On September 25, 2009, members of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries met at the METRO offices in New York City. As I have done since I joined the Council two years ago, I am providing my notes here for everyone to read. These are not the official minutes from the meeting. If any at the meeting has a correction, please let me know. Questions (from anyone) are always welcome.In attendance were:Bridget Quinn-CareyJerry NicholsSam SimonNorm Jacknis (chair)Ellen Bach (by phone) Sara Kelly JohnsBarbara HamlinTim JohnsonJill Hurst-WahlAbsent were:David S. FerrieroJohn Monahan Also in attendance from the State Library were:Bernard MargolisLoretta EbertJohn BrockBernie Margolis has been writing periodic updates to the library community. The archives of these updates can be found at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/about/updates.htmNewly Appointed Members: The terms of Ellen Bach, David Ferriero and Norm Jacknis are ending at the end of September. In addition, the Council has one open spot due to Lucretia McClure’s resignation within the last year, due to health reasons. The Board of Regents have appointed the following people to replace these members:John Hammond (Potsdam, NY)Dionne Mack-Harvin (Brooklyn, NY)Mary Muller (Troy, NY)Louise Sherby (New York, NY)The five-year terms of these four people will begin on October 1.By the way, David Ferriero has been nominated by the Obama administration to be the next Archivist of the United States. Congratulations David!State Budget Update:Good news – It is expected that all state aid to library systems will be paid by the end of the calendar year. Cash-flow concerns with NYS government are continuing. This is impacting all areas.It is likely that the 2010 budget for the State Library will be the same as 2009. With required increases to covers some cost areas (e.g., benefits), this means that there will be a virtual decrease of 7-8%. …

More: continued here