Structure

Structures Study September 2008 Meeting Notes

ataylor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:06:23

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following September Structures Study notes were approved at the November meeting:

Meeting Notes

Structure Committee Meeting Materials, November 24, 2008

ataylor — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:03:14

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the upcoming Structures Committee meeting on November 24, 2008:

NonProfit Ducks in a Row

ahutton — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:18:56

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

The NonProfit Times’ October 20 weekly newsletter offers a quick tip for nonprofits suggesting they undertake a comprehensive compliance assessment that includes five basic items. To each, SELCO can respond in the affirmative!

SELCO’s Form 990 returns are up-to-date.
We respond quickly to any correspondence or inquiries from state or federal authorities.
SELCO carefully differentiates between independent contractors and employees, as is evidenced by the hiring of regular, short-term staff for SELCO joint project with the Chatfield Brass Band and Music Lending Library.
All tax payments are complete and timely.
SELCO recently completed a salary study and adjusted each tier of the pay schedule to be comparable with other area library organizations, including the salary of the Executive Director.

Compostion of the SELCO/SELS Board of Directors

ahutton — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:17:57

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Minnesota Statutes define how regional library boards are established, as well as duties and responsibilities. The SELCO bylaws offer specific details on the compostion of the board and the requirements to serve as a member of the corporation's Board of Directors. Additional details and historical perspective are outlined in the Composition of the SELCO/SELS Board of Directors (PDF 66KB).

Structure Committee meeting materials - September 22, 2008

sberquam — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:33:49

Sara Berquam, Business Assistant

The following materials were distributed at the Committee meeting on Monday, September 22, 2008. The August Committee meeting notes were approved.

Final August Meeting Notes (PDF 24KB)

Kasson Response (PDF 122KB)
Owatonna Response (PDF 74KB)

The above responses were written in response to the Nilson comments (PDF 23KB)

Structure Committee meeting materials - September 22, 2008

ahutton — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:41:39

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

These additional materials were distributed at the September 22, 2008 Structures Committee meeting.

Minnesota Rules 3530.1000 Criteria for Eligibility (PDF 75KB)
FY2008 SELCO Delivery Cost Summary (PDF 47KB)
A Letter from Susan Hart, Rushford Public Library Director, to Gretchen Schade, Member of the SELCO/SELS Board of Directors appointed by the Rushford Public Library and a Member of the Structures Study Committee to be shared with the Committee

SMILE-TdS Continue Merger Discussions

ahutton — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:40:21

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Soutcentral Minnesota Inter-Library Exchange (SMILE) and Traverse des Sioux Library System (TdS) continue their discussions about a multitype and public library system merger and recently shared additional details about a pilot project.

SMILE - TdS Merger Pilot Project, August 2008 (PDF 13KB)
Proposed SMILE - TdS Merger Governance Structure (PDF 15KB)

Additional library resolution

ahutton — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:41:14

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

SELCO has received an additional resolution from a library board as part of the discussion of a possible merger of SELCO and SELS.

Northfield Public Library, received September 19, 2008 (PDF 73KB)

Structure Study Committee Meeting - September 22, 2008

ataylor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:12:49

The following materials were distributed for the Structure Study Committee meeting on September 22, 2008:

Reminder: Meeting notes only a draft until approved by Committee

Wisconsin’s Library Systems

ahutton — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:17:46

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Library systems are not a new concept nor are they unique to Minnesota. As John DeBacher, Public Library Administration Consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction describes, “The 17 regional Public Library Systems serve, by definition, public libraries, although all help to coordinate services and resource sharing among all types of libraries and most extend their continuing ed programs to staff of other libraries in their region. Wisconsin currently provides about $16 million in direct funding for the library systems.”

Mr. DeBacher has recently drafted a segment for a new online resource entitled, Administrative Essentials: A Handbook for Public Library Directors, copyright 2008, which offers details about Wisconsin’s library systems including system benefits, history, library and county membership requirements, and required system services. He includes a general statement on what constitutes a good system member, recommending each library should evaluate, participate, cooperate, and contribute. The Handbook is being created with assistance from an advisory panel.

Library Board Resolutions

ahutton — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:23:48

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As part of the public discussion on a possible merger of SELCO and SELS, several public library boards passed resolutions supporting the Statement on Structure Study as affirmed by the SELCO Advisory Committee. Shared with SELCO staff are resolutions from the following public library boards.

LeRoy Public Library, received September 11, 2008 (PDF 36KB)
Owatonna Public Library, received August 29, 2008 (PDF 141KB)
Kasson Public Library, received August 28, 2008 (PDF 121KB)
Rochester Public Library, received August 25, 2008 (PDF 44KB)
Stewartville Public Library, received August 22, 2008 (PDF 150KB)
Buckham Memorial Library-Faribault, received July 18, 2008 (PDF 116KB)

Public Discussion on the Possible Merger - #7

ahutton — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:23:18

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

A Summary of Individual Comments as part of a public discussion on the possible merger of SELCO and SELS held August 28, 2008 at the SELCO Office. (PDF 59KB)

Responses from the Structures Study Committee

ahutton — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:29:55

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

On August 25, 2008, the Structures Study Committee approved responses to six questions regarding the possible merger of SELCO and SELS. The questions were presented to the Committee, along with a list of affirmations, following the special meeting of public library directors on August 5, 2008.

Structures Study Committee Responses to Questions Posed by Public Library Directors (PDF 99KB)

Structure Committee meeting materials - August 25, 2008

ahutton — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:40:16

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

These materials were distributed at the Committee meeting on Monday, August 25, 2008.

