Ottawa Public Library Board
MINUTES
Monday, July 7, 2014, 16:00
Champlain Room,
Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Present:
Chair: Jan Harder
Vice-Chair: André Bergeron
Trustees: Jim Bennett, Keith Egli, David Gourlay, Christine
Langlois, Danielle Lussier-Meek, Shad Qadri, Doug Thompson, Tim Tierney, Marianne
Wilkinson, Rose Zeidan
Regrets: Trustees
Amelita Armit, Patrick Gauch
Recorder:
Marc Pellerin, Library Board Assistant
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 16:00. Trustees
Langlois and Qadri joined by teleconference.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
PUBLIC DELEGATIONS
Two members of the public addressed the Board. Mr.
Mike Pyndus spoke to Item # 3 Main Library Facility Planning. Mr. John Reid
also spoke to Item #3 Main Library Facility Planning, and further spoke to Item
#11 Approval of Bookmobile Purchase.
There were no communication items.
1.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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OPLB-2014-0061
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/1
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Minutes confirmed as presented – Ottawa
Public Library Board meeting of May 12, 2014.
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- CONFIRMED
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2.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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OPLB-2014-0062
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/2
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Minutes confirmed as presented – Ottawa
Public Library Board special meeting of June 17, 2014.
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- CONFIRMED
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REGRETS
The Board
received regrets from Trustees Amelita Armit and Patrick Gauch.
3. MAIN LIBRARY FACILITY
PLANNING
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OPLB-2014-0063
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Elaine Condos, Division Manager, Facilities and Fleet introduced the
item and outlined key sections of the report, noting that the report presents
the Board with results of the planning study undertaken with Board direction (November
2012). She introduced Ajon Moriyama, Ajon Moriyama, Architect,
and invited Mr. Moriyama to provide the Board with additional details on
proposed blocking options.
Mr. Moriyama explained that through the needs analysis
process which included identification and prioritization of functional program
requirements, a total of 130,000 square feet of space was identified as being
needed to facilitate the delivery of modern library services at the Main branch.
He presented the three blocking options, including options for
renewal, renovation, and redevelopment.
Chair Harder thanked Mr. Moriyama for his presentation and opened
the floor to questions from members of the Board.
Board trustees inquired about a range of factors involving costing,
lifespan, and construction configurations.
Trustee Egli asked as to whether the cost estimates outlined in the
presentation were considered Class D estimates. A. Moriyama responded in the
affirmative and explained that a total of 15% is added in the preliminary
design and 15% for renovation and construction unknowns (i.e. change orders).
No contingencies were added for soft costs (e.g. furniture, equipment, etc.).
Trustee Egli made reference to the age of the building and inquired
about the considerations that have been given to address the age issue. A.
Moriyama explained such assumptions have already been considered as part of the
cost analysis, taking into account any unknowns that may arise.
Trustee Egli made reference to the lifespan as presented in each
blocking option, and inquired about cost comparisons between the options
presented and the construction of a new main library. A. Moriyama answered
that the construction of a new main library would translate into a life span of
40+ years, consisting of the same lifespan as Option 3 (Redevelopment).
Trustee Egli inquired about anticipated renovation timelines, noting
escalating costs as time lapses. Paul Hussar, Design & Construction, Buildings
& Parks, Infrastructure Services Department, City of Ottawa reminded
trustees that the purpose of the study did not examine renovation timelines.
However, an estimated 12-18 months of design time and preparation would be
required, and an additional 18-24 months would be required in terms of
construction. A. Moriyama noted that the QS report (Class D Cost Estimates)
was based on Q2 2016 figures.
Trustee Langlois asked how the proposed addition of 22,400 square
feet was derived. A. Moriyama explained that as part of the process, there was
a need to work with each department, validating all requirements to best
understand the overall need. P. Hussar added that part of the intent of Option
3 was to address the full program within the existing footprint and through
expansion.
