some indications of financial support from a few members.) Both concepts are interesting and both have significant open issues that require resolution before action may be taken. The committee chairs note the inclusion of a motion concerning the Library on the agenda. It is our opinion the motion is premature. We suggest three actions are needed. First, the promoters of the Library Trust need to develop their concept and to identify a champion for the concept. Second, there should be a meaningful "open issues" list developed for each approach. Third, reasonable responses need to be developed that address the ěOpen Issues.î
Attachment
B:Ý NSS Ad Hoc Library Committee
Discussion Paper
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct02/pres.html#Attachment%20B
This paper is being concurrently circulated to the
NSS Executive Committee, NSS Board of Governors, and the NSS Ad Hoc Library
Committee for review and discussion. (It should be noted,
the views are those of the author and have not had prior review by members of
the committee.)
The intent of this paper is to provide a summary
overview of concepts that have been proposed for the future of the NSS Library;
to suggest next steps; and to (broadly) identify where support may reside for
future actions. The reader is cautioned that the author has provided his own
summary of the merits of each concept; supporters of a particular concept may
choose to provide their own input and such input would be welcomed.
The Concepts
Four basic concepts for a future NSS library have
emerged. Naturally, there are permutations around each concept, but in general,
they fit into the following areas:
1. Do Nothing
Supporters of the "Do Nothing" approach
make three general arguments for their position
…
The Library is not a significant asset of the Society and, as such,
does not merit allocation of additional resources
…
The Society faces other, more pressing, challenges and focusing on the
Library dilutes efforts in those areas.
…
The argument that we need to upgrade our library to accept donations
from private collectors is overstated and there are no firm indications such
donations are pending or comptemplated.
2. Construct a New Library facility and
Improve Support for the Library.
Supporters of this approach tend to view the Library
as part of a broader plan for the Society and cite the following concepts
…
The Library is a significant asset of the Society supporting a
fundamental objective of the Society to ěeducateÖî and to ěstudy...î
…
The current status and, perceived lack of use, is the result of prior
administrationsí lack of priority in developing the Library.
…
Significant, private collections exist among NSS members and these
members are seeking to donate their collections to an appropriate facility to
ensure long-term protection of their collections.
…
Donors of private collections will also provide funding to support maintance of their collections.
…
A well-founded strategic plan for the future of the Society must
include a viable Library.
…
The current NSS Office/Bookstore/Library will become inadequate for our
operations in the near term (five years?) and serious planning for replacement
facilities must commence. Supporters of a new Library strongly assert outside
funding would support a new library facility that could include offices and
bookstore facilities.
3. Transfer the Library to an Outside Facility
Actually, there are two, distinct, approaches under
this concept. For lack of better terms, Iíll describe one as the Karst Research
Proposal and the other as the Trust Proposal.
3A. The Karst
Research Proposal
Supporters of this concept have many of the same
ideas as the supporters favoring construction of a new NSS Library.
…
The Library is a significant asset of the Society supporting a
fundamental objective of the Society to ěeducateÖî and to ěstudy...î
…
The current status and, perceived lack of use, is the result of prior
administrationsí lack of priority in developing the Library.
In addition they see the NSS as unwilling or unable
to take necessary steps to further the development of the Library. As such,
they believe an association with the Karst Research Institute will:
…
Provide a safe and secure facility for the Library will retaining NSS Ownership.
…
Establish a relationship with a, potentially, influential karst
facility.
…
Provide the potential for private collectors to donate their
collections to the NSS within the agreement with the Karst Institute.
A comment may be in order at this point as to why
the Karst Research Institute would want our collection. While they can point to
their own rationale, there is an implicit acknowledgement of the value of our
collection. It is difficult to have a research facility without suitable research
materialsÖour library seems to provide that foundation.