SELCO Advisory Committee meeting attendance (PDF 25KB)
Committee Framework proposed during the FY 2001 strategic planning process (PDF 65KB)
Possible Multitype Meeting Framework based on comments received thus far during the public discussions of a possible merger of SELCO and SELS (PDF 75KB)

Minnesota’s regional math and science academies

ahutton — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:01:12

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

With an emphasis on regional cooperation for improved teacher effectiveness, Minnesota established nine regional Teacher Centers. Each includes partnerships with K-12 school districts, educational service cooperatives, and higher education institutions. The Centers are located in Thief River Falls, Mountain Iron, Fergus Falls, Staples, Marshall, St. Cloud, Mankato, Rochester, and Plymouth. In preparation for the 2008-2009 school-year, districts in each region sent teams of teachers to one of the Centers for training. In turn, these certified trainers will train teacher in their home districts for improved instruction skills in mathematics and science.

Funding was approved during the 2007 legislative session with additional money made available through a grant from the National Governors Association.

Structure Study Committee Meeting - August 25, 2008

ahutton — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:55:06

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

The Structure Committee will reconvene a month earlier than originally planned to review the public comments presented at the six public discussion held to date and draft a response to the questions posed by the public library directors.

Agenda (PDF 43KB)
Meeting Notes, March 24, 2008 (PDF 34KB)

Public Discussion on the Possible Merger - #6

ahutton — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:33:44

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

A Summary of Individual Comments as part of a public discussion on the possible merger of SELCO and SELS held August 11, 2008 at Winona State University (PDF 50KB)

Public Library Directors' questions for the Structure Study Committee

ahutton — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:21:54

Ann Hutton, Executive Director

At a special meeting of the SELCO Advisory Committee on August 5, 2008, those present approved a SELCO Advisory Committee Statement on Structure Study.

ILS Operations Committee: Today and a bit of history

ahutton — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:29:09

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

I've just sent out a call for nominations to fill open seats on the ILS Operations Committee and an election will be held before the next meeting, August 21. This provides an opportunity for new faces to come to the table. (Always keeping in mind that every meeting is an open session and visitors are welcome to attend and participate.)

The Online Library directors elected the first ILS Operations Committee representatives and alternates in 2003 and the committee held its inaugural meeting on April 1, 2003. As SELCO and the Online Libraries were deep in the midst of our migration to Horizon, the first joint meeting with the Board appointed Technology Policy Committee was held October 9, 2003 after the September 3 migration.

As the joint committee dealt with the challenges of a new system, the meeting structure evolved over time using a variety of options for the collaborative discussions. These included the ILS Ops committee meeting for an hour or two before the joint meeting and the Tech Policy Committee joining ILS Ops every other bi-monthly meeting. At a special called meeting in January 2006, the joint committee decided it would meet monthly and this practice continues today.

The ILS Operations Committee has had an interesting mix of elected representatives and alternates. Some have been involved in this decision-making role since the committee was created and others have shared their time and talents but then moved on to other tasks. Previous members of the ILS Operations Committee include:

Shirley Taylor, Lourdes High School, School Library Media Center Representative, 2003 – 2008
Barbara Misselt, SELCO, 2003 – 2007
Graham Benoit, Owatonna Public Library, Large Public Library Representative, 2003 – 2007
Jeanne Johnson, Zumbrota Public Library, Medium Public Library Representative, 2003 – 2007; Also served as the elected chair of the committee, 2003-2007
Angie Meyer, Dodge Center Public Library, Small Public Library Representative, 2003 – 2005
Vicki Tate, Small Library Alternate, 2003 – 2005
Dick Kettering, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, School Library Media Center Representative, 2003 – 2004.

Public Discussion on the Possible Merger - #4 & #5

ahutton — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:56:59

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

A Summary of Individual Comments as part of a public discussion on the possible merger of SELCO and SELS held July 15, 2008 at Albert Lea Public Library (PDF 53KB)
A Summary of Individual Comments as part of a public discussion on the possible merger of SELCO and SELS held July 2, 2008 at the Lake City Public Library (PDF 55KB)

Suggested Change to the ILS Operations Committee

ahutton — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:14:53

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

At the joint meeting of the Technology Policy Committee and the ILS Operations in February 2008, members revised the responsibilities of the ILS Operations Committee. As part of a discussion, members reviewed the breakdown of voting representation in comparison to financial support of the SELCO ILS.

The makeup of the ILS Operations Committee with five members and three alternates elected to represent the online public libraries, two elected school representatives and one alternate, matches (within percentage points) the use of the system in terms of circulation and holdings shared with the cooperative. The representative make-up of the ILS Operations Committee also mirrors the levels of financial support by type of library.

As part of the public discussions on a possible merger of SELCO and SELS, the question has been raised if library representation on the ILS Operations Committee is the right mix. Based strictly on a statistic analysis, the current makeup fits a variety of factors, which certainly argues that in the interest of striving for a manageable size group, the number of individual should stay the same. Others might put forth an argument for a larger group, or a different mix and I am amenable to that discussion.

At the last ILS Operations – Technology Policy Committee, I proposed increasing the membership of the ILS Ops Committee and correcting a number of items that have slipped over time. Details of what I proposed are included below. No action was taken while the elected public library representatives poll the library directors.

Recommendation

1. Retain the current two elected representatives of large public libraries and elected alternate

2. Call for nominations for the position vacated by Jeanne Johnson formerly representing medium public libraries and currently filled by LaVonne Beach, the elected alternate. (The call for nominations in August 2007 did not receive any responses.)

3. Shift the seat held by Sharon Grossardt from representing small public libraries to a medium slot since the St. Charles population places this library in the “medium” category. This would give medium public libraries a second seat at the table.

