MELSA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Meeting Agenda
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
MCIT (MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust), Room 220
100 Empire Dr STE 100, St Paul, MN

I. CALL TO ORDER Mary Jo McGuire

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes (January 15th, 2026)
B. Approval of Checks and Financials (Please note: 2025 financials will be discussed in more detail during the audit report presentation at the May meeting)

V. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

A. 2025 Annual Report to State Library Services Sherry Wichitchu
B. Finance Committee Report and Recommendations Debbie Goettel
i. Recommendation on Fund Balance Assignment
ii. Recommendation on Custodial Fund for Collaborative Initiative
iii. Report on 2025 Budget to Actual Revenues and Expenses

VI. REPORTS & INFORMATION
A. Teen Lit Con Update Kathleen James
B. Executive Director Report and Legislative Update Sherry Wichitchu
C. Advisory Board Update Scott Duimstra
D. 2025 MELSA Benefits to Member Libraries Reports Mona Scott
E. Round Robin Discussion from Advisory Board members about current issues/events at member libraries

VII. ADJOURN

Metropolitan Library Service Agency
Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Friday, February 6, 2026
Virtual Meeting via Teams
10:00am-12:00pm

Advisory Board Members/Representatives Present:
Anoka: Colleen Haubner Ramsey: Pang Yang
Carver: Jodi Edstrom Saint Paul: Maureen Hartman
Dakota: Jennifer Reichert Simpson Scott: Jen Schultz
Hennepin: Scott Duimstra Washington: Jacquie Kramer

Staff Present: Jennifer Baker, Abigail Dillon, Gina Goettl, Mona Scott, and Sherry Wichitchu

I. Call to order
Chair Duimstra called the meeting to order at 10:03am.

II. Introductions and Welcome

III. Consent Agenda
a) Approval of agenda
b) Approval of meeting minutes (January 9, 2026)
Motion to approve the agenda and meeting minutes by Haubner. Second by Edstrom.
Roll call vote:
ACL – aye HCL – aye SCL – aye
CCL – aye RCL – aye WCL – aye
DCL – aye SPL – aye
Motion carried.

IV. Discussion/Action Items
a) Collection Development Task Force recommendation
The Collection Development Team Task Force met on January 27, 2026. The recommendations from the task force were distributed in the meeting packet and include: team makeup will include one representative per system, and then the team purpose, to maintain collection standards for user experience (and discontinue the previous team direction to find a solution to maintain hold ratios and decrease hold wait times). Some clarification is needed in the purpose section, whether these are ranked in order of priority, or general guidelines. Schultz clarified that in her experience, the charter is meant to guide discussions (guidelines or parameters instead of order of priority). Many of the directors agreed with this assessment. With a smaller team, it could be a good idea to consider changing Collection Development meetings to more frequent in-person meetings, and/or possibly changing the meeting from 1 hour twice a month to 2 hours once a month. Duimstra suggested striking point 3 in part a of the team composition section of the charter (removing additional observers). Haubner suggested changing “respect” to “understand” in part 2b, iv. (the responsibilities section). It was also suggested that this section should be more general and say something like “Recognize and respect varying capacities across libraries.”
Motion to approve the Collection Development Team charter, with the following changes: strike 2a, iii (additional observers), change language in 2b. ii to “Contribute during meetings while ensuring a welcoming environment for all team members to share”, and then revise 2b. iv to “Recognize and respect varying capacities across libraries.”
Motion by Haubner. Second by Edstrom.
Roll call vote:
ACL – aye HCL – aye SCL – aye
CCL – aye RCL – aye WCL – aye
DCL – aye SPL – aye
Motion carried.

b) Collaborative Initiative Project
 Based on discussions about each library’s specific literacy needs, there were a few commonalities across the systems: decodable books, early literacy focus, consultant interest, school partnerships, and READ Act alignment.
A few differences were target demographics, programmatic maturity, and material types. Areas where State Library Services can provide assistance are MDE personnel (the new State School Librarian can facilitate school-public library connections, and outreach staff from the Braille and Talking Book Library can assist with specialized programming) and also READ Act training.
The directors were supportive of a two- to three-year program for the initiative. It would be helpful to have a more in-depth conversation about the marketing plan. They were also supportive about using the LSAF formula to distribute funding. The directors thought an application process similar to Equity Funds would be a good idea, as well as periodic updates to the governing board on the spending of the funds (March and September would work well due to the budget deadlines). Mona Scott explained that a custodial account may be used for Collaborative Initiative funds, to be spent over the course of two or three years, and with tracking of systems funds similar to the Equity funds.
For the March Advisory Board meeting, there will be an in-depth marketing discussion.

c) Round table sharing
(i) ICE incidents in libraries
Duimstra, Hartman, and Reichert Simpson gave a presentation at the Urban Libraries Council about their policies for ICE incidents. Different systems shared their experiences, and the ways they have been working with staff to check in.
(ii) Library Legislative Day February 25th planning
Wichitchu would like any systems’ one-page handouts created for Library Legislative Day. MELSA is also working on a one-page handout.