3B. A Library Trust
Discussion of this idea emerged during the Maine
Convention. The idea is to spin off the NSS Library to a non-profit Library
Foundation or Trust. The model for this approach comes from the approach taken
by earlier NSS leaders when they moved NSS financial assets into the National
Speleological Foundation to provide long-term stewardship of NSS assets. The
view would be to maintain the library, in the short-term, in our
Like the supporters of the Karst Research Approach,
supporters of this concept cite the following:
…
The Library is a significant asset of the Society supporting a
fundamental objective of the Society to ěeducateÖî and to ěstudy...î
…
The current status and, perceived lack of use, is the result of prior
administrationsí lack of priority in developing the Library.
…
In addition, supporters believe other karst organizations will, over
time, see a benefit to housing their libraries within the Trust.
…
Private donors are most likely to favor this approach as long-term
viable repositories of their collections.
…
This concept is a ěnaturalî for ěoutsideî funding.
…
Control of the Library would remain with the NSS with administration in
the hands of individuals who have a dedicated interest in maintaining the
library.
Whatís Next?
Have we captured all of the potential ideas for the
Library? My sense is there are more ideas but, within the above, we likely have
the essence of a plan for the future of the NSS Library.
Do we need to act NOW? Supporters of three of the
ěactionî plans will say yes, but, unless there is a compelling urgency to the
Karst Research proposal that hasnít surfaced, it would appear we have
sufficient time for prudent reflection and membership discussion. (This
position is offered while recognizing our obligation for a timely response to
the Karst Research proposal.)
Additional details are required for each concept to
place them on equal footing for public discussion. I would like to undertake to
change the concept of the ad Hoc Library committee to include supporters of all
the of above concepts and to change the charter of the
committee to require it to prepare an objective analysis of the four concepts
including preliminary implementation plans for each.
Public Discussion: Assuming ěDo Nothingî is not
your preferred result, Board action at this point
would be premature. There is a need for public discussion, either in the NSS
News or a presentation at the Congress of Grottos (or combinations of
both) in order to have member input and discussion.
Who Cares?
Interesting question. In general, the three
concepts involving changes seem to be supported by members who have a long-term
interest in the library and by members who have enjoyed leadership roles within
the society. Itís safe to say this issue seems to ělight upî our long-term
influential members and is, in turn driven by their interest. Does this issue
ělight-upî the general membership? Thatís a harder question to answer without a
more public discussion of the issue.
The two concepts to move day-to-day operation of the
library out of NSS hands generated serious discussion at the Maine Convention,
but Iím not sure the supporters of either plan had an opportunity to sit down
with each other to find a common ground and approach. I donít
not know if the two concepts are mutually exclusive or if the supporters of
each would be willing to support the other.
MINUTES NSS BOARD OF
GOVERNORS MEETING June 24 and 28, 2002
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/jun02bog.html
NSS Library Committee: http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/jun02/ovp.html#Library
Richard Downey 380 N 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843
801 224-6678| cavediva@msn.com
Progress:Ý
Nothing
to report here.
Plans:
I am
waiting to get some feedback from the ad hoc committee (Presidentís
Department). At this point I will contact some other people in the field for
suggestions about establishing a new library if the Board decides to go in that
direction. I am only familiar with our experience here at my work.Ý Problems:Ý No Problems at this time.
Minutes for the March 23, 2002, Board of Governors Meeting
in
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/mar02bog.html
38. NSS Library Restricted Fund
Stevens moved Act 18-525 is amended as follows: The purpose of the NSS Library Restricted Fund is to provide funds for NSS Library <<purchase and preservation of cave and karst-related publications and library >> capital equipment. <<The Fund was established and will be maintained by transfers of unrestricted funds. >> These funds may be spent by the NSS Library chairman subject to the Operations Vice Presidentís approval.
39. NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund
Stevens moved Act 18-623 is amended
as follows: The NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund is established to hold
money designated for the purchase of land and the construction of a building or
buildings to house the NSS Library, or the
(See Attachment P of Appendix C in
the Board of Governors Manual)
73. Open Discussion Period
Bill Liebman recommended that the NSS library be made more "user-friendly" before the Board gives further consideration to building a new structure to house the library. The on-line availability of the NSS library inventory and catalogue were also discussed.