4. Call for nominations for a small public library representative in the slot previously held by Sharon Grossardt.

5. Call for nominations for the second small library representative since Susan Hart completed her second term, 2005-2007, and there should already have been a call for nominations. Susan would be eligible for a third term and is currently the elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

6. Likewise, a call for nominations for the small library alternate is needed. Stephanie Silvers completed her first term, 2005-2007. Stephanie is also eligible to be nominated.

More information is available on the website.

For a complete roster of the ILS Operations Committee members and ex-officio attendees
For the committee charge and list of responsibilities as edited by the Committee in February 2008 and approved by the Board

Public Discussion on the Possible Merger - #3

ahutton — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:54:18

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

A Summary of Individual Comments as part of a public discussion on the possible merger of SELCO and SELS held June 24, 2008 at St. Olaf College (PDF 54KB)

Sample Membership Agreements - Part 2

ahutton — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:38:56

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As noted earlier, there is a wide selection of organizational agreements in use around Minnesota's regional libraries. Here are a few more examples:

North Country Library Cooperative (NCLC) Organizational Agreement (PDF 60KB)
Northern Lights Library Network (NLLN) Organizational Agreement (PDF 131KB)
Southcentral Minnesota Inter-Library Exchange (SMILE) - 2002 Organizational Agreement (PDF 52KB)
Southwest Area Multicounty Multitype Interlibrary Exchange - FY 2003 Organizational Agreement (PDF 37KB)

Alternative Model for SELCO Advisory Committee

ahutton — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:03:44

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Alternative Model for Advisory Committee Structure submitted by James Hill, Director, Zumbrota Public Library (PDF 130 KB)

Alternative for public library directors' meetings

ahutton — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:32:33

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As intended when the Board approved conducting a series of public discussions about a possible merger of SELCO and SELS, ideas abound. James Hill, the Director of the Zumbrota Public Library, has offered a well-constructed meeting proposal. It is quite evident from the discussion thus far that hosting only two general meetings and adding a “zone or cluster” meeting will be insufficient as initially outlined for a public library meeting schedule. James proposed four quarterly public library directors’ meetings and a series of regular meetings, not based on a geographic zone but on size of library. A very interesting concept and one SELCO staff and members of the Structure Study Committee feel can easily be integrated with other suggestions coming from the public library discussions.

Comparison of SELCO and SELS Bylaws

ahutton — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:04:48

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

A side-by-side comparison of the SELCO and SELS Bylaws (PDF 70KB)

The SELCO Bylaws were originally adopted in July 1973. A major revision occurred in during FY 2002 and most the recent amendments were approved in April 2003.

The SELS Bylaws were originally adopted in July 1981 and amended in July 2002.

SMILE-TdS Merger Plan

ahutton — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:29:34

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

The public library and multitype systems just to the west of SELCO/SELS have also been engaged in a structure study. Soutcentral Minnesota Inter-Library Exchange (SMILE) and Traverse des Sioux Library System (TdS) will present a merger proposal to the regional library board at their June meeting.

Small, Medium & Large Public Libraries

ahutton — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:47:34

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

What defines a public library as small, medium, or large? In the early days of the region, the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the definition was simple. Libraries in communities with populations of over 10,000 were large libraries and everything else was small since the remaining communities with public libraries were all under 5,000. For the better part of the first two decades of shared library automation, beginning in 1983 when Owatonna and Zumbrota Public Libraries and Austin High School came online, this breakdown correlated closely with the volume of library use as counted by circulation.

The Internet explosion changed everything. Not just how libraries did business but how much service each location provided. SELCO’s Telecommunication Task Force (1999) defined basic telecommunication service as “reliable access to the online library system, remote cataloging, subscription databases and limited Internet access. SELCO will provide a sufficient network infrastructure, both centrally and remotely, to ensure high-performance at peak hours of operation.”

In today’s 21st century world of downloadable everything, we would never get away with using “limited” as an adjective to define Internet access. At the time and facing fiscal realities, the Telecommunication Task Force described basic service by the size of the telecommunication circuits needed for that reliable service --- one-56Kbps, two-56Kbps, and T-1. A complicated rubric measured city population, circulation, with 9 as a multiplier and defined the new “tier” structure. While the formula worked relatively well for a few years, increased telecommunication options and decreased prices made this mathematical calculation obsolete.

In 2003, SELCO migrated to a new integrated library system (ILS). In order to insure consistent, regular input from the Online Libraries, the Oversight Committee responsible for recommending the new ILS suggested SELCO create an elected ILS Operation Committee. The small, medium, and large designation, based simply on the current population counts (either the State Demographer’s estimates or census data) is used to define the five elected public library representatives (2 large, 1 medium, 2 small) and the elected alternates. For a copy of a recently updated population chart, click here. (PDF 38KB)

Public Discussion on the Possible Merger - #2

ahutton — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:46:21

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Summary of individual comments from the June 10, 2008 discussion of a possible merger of SELCO/SELS with the SELCO Advisory Committee (PDF 52KB)

Public Discussion Invitation

ahutton — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:40:50

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

An Invitation to Discuss a Regional Merger (PDF 68KB) Additional dates and times have been confirmed for public discussions.

Public Discussion on a Possible Merger - #1

ahutton — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:15:32

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

The first public discussion of a possible merger of SELCO and SELS was conducted on Wednesday, June 4. Members of the Structure Study Committee introduced the proposed changes. The SELS Advisory Committee members offered comments and sought clarification. With general enthusiasm for the proposal, the SELS Advisory Committee extended their appreciation and thanks to the Structure Study Committee for their hard work.