Trustee Langlois inquired about the structural soundness and overall
impact of the possible addition of a 4th and 5th floor to
the Main branch. A. Moriyama responded that the general usage of the new space
would be for meeting rooms and event spaces. Such usage helps to alleviate
some of the loading issues on the perimeter. Part of the strategy of
demolishing the south east corner of the library was to enable reinforcement of
the structure to support the additional event space. The 2012 building
condition report also suggests that two storeys could be built above the Main
branch. In the long run, the demolishment of the south east corner would
result in a more economical and easier solution that would optimize ease of
construction. P. Hussar added that significant reductions in the book
collection would translate in shorter book stacks that will help support
greater accessibility and improved light penetration through the spaces, as
well as reducing the overall structural loading on the floor plates.
Trustee Tierney commended staff for their work associated with the
Main branch portfolio and OPL’s ability to reinvent itself. He inquired about
overall space rental (e.g. auditorium) to allow members of the public and
potential partners to privately rent space within the Main branch. E. Condos
explained that the planning assumptions were based on ensuring that meeting
rooms remain accessible, even during hours when the library is not open.
Trustee Tierney further inquired about OPL’s tracking mechanisms for
the past five years and emphasized the need to understand customer needs, all
to ensure places and spaces are being used. E. Condos mentioned that the
number of visitors at the Main branch has increased over the past few years.
In 2013, weekly visits were estimated at more than 16,000.
Trustee Wilkinson referred to the three options presented in the
report. She noted the absence of the auditorium in Option 3. A. Moriyama
explained that the auditorium was removed in the second and third options to
reflect current trends in the establishment of multi-purpose rooms to support
diverse service offerings in a flexible manner. E. Condos added that the
auditorium could not be retained in light of constraints of the existing
facility, noting the current two storey space includes the inaccessible
mezzanine reading area. Considering the fact that the ground floor would be
moved onto one level, it was necessary to remove the auditorium and replace it
with meeting rooms.
Trustee Wilkinson made reference to a previous comment regarding the
structural soundness and overall impact of the demolishing of the south east
corner. She questioned the increase in capacity in holding the extra storage
on that side. A. Moriyama responded that the strategy would be to increase the
overall loading capacity. A structural engineer would be needed to calculate
the requirements to reinforce the foundations required to sustain the
additional weight of the additional floors.
Trustee Lussier-Meek made reference to Option 2, noting the new
façade detailed in the option. She asked as to whether such extensive changes
would resolve some of the WiFi issues and other related issues. P. Hussar
mentioned that the extent of the investigation has not examined such detail as
of yet. A more detailed analysis would be conducted at a later date should one
of the options be further pursued.
Trustee Lussier-Meek further asked if the accessibility details identified
in Option 2 would meet OPL’s legislative requirements. E. Condos responded in
the affirmative.
Trustee Lussier-Meek made reference to Option 3 and sought staff’s
opinion on the possibility of building a completely new facility at the
existing site, noting potential structural issues with the current library
facility. E. Condos answered that such an option could not be considered until
2034 as OPL is tied to a 60 year contract.
Chair Harder added to Trustee Lussier-Meek’s comment and asked if
the structure of the Sir Richard Scott Building could be maintained, should the
OPL pursue the demolition of the existing Main branch. P. Hussar explained
that part of the strategy would necessitate the removal of the atrium space
only. Any work would remain within the gridline already defined as separate
from the Sir Richard Scott Building. Such a scenario would maintain the
entrance to the tower during the construction phase. Much consideration has
been invested with respect to the split building configuration, all of which
would allow both buildings to function during construction. Chair Harder
further inquired about costing of such a scenario. P. Hussar responded that
further demolition in such a scenario would result in a considerably higher
cost. Additional concerns may arise in terms of bracing the existing building.
Chair Harder made
reference to an email she sent to the Board that included a motion that would
assist the Board in moving forward with respect to the planning of the Main
library facility.
Chair Harder advised that a motion will be introduced following
debate and discussion and then invited
Public Delegations to speak to Item #3 Main Library Facility Planning.
