E-book Pilot Project Highlights May 14 Board of Directors Meeting

At its May 14 meeting in Dallas, the Amigos Board of Directors approved a recommendation from management to conduct a pilot project in FY2014. The project will focus on development of an e-book distribution platform for libraries, allowing them to obtain purchased, or “perpetual access,” e-books as well as leased e-books. Amigos has submitted a grant proposal to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to provide funding assistance for the project.

In her final report as Amigos Board Chair, Jennifer Goodson, Ft. Smith Public Library (AR), reviewed committee and task force appointments for the past year and thanked Directors and members for their service. She also recognized outgoing Directors for their service to the Board. Vice Chair Oliver Delaney, Independent Director, Oklahoma City, presented Goodson with a gift on behalf of the Board in appreciation for her service as Chair.

Treasurer Art Lichtenstein, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, and Amigos Chief Financial Officer Charles Cason delivered the Treasurer’s report. In the report they noted that Amigos’ operational performance for April was below the planned level, primarily due to the timing of Member Discount Services revenues. Year-to-date operational performance, Cason reported, shows a positive variance to the Plan. Cason also reported that Amigos’ investment portfolio showed solid gains in April, adding to an already positive year-to-date performance. He noted that Amigos is now in the strongest financial position it has ever experienced.

Chief Member Services Officer Laura Kimberly reported that 12 funding applications were received for the 2013 Fellowship and Opportunity Award. Directors authorized full funding for one proposal and partial funding for another based on the recommendation of the selection committee.

In her report, Amigos President and CEO Bonnie Juergens provided various updates on the operations of the organization. She commented on the online conferences produced by Amigos during the previous year, and reported the status of registrations for the May 15-16 Amigos Member Conference and Member Meeting. Amigos hosted over 1,300 participants for the 2013 online Member Conference.

Dr. Anne Prestamo, who serves as a delegate to the OCLC Global Council from the Americas region, reported on the Council’s April meeting held in the Netherlands. She noted it was the first meeting ever held outside of the US. Dr. Prestamo will begin a term as Global Council President on July 1.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for August 2013, preceded by an orientation session to be conducted for newly elected Directors.