V. Reports
a) OverDrive (Libby) Patron Accounts
Specific numbers for duplicate users and non-MELSA patrons were distributed in the meeting packet. Duimstra requested more time to review the data and discuss it at next month’s meeting.

b) Executive Director report
The Executive Director report was distributed in the meeting packet.
Highlights included a few CRPLSA meeting updates, items covered in the MELSA January trustee meeting, and then a possible collaboration between MELSA and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District and the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, including human resources services and space sharing.

Duimstra adjourned the meeting at 12:01pm.

MELSA Advisory Board
Friday, March 13, 2026
10am-12pm
Golden Valley Library – Hennepin County
830 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley

I. CALL TO ORDER – Scott Duimstra, Chair

II. INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME
III. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of agenda
b. Approval of meeting minutes (February 6, 2026)
IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a. Overdrive Patron Account Report – Abigail Dillon
b. Collaborative Initiative Project – Sherry Wichitchu
i. Financials
ii. Implementation and Reporting Process
iii. Marketing

c. Round table sharing
i. Library Legislative Day Recap
ii. E Material Legislation

V. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
a. MELSA Updates – Sherry Wichitchu

 

VI. ADJOURN

Metropolitan Library Service Agency

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Friday, January 9, 2026
Savage Library
10:00am-12:00pm

Advisory Board Members/Representatives Present:
Anoka:         Colleen Haubner                     Ramsey:          Pang Yang
Carver:         Jodi Edstrom                           Saint Paul:       Maureen Hartman (virtual)
Dakota:        Jen Reichert-Simpson             Scott:               Jen Schultz
Hennepin:    Scott Duimstra                        Washington:    Jacquie Kramer

Staff Present: Jennifer Baker, Abigail Dillon, Gina Goettl, Kathleen James, Mona Scott, and Sherry Wichitchu

I. Call to order

Chair Duimstra called the meeting to order at 10:02am.

II. Introductions and Welcome

Tami Lee and Catherine Durivage from State Library Services are visiting.

III. Consent Agenda

a) Approval of agenda

b) Approval of meeting minutes (December 5, 2025)

Motion to approve the agenda and meeting minutes by Haubner. Second by Yang.

All in favor signified by saying aye.
ACL –  aye       HCL – aye                   SCL – aye
CCL – aye       RCL – aye                   WCL – aye
DCL – aye       SPL –   not present                  
Motion carried.

IV. Discussion/Action Items

1. 1. State Library Services

State Library Services has been doing regional reach-outs around the state and visiting libraries, and this month they are visiting MELSA libraries.
Some updates were provided about LSTA funding at the federal level, and Lee and Maggie Snow will be traveling to DC soon to meet with legislators. For state funding, there should not be any major changes.
Hartman entered the meeting at 10:14am.
Durivage manages the Braille and Talking Book Library in Minnesota, and they provide audio, braille, large print materials. One of the services that they provide to libraries is that libraries can certify applications on behalf of patrons, and they can come and share information with library staff about their services. They have been focusing on outreach and have hired an outreach and public services librarian.

b. Discussion and consideration of Saint Paul Legacy expense request

MELSA’s Legacy guidelines state that single contract/single artist Legacy programs that exceed $15,000 requires the approval of MELSA’s board. In accordance with those guidelines, the following is a proposal from Saint Paul Public Library for a Legacy expense:

Saint Paul Public Library requests Legacy funds to pay for a Cheeriup Thicket to be installed outdoors in the storytime garden of the new Hamline Midway Library. The cost of Thicket production and final product is estimated at $17,000.

A local artist named Kelly Hutchinson custom builds interactive outdoor structures called Thickets – they look like little huts. These structures are made of steel and natural materials (wood, branches/sticks) and are meant to go outdoors. Users can go inside to sit, read, or play together. They are meant to engage users with the natural world and inspire wonder and imagination.

Motion to recommend Saint Paul’s proposal for the Cherriup Thicket for Trustee Board Approval by Haubner. Second by Edstrom.

All in favor signified by saying aye.
ACL –  aye       HCL – aye                   SCL – aye
CCL – aye       RCL – aye                   WCL – aye
DCL – aye       SPL –   abstain            
Motion carried.

c. Discussion of the MELSA Professional Development Allocation Policy

MELSA is currently reviewing the criteria for eligible use within our Professional Development Allocation guidelines. While our procedural requirements for documentation and submission remain the same, we are specifically evaluating the types of activities that qualify for reimbursement to ensure they remain justifiable and impactful. To help us refine these categories, we are interested in learning how your systems are currently utilizing these allocations. Furthermore, as professional development needs evolve, we would like to discuss whether the scope of eligible expenses should be expanded to include tuition costs. The current procedural guidelines were distributed in the meeting packet.
The directors expressed an interest in keeping the parameters as open as possible, and some systems were interested in allowing staff to take library service-adjacent courses (such as ASL, leadership and language learning) at the masters, bachelors, and associates level. Currently, each system has a process to verify that the reimbursed training or conference attendance has taken place. It would be expected that class attendance/completion verification would happen at the system level as well. Wichitchu will update the current policy to include college-level tuition and provide further clarification. She will distribute it to the Advisory Board once it is updated.