Mike Pyndus addressed members of the Board and noted his past
review of the 2007-2008 study, solicited by the Board, for the construction of
a 300,000 square feet new Main library facility. He observed that the
completion of a statement of requirements nor of a business case was conducted
at that time. Mr. Pyndus reminded the Board of his attendance at a previous
Board meeting in 2012, where a presentation was provided in which he had
offered his professional services to complete a statement of requirements, free
of charge. After some follow up with City staff, Mr. Pyndus’ offer was turned
down. Mr. Pyndus emphasized the need for the Board to consider a well
analyzed, detailed, and substantiated statement of requirements now in order to
move ahead with a proper business case to recommend a course of action. As a minimum, the statement of requirements should
show the details in terms of where the gross numbers for spaces came from, as
described in the City’s reference document. Mr. Pyndus made reference to the
City’s Guidelines for preparing a business case and encouraged the use of such
a business case to improve fiscal responsibility. He recommended that the Board
directs City staff to review these guidelines and prepare a better business
case that addresses all options, the true lifecycle costs of the options, the
risks associated with each option, and the sensitivity of changes in
assumptions and data on the ranking of these options.
Chair Harder thanked Mr. Pyndus for his
presentation.
Chair Harder asked staff to comment on
suggested next steps. E. Condos advised that next steps would be determined by
Board direction. Should the Board approve proceeding with the analysis as
noted in the motion, a similar approach would be taken to options 1, 2, and 3.
D. McDonald added that OPL management have been trained in project management
methodology, and OPL is moving towards a business case culture.
Chair Harder opened the floor to
additional questions from trustees.
Vice-Chair Bergeron requested
clarification on how the space requirements were determined. E. Condos
explained that best practices and trends were used to guide the project.
Trustees will have an opportunity to view some of the planning assumptions used
for the Main branch, as such assumptions were also used on the expanded
Beaverbrook branch. The overall direction led OPL staff to work within its
means, in terms of what is needed at a minimum.
Chair Harder invited Mr. John Reid to speak to Item #3 Main Library Facility Planning. Mr.
Reid made reference to a previous conversation he had with OPL staff years ago,
noting staff’s assessment of including everything within a central library. He
reminded the Board of a meaningful part of the library being moved to the James
Bartleman Centre at 100 Tallwood Drive. Mr. Reid questioned the need to have a
Main library located downtown, noting that some components could be well
accommodated elsewhere, thus reducing the overall footprint within the current
space. Mr. Reid asked as to whether such a scenario was considered. E. Condos
confirmed that such a scenario was not considered as it was not part of the
project scope. The assigned process was to identify functional program
requirements, undertake preliminary conceptual design within the current
location, and report back to the Board.
Chair Harder re-opened the floor to questions from
members of the Board.
Trustee Qadri made a comment about the need to
investigate the potential for P3 partnerships.
Trustee Zeidan referenced the fourth potential option,
as noted in the Chair’s motion, and inquired about the possibility of retaining
the existing Main facility as a branch, with the potential of building a new
facility, considered as the Main Library. Chair Harder advised that such an
option would not be considered feasible. Trustee Zeidan further asked as to
the outcome of the existing property should the fourth option be considered.
Gordon MacNair, Director, Real Estate Partnerships & Development Office,
City of Ottawa explained that in looking at various options and pending the
Board’s direction, the general focus would be to review the asset in question.
Chair Harder asked as to whether liability
costs were considered in a scenario that would leave the Main library in its
current space. G. MacNair responded that through a detailed analysis, both lifecycle
costs and cost of ownership (e.g. maintenance cost) would be taken into
consideration. With the approval of the motion, as introduced by the Chair, that
detailed analysis would be carried out.
Trustee Tierney made reference to the new
partnership option and inquired about the amount of flexibility such an option
would deliver in terms of oversight into the configuration of the Main
library. G. MacNair clarified the steps involved in the process which then
would come back to the Board for approval.
