by Scott Fee
NSS News, July 2003
Since this is my initial column, I thought I Library. The Board stipulated any proposal would take a moment to introduce myself to must allow NSS member access to the books, those who don't know me, I started caving retain NSS ownership, and require the return at the age of 18 with the Florida Speleological of any loaned materials upon our request. Society (Yes, we really do have dry caves in The Society has often considered the concept Florida!). Soon thereafter I joined the US of creating satellite libraries to allow more Navy and became a California caver for two convenient access by members around the years. Next up was as a 14-year stint in country. Through donations of personal Indiana followed by eight years in Alabama libraries and purchases over the years, the and now I am back in Indiana. Besides NSS Library has accumulated multiple copies wanting to know what is around the next of many of its books. Could these be the basis corner, most of my underground time is for a satellite library in the western US, devoted to pulling a survey tape or pointing a camera. Through the years I have had the pleasure of visiting caves in over 30 states and 5 countries thanks to the ever-welcoming friendship of my extended NSS family.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Every year the NSS clan treks across our wonderful land and congregates at an event to be experienced; the NSS National Convention. Over 1,000 cavers from all walks of life, knowledgeable about every possible aspect of the underground world, come together for a week of presentations, caving, and a party or two. In recent years, our dedicated gathering has had more and more difficulty finding a place to spend the week. Has your grotto, state, or region ever considered hosting a convention? It can be a real blast, especially if your area is in desperate need of rain! Seriously, you'll have a great time, create lasting friendships, and be part of an exciting and worthwhile event. One of the best places to start would be to download a copy of the ConventionPlanning Guide at www.caves.org/ nss-business.
WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP TOO!
At the direction of the NSS Board of Governors (Board), I was directed to oversee the purchase of Great Expectations Cave (Wyoming). This world-class cave (see May NSS News) became your 13' Cave Preserve; however, it created a world-class debt of over $192,000! As of this writing, we have made a good start at repaying the loan with 28% of the debt collected through generous donations. We need your help to retire this debt. If every NSS member simply donates $17, we would own the cave. More details and donation information can be viewed at www.greatx.caves.org.
WHAT IS UP WITH THE LIBRARY?
In October 2002, the Board decided to explore the possibility of an agreement with the National Caves & Karst Research
Institute (NCKRI) to provide a secure environment with environmental controls, maintained by a professional staff,
for parts of the NSS Library. The Board stipulated any proposal must NSS member access to the books, retain
NSS ownership and require the return of the loaned materials upon our request. The Society has often considered the concept
of creating satelitte libraries to allow more convenient access by members around the country. Through donations of personal
libraries and purchases over the years, the NSS Library has accumulated multiple copies of many of its books. Could these
be the basis for a satellite library in the Western US, maintained by NCKRI? A detailed proposal by NCKRI may be presented for consideration by the NSS Board at convention in August. Nonetheless, a decision will not be made quickly. At its March 2003 meeting, the Board passed an act stipulating that the Board may not act on a Library agreement nor allow any part of the library to be transferred without the explicit approval of the Board or without knowledge of the NSS Membership.
In December 2002, Paul Stevens (NSS Library Infrastructure Committee Chairman) started developing the NSS On-Line Library Web site. The site will have karst literature research tools as well as providing NSS publications for loan as e-books over the internet. The status of these efforts is demonstrated at www.caves.org/committee/ special/library/ .
Also in December 2002, the Huntsville Grotto formed the Huntsville Grotto Library Development Commission to assist the Society in developing the library. In January, the Commission presented a 24-page report assessing all aspects of the Library and a proposal for its future. The proposal offers a mechanism for enhancing the Library in Huntsville and also provides for cooperation with the NCKRI to furnish a good research/ reference library in the Southwest. Dr. Chuck Lundquist is leading these efforts. The aforementioned proposal can be viewed at www.caves.org/grotto/huntsville/ (click on "Activities"). Additionally, the Board has asked the Commission for their recommendation as to what NSS Library items might be loaned to NCKRI in the event the NSS agrees to such a loan.
The Board of Governors subsequently endorsed both the NSS Library Infrastructure Committee work as well as the Huntsville Grotto Library Development Commission efforts in March 2003. Additionally, the Board decided to get bids for an "earth friendly" fire suppressant system (similar to halon) for the NSS Office-Library Building. To help guide us in the development of the library, the Board approved collection guidelines and priorities:
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?
Is the allegiance and responsibility of the NSS to protect and maintain its institutional Library without risk of loss or damage as well as to bring the Library to its best and highest use? The question might be asked if the NSS has the right to pass the responsibility of a part of the original, institutional Library on to another entity. Is the NSS Library a service first to its members, and is it part of membership entitlements? If so, are satellite libraries worthwhile goals? Should the NSS aid other groups in reaching and serving the wider speleological community? What are your thoughts?
a. NSS publications.
b. NSS Internal Organization publications.
c. Scientific and technical publications on cave related topics and caving activities.
d. Publications on caves and karst in the United States and related activities.
e. Publications on caves and karst in North America and related activities.
f. Other publications and documents on caves and karst and related activities.
The Board is always interested in input from Society members on issues it faces. Meeting agendas containing the motions for Board consideration are posted on the NSS Business Page (www.caves.org/nss-business) a month prior to the meetings. I encourage you to read the proposed motions and become involved. We also welcome members attending Board meetings, and appreciate audience participation. I urge you to let the members of the Board know what you think. Contact information for Board members and committee chairman can be found on the "Current Personnel" link on the NSS Business Page. In addition, every NSS Member should frequent the NSS Forum (Discussion Board) maintained on the Society's web site (www.caves.org).
Cave Softly.
Scott Fee