d. Discussion of the Collaborative Initiative Project

The directors had homework over the holiday break to outline their literacy projects and priorities. At the February meeting, the funding picture will come together, and at a later time a marketing strategy will be established.
DCL, HCL and CCL are interested in using a consultant for early literacy (decodable books, school partnerships, HCL’s Let’s Read program). ACL is interested in expanding the reach of after-school programs, Reading Bridge at home, and providing an online SORA (student reading app) for Anoka County Schools. RCL would like to focus on early literacy and digital literacy. WCL is interested in the birth to kindergarten age range (this would include caregiver education) and the importance of reading aloud, including expanding storytime out into the community. SCL is interested in expanding their tutoring/mentoring program related to early literacy and emerging adults. SPPL is focusing on digital literacy with adults. Lee mentioned that there could be potential for cost savings in working with the Minnesota Department of Education on some of these efforts.

e. Round table sharing

i. ICE incidents around libraries

Duimstra provided some background on ICE activities at Ridgedale and the events of this past week. The county has provided resources to staff about what to do in these situations. Haubner shared that Anoka County will be providing guidelines as well. Other systems shared that patrons and staff have had questions and have been advised to follow safety procedures and local laws. MELSA has been working with local organizations to advertise library services that can be accessed at home without having to leave the house.

ii. Staff recording of ICE

In general, the guidance is that staff should not use personal devices to record video while they are at work.

iii. Library Legislative Day February 25^th planning

Many directors have plans to attend and have various plans for reaching out to legislative representatives. Lee requested that directors share with Wichitchu their one-pagers that they plan on distributing to legislators.

V. Reports & Communications

a. Discussion about guest speakers and joint CRPLSA meeting for 2026

MELSA has money in their budget to bring in guest speakers, and Wichitchu is looking for guidance from the directors on who they might like to invite. The directors liked having State Library Services and Minitex present in the past. CRPLSA will be meeting in the Twin Cities 2 days before PLA, which does not line up with the Advisory Board meeting. There could be a separate meeting set up with CRPLSA and the Advisory Board while they are here. The directors were open to this option.

Duimstra adjourned the meeting at 11:58am.

MELSA Advisory Board
Friday, February 6, 2026
10am-12pm
Virtual

 

1. CALL TO ORDER                                                 Scott Duimstra, Chair
2. INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME
3. CONSENT AGENDA
   1. Approval of agenda
   2. Approval of meeting minutes (January 9, 2025)
4. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
   1. 1. Collection Development Task Force Recommendation                                       Scott Duimstra, Jen Schultz, Jacquie Kramer
      2. Collaborative Initiative Project                         Sherry Wichitchu, MELSA
5. Round table sharing

1. 1. ICE incidents in libraries
   2. Library Legislative Day February 25th Planning

6. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS

1. 1. OverDrive (Libby) Patron Accounts       Abigail James Dillon, MELSA
   2. Executive Director Report                         Sherry Wichitchu, MELSA

7. ADJOURN

 

Next MELSA Advisory Board meeting:

Friday, March 13, 2026
10am-12pm
Golden Valley Library

830 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427

MELSA Advisory Board
Friday, January 9, 2026
10am-12pm
Savage Library
13090 Alabama Ave, Savage, MN, 55378

I. CALL TO ORDER Scott Duimstra, Chair

II. INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME

III. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of agenda
b. Approval of meeting minutes (December 5, 2025)

IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a. State Library Services Tami Lee and Catherine Durivage

b. Discussion and Consideration of Saint Paul Legacy Expense Request Abigail James Dillon, MELSA

c. Discussion of the MELSA Professional Development Allocation Policy Sherry Wichitchu, MELSA Executive Director

d. Discussion of the Collaborative Initiative Project Sherry Wichitchu, MELSA

e. Round table sharing
i. ICE incidents in libraries
ii. Staff recording of ICE
iii. Library Legislative Day February 25th Planning

V. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
a. Discussion about guest speakers and joint CRPLSA meeting for 2026 Sherry Wichitchu, MELSA

VI. ADJOURN

Next MELSA Advisory Board meeting:
Friday, February 9, 2026
10am-12pm
Virtual

Introduction and methods

In spring 2022, the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) contracted with Wilder Research to conduct a survey of adults in the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area to learn more about technology and digital service needs and availability at local public libraries. The eight member library systems that are part of MELSA advised Wilder Research on the development of the survey instrument and data collection methods. A similar survey was conducted in 2015, and that version of the survey was significantly modified for the 2022 survey.