Trustee Tierney further inquired about the
potential partnership approach with Option 3, sacrificing some of the space to
accommodate partners. Chair Harder reminded that a certain amount of space has
been identified as part of Option 3. Some potential may exist in welcoming
small-scale partners (e.g. media room, high tech industry). E. Condos added
that another possibility would envision the Library in the podium, or lower
floors of a taller building.
Vice-Chair Bergeron sought assurances that
the motion would provide flexibility to partner not only with the private
sector, but public sector entities as well. G. MacNair responded in the
affirmative.
Trustee Egli made reference to all of the
work carried out as part of the Main Library Facility Planning report, and
asked about the transferability of such content in the possible consideration
of a new building at a new location. A. Moriyama confirmed that the
information is transferable.
Trustee Wilkinson proposed a friendly amendment
to the motion that Chair Harder referenced, noting that the only clauses
associated with a legal requirement are solely linked to what is being resolved
by the Board. Suggested changes made included moving all bullets associated
with the study, aimed at providing information on the relative merits of
proceeding with modernization, in the “be it resolved” section.
The following motion was presented:
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MOTION (MOTION No. OPL
20140707/3)
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Moved by Trustee Wilkinson:
WHEREAS,
on September 12, 2011, the Ottawa Public Library Board considered a report
entitled “Main Library Condition Assessment” which noted as follows:
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The Main Library is the most heavily used building in
the OPL fleet of facilities;
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At that time, the Main Library facility had not
undergone a comprehensive renovation since it opened in 1974; and
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The last building condition assessment had been
undertaken in 2004 by the City of Ottawa Public Works department; and
WHEREAS,
at that meeting, the Ottawa Public Library Board directed staff to work with
the City of Ottawa Infrastructure Services and other departments to
undertake an external building condition assessment of the Main Library
building that would examine expansion potential, building flexibility, end of
life, and structural soundness and identify proposed remedies and
recommendations including estimated costs; and
WHEREAS,
on September 10, 2012, the Ottawa Public Library Board received the report
that included the Main Library Building Condition Audit and Structural
Assessment Report from Morrison-Hershfield and a report from Nanos Research
on a survey they conducted of users and non-users of the Main Library which
stated as follows:
·
Overall, the Main Library building is in generally good
condition and is structurally sound;
·
The high-level estimate at the time for essential
repairs was $6.2 million over 10 years;
·
There is limited potential for expansion;
·
Generally, people who use the Main Library are
satisfied with their experience and want a more spacious library with an
updated interior and more seating; and
WHEREAS,
on November 19, 2012, the Ottawa Public Library Board considered a report
entitled, “Main Library Building Plan-Next Steps” and approved “Option 2:
Modernize” as the go-forward approach for renewal, redesign and refreshing
the current Main Library as follows:
·
Option 2: Modernize was a mid-term solution (estimated
20-years) that would respond to the condition audit, address service delivery
and accessibility issues and allow for the optimal Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) technology; and
·
Staff were directed to identify the functional program
requirements and develop a preliminary design vision for the modernization of
the Main Library; and
WHEREAS
the results of this study are presented in the “Main Library Facility
Planning” report on the July 7, 2014 Ottawa Public Library Board agenda, and
include the following:
·
The functional program space requirement for a modern
Main Library is 130,000 square feet and the current facility has 98,000
usable square feet;
·
There are 3 options for modernizing the Main Library
facility (Class D estimates):
o Option
1:Renewal - $40 million for 109,000 sq. ft., with a life span of 15-20 years;
o Option
2:Renovation - $50 million for 115,000 sq. ft., with a life span of 25-35
years;
o Option
3:Redevelopment - $70 million for 131,000 sq. ft., with a life span of 40+
years; and
·
None of the options fully address the deficiencies of
the current space; even Option 3 is unable to resolve current limitations to
shipping and receiving access; and
WHEREAS
the report identifies some risk with these numbers, given the number of
unknowns that may occur when renovating an existing building; and
WHEREAS
the study confirms that the programming space needs for a modern Main Library
that meets the needs of current and future users is 130,000 square feet
rather than the 345,000 square feet estimated in the 2007-2008 planning study
for a new Central Library; and
WHEREAS
any of the options for the current facility involve a significant investment
from the Ottawa Public Library’s funder, the City of Ottawa, and this report
does not include an analysis of the relative pros and cons for City Council
and the taxpayer with respect to the business case of proceeding with any of
these options versus building new or seeking public-private partnership
opportunities that might take advantage of any new builds that would benefit
from access to public transit; and
WHEREAS
staff have advised that funds exist in the Main Library Modernization Capital
budget to fund a study that would provide information on the relative merits
of proceeding with modernizing the current facility or building, either alone
or in partnership, a new facility of 130,000 square feet;
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ottawa Public Library Board approve the following:
1. That
staff be directed to develop a further option analysis for a full 130,000
square foot functional program requirement for the Main Library at a new
site, based on the points listed below and consultation with relevant
City of Ottawa staff, particularly in the Real Estate Partnerships and
Development Office (REPDO) and Design and Construction Branch, Infrastructure
Services Department (ISD), to report back to the Board with this information
in 2015:
·
Identifying City-owned sites in proximity to public
transit that have the potential to accommodate the full 130,000 sq. ft.