NSS LIBRARY AD HOC COMMITTEE:
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar02/pres.html#NSS%20LIBRARY%20AD%20HOC%20COMMITTEE
Dave Luckins
(Chairman) 3683
Plans:
During the period between the Spring Board meeting and the Convention, the ad
hoc committee will focus on two activities. The first will be to assist the Library committee in developing its
recommendations for the future of the Library. The second will be to
develop Decision Dialogue Process to facilitate the Board developing a plan for
the future of the Library.
Progress:
There has been virtually no activity during this reporting period due to the
Chairmanís personal and professional travels. (I was away from home for most of
December and January and can report
We have received a letter from Dr. Gary Ransdell, President, of
Problems: Same as everyone; too many
commitmentsónot enough time.
Operations
Vice Presidents Report: NSS Library Committee
Ýhttp://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar02/ovp.html#Library
Richard Downey 380 N. 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843
801 224-6678 cavediva@msn.com
Progress:
Since the last report there has been very little activity other than some
reflection on the wants and needs of the new NSS Library.
Plans:
Some of the things that cross my mind as desirable to be included in the new library are these. I am a
book-o-phile and have a love of old and rare books. I
know that the NSS Library has a number of these volumes in the collection. I am
also aware that there has been, to this point, no attempt to protect them in an
archival manner. This is a tragedy. These old books and journals need a place they
can be preserved for their cultural and historical significance as well as for
their research significance. At the same time I am aware of the importance of
digitally preserving information for both ready access and for preservation
itself. Many of these old items could be digitized and save the wear and tear
on the book itself. I believe it is our goal to have a world class research
facility for speleological subjects. If this is so, here are some suggestions I
feel are necessary. (This is a wish list, so as long as we are wishing, we might as well shoot for the moon.)
A building that would house existing collections and have room for
expansion. This is one of the major
issues we deal with at the library I work in. Along with this, an area that is
climate controlled to preserve and protect rare and otherwise significant
volumes. The ability to digitize, scan, or otherwise electronically record and
store information, both to preserve old and fragile items but also to make
accessible cutting edge information as it becomes available and ease the speedy
transfer of information. I feel there should be cataloging to equal current
research standards and of course, this would require full time personnel to
create and manage this. Volunteers may provide some of the work in this aspect.
There should be on the premises areas where research could be done in all
formats. There should also be a screening and or/ lecture area to facilitate
seminars and other types of activities. These are some musings and would
appreciate any further input.
Problems: None.
Minutes, Board of Governors Meeting October 20, 2001,
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/oct01bog.html
President's Report: Mike Hood http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct01/pres.html#President's%20Report
I will stay engaged with the NSS Library Ad Hoc
Committee (See Dave Luckinsí report). This is
arguably one of the largest projects weíve undertaken in the Societyís history.
The satellite library to be located at the
NSS Library Committee:
Ýhttp://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct01/ovp.html#NSS%20Library%20Committee
Richard Downey 380 N 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843
(801) 224-6678 cavediva@uswest.net
Progress:
At present we are
looking at a real committment to building a modern NSS library with complete
archival and research capabilities. There was a meeting held during convention
to explore the waters and see what we felt we were about in this thing. There
has been established an ad hoc committee with Dave Luckins
as the chairman to begin examining different wishes which may become proposals
and finally options. I feel there are several members of the NSS with
the necessary expertise in the various related fields that can be of great
value to this process. We
will be doing an ad in the NSS NEWS looking for additional volunteers.
On the other front, the establishment of the
Plans:
We will keep in the loop as the New Library project gets under way. We are also
waiting to hear from the board as to the direction we should take regarding the
UPR Satellite Libary. Joel Stevenson has written an
analysis on their counter proposal that will need some discussion.