Survey instrument

Wilder Research designed the survey instrument with feedback from representatives from MELSA member libraries. The survey instrument was four pages in length and included 17 questions. A paper and web version of the survey were provided to participants. The web version was programmed into Voxco’s Acuity, a web-based survey platform. Participants were mailed a paper version of the survey and were also provided the option to take the survey in English, Spanish, Hmong, or Somali on the web. See the Appendix for the complete survey instrument in English.

Sample

Address-based sampling was used to ensure all households in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area were included in the sampling frame regardless of their phone status.

The sample was purchased from Marketing Systems Group. Figure 1 shows the number of sampled addresses, number of completed surveys, response rate, and margin of error (both nominal and weighted) for each of the eight regions.

1. Survey sample and response rate

Area	Population of area	Number of addresses sampled	Number of completed surveys	Response rate2	Nominal margin of error	Margin of error with weighting
Anoka County	363,887	2,434	354	15%	5.2%	10.7%
Carver County	106,922	1,800	343	19%	5.3%	10.6%
Dakota County	439,882	2,834	458	16%	4.6%	8.6%
Hennepin County	1,281,565	6,045	857	14%	3.3%	5.3%
Ramsey County1	240,825	1,800	342	19%	5.3%	9.5%
City of Saint Paul	311,527	2,159	306	14%	5.6%	11.2%
Scott County	150,928	1,800	261	15%	6.1%	11.2%
Washington County	267,568	1,928	309	16%	5.6%	10.7%
Total	3,163,104	20,800	3,230	16%	1.7%	3.2%

1 Excluding the City of Saint Paul. 2 Calculated based on American Association for Public Opinion Research response rate.

Participant demographics

Figure 2 describes unweighted demographic data for all survey respondents and provides the weighted percentage as a comparison.

2. Demographics of MELSA survey respondents

Characteristics	N	Percent	Weighted percentage
All respondents	3,230	100%	100%
Library user status
Users	2,114	66%	62%
Non-users	1,096	34%	38%
Gender
Man/male	940	30%	46%
Women/female	2,143	69%	53%
Non-binary	16	1%	1%
Age
18-34	327	10%	28%
35-44	477	15%	18%
45-54	430	14%	17%
55-64	635	20%	18%
65+	1,292	41%	19%
Race/ethnicity
All people of color	292	10%	17%
Asian American or Asian alone	87	3%	5%
Black, African American, or African alone	75	2%	5%
Latino/a or Hispanic alone	40	1%	3%
Multiple racial/ethnic identities	57	2%	2%
White (non-Hispanic) alone	2,727	90%	83%
Highest level of education
High school diploma/GED or less	485	16%	45%
Two-year degree (associate or vocational-technical)	523	17%	10%
Bachelor’s degree or higher	2,075	67%	45%
Household type
Single adult, no children	879	28%	29%
2+ adults, no children	1,473	47%	39%
Single adult, 1+ children	90	3%	5%
2+ adults, 1+ children	674	22%	27%

Note. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. The total Ns in each category do not total 3,230 due to missing responses.

 

2. Demographics of MELSA survey respondents (continued)

Characteristics	N	Percent	Weighted percentage
Household poverty statusa
Less than 200% of Federal Poverty Line	256	11%	17%
200% of the Federal Poverty Line or above	2,163	89%	83%
Employment status
Employed (full time or part time)	1,697	54%	67%
Unemployed	118	4%	7%
Unable to work, student, or retired	1,345	43%	26%

Note. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. The total Ns in each category do not total 3,230 due to missing responses.

a Poverty levels have been approximated based on number of household occupants and the following income categories, which were constructed to align closely with the 200% of federal poverty line at different household sizes: less than $26,000; $26,000 to under $35,000; $35,000 to under $44,000; $44,000 to under $53,000; $53,000 to under $62,000; $62,000 to under $71,000;

$71,000 to under $80,000; $80,000 to under $90,000; $90,000 to under $100,000; $100,000 and over. In 2021, 200% of the federal poverty line is $53,000 for a family of four.

Data collection

Wilder Research used a “modified Dillman” method of survey mailing as follows: An initial survey packet that included a cover letter, the survey instrument, and a postage-paid return envelope was mailed on April 14, 2022, to 20,800 sampled households. No incentive was offered to respondents.

Approximately one week after the first survey packets were mailed (April 14), a postcard was sent to all sampled households, reminding those who had not yet returned a survey to do so, and thanking those who had already responded.

On May 1, two weeks after the reminder postcards were mailed, another full survey packet was sent to all households that still had not returned the survey. The remaining completed surveys were received over the next 2-3 weeks, with the final date for the receipt of surveys being June 1, 2022. The targeted number of completed surveys was 3,120, for a response rate of ~15%. The actual number of completed surveys was 3,230 surveys for a final response rate of 16%.

Adults were randomly selected from within the sampled households using the “most recently birthday” method (asking the adult who most recently had a birthday to fill out the one survey for that household) to ensure gender and age balance in survey respondents.