functional program requirements for the Main Library;
·
Preparing blocking plans for a new Main Library as part
of a potential mixed-use development on the identified sites;
·
Developing Class D project cost estimates for both the
City and potential private sector components associated with each of the
blocking plans;
·
Undertaking current real estate appraisals to determine
the estimated value of the OPL/City's existing property holdings at 120
Metcalfe/191 Laurier and the value of the potential private sector property
rights associated with each of the blocking plans;
·
Establishing the preliminary net project development
costs for the Main Library and the relative financial viability of the
private sector component, relative to the estimated value of the property
rights, associated with each of the blocking plans;
·
Identifying the City site/blocking option with highest
potential value (least net development cost) to the OPL/City and
establish this site option as the Public Sector Comparator for initiating a
potential request for proposals (RFP) process with respect to constructing a
new Main Library under a public/private sector partnership (a P3 design,
build, and finance model process);
·
Preparing a preliminary financial pro forma for the
Main Library component of the Public Sector Comparator option that takes into
account not only the development costs and revenues but also ongoing
operating/maintenance costs and lifecycle renewal costs in relation to
existing funding provisions; and
·
Identifying a potential RFP process with the Public
Sector Comparator being a base option but with flexibility for the private
sector to respond with alternative non-City owned site options that may
provide equal or additional value to the OPL/City;
2.
That the study be funded from the Main
Library Modernization capital budget to an upset limit of $180,000.
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- CARRIED
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4. APPROVAL TO
DISCONTINUE PRODUCTION OF MONITORING REPORTS
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OPLB-2014-0064
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/4
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WHEREAS in
2012 the Ottawa Public Library Board completed and received a governance
review, with direction to disband Board committees and instead establish
ad-hoc working groups on a go forward basis to support a more strategic focus
within Board operations; and
WHEREAS a
By-laws and Policies Ad-hoc Working Group was established to review existing
Board by-laws and policies to identify gaps, redundancies, and/or
inconsistencies, and development of action plans for moving forward; and
WHEREAS at
a meeting held May 21, 2014, the Board’s Rules of Procedure By-law &
Policy Review Ad-hoc Group suggested that monitoring reports be ceased as a
result of substantial changes occurring with the Board’s governance
framework; and
WHEREAS the
retention of the OPL Board’s current policy and monitoring report structure
will create a conflicting, inconsistent, and confusing framework that will
fail to align with the Board’s new policy structure, pending the Board’s
approval of the new structure in September 2014; and
WHEREAS in preparation for
the approval of the OPL Board’s new policy framework, it was suggested by the
ad-hoc group that measures to disband the production of monitoring reports
take effect immediately, with the current policy framework to remain in place
until such time as the new policy framework is approved by the Board;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
THAT the Ottawa Public Library Board approves to discontinue the production
of all monitoring reports effective immediately.
