Original Post (2/28/13)

Bruce Pomerantz (MN)

To demonstrate Ann's point about constant learning, this question is one NOT for the IMLS books but I'd like some opinions.

Minnesota collects the number of non-library sponsored meetings to demonstrate a significant service that libraries provide, mostly with no cost to the organizations that use the meeting rooms.

A Friends of the Library and a Library Foundation, both independent organizations, use a library’s meeting room for their respective meetings. They each have their own boards, they determine when to have meetings, and they set the agenda. A library staff member attends but does not have any authority.  

Question:  Would you consider this a library-sponsored meeting or a non-library sponsored meeting? 

Bonus point:  If you consider these meetings as providing educational information, should they be considered programs and counted in the Total Number of Library Programs if they are library-sponsored?  

All you new members, be free to jump in, the water is fine. We only bite when cornered and there are no corners in the oceans.  

________________________

SDC Comments:

Katina Jones (MO)

In Missouri, we would consider this a non-library sponsored meeting. Key phrase – “independent organizations.” I see this as no different than the local gardening club – of which the library director happens to be a member – using the meeting room… J

________________________

Jamie McCanless (WI)

Having a vision and goals in common with the library doesn’t define a separate, autonomous group like Friends of the Library or a Library Foundation as being sponsored by the library. Although an educational program open to the public can certainly be co-sponsored by a library and its friends group, a regularly scheduled meeting of either a friends or foundation group would not be co-sponsored with the library just by being held in a library meeting room. (So, don’t count their meetings in Total Number of Library Programs.)

________________________

Scott Dermont (IA)

I would count them as meeting room use, not as a program. Friends and Foundations are separate organizations.

________________________

Nicolle Steffen (CO)

Katina has zeroed-in on the key phrase “independent organizations.” In my book these meetings do not qualify as library-sponsored meetings/events/programs.