Problems:
The Big problem at present appears to be with the UPR Library. With nothing to
go on other than past communications and the tone of the letter sent to us, it
feels like there is a personal agenda that is trying to be fulfilled. My
biggest concern is having the library as a part of the Geology Department
rather than as part of the greater UPR Library as a whole. Maybe I am
misunderstanding the plan here, but I think it needs a broader application than
to serve just one department. Then again maybe that's how their system is set
up. At any rate, wherever it ends up, there needs to be a special consideration
for protecting sensitive materials from misuse.
NSS
LIBRARY AD HOC COMMITTEE:
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct01/pres.html#NSS%20LIBRARY%20AD%20HOC%20COMMITTEE
Dave Luckins
(Chairman) 3683
Plans (for 2001):
1. Develop clearly defined Committee Objectives
(complete by OTR)
2. Define key committee personnel (complete by Fall Board)
3. Initiate Requirement Definition Process (initial rough draft by 12-31)
4. Develop and Publish High Level Timing Plan (circulate for committee review
by 11-15)
Plans (for 2002):
1. Complete High Level Requirement Definition Process and hold public
discussions at convention
2. Refine Requirements based on public discussions
3. Complete Site Requirements Study (have location recommendations ready)
4. Initiate Funding Studies based on refined Requirements.
5. Obtain Preliminary Board Approval to Proceed (Fall Meeting?)
Plans (for 2003):
1. Final Requirements Defined
2. Final Board Approval (Summer Meeting?)
3. Site Selection Complete
4. Initiate Funding Efforts
5. Construction Plans ready for review
6. Site Preparation
Progress (for 2001):
1. Objective Defined (Attachment 1 to this report)
2. Some key committee personnel in place (attachment
2 to this report). This is an on-going activity and the list presented in this
report will be out-of-date by the Board Meeting. Caving Digest and NSS NEWS ad will have appeared seeking a
member architect and member general contractor to serve as. Actively
seeking a member with skills in defining "site requirements" and in
defining a "site selection process." As you can imagine, we
will need to work through this discussion in logical, non-emotional, manner.
Iíd like to have a NSS member who is a professional in this arena, on the
committee, to guide the process.
Problems:
None. The key task at the moment is to find skilled motivated members willing
to take on the effort. Project seems to be well received.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL K. HOOD
Objectives
The objectives of the Library Ad Hoc committee shall
be:
1. Assess the suitability of expanding the NSS
Library.
2. If expansion is desirable, develop appropriate
detailed scenarios for Board of Governors selection and approval.
3. Work with, and solicit input from, the Operations
Vice President, Library Committee, Planning Committee, and National
Speleological Foundation.
4. Lead the implementation of Board of Governors
approved plan.
|
Requirements Team |
Execution Team |
Methods and Communication
Team (Trackers) |
|||
|
Participant |
Functions |
Participant |
Functions |
Participant |
Functions |
|
Gurnee, Jeanne |
|
Scheltens, John |
|
Pollock, Tom |
Planning |
|
Downy, Richard |
Librarian |
Jagnow, David |
Funding |
Luckins, Dave |
Chairman |
|
Davis, Emily |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NSS/National Cave and Karst Research Institute
LIAISON Committee:
Dr. Penelope J. Boston (Chairman)
7097
Plans:
The NSS
liaison with the
Progress:
The
first area of NSS/NCKRI potential
collaboration, library matters, has now been taken up by others more central to
the NSS library collection. The second, recommendations for a science
issues panel, is under active development. The third activity, formation of a
science advisory task force to produce a white paper dealing with cave science
issues and the context of speleological studies in the overall context of the
scientific community is also under active development. I attended one of the
working group meetings this past year and plan to attend the first one of the
next calendar year.
Problems:
The only problems we are currently having involve recruiting and scheduling
participation of potential task force members. The proposed face to face first
meeting of the forming white paper task force has been put on indefinite hold
until we have a better idea of the feasibility of air travel under the new
national circumstances. We have decided to go ahead and begin to work on the
task force issues by electronic means to hammer out a preliminary strawman agenda.
