Meghan Neary

Key discussions focused on several operational and strategic areas. The Chief of Library Services report detailed challenges with the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) applications, particularly the Adams Public Library application, and issues encountered during the migration of GIA contracts to the new state financial system, with fund releases anticipated in December. Updates were provided on the Enterprise Resource Program (ERP) for HR payroll processing, which aims to simplify federal reporting. A presentation on the Digital Library of RI (D-LORI) highlighted the ongoing content ingestion from various institutions. The board addressed the announced cessation of operations by Baker & Taylor (B&T) at the end of 2025, noting OLIS's representation on the committee formed by Ocean State Libraries (OSL) to mitigate service disruption, and reported on an unrelated outage of the FirstSearch interlibrary loan discovery tool. Updates included participation in 'Be My Neighbor' day and plans for the Tech Access Assistive Technology Conference, focusing on Talking Books Library (TBL) services, noting expanded eligibility criteria and the potential impact of federal funding cuts on TBL service levels. Regarding the federal budget, cautious optimism was expressed about the 2026 IMLS funding. Committee reports covered RILA's support for eBook pricing, full GIA funding, and School Library legislation. Under Unfinished Business, updates were provided on the Library Trustees Manual, including feedback circulation and recent trustee training, and the ongoing status of Library Construction Reimbursement Regulations. New Business involved a detailed discussion on supporting school libraries concerning Integrated Library System (ILS) catalogs, particularly issues with the Follett Library Catalog managed by RILINK, and researching potential solutions for school catalog support.

The meeting featured discussions on several critical updates from the Chief of Library Services. Key topics included expressing condolences and sharing updates regarding the Brown University shooting, specifically concerning library delivery service safety protocols and security enhancements at various universities. Updates were provided on the progress of Grant-in-Aid payments for public libraries, noting delays due to the state's finance system migration. The board addressed issues arising from Baker & Taylor ending operations, impacting cataloging and acquisitions, and an unrelated outage of the OCLC FirstSearch tool. Significant discussion focused on the Learn365RI program, detailing ongoing construction and renovation projects at multiple libraries to create out-of-school learning centers, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Updates on Federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) indicated cautious optimism for FY2026 appropriations and potential work on the Museum and Library Services Act language. Committee reports covered State Legislation planning by the RI Library Association. Unfinished business included the development of the Library Trustees Manual and ongoing discussions regarding support for RILINK and shared school library catalogs. New business involved reviewing proposed State Aid to Libraries (GIA) appropriations for 2027, noting potential decreases for some municipalities under a level-funded scenario.

The Rhode Island AI Task Force Action Plan provides a comprehensive strategy for the state to achieve statewide AI readiness and leadership in responsible, inclusive AI adoption. It is structured around three core components: Rhode Island Differentiators (prioritizing Education Ecosystem and Workforce Readiness, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Defense Industries and Maritime Technology, and Life Sciences), Sector Focus (covering Education, Manufacturing and Defense, Finance, Health, Government, and Small Businesses), and Thematic Areas for Focused Action (including Education and Upskilling Workforce, Government Leadership, Framework Development, and Collaboration and Scale). The plan aims to improve the economic standing of citizens and stakeholders through ethical and unbiased AI innovation.

The Library Board meeting included reports from the Vice-Chair and the Chief of Library Services, covering OLIS updates such as the Public Library Grant-in-Aid, the FY26 budget, and the Kids' Reading Across RI event. The board also discussed the Continuing Education Forum, the Annual Survey & Library of RI Certification, the OLIS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan, and the Trustee Manual. Updates were provided on state and federal legislation, including the Freedom to Read Act. The board discussed library construction reimbursement regulations and the schedule of meetings for 2026, and addressed board vacancies.

The Library Board meeting included updates on the Summer Reading Program, the new state finance system, regional and national meetings in Providence, and the Freedom To Read Act. There was a review of OLIS's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan and discussion of the Public Library Annual Survey. The board also received federal budget updates and discussed the Public Library Trustees Manual revision. Committee reports included state legislation updates on eBook pricing and the School Libraries Act. Board member reports covered issues with the RI Library Information Network for Kids (RILINK) and the consideration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries. Unfinished business included Library Construction Reimbursement Regulations and the schedule of meetings for 2026. New business consisted of board activities and LBRI meeting topics.