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- CARRIED
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5. STRATEGIC PLAN REFRESH
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OPLB-2014-0065
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/5
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That the
Ottawa Public Library Board adopt the revised Strategic Plan 2014 – 2016 as
recommended.
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- CARRIED
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6. MID-YEAR BOARD BUDGET
FOLLOW UP
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OPLB-2014-0066
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/6
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That the
Ottawa Public Library Board approve the reallocation of $500 from the
Professional Services line item to the Transportation/Parking line item; and,
That the Board allocate
$15,000 from the Professional Services budget to the development of a Board
Trustee Orientation and Development package to be used with the new Board.
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- CARRIED
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7. MONITORING REPORT: A.1
GENERAL EXECUTIVE CONSTRAINT
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OPLB-2014-0067
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board receive this
report for information.
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- RECEIVED
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8. MONITORING REPORT: A.5
EMERGENCY CEO SUCCESION
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OPLB-2014-0068
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board receive this
report for information.
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- RECEIVED
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9. MONITORING REPORT: A.30
PROTECTION OF BRANCHES
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OPLB-2014-0069
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Chair Harder requested that the report be amended to clarify Board
vs. Council roles with respect to branch closures. She explained that City Council
has the responsibility of overseeing permanent branch closures.
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board receive this
report for information.
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- RECEIVED as amended
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10. 2014 CALENDAR OF
REPORTS, OUTSTANDING INQUIRIES, MOTIONS AND UNSCHEDULED REPORTS
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OPLB-2014-0070
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board receive this report
for information.
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- RECEIVED
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11. APPROVAL OF BOOKMOBILE
PURCHASE
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OPLB-2014-0071
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Chair Harder invited Mr. John Reid to speak to the Bookmobile report.
Mr. Reid reiterated a comment he made at a
previous Board meeting, noting that 20% of Ottawa’s population is underserved
by the OPL branch network, receiving only 5% of service hours provided to the
majority of customers, through bookmobile services, failing to ensure the
provision of equitable and convenient services. He referenced OPL’s Imagine
campaign results, noting that customers want more convenient service and
further added that the popularity of bookmobiles has been declining and is not
conducive to the library of the future. Mr. Reid read an excerpt from the
report “Other alternative service delivery modes are also available; however,
replacing the current bookmobile service with other services would represent a
significant change for current Bookmobile customers.” He noted that change to
the way services are provided could be a benefit to actual users, as opposed to
bookmobile users only. He emphasized the need to review other alternative
services before a decision is made.
Chair Harder thanked Mr. Reid for his
comments.
The Board discussed the many challenges for OPL in offering library
services in Ottawa’s geographic territory. The high purchase cost for the
proposed bookmobile was highlighted and deemed unjustifiable. Questions
surfaced about the need to explore and assess other alternative services that
may better meet customer demands (e.g. partnership with school boards, kiosks,
etc.). A report on the bookmobile is expected to be presented to the Board in
the fall, intended to provide a detailed analysis on bookmobile service
operations and key statistics.
The Board discussed other considerations with respect to the motion
being presented. It was determined that the bids received were within project
estimates given that the 2005 bookmobile unit was purchased at a cost of
$402,000 US. However, preliminary analysis to replacing the current unit with
a smaller one led to the anticipation of lower bids. Other configurations were
discussed such as the separate purchase of a chassis, front versus rear engine,
etc. Staff will investigate such potential arrangements with the City’s Fleet
Services.
Chair Harder suggested that the motion be considered in two months
time. The possibility of an extension from all bidders was also discussed. It
was confirmed that a confirmation from all bidders is required should the Board
request an extension.
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MOTION No. OPL 20140626/8
Moved by Trustee Tierney,
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That the tender
for supply and delivery of a Bookmobile to Harper Bus Sales, Mississauga,
Ontario and transfer of existing capital funds detailed in this report be
deferred for two months to allow sufficient time to review other
opportunities that best fulfill customer needs at an appropriate cost.