If my travel plans donít get
changed by world events, I plan to meet with Ms. Chapman Bailey at the NSS
Office on October 26th.
Minutes for the June 23 & 27, 2001, Board of Governors
Meeting Mount
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/jun01bog.html
No Library discussion
Minutes for the April 7, 2001, Board of Governors Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/apr01bog.html
Plans:
There is to
be a satellite library to be established
at the
NSS OVP Attachment D-1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
A memorandum of understanding to be agreed upon by
the National Speleological Society (NSS) and the Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus (UPR):
1.
A significant number of books
and other relevant items will be loaned to the department of Geology by the
National Speleological Society in order to establish a Satellite Library. If the useful life of any of
these items, including deterioration by wear and tear of normal use, expires
during the life of this MOU; it is specifically understood that the University
shall not be responsible for replacement or replacement cost of such item(s).
2.
Said books are the property of the NSS and will remain with UPR (They
are not to be removed for personal collections).
3.
If circumstances dictate, the books must be returned to the NSS upon request.
4.
A designated staff member of the UPR, chosen to manage these items,
will oversee administration of the materials.
5.
It is recommended that the collection will be available to students of
UPR, members of the NSS and other qualified researchers. Since there is the
possibility of sensitive materials, cave locations and etc., discretion must be
exercised in use of items.
6.
The UPR will make known to local cave and karst community the existence
of said library and details of its use.
7.
This MOU is bound by conditions set forth in the
8.
All correspondence should be directed to the NSS OVP, NSS Headquarters,
The Following signed representing the
Dr. Wilson Ramirez University of Puerto RicoMayaguez Campus, Department of Geology
Scott Fee
NSS Library Committee:
Ýhttp://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/apr01/ovp.html#Library
Richard Downey 380 N. 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843 (801) 224-6678 cavediva@uswest.net
Progress: Bill Torode
has been working with those donating the Sheck Exley papers to determine what things we will keep, and
those which are duplicate. Some thought has taken
place as to whether it would be advantageous to set up a Satellite Cave Diver's
Library (probably somewhere in
Plans: We plan to follow through on the above items
in progress. The search for a western satellite library continues and is
getting closer. I plan to have something more concrete by the convention in
July.
Problems: Except for the usual slow
turning of the wheels, there are no problems at present.
Minutes for the November 4, 2000, Board of Governors MeetingÝ Bee Branch,
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/nov00bog.html
No library discussions
Minutes for the June 26 & 30, 2000, Board of Governors
Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/jun00bog.html
Richard Downey 380 N. 600 East Orem, UT 84097-4843 (801) 224-6678 cavediva@uswest.net
Plans:
I will
be visiting the NSS library in the
week before convention. Also Convention time will be a good one to get in touch
with Jack Speece and perhaps even visit his operation
to see what's up there. Also the idea of
the satellite library being with the NCKRI I think is a good one. We will
be able to address this more at convention.
Progress:
Things
are still moving along but slowly. I have great hopes to be able to do a lot of
good work on a one on one basis in
Problems: At this point, there are no problems but time.
Minutes for the March 18, 2000, Board of Governors Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/mar00bog.html
Operations Vice Presidentís Report ń Mike Hood http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar00/ovp.html#OVP
PROBLEMS:
Radon at the office is very high and this concerns
me very much. The radon levels were well above the acceptable limit and it
appeared we might have had to spend several thousand dollars to get the problem
corrected. Fortunately, we will have the work done for free (see Camilleís
report for more details).
NSS Operations Manager: http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar00/ovp.html#Operations
Camille Mueller
National Speleological Society, Inc.
(256) 852-1300
manager@caves.org
PLANS:
Mark Ruocco, our newly
hired Bookstore Assistant, will start training on ordering books, writing
advertisements for the News and various guidebooks for regional events,
entering and processing book orders, and entering memberships in the NSSTrak program. This will allow him to be a major help at
bookstore events and when Avis is out of the office. I have not found time to
do monthly advertisements in the NSS News. This was a problem as monthly ads
will surely increase bookstore sales.