Data cleaning

All completed paper surveys were scanned by Adapt Inc., then proofed and coded by trained Wilder staff. Paper survey data were entered into data analysis software by Wilder staff. Data from the completed paper surveys was then combined with data collected via web survey to create the full dataset. Wilder’s research analyst used SPSS to create an analyzable data file and performed quality tests, including, but not limited to, ensuring proper skip patterns were followed throughout the survey, ensuring only one completed survey was included per household, and assessing the logical consistency of responses within surveys.

Weighting and analysis

Survey data are weighted to produce reliable estimates of population parameters. Weighting also compensates for practical limitations of a sample survey, such as differences in the likelihood of various populations responding to the survey and not reaching certain populations for a variety of reasons (e.g., due to housing status). By taking advantage of demographic information about the target population, weighting can reduce the variability of survey estimates.

The data were weighted against the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Population Estimates. Given the sample size and the demographic composition of the adult population of the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area, weights were constructed using an iterative proportional fitting routine, also known as “raking.” The variables used include geography, education level, age, and gender. Survey data for these demographic questions include missing values. All such missing values were first imputed using a hot-deck procedure before the construction of the survey weights. The weights were then put through a series of quality control checks to detect extreme outliers and to prevent any computational or procedural errors.

Limitations

A smaller proportion of survey respondents are young (age 18-34), male, and with a lower education level (i.e., high school diploma/GED or less) compared with the actual population. Weighting improves this, but does not completely remedy the issue. Smaller regions, such as Anoka County, are affected by these proportional issues to a greater degree than larger regions.

Talking points about the study methods

To assist the representatives from MELSA and the eight member libraries in communicating with their stakeholders about this study, the following talking points can be used to help explain the study methods:

• This is a mailed survey with a web Each sampled household received up to three mailings. No incentive was offered.
• The survey was sent to a random sample of households in the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area. All households had an equal chance of being sampled.
• The response rate for this survey was 16% and is what is expected for mailed surveys with a web option without an incentive offered for participation.
• The survey data are adjusted with post-stratification and design weighting, which are statistical techniques commonly used to correct for nonresponse bias (whereby certain types of people are more or less likely to respond to surveys).
• These methods ultimately produced a sample that is statistically representative of the adult population for each region in the eight member regional library system.
• It is important to be aware of the limitations of the A smaller proportion of survey respondents are young (age 18-34), male, and with a lower education level (i.e., high school diploma/GED or less) compared with the actual population. While weighting results in a sample representative of the adult population, it does not completely remedy the issue. Smaller regions, such as Anoka County are affected by these proportional issues to a greater degree than larger regions.

Be cautious with data interpretation as some variables may be confounding. For example, when looking at differences between White (non-Hispanic) respondents and all respondents of color, keep in mind that a higher percentage of survey respondents of color reported a poverty status of below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Similarly, respondents living in households with children versus households without children are younger. Differences between these demographic groups could be attributed to differences in the poverty status distribution of respondents rather than race or due to age rather than household type, for instance.

How to use the data books

For every table in the accompanying Excel data books, results are displayed for sub-groups of respondents based on:

• Region, including region overall and county
• Library user status, including users and non-users (defined as having or not having used the local library in the past 12 months)
• Age, including adults age 18-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+
• Race/ethnicity, including all people of color (and further disaggregation for the MELSA data book) and White (non-Hispanic) alone – the number of responses from people of color were not large enough for individual library systems to disaggregate further by race/ethnicity
• Highest level of education obtained by the respondent, including high school graduate/ GED or less, two-year college degree (associate or vocational-technical), and bachelor’s degree or higher
• Approximated household poverty status, including less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, and 200% of the Federal Poverty Line or above
• Household type, including single adults with no children, 2+ adults with no children, single adults with 1+ children, and 2+ adults with 1+ children
• Employment status, including employed (full time or part time), unemployed, and unable to work, student, or retired

The columns in each table correspond to the response options respondents were given on the survey (see Appendix for the survey instrument). If a table presents a survey question with fixed response categories, each column indicates the percentage of respondents who gave that response to the question. Some answer categories are combined because of the low number of responses in those categories. The last column in each row of the table always presents the unweighted number of respondents. The frequencies, however, are based on weighted data; thus the databooks cannot be used to calculate the number of respondents who responded a certain way. Some questions apply only to certain types of respondents (due to skip patterns in the survey). In these cases, the total includes only the respondents for whom the question was applicable.

Some table cells are filled with only a dash. This means that the number of respondents was too small and was therefore suppressed to protect confidentiality and because the small numbers might not produce reliable population estimates.

Four questions included an ‘other, specify’ option for respondents to write in their own answers. One question was open-ended without any closed-ended response options.

Responses were grouped according to theme in order to reveal which trends are most notable. Respondents were allowed to provide multiple ideas; for this reason, the total number of responses listed in these tables does not correspond directly to the number of respondents, but rather to the number of answers to the question. The number of respondents can be seen in the title of each table (“N=”).