The next opportunity for discussing the proposed merger will be Tuesday, June 10 in conjunction with the bi-monthly SELCO Advisory Committee meeting. Additional public sessions are on the calendar and other opportunities are still being planned.

July 2, 2008 at the Lake City Public Library from 2:00 - 4:00
July 15, 2008 at the Albert Lea Public Library from 2:00 - 4:00

Following each session, a summary of the discussion will be posted to this Blog and a composite version shared with the Structures Study Committee and the SELCO/SELS Board of Directors.

Summary of individual comments during June 4, 2008 Public Discussion of a possible SELCO/SELS Merger with the SELS Advisory Committee (PDF 52KB)

Proposed Meeting Schedule

ahutton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:45:13

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

One thing is certain --- SELCO/SELS hosts A LOT of meetings. This has been a topic of concern at various times but especially now with local budgets under constant stress and the price of gas causing people to pause before hopping in the car and dashing off to Rochester.

The Structure Study Committee's initial recommendation includes merging the SELS and SELCO Advisory Committees. This would reduce the number of advisory groups from three to two and eliminate some, but not all meetings.

Since it is still a very good idea to bring people together to discuss their interests, SELCO proposes a new approach for the public library directors and takes into consideration a number of factors:

1) The Structure Study Committee's goal to streamline the committee structure

2) Decreasing attendance at the bi-monthly public library director meetings due to busy schedules

3) The recommendation offered during the strategic planning retreat (March 3-5) for opportunities to visit local libraries and meet local staff.

The proposed meeting schedule also outlines a number of regular meetings that will continue in a merged organization.

Public Discussion

ahutton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:26:17

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

The Board's Structure Committee feels it is time to unite SELCO and SELS into a single entity and will hold a series of discussions with library staff and trustee around the region. The materials pertaining to these upcoming discussions include:

An Invitation to Discuss a Regional Merger (PDF 78KB)
Structure Study Recommendation from the Structure Study Committee to the SELCO/SELS Board of Directors, April 2008 (PDF 50KB)
Questions & Answers regarding the possible merger of SELCO and SELS (PDF 42KB) [Dated: 5-28-2008. Note: This document will be edited and content will be added throughout the summer based on questions raised at the public discussions. Each edition will be posted to the Structures Blog.]
Current & Future Accounting Structure (PDF 12KB)

Sample Membership Agreements

ahutton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:58:34

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As SELCO/SELS begin a series of discussions with library staff and trustees about membership, governance and organizational structure, it is interesting to see the wide range of documents currently in use among Minnesota's regions and the participating libraries. Samples available at this time are listed below and others will be added as received.

Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Agreement for Membership (PDF 14KB)
Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) Joint Powers Agreement (PDF 84KB)
Pioneerland Library System (PLS) Joint Powers Agreement (PDF 52KB)
Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) Agency Contract (PDF 82KB)
Traverse des Sioux (TdS) Member Library Contract (PDF 67KB)
Viking Library System (VLS) Service Agreement (PDF 77KB)

Library Membership

ahutton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:11:33

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Current documents pertaining to membership include:

Bylaws Membership Requirments (PDF 68KB)
Declaration of Intention to Participate: SELCO (PDF 26KB)
Southeast Library System, SELS, Membership Agreemtent (PDF 48KB)

As part of the items for consideration whether or not SELCO and SELS should formalize the current joint operation with a merger, the Structures Study Committee reviewed membership. Their recommended changes to current practice are highlighted in bold italics.

Defined by statute and organizational bylaws including all types of libraries and counties
Library membership is voluntary
County membership is mandatory as currently exists within state law
Each member will:

Sign a membership agreement with an automatic annual renewal for a specific time frame (possibly every 5 years) and periodic renewals to serve as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to regional cooperation

Participate in cooperative activities

Share resources to the greatest extent possible within the framework of current local circulation policies

Participate in organizational communication including the designation of a local staff member with responsibility for communication with the regional library office

Meet applicable state and federal laws

Maintain financial support

Abide by membership requirements as adopted by the SELCO Board

Pay dues, fees, or assessments promptly

Engage SELCO staff in site visits, meetings, and other opportunities for collaboration

Participate actively in the library community

One class of membership although service levels may differ depending upon level of participation in SELCO Online Services
All members have access to the same rights and privileges, although benefits may differ depending upon level of participation in SELCO Online Services
The regional service catalog will be determined through:

Discussion with members

Input from organizational committees

Annual budget survey

State requirements

Voice in the organization will be through

SELCO Board of Directors
Participating on organizational committees
Communication with SELCO staff
Responding to surveys & calls for input
Attending meetings and training events

Board Member Recognition

ahutton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:27:13

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Hours of drive time and countless meetings are hallmarks of each SELCO/SELS Board Member's regional involvement. Add the size of the Board (currently at 38) and the challenge of adequately expressing appreciation becomes difficult. Currently, SELCO provides outgoing members with a certificate of appreciation and a small lapel pin. The Board President distributes these items at the July annual meeting and reviews each member's participation on organizational committees. Just how regional libraries express their thanks to outgoing Board Members varies around the Minnesota.

Board Member Recognition (PDF 52KB) Information collected during May 2008

Annual Meeting Practices

ahutton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:03:08

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As SELCO/SELS continues to investigate a new organizational structure, the question of how to integrate the ideas of so many continues to be a challenge. This is especially true when considering the size of the Board of Directors and a laudable goal of having Board members and the directors from the diverse collection of library members come together for meaningful dialog. One tool that regions around the country use is an annual meeting. I polled the Minnesota regions (both public library and multitype) to get a sense of their current practices and level of success with annual meetings.