Bill will be learning more computer skills as we
plan to slowly introduce him to the bookstore program. He has demonstrated
outstanding computer skills during the past six months and we would like to see
him continue to grow.
I will be on vacation March 24th through April 2nd.
Avis will be closing the computer's month end during February so that she will
be capable of closing March by herself (note: this is not closing the
accounting, it is running monthly reports and setting the new period!).
PROGRESS:
We have added Mark Ruocco to our office staff. Mark and Bill have been working on updating and improving the NSS Bookstore web page. Mark has removed out of print books from the web page and added new arrivals. He has also been busy adding photos to the page and writing more in-depth book descriptions to help improve sales. We noticed that the day after we added a picture and a description to the book American Miners' Carbide Lamps by Gregg S. Clemmer, we sold three copies. We had not sold a copy of that book for a least a month. We hope to see a significant jump in on-line sales when they have completed the update.
Thanks to Paul Meyer, radon mitigation will start on March 1st. Our office tests were 68
and 72 pCi/Liter. To emphasis how high this is the
risk of lung cancer is as great as smoking five packs of cigarettes a day. At a
level 4 pCi/Liter, you are recommended to start
mitigation. Paul checked Shelta cave as a project for the state and discovered
radon levels of 300 pCi/Liter and better. It was
after this discovery that he asked if I wanted the office checked. After the
two charcoal tests came back so high, we called three radon mitigation
companies to come give us quotes. One company left a monitor for 48 hours at
the office. The readings were consistent
with the charcoal test in both the library and the office. One company
quoted us a $4,800.00 price and the other company was not sure they could do
the job. Paul contacted some people in the state and got us set up as the
state's classroom project for radon mitigation. This means that we get all the
work and materials for free. Jack Hughes is the contractor the state uses to
teach their classes. Once he talked to Paul about us, he decided to do more
research on our organization and looked at our web page. He was so impressed
that he joined our society. The mitigation will take three days. The mitigation
process involves drilling into the foundation and installing large pipes and
fans to pull the radon gas out of the foundation and pull it outside. It will
also involve filling in all cracks and crevices in the foundation. It might
also involve pulling the air out of the concrete block walls of the building.
Due to the large amount of dust and noise, we will not be answering the phones
during those three days. We will probably use these days to clean up the White
House.
The office accounting is moving along well. Dave
Irving came to
PROBLEMS: None that are significant or
cannot be solved!
Mark is a welcome addition to the office and already
has taken much of the bookstore burden off of Camille. Weíre glad to have him
on board. The radon levels are a real concern of mine and I want to ensure we
continue to monitor the radon levels even after the mitigation is complete.
NSS
Library Committee:
Ýhttp://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar00/ovp.html#Library
Richard Downey
380 N. 600
Orem
(801) 224-6678
cavediva@uswest.net
PLANS:
One very definite plan is to visit the library prior to the next Executive
Committee meeting. I am also continuing
to search for possible locations for the western satellite library.
PROGRESS:
Progress has been slow in this area, but there are a
few nibbles. In a post I got from William Halliday he mentioned the possibility
of approaching the
PROBLEMS:
I was concerned by something Bill also said. He unilaterally debunked the eastern satellite as a failure when in fact it hasn't been officially established yet (at least according to Jack Speece). It has remained in his basement partly because there hasn't been the demand for something larger. I can't help but think it's because nobody has publicized its existence and also outlined how it is exactly to be used. Is it research only? Can there be lending or is it just on-site use only? Is it possible to make copies of items at x$ per page plus postage? These are parameters, which we need to sit down and discuss in light of existing policies and also looking toward the future. Also, how could FAX and e-mail enhance the system to the point of making information available to those who require it. So to call something a failure before it has begun is sheer shooting from the hip and blowing one's toe off. It is a slow birthing process here but I am still very optimistic about the whole program.