Library Technology and Digital Services Survey

       In the past 12 months, how often have you used your local library (either in-person or online)?

 Every day or most days

 At least once a week

 About 1-3 times a month

 Less than once a month

 I haven’t used my local library in the past 12 months

      What type of internet connection (WiFi) do you have at home?

 I have an internet connection and it meets my needs.  GO TO QUESTION 3

 

 I have an internet connection, but it is slow or unreliable.                                            Æ  None, I do not have an internet connection at home.                                            Æ  Unsure                                 Æ

2a.  How do you access the internet? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)  None, I do not access the internet  From work or school  From the library  From a senior or community center  From a coffee shop or restaurant  From someone else’s home (friend or relative)  From my cell phone  Some other way, please specify:

       How satisfied are you with the following technology and digital services provided by your local library?

 

	Very satisfied	Satisfied	Dissatisfied	Very Dissatisfied	Not applicable: Have not used
a. Computers					
b. Internet access (WiFi)					
c. Printers					
d. eCollection (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines)					
e. Online research tools (library databases)					
f. Technology support from staff					

 

      Some libraries offer these additional technology and digital services. Which of these services would you use if they were available at the library? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY).

 Tablets

 WiFi Hotspots

 Scanners

 Fax machine

 Docking station for connecting a laptop to other hardware (monitor, keyboard, or power supply)

 Charging ports

 Video conference rooms

 Don’t know/not sure

 Other, please specify:

 

       In the past 12 months, did you go online (use the internet) at the library or somewhere else, to do any of the following?

(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

 

	Yes, at the library	Yes, from somewhere else	Did not do this online
a. Make a reservation for a public service (class, event, campground, picnic pavilion, etc.)			
b. Access government information and services (Register for or check status on: public housing, health insurance, Medicare, unemployment, passport, Social Security. Search for office hours, locations, election information.)			
c. Make a payment for taxes or fees (property tax, license fees/renewals etc.)			
d. Do homework, take a class, or complete other education-related tasks (access the parent portal, research college or vocational school options, etc.)			
e.  Search or apply for a job			
f.   Work or conduct work-related business (freelance, contract work, full-time/part-time job, etc.)			
g. Other: shop, bank, find health information, look things up, entertainment, connect with friends and family, etc.			

 

       In the last 6 months, how often have you used the library for remote work or distance learning?

 Every day or most days

 At least once a week

 About 1-3 times a month

 Less than once a month

 I haven’t used the library for remote work or distance learning in the last 6 months.

       What support would help you work remotely or participate in distance learning? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

 Nothing, I do not work remotely or participate in distance learning.

 Nothing, all my needs for remote work and distance learning are met.

 High-speed internet connection

 Available space with audio/video conferencing software

 Private work space

 Free or low-cost printing, faxing, and scanning

 Technical support

 Other, please specify:

 

       Do you need help with any of the following computer skills or activities?

	Yes	Maybe	No
a. Using a computer (desktop, laptop), smartphone, or tablet			
b. Using email			
c. Staying safe and protecting privacy online			
d. Downloading eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines or music			
e. Using video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.)			
f. Printing, scanning, or faxing			
g. Searching and applying for jobs			
h. Starting or growing a business			
i. Finding health or wellness information and resources			
j. Finding legal information and resources			
k. Accessing government services (applying for a government program, paying taxes or government fees, contacting government officials)			
l. Creating multimedia (3D printing, editing photos, video, or audio files, etc.)			
m. Conducting research as part of work or schoolwork			
n. Other, please specify:			

 

       Please add any additional comments or feedback you have about library technology or digital services.

 

 

Lastly, we have a few questions about you and your household. We want to be sure that we include all kinds of people and households in this study. This information will be used to ensure that the survey data represents the population. Remember, your responses are confidential.

  What is your home zip code?

 

 What is your gender?

 Man/male

 Non-binary

 Woman/female

 Prefer to self-describe:

 Prefer not to answer

 

  How do you identify your race/ethnicity? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

 American Indian, Native American, or Alaska Native

 Asian American or Asian

 Black, African American, or African

 Latino/a or Hispanic

 White or Caucasian

 Another race/ethnicity not on this list

 Prefer not to answer

  What is the highest level of education you have completed?

 Less than high school

 High school graduate or GED

 Two-year degree (associate or vocational-technical)

 Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree)

 Postgraduate or professional degree

 Prefer not to answer

  Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

 Employed full time

 Employed part time

 Unemployed

 Unable to work

 Student

 Retired

 What is your age?

 18-24 years

 25-34 years

 35-44 years

 45-54 years

 55-64 years

 65 years or older

  INCLUDING YOURSELF, how many adults and children live in your household?

 

Number of adults age 18 or older

 

Number of children under age 18

 

  What was your total (gross, taxable) household income in 2021 from all earners and all sources?