Summary of Minnesota Regional Library Annual Meeting Practices (PDF 59KB) Information collected May - June 2008

Structure Study Recommendation

mpherson — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:12:43

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

At the March 24th meeting, the Structures Study Committee reviewed organizational structure, budget, governance and membership and is recommending undertaking a period of public comment on a possible restructuring of SELCO/SELS with final committee recommendation to be reported at the October 2008 quarterly board meeting.

Structure Study Recommendation

Structure Study Committee Meeting March 24, 2008

mpherson — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:54:04

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the Structure Study Committee meeting on March 24, 2008:

Agenda

Combined Budget

FY2008 Workload Analysis

Governance Summary

Possible Governance Recommendations

Possible Membership Guidelines

SELS Flow Chart

Meeting Notes February 2008

mpherson — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:39:44

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following meeting notes were approved at the March 24, 2008 Structures Study Committee meeting:

Meeting Notes

Structure Study Committee Meeting February 25, 2008

mpherson — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:23:11

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the Structures Study Committee meeting on February 25, 2008:

Agenda

MN System Summary -- CRPLSA

MN System Summary -- Multitype

MN System Summary -- Other

Meeting Notes November 2007

mpherson — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:55:52

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following meeting notes were approved at the February 25, 2008 Structures Study Committee meeting:

Meeting Notes

Hennepin County Approves Merger

msancomb-moran — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:17:55

Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran, Community Information Librarian

Hennepin County issued this press release, as reported in the Eden Prairie News:

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners today approved the merger of the Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library systems, pending approval by the Minneapolis City Council and mayor Dec. 21.
The merger would be effective Jan. 1. As a condition of the merger, three closed Minneapolis libraries – Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park – will reopen Jan. 3 Community celebrations for the library reopenings are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12.

Last May the Minnesota Legislature approved enabling legislation allowing the libraries to merge. The merged system, to be called Hennepin County Library, will include 15 Minneapolis libraries and 26 suburban Hennepin libraries.

All individual library names will be retained, including the Minneapolis Central Library. The combined libraries will provide more streamlined services to all county residents, offering more than five million books, CDs and DVDs (in 40 languages) and nearly 1,600 public computers. Hennepin County Library Director Amy Ryan will oversee the new merged system.

“This merger provides residents of Hennepin County with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and resources of two premier library systems united into one seamless system,” said Randy Johnson, County Board chair. “Not only will all Hennepin residents have access to the extraordinary collections of the Minneapolis Public Library, but Minneapolis residents will enjoy the additional resources of the award-winning suburban libraries.”

"Our libraries – in Minneapolis and the suburbs – are the cornerstone of our communities,” said Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, whose entire district is located in Minneapolis. “The whole goal of this consolidation of these two great systems has been to strengthen and improve access to our fabulous library resources. We believe this step will ensure the vitality of our libraries for decades to come."

Library customers can continue to use their current library cards as the catalog and computer systems consolidate over time. New welcome signs announcing the merger will be displayed at the 41 libraries in January and information on the consolidated system is available at all libraries and online at www.hclib.org.

In a related action, the board approved $15 million in funding to replace Webber Park Library in North Minneapolis. Planning for the new library will begin in 2008, with construction starting as soon as 2009.

Originally posted in SELCO Librarian.

Legislative nominations

ahutton — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:28:20

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Trying to find the “perfect” solution for a governance structure that is small enough to be manageable but still reflects the diversity of the region is a challenge. From February-June 2007, the Structures Committee reviewed a variety of different models without settling on a good fit. With the right representative mix remaining elusive, the Committee recently considered a governance model based on legislative nominations. The rationale for this approach considers legislative representation of a greater audience and historical precedent.

Legislators understand they represent a broad-based constituency.
Legislators are well connected within their districts.
State appropriations constitute a majority of SELCO and SELS operational revenue.
Each House and Senate district represents approximately the same size constituency group.

Regions structured around legislative boundaries are not new. Illinois based the original 18 library system borders on congressional district lines. This made financial sense in the 1960s since the push for regional cooperation came from Federal grants. However, congressional districts do not necessarily follow more recognizable boundaries, such as county lines. Plus, they change every 10 years with re-districting. When Minnesota began formalizing the regional library systems, which had begun to spring up in the late 1950s, there was an initial focus on congressional districts. This explains why the makeup of the 1969-1970 Regional Advisory Committee, which created SELCO, had representatives from 13 counties while today’s SELCO/SELS geography is limited to the 11 southeastern counties (the size and shape of the regional economic development region before its early demise.)

How the board got so big

ahutton — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:45:08

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As the Structure Committee continues grappling with the complicated organizational arrangements that are SELCO and SELS, one of the most difficult topics is – Governance. While everyone agrees a 38 member board that meets quarterly is not necessarily the most efficient, an alternative model has not emerged as the “the perfect” solution. The dilemma is not easily resolved as the makeup of the Board is deeply rooted in SELCO’s history and firm commitment to grassroots involvement.

The democratic concept currently in place, offers each county and public library a seat at the table and goes back to the very creation of SELCO in 1971. As reported in “Recommendation for a Southeastern Library Cooperative”, prepared by Robert H. Rohlf Associates in December 1970, there were twenty-four “existing tax supported public libraries”. It was proposed that representatives from those 24 libraries would constitute the regional board. While 24 may still be slightly larger than optimum for board membership, it is certainly manageable. The library directors, local trustees, and elected officials that served as the Regional Advisory Committee in 1969-1970, represented 13 counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, LeSueur, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona) and endorsed Rohlf’s concept of one library – one appointee to the SELCO Board of Directors.