I very much favor the idea of
satellite libraries and would like to see one in the west. Not only would
satellite libraries benefit the membership in those regions, but it would also
give us a fall-back in the event of catastrophic loss of the main library in
Minutes for the October 23, 1999, Board of Governors MeetingÝ
Operations Vice Presidentís Report Mike Hood http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/oct99/ovp.html#ovp
PROGRESS:
The library cataloging is going well. Jim Hall, who was hired as a contractor
to perform this function, is about half way through the process. This project
may be completed ahead of schedule.
PROBLEMS:
The workload
at the office has increased considerably over the past couple of years. This
has prompted the move to hire a bookstore assistant and also redefine Camilleís
job description as her duties have changed much since she was hired. The
logistics of implementing the proposed credit card donation program could be a
potential problem and solutions are being considered at this time. I anticipate
the problems to be resolved by the time we institute this program.
NSS
Library Committee:
Richard Downey
380 N. 600 East
Orem, UT 84097-4843
(801) 224-6678
cavediva@uswest.net
I received by mail a large
package of items from Jon Smith, past chairman, dealing with his tenure and
etc. I have been working through these things to get better acquainted with the
problems, opportunities and issues involved. I should be through this in a week
or so. Until then I have no specific plans other than to keep in touch with
Jack Speece and Bill Torode.
I did have an interesting thought that I might run past you. During convention
you told me of a future plan for the
building of a new Library. The one stipulation was, as I understand it, is
that the library needed to be built in the
The idea of
having the museum and library collocated has been discussed and has merit. I
would like to see this happen.
There is another thing that I think bears some
follow through. We had discussed the possibility of satellite libraries in the
northeast and possibly somewhere in the western
Minutes for the July 12 & 16, 1999, Board of Governors
Meeting Filer,
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/jul99bog.html
Operations
Vice President ń Mike Hood
The National Speleological Foundation provided a $5000 grant to hire someone to perform the NSS Library cataloging project. Jim Hall has been hired to do this project. He has sent Jeanne Gurnee and me his first report. Iíve included it as attachment 1 to this report.
NSS Library Committee: http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/jul99/ovp.html#Library
Richard Downey
380 N. 600
Orem
(801) 224-6678
cavediva@uswest.net
PLANS:
I got a
minuscule report from Bill Torode who says his agenda
is "Buy Books and work on the Cataloging" Sound's good enough to me
but I'm still interested on how he's dividing the budget amongst those
projects. I had a long conversation with Jack Speece
concerning the satellite Library in the northeast. He has made some preliminary
contacts with the hopes of securing a room, which could be more or less
permanent. A couple of options are at a local Genealogical Library or at a
nearby public library. We did however entertain the idea of doing a
subscription to building a permanent structure on the
PROGRESS:
Things
seem to be just humming along and at this point I'm just feeling my way. I
guess Bill has carte blanche within his budget to do the buying, but
does the committee have any guidelines for his use? Also who all comprises the
committee besides me and I also suspect you are there by default?
PROBLEMS:
None
that I can see at this point but again I'm just starting and hope to have more
to report on next time.
Minutes for the March 27, 1999, Board of Governors MeetingÝ
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/mar99bog.html
Operations Vice Presidentís Report - Mike Hood http://www.caves.org/nssbusiness/reports/mar99/ovp.html#Operations%20Vice%20President%20Report
PLANS:
The contract to hire someone to catalog the NSS Library in
NSS Library Committee: VacantÝ http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/jul99/ovp.html#Library
Although the committee chairman
position is vacant, I asked Bill Torode, the
Librarian, to provide a report. Following is his report A
nominee for the position of committee chairman is on the agenda for this
meeting.
I haven't purchased many books for the NSS Library during the last few years.