 

 $0-25,999  $26,000-34,999  $35,000-43,999  $44,000-52,999  $53,000-61,999  $62,000-70,999

 $71,000-79,999  $80,000-89,999  $90,000-99,999  $100,000 and over  Prefer not to answer

 

April 13, 2022

 

Dear Anoka County Resident:

 

This is your opportunity to participate in an important survey about library technology and digital services.

 

Wilder Research is conducting a survey on behalf of Anoka County Library and the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA). This information will be used to help library leaders and county commissioners determine what technology and digital services are available at the library.

 

 

Your address was randomly selected from all addresses in Anoka County. This survey is voluntary and confidential. We will never share any identifying information about you with anyone. Your answers will be combined with the answers from other survey participants to help us understand what technology and digital services the community needs and wants from the library.

 

The survey should be completed by the ADULT (age 18 or over) in your household with the most recent birthday. The survey will take about 5 minutes of your time and can be completed in one of these two ways:

 

Go online and fill out the survey:

Website: www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey

Enter your unique access code: <PIN>

 

Fill out the enclosed paper survey and return it in the enclosed postage paid envelope.

 

If you have any questions about the survey, please call Dan Swanson from Wilder Research, at 651-280-2712. Thank you very much for your participation!

Sincerely,

 

Colleen Haubner Library Director

Para completar la encuesta en español, visite

www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Para asistencia con completar la encuesta en español, llame al 651-280-2973.

 

Lus Hmoob, yog koj xav ua tiav koj daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas lub Hmoob, mus rau: www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Yog koj xav tau kev pab ntawm daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas hauv lub Hmoob,

hu rau 651-280-2971.

 

Waad ka jawaabi kartaa ururinta xogta luqadda Soomaali: booqo www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Haddii aad caawinaad u bahaantahay in lagugu caawiyo inaad kaga jawaabisto Sahanka Af-Soomaali, soo wac

651-280-2972.

 

Your feedback is needed!

Help inform the future of library technology & digital services.

 

We recently sent you a survey about your library’s technology and digital services.

This information will be used to improve library services.

The survey should be completed by the ADULT in your household (age 18 or older) with the most recent birthday.

 

 

 

 

c/o Wilder Research

451 Lexington Parkway North St. Paul, MN 55104

 

To take the survey, go to:

     www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey

 

Enter your PIN:

 

Questions?

 Dan Swanson, Wilder Research 651-280-2712

 

 

May 11, 2022

 

Dear Anoka County Resident:

 

This is your final opportunity to participate in an important survey to inform the future of the library’s technology and digital services. We will accept completed surveys through June 1^st.

 

On behalf of Anoka County Library and the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), we would like to extend a final invitation for you to participate in a survey to help determine what technology and digital services are available at the library.

 

 

Your address was randomly selected from all addresses in Anoka County. This survey is voluntary and confidential. We will never share any identifying information about you with anyone. Your answers will be combined with the answers from other survey participants to help us understand what technology and digital services the community needs and wants from the library.

 

The survey should be completed by the ADULT (age 18 or over) in your household with the most recent birthday. The survey will take about 5 minutes of your time and can be completed in one of these two ways:

 

Go online and fill out the survey:

Website: www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey

Enter your unique access code: <PIN>

 

Fill out the enclosed paper survey and return it in the enclosed postage paid envelope.

 

If you have any questions about the survey, please call Dan Swanson

from Wilder Research, at 651-280-2712. Thank you very much for your participation! Sincerely,

 

Colleen Haubner Library Director

Para completar la encuesta en español, visite

www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Para asistencia con completar la encuesta en español, llame al 651-280-2973.

 

Lus Hmoob, yog koj xav ua tiav koj daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas lub Hmoob, mus rau: www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Yog koj xav tau kev pab ntawm daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas hauv lub Hmoob,

hu rau 651-280-2971.

 

Waad ka jawaabi kartaa ururinta xogta luqadda Soomaali: booqo www.wilderresearch.org/go/MELSASurvey. Haddii aad caawinaad u bahaantahay in lagugu caawiyo inaad kaga jawaabisto Sahanka Af-Soomaali, soo wac

651-280-2972.

 

Acknowledgements

Wilder Research would like to thank MELSA and the advisory group made up of representatives from the member libraries for their guidance and contribution to the study.

 

We would also like to thank the 3,230 seven-county Twin Cities metro area residents who participated in this survey. Without them, this report would not be possible.

 

The following Wilder Research staff contributed to the completion of this project:

Mark Anton Anna Alba Walker Bosch Marilyn Conrad Anna Granias Thalia Hall Tshiacha Lee

Amanda Petersen Maureen McGovern Dan Swanson Maria Robinson Jennifer Valorose

Wilder Research, a division of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, is a nationally respected nonprofit research and evaluation group. For more than 100 years, Wilder Research has gathered and interpreted facts and trends to help families and communities thrive, get at the core of community concerns, and uncover issues that are overlooked or poorly understood.

