Kathy Ryan gave a presentation:

• The Classroom Library Collection for 2002-2003 is questionable, but could target grades 4-6.
• Tim Shanahan says that CPS is $120 million dollars in the red.
• Arnie Duncan has stated that he will cut $24 million dollars out of school grants.
• Kathy Ryan has to cut her budget by five percent.
• Classroom Libraries are popular with teachers and students.
• She can't see CPS's Classroom Libraries being cut and she has received $3.5 million dollars in upgrades for school libraries.
• She is never in favor of school libraries over classroom libraries.
• Tim Shanahan wants libraries to be used during and after school.
• She wants to develop a positive relationship with Tim Shanahan.
• We have come through with everything that Dr. Shanahan has asked us to do.
• The Department of Libraries will not be involved with the third training session for the Classroom Reading Initiative. This session should highlight how teachers can best use their reading collections. The Reading Professional Development Department will be doing the training.
• There will be weekly meetings for early childhood training- this is a move to provide pre kindergarten classes.
• A number of issues have arisen on purchasing huge collections. Possible solutions include...-
• A pilot program with Follett ordering and it is uploaded on Oracle without typing in anything.
• Purchasing may accept on line orders.
• Duplicate bar code numbers shouldn't overlap with existing collection numbers.
• Training Summer Recertification in June by the Chicago Library System.
• Information about recertification is upcoming.
• Strategies Development: there is no CPS library curriculum. There are research goals in every subject area except science.
• There should be certain minimum resources in every library.
• Library Advocacy Day on April 17, 2002 is designed to lobby legislators. It may be possible to charter a bus just of CPS. If you would like to attend please inform Pat Dempsey.
• Department of Libraries has two top notch administrative assistants: Olivia and Jennifer. Jennifer is working on a web site that will have key information for teacher librarians.

QUESTIONS and COMMENTS

• When will Follett order be filled? The last items processed are the "E" (custom) lists.
• The Library Task Force chaired by Jan Racino of Kanoon Magnet School is compiling a list of items for the next contract. If you would like to assist the Task Force please call 329-9100. Will the libraries be open during the summer? Work is being done on a proposal for the budget in three weeks. Who will be able to use the library: summer school students or students in general?
• Grant Workshop was very successful. Sixty people attended. It will be held again in April. You can have your name put on a waiting list. Contact Amy Kellerstrauss.
• Lisa Madigan is proposing that 30 million dollars should go to CPS and she is asking that it be earmarked for libraries.
• Library Automation- there were no formal grants process. Thirty five schools were selected: they had to possess good collection, be willing to extend internet access and have a printer and a server. The will be more automation grants next year. Re-evaluate the automation program and inform her if you have a favorite one.
• Three million dollars will go to 192 schools for their core collections. There will be ten different vendors from which to select.

ISLMA pamphlets listing staff development activities were distributed. There will be spring and summer workshops:
1. Technology at the North Suburban Library System
2. Literature at the University of Illinois. Bus service will be provided for at least thirty individuals.
Each class is worth four CPDU's.
There will be other workshops held in July.

There was a drawing for a free one year membership to ISLMA.

Penny Auction will be held at the March meeting. Clean out your cabinets: donate lesson plan books, stuffed animals, etc.  It will now be called Spring Clean.

Vera Bunting has a web site checklist.

KENNETH COLE PRESENTATION: Kenneth wrote "No Bad News."

Treasurer's Report was given by Edie Solkolnicki.  See Treasurer's Reports for details.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Adams
Corresponding Secretary