As additional library members joined the cooperative, the new libraries made Board appointments. Although in the first 15 years of the organization the Board size only grew by two. The first significant bump in size came when the Minnesota Legislature passed the “Extension of Access” law in 1987, which became effective in 1990. The statutory language states:

“...each county board of commissioners shall appoint at least one county resident to serve as a representative on the regional public library system board and may appoint more than one representative under terms and conditions of the regional public library system contract.”

With the passage of Minnesota Statues 134.341, the SELCO Board grew from 26 to 30, with county appointments from Dodge, Houston, Olmsted, and Winona counties. The other seven counties chose to make their appointment from among county residents already serving on the regional library board. And, the board continued to grow. The decisions by well-established libraries to joint SELCO (Caledonia and Lanesboro), the creation of new public libraries (Hokah, Houston, LaCrescent , and Spring Grove) and the re-structuring of Mower County library system (Brownsdale, Grand Meadow, and LeRoy), added nine new public libraries to the cooperative and hence additional board members.

While the history of how the board grew to its current size of 38 members is interesting, it does not address the concerns:

Board size and geographic diversity creates barriers.
Personal relationships, outside of meetings, are hampered because board members do not see each other at other local functions --- the school recital, Sunday service, monthly card club. They know each other only because of SELCO/SELS.
With the full board only meeting quarterly, a missed meeting can quickly translate into six months without personal contact with SELCO staff on regional library topics.
While appointed by the county or the local public library, each board member is responsible for making regional decisions affecting all types of libraries. The appointment process has the potential of creating the impression that the board member represents only his or her library rather than the greater universe of library service.
There is a complexity of issues dealing with two legally separate organizations, made more confusing by the fact that SELCO and SELS operate as close to a merged environment as the current law permits.
Meeting costs associated with such a large board.

This list of concerns is by no means an indictment of callousness from current Board members. Despite all of these barriers, SELCO/SELS is served by highly motivated and dedicated individuals who coalesce around a single and lofty purpose: quality library service. This has been true throughout our history.

It is because of their dedication to library service and a goal to improve regional support that the SELCO/SELS Board authorized this Structure Study. They are fully aware the results could range from a continuation of current practice to implementing changes that will realign organizational structure and governance. The Structure Committee continues its work with the ultimate purpose to support high quality library service.

Meeting Notes September 2007

mpherson — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:02:23

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following meeting notes were approved at the November 26, 2007 Structures Study Committee Meeting:

Meeting Notes

Meeting Materials November 2007

mpherson — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:23:58

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the Structures Study Committee meeting on November 26, 2007:

Agenda

Time Line and Activities as approved October 2006

Revised Time Line and Activities November 2007

Governance/Finance Questions for Conversation

Strategic Partnerships

ahutton — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:41:37

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Identifying Strategic Partnerships succeeds in providing a practical outline for future cooperative ventures by the three independent regions serving southwestern Minnesota, Plum Creek, Pioneerland, and SAMMIE library systems. With input from the PSP Steering Committee, as well as local library staff and board members, the report from consultants, Mark Reidell and Lynne Bertalmio, recommends two strategic outcomes.

Library staff will have the capacity and skills to understand the needs of varied audiences and communicate to those audiences the types of library services and materials that are available.
Teens will read for pleasure and will have the information needed to make wise decisions.

While there are certainly be other initiatives each region might consider undertaking within its own service area, these fit the criteria of “those things that the three libraries could do better, easier, and more economically together.”

The report is a great road map for future cooperative ventures not only for Plum Creek, Pioneerland, and SAMMIE library systems but for other Minnesota regional libraries.

Merger update for Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Library systems

ahutton — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:53:03

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

As merger activities continue between the state's two largest libraries, Megan Peterson, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Minneapolis Public Library distributes a bi-monthly update that outlines pre-merger activities and announces upcoming events focused on bringing together the Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Library systems.

The Minneapolis City Council and Minneapolis Public Library Board will hold a joint public hearing regarding the proposed consolidation of the Minneapolis Public Library and Hennepin County Library systems on November 7, 2007. The hearing will be held at Central Library’s Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall. Community members will be asked to adhere to a three-minute limit for comments and questions. The Hennepin County public hearing date and location will be announced shortly.

On Oct. 1, PLUM members at the Minneapolis Public Library voted to approve the library consolidation thus meeting the requirement that unions representing at least 80% of employees approve the merger.

Surveys of all library properties were completed recently and reports on the condition of properties are being submitted to the county. The city attorney provided an overview of the terms for the transfer of real and personal property for the merger to the Minneapolis Public Library Board.

The Library Steering Committee has developed a list of “Phase One” priorities and assignments for Day One and shortly thereafter. The team assigned critical priorities for Day One as well as committee members charged with ensuring completion of the various tasks.

Pre-merger library teams are creating an orientation program for all Hennepin County Library and all Minneapolis Public Library staff to be delivered in December. The program will include frequently asked questions, an overview of library websites, security procedures and time cards, as well as customer service information.

Add information is available from the library consolidation fact sheet.

Meeting Materials September 24, 2007

mpherson — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:05:47

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the Structures Study Committee meeting on September 24, 2007:

Agenda

SELS Membership Agreement

Membership Requirements

Intent to Participate form

Questions for Conversation

Merger update for Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Library systems

ahutton — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:12:18

Ann B. Hutton, Executive Director

Work continues as Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Library systems work toward merging. Here is an update on pre-merger activities MPL staff.

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners was briefed by county staff on the preparations for the transfer of Minneapolis Public Library’s real and personal property and MPL employees to Hennepin County. The county board is expected to consider a resolution regarding the next steps for the proposed merger and a resolution setting the date for a public hearing. One requirement of the enabling legislation passed in May was that each public body hold a public hearing prior to agreeing to consolidation.