- DEFERRED, 8 September 2014
Directions to Staff
That the Board ask
that staff to investigate the possibility of an extension from all bidders
involved in the tendering process.
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NOTICES OF MOTION
1. Revision to 2014 Ottawa Public Library Board Meeting Schedule
Chair Harder proposed that some dates from the Board’s 2014 meeting
schedule be amended, in consideration of Council’s end of term set for November
30, 2014. She suggested that the Board’s December 10th meeting be
eliminated, and that a new meeting be set for Monday September 29. She further
suggested that the November 17 meeting be moved to November 10. A notice of
motion was presented to reflect this proposed change.
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NOTICE OF MOTION
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Moved by Chair Harder,
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board approves
amendments to its 2014 OPL Board Meeting Schedule, as follows:
·
Reschedule
December 10th meeting to September 29th; and
·
Reschedule
November 17th meeting to November 10th
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2. eBook Advocacy Provincial Campaign
Chair Harder provided a follow up to the
Board’s discussion on Digital Content Advocacy, discussed at its May 12, 2014
meeting. She reported that a letter has been drafted by staff, intended to be
distributed to all Chief Executive Officers across all public library systems
in Ontario. The letter outlines challenges currently faced by libraries
systems, as the publishing industry continues to impose unreasonably high prices, other special
conditions, and making some e-content restricted for lending at public
libraries.
The letter requests library boards across the province to adopt a motion,
similar to the motion adopted by the Ottawa Public Library at its May 2014
meeting.
Chair Harder introduced the following
motion:
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/7
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Moved by Chair Harder,
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The Ottawa Public Library Board passed motion # OPL 20140512/2 on Digital
Content Advocacy Strategy at its May 12, 2014 Board meeting directing that
OPL staff provide letters highlighting issues faced by libraries in obtaining
access to eBooks to the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Canadian Minister
of Heritage and the Ontario Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport. The
letters are in final draft and to be sent out this week.
WHEREAS the issues faced by the Ottawa Public Library are faced by
all libraries across Ontario; and
WHEREAS Ottawa Public Library wants to undertake a leadership role
in the promotion of equitable access to eBooks for Canadian libraries
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ottawa Public Library Board
undertake a letter writing campaign urging all other Ontario Public Library
boards to participate in a similar province-wide advocacy campaign.
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Trustee Wilkinson proposed an amendment to the motion
and suggested that the motion be more specific in terms of what OPL is requesting
from other library systems. The following amended motion was presented:
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MOTION FOR AMENDMENT (MOTION
No. OPL 20140707/7)
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Moved by Trustee Wilkinson,
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WHEREAS the Ottawa Public Library Board passed motion # OPL 20140512/2 on Digital
Content Advocacy Strategy at its May 12, 2014 Board meeting directing that
OPL staff provide letters highlighting issues faced by libraries in obtaining
access to eBooks to the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Canadian Minister
of Heritage and the Ontario Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport; and
WHEREAS the issues faced by the Ottawa Public Library are faced by
all libraries across Ontario; and
WHEREAS Ottawa Public Library wants to undertake a leadership role
in the promotion of equitable access to eBooks for Canadian libraries;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ottawa Public Library Board
urges all Public Library Boards within the province of Ontario to adopt a
similar motion and send a letter, highlighting issues facing libraries in
obtaining access to eBooks, to the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Canadian
Minister of Heritage and the Ontario Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport.
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- CARRIED as amended
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OTHER BUSINESS
There
was no other business.
INQUIRIES
Trustee Bennett inquired about the status of the 2013
Ottawa Public Library Annual Report. Anna Basile, Manager, Planning and Board
Support responded that some design implications delayed the release of the
report. The Annual Report is in the final stages of translation. A notice
will be sent to the Board when the report is released.
ADJOURNMENT
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MOTION No. OPL 20140707/9
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That the Ottawa Public Library Board meeting
be adjourned at 18:20.
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- CARRIED
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Minutes approved by:
Original signed by Original
signed by
Chair J. Harder D.
McDonald, CEO