This last summer, while attending the NSS Convention at
Minutes for the November 7, 1998, Board of Governors
Meeting Southern
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/nov98bog.html
31b&bí. NSS
LIBRARY/MUSEUM BUILDING TRUST FUND
Stevens moves establishment of the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund to
hold moneys designated for the purchase of land and the construction of a
building or buildings to house the NSS
Library, or the NSS Museum, or both either in separate buildings or
combined in the same building. The purpose includes the design, construction
and outfitting of an appropriate building or buildings including all normal and
customary offices, display areas, stacks, archive facilities, research rooms,
storage facilities, utilities, and equipment such as environmental and fire
prevention and control systems appropriate to the irreplaceable nature of the
collections to be housed in the Library or Museum. Procuring furniture,
computer equipment, and other capital items associated primarily with the
outfitting of an NSS Library or Museum also are proper uses of the moneys in
the Fund. Such a building or buildings may, or may not, include existing
structures, or portions of existing structures, located on the present NSS
property in
Second, to place this under
NSF management.
Stevens moves the approval of Attachment __, the NSS
Library/Museum Building Trust Fund attachment to the NSS Trust Funds Contract
with the National Speleological Foundation.
"NSS LIBRARY/MUSEUM BUILDING TRUST FUND
(Attachment __ to the contract)
1. This attachment to the contract between the
Foundation and the Society pertaining to the NSS Trust Funds (the contract)
describes the purpose and conditions of the Individual Fund known as the NSS
Library/Museum Building Trust Fund.
2. The NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund was
established by action of the Board of Governors of the National Speleological
Society to hold moneys designated for the purchase of land and the design,
construction and outfitting of an appropriate building or buildings to host NSS
Library and/or Museum facilities, with any residue available for acquisition of
speleologically-significant publications and memorabilia to be housed in the
NSS Library and/or Museum.
3. The Foundation shall transfer any part or all of
the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund to the NSS upon notification of
passage of a suitable resolution by a two-thirds vote of the NSS Board of
Governors requesting funds for the above purpose.
4. Until this fund attains a size deemed sufficient
by the NSS Board of Governors to permit consideration of construction, it shall
be invested by the Foundation for a primary goal of capital appreciation with
all income and capital gain distributions reinvested.
5. The foundation may make loans to the Society from
the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund on passage of a resolution
requesting such a loan by a two-thirds vote of the NSS Board of Governors. The
granting of such a loan, its amount, rate of interest, and terms of repayment
shall be at the discretion of the Foundation, except that the total amount of
such loans from the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund during one calendar
year shall not exceed 20% of the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund, and
the total of all such loans outstanding at one time shall never exceed 50% of
the NSS Library/Museum Building Trust Fund, with the loaned funds being
considered part of the Fund.
This attachment has been approved by the NSS Board
of Governors on __________ and by the Foundationís Board of Trustees on
___________. "
Bussey
seconded.Ý VOTE on 31b & 31bíÝ In favor: all PASSED
Minutes for the August 3 & 7, 1998, Board of Governors
Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/aug98bog.html
Operations Vice President's Report - Thomas ReaÝ http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/aug98/ovp.html
Minutes for the March 21, 1998, Board of Governors Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/mar98bog.html
Operations Vice President's Report Tom ReaÝ http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/mar98/ovp.html
Jon SmithÝ jsmith@usm.k12.wi.us
Tom, all I have to report is that
Jim's been doing a little data entry, not much. I'm on leave this year in
Budget: We'll need $600 to stay members of Solinet (which is important, and which we need to do every
year, no matter who's Lib Comm Chair), and, say, $800 for continued data entry.
If I'm back down South, we may need more, as we'll
get more entered.
Minutes for the November 8, 1997, Board of Governors
Meeting
http://www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/nov97bog.html
Operations Vice President's Report Tom Rea http://www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/nov97/ovp.html
NSS
Library Committee Jon Smith jsmith@usm.k12.wi.us
I'm on leave from my job in
I will try to get as much of the library cataloged
as possible, and am copying this to Jim Hall to touch base with him after some
months' noncommunication. Oh--I'm in
OVP COMMENTS: It appears that we are going
to have to recruit a new librarian soon.