Hennepin County Human Resources has made substantial progress is assessing how MPL employees will be integrated into the county library’s classification system. MPL employees will received letters mid-September from Hennepin County detailing their new classifications. A key commitment of the merger is that no MPL employee will experience a loss in total wages due to consolidation; impact bargaining agreements with each union will detail how affected MPL employees will be compensated. Preliminary results so far are similar to the estimate prepared last spring: approximately 20 percent of MPL employees are affected – before counting stability pay. The final percentage will be determined once the process is complete.

The Minneapolis branch libraries at Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park have been temporarily closed and are scheduled to reopen January 2, 2008 if the consolidation proceeds. Hiring for the libraries will begin shortly; employees at these three libraries will likely start November 26 or Dec ember 3, 2007.

Meeting Notes June 2007

mpherson — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:53:03

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following meeting notes were approved at the August 27, 2007 Structures Study Committee Meeting:

meeting notes

Structure Study Committee Meeting August 27, 2007

mpherson — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:47:55

Angela Taylor, Administrative Services Manager

The following materials were distributed for the Structures Study Committee meeting on August 27, 2007:

Agenda

Questions for conversation

My three mission statements

ajacobsen — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:34:24

Aurora Jacobsen, Information Services Librarian

My three "like" mission statements are a fairly accurate representation of my ambivalence toward the purpose of a mission statement. My mission statements seem to run the gambit. Toastmaster's mission statement seems to use lofty language for big goals that can be measured via outcome-based measurement. The United Community center is a plain, straightforward description of what that organization does. Finally, the Microsoft mission statement as listed below serves like the kind of tagline that every employee could recite while still being a goal that can be measurable.

The mission of a Toastmasters club is “to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.”

"United Community Center is a 501(c)(3) human service agency providing emergency assistance, daycare, social services and recreational activities for low-income children and families at risk in inner city Atlanta, Georgia".

"A computer on every desktop and in every home, running Microsoft software"—Microsoft until 2002

Collection Statistics

msancomb-moran — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:55:41

Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran, Community Information Librarian

Collection statistics for the region's public, academic, and school media center libraries.

About mission statements

bmisselt — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:20:29

Barbara Misselt, Assistant Director

Writing at the top of my page - or what I think about mission statements:

Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Caroll. the Cheshire Cat: "If you don't know where you're going, it doesn't matter which way you go."
Drucker: Why you do what you do; the organization's reason for being, its purpose. Says what, in the end, you want to be remembered for.
Criteria of a mission statement: (1) Who you are; (2) What you do; (3) How you do it; (4) And who you do it for; (5) Fits on a T-shirt/business card

Mission statements I think are pretty good:

The mission of the Evanston Public Library is to promote the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens through the provision of open access to cultural, intellectual, and informational resources. (Very clear who does what for whom, and how. 30 words – about the max.)
The mission of the South Central Library System is to help its 52 member libraries provide the best possible service to the public. (While a little vague, it answers the who for whom. Since they’re a library system, they’re constrained (as is SELCO/SELS) to provide specifics on services to end users, which is up to the libraries.)
The mission of the King County Library System is to provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information to all members of the community. (Very clear what they’re doing for whom.)

Not so great mission statements:

The Windham Public Library provides materials and services to help community residents obtain information meeting their personal, educational, cultural and professional needs. Special emphasis is placed on supporting students at all academic levels and on stimulating young children’s interest and appreciation for reading and learning. The library serves as a learning and educational center for all residents of the community. The Windham Public Library is dedicated to making the Town of Windham a rewarding, attractive and pleasant place in which to live, visit and work. (Laudible, but too long. It’s like they’ve rolled all their goals into the mission statement. The last sentence is a vision statement.)
To provide Hawaii's residents, in all walks of life, and at each stage of their lives, with access to education, information, programs and services, and to teach and nurture the love of reading and the habit of life-long learning. Hawaii State Public Library System (Wouldn’t be as bad, if they took out “in all walks of life, and at each stage of their lives.” Doesn’t say how they’re going to do it.)

Dilbert Mission Statement Generator

msancomb-moran — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:54:50

Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran, Community Information Librarian

While this is meant to be entertaining, it's also a bit startling. These bogus mission statements can sometimes sound pretty good - but mean nothing. Definitely something to watch out for.

Corporate Mission Statements

msancomb-moran — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:47:41

Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran, Community Information Librarian

A bit different from the non-profit statements. From the same site.

Dislike:

"Guided by relentless focus on our five imperatives, we will constantly strive to implement the critical initiatives required to achieve our vision. In doing this, we will deliver operational excellence in every corner of the Company and meet or exceed our commitments to the many constituencies we serve. All of our long-term strategies and short-term actions will be molded by a set of core values that are shared by each and every associate."

Way too many buzzwords. This is for Albertson's, though you'd never know that.

"American Standard's mission is to "Be the best in the eyes of our customers, employees and shareholders.""

Be the best what?

Barnes & Noble - "Our mission is to operate the best specialty retail business in America, regardless of the product we sell. Because the product we sell is books, our aspirations must be consistent with the promise and the ideals of the volumes which line our shelves. To say that our mission exists independent of the product we sell is to demean the importance and the distinction of being booksellers. As booksellers we are determined to be the very best in our business, regardless of the size, pedigree or inclinations of our competitors. We will continue to bring our industry nuances of style and approaches to bookselling which are consistent with our evolving aspirations. Above all, we expect to be a credit to the communities we serve, a valuable resource to our customers, and a place where our dedicated booksellers can grow and prosper. Toward this end we will not only listen to our customers and booksellers but embrace the idea that the Company is at their service."

