Jennifer Kennedy

The Three-Year Program Plan for the Friends of the State Library and Archives of Florida Inc. outlines the organization's strategic direction to promote and enhance the programs and services of the Division of Library and Information Services. The plan focuses on four key goals: raising awareness of the Division's work and the Friends' supporting role, building general membership, establishing partnerships with external groups, and providing financial and administrative support for the Division's services, programs, and staff. These efforts aim to expand public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and information, enabling Floridians to achieve personal, educational, and professional goals.

The town hall meeting addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts and entertainment sector, highlighting job and economic losses. It also covered the Cares Act, which allocated funds to the National Endowment for the Arts, and the distribution of these funds to state art agencies and organizations. The meeting further discussed the agency's mission, priorities, and various grant categories, including Grants for Art Projects, Our Town, and Research. Additionally, initiatives like Creative Forces, Big Read, and Blue Star Museums were mentioned, along with eligibility requirements and helpful hints for grant applications.

The meeting included the election of Doug Crane as Chair. The council determined that a Vice-Chair was not needed. The bylaws were adopted. There was a discussion about a possible face-to-face meeting in October 2017 in conjunction with the Public Library Directors meeting in Tallahassee. The council agreed to conduct business via email between meetings to approve the Library Services and Technology Act Long Range Plan in June. The bureau chiefs provided a brief orientation of their respective bureaus. The director provided an overview of the division's programs, services, and budget.

The State Library Council meeting included introductions, adoption of the agenda, and guidance on the review process. The council reviewed and discussed funding recommendations for statewide applications, and adopted recommendations for both statewide and competitive project applications. The council discussed the grant application review process and provided feedback to Division staff. An overview of application next steps, the Council's next meeting and Division updates were provided.

The meeting included a financial report with discussion on the year-to-date budget, account balance, and donation amounts for upcoming conferences. The board agreed to donate $500 in sponsorship per conference if offered. There was also an update on the new brochure. The Division Director provided updates on Division activities, including the status of building closure, new staff hires, the convening of legislative session, and the Division's support of libraries. The board discussed their long-range plan, prioritization of remaining goals, and inviting DLIS staff and representatives from Friends groups to future meetings. The board also requested that Division staff schedule meeting dates for FY2021-22.