They should have stopped after the first sentence.

Like:
Assurant - "To be the premier provider of targeted specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets."

Bristol-Meyers-Squibb - "Our company's mission is to extend and enhance human life by providing the highest-quality pharmaceutical and related health care products."

CVS Corporation - "We will be the easiest pharmacy retailer for customers to use."

Darden Restaurants - "To nourish and delight everyone we serve."

Nike - "To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world."

All are clear, concise, and descriptive.

Not sure:
Dean Foods - "The Company's primary objective is to maximize long-term stockholder value, while adhering to the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates and at all times observing the highest ethical standards."

They could be an oil company, or a fish market, or a brokerage firm.....

The Hershey Company - "Undisputed Marketplace Leadership"

No mention of chocolate???

IBM - "Operating a safe and secure government"

Hmmm.

"At Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible."

A bit redundant...

Non-Profit Mission Statements

msancomb-moran — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:30:22

Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran, Community Information Librarian

There's a great site that lists mission statements. These are samples of some of the non-profit mission statements that caught my eye.

Dislike:

"The Initiative Foundation's mission is to unlock the potential of the people of central Minnesota to build and sustain healthy communities."

A little fuzzy for me. Claiming that your goal is to "unlock the potential"? The group is formerly known as the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund. The Initiative Foundation was created to help initiate economic growth and community development throughout Minnesota.

"The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is a non-profit research and educational institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition. The Center serves clergy and laity, students and scholars, with research and study tools - from books and publications to multimedia and on-line programming. Our goal is to be a teacher of teachers. We want to raise up a new generation of priests who are fluent in the Bible and lay people who are biblically literate. For us, this means more than helping people to know their way around the Bible. It means equipping them to enter into the heart of the living Word of God and to be transformed and renewed by this encounter. We read the Bible from the heart of the Church, in light of the Church's Liturgy and living Tradition. In this way, we hope to help people experience the heart-to-heart encounter that Jesus' disciples experienced on that first Easter night, when they knew Him in the breaking of the bread: "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us...while He opened to us the Scriptures?" (see Luke 24:13-37)"

Good grief.

"Twenty years from now, when business leaders and policy makers from the United States and countries of pivotal concern for global peace sit down at the negotiating table, will they meet as strangers or as colleagues with a history of cooperation? Network 20/20 is an independent membership organization that helps prepare next generation leaders in the U.S. to participate meaningfully in public diplomacy and the creation and execution of policies promoting global public security. We do this by means of lectures and educational initiatives here at home and through a series of trips and exchanges abroad. Network 20/20 fills two major gaps in U.S. foreign policy: lack of youth participation and lack of serious input from civil society in general. Network 20/20 helps to bridge these gaps by assisting mid-career individuals with new and vigorous ideas drawn from their experiences in the real world of civil society to refine their foreign policy understandings and share their insights with their peers. Network 20/20 members come from the business world, the professions, media, NGOs, think tanks, government and academia. They are a diverse group that includes talented foreign nationals living in the U.S. What draws them together is that they are all "thinking," motivated and disciplined individuals who are volunteering significant time and energy to improve their understanding of the world."

Good grief, again. These are much too wordy.

"As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present, and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish(r)."

This is the mission of the Make a Wish Foundation. Unfortunately, it doesn't really speak to their mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Like:

"The mission of the Laboure Foundation is to provide financial assistance to individuals who must eliminate personal debt in order to pursue their vocation to priesthood or religious life in the Catholic Church."

"The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation seeks to improve cardiovascular health through education and clinical research."

The St. Paul Foundation - "Our mission is to actively serve the people of the East Metro area by building permanent charitable capital, making philanthropic grants, and providing services that contribute to the health and vitality of the community."

"The mission of Second Harvest Heartland is to fight hunger through community partnerships."

The mission of the American Lung Association(r) is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.""

All are clear, concise, and descriptive.

Not sure:

"Good in the 'Hood exists to do all the good we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we ever can."

Perhaps a bit too cute.

Mission Statements

dlambright — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:53:28

Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian

I've been looking at mission statements and have identified two I like and two I don't like:

Mission Statements I Like:
1) The National Weather Service
"The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community."

Why I like it: Mostly because it is very clear with identifiable directives. I would think that it would be fairly easy to quantify the NWS's output and determine if, in fact, it is fulfilling its mission.

2) Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum
"To preserve and protect the historical materials in the collections of the Johnson Library and make them readily accessible;

To increase public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibitions and educational programs;

To advance the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum's standing as a center for intellectual activity and community leadership while meeting the challenges of a changing world."

Why I like it: The same reasons I liked the NWS mission statement. It's short but clear and simple. Its directives are not as quantifiable as those above, but it is still measurable.

Mission Statements I Don't Like:
1) Seattle Public Library
"Our mission is to become the best public library in the world by being so tuned in to the people we serve and so supportive of each other's efforts that we are able to provide highly responsive service. We strive to inform, enrich and empower every person in our community by creating and promoting easy access to a vast array of ideas and information, and by supporting an informed citizenry, lifelong learning and love of reading. We acquire organize and provide books and other relevant materials; ensure access to information sources throughout the nation and around the world; serve our public with expert and caring assistance; and reach out to all members of our community."

Why I don't like it: Mostly because of the first sentence, which seemed really vague and overly touchy-feely to me (although I recognize that might make it more attractive to some people). After that, it's not so bad.

2) United Way
"To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities."

Why I don't like it: Brevity is a good thing in a mission statement but I think they took it a bit far.