451 Lexington Parkway North Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

651-280-2700 | www.wilderresearch.org

MELSA Strategic Plan – Outcomes and Initiatives

Approved 3/17/2022

Outcome I: MELSA communicates the value and impact of public libraries in the metro area.
Initiative A: Position libraries as a highly valued public service in the minds of key decision-makers.
Initiative B: Take a leadership role in state advocacy efforts, leveraging staff skill sets in support of increased and sustained funding for the state’s libraries
Initiative C: Coordinate legislative advocacy efforts by metro area libraries by creating shared tracking documents for each legislative session.
Initiative D: Develop an advocacy-focused communications plan to support library advocacy activities
Initiative E: Develop a formal campaign focused on how libraries impact their communities and their citizens.

Outcome II: MELSA programs and services support racial and social equity, inclusion and diversity.
Initiative A: Analyze results of Digital Inclusion community survey, evaluate MELSA programs and services to address needs identified in the survey.
Initiative B: Implement schedule of equity audits for programs and services provided by MELSA.
Initiative C: Lead collections equity efforts by enhancing MELSA’s investment in digital resources that reflect viewpoints and needs of marginalized communities.
Initiative D: Play an active role in regional digital inclusion initiatives to ensure all have access to online world, including library resources

Outcome III: Member libraries have the resources, support and training needed to address changing library workforce needs.
Initiative A: Support and empower member library staff participation in professional development and associations
Initiative B: Provide opportunities for sharing of best practices, expertise and success among member library staff in the metro area
Initiative C: Explore and fund professional development and training opportunities for member library staff that address issues of equity and inclusion.

Outcome IV: MELSA leverages its resources to enhance shared access to library services across the metro area
Initiative A: Determine desirability and feasibility of additional shared services, including shared ILS, collection development, cataloging, acquisitions
Initiative B: Periodically solicit input on technology needs of member libraries, utilizing Technology Team feedback and in input from metro area library directors.
Initiative C: Implement a consistent cycle of program and service reviews to assess ongoing relevance and appropriateness for member libraries, including implementing surveys and incorporating member library staff in the review process.
Initiative D: Develop tools for tracking and reporting how MELSA services impact equitable access across the region.

Outcome V: MELSA is a leader in fostering innovation, collaboration and experimentation in metro area library services.

Initiative A: Develop an Innovation Fund, with funding set aside for new projects, technologies or services within metro area libraries.
Initiative B: Research and identify potential funding sources for new projects and programs, without competing with member systems for funding.
Initiative C: Seek community partnerships to broaden access to library services and programs throughout the metro area.
Initiative D: Leverage technology to improve communication and collaboration between metro area libraries.
Initiative E: Identify and share ideas for innovative programs and services gleaned from peer libraries nationwide.

REGIONAL LIBRARY BASIC SYSTEM SUPPORT
REPORT OF RESULTS AND EXPENDITURES
FY25 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)

This report is provided as required by Minnesota Rules, Chapter 3530.
Name and address of regional public library system: Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) 1619 Dayton Avenue, Suite 314
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

Name, phone number and e-mail address of regional public library system administrator: Sherry Wichitchu [email protected]create new email 651-300-2810

Please estimate the number of people who received services provided with Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS): 3,247,971

By signing, we certify that the data and information contained in this report are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief:
Signature:
Name: Laurie Halverson Chair, Governing Board Date: 9/18/2025
Signature:
Name: Sherry Wichitchu
Regional Public Library System Administrator Date: 9/18/2025

Please send one PDF copy of the signed report to Emma De Vera at [email protected]create new email by October 1, 2025.

Report of Accomplishments

Overall Results
At a Glance – Please provide a few quick statistics that summarize your FY25 results: Metropolitan Library Service Agency, MELSA, worked closely with Advisory Board members representing the eight library systems across the seven metro counties. Through our collaboration, MELSA provided a range of services on behalf of our members.

Individual Programs
Briefly highlight the programs/services/activities that took place during FY25, using the format below for each. Please include as many programs needed to fully describe your activities and limit the narrative for each program to 200-250 words.
Description of Program:
• Please describe what you did through this program; What was the goal of your program?: MELSA identified goal areas that align with the strategic plan adopted by the MELSA Board of Trustees in March of 2022. Goal addressed: MELSA leverages its resources to enhance shared access to library services across the metro area (Outcome IV of strategic plan) MELSA provided shared resources, operational funds, and collaborative purchasing that enhanced the reach and impact of member library services. This included providing access to e-resources for our library members, which offer a significant discount when purchased as a group. This includes Transparent Languages, an e-resource that offers 100 languages, many of them not mainstream, and reaches a broader audience across metro communities. MELSA spent $1,272,369 on electronic resources that offer educational homework support, career and personal development resources, language skill development, readers advisory services, and skill building in a variety of areas. MELSA continued support for the shared digital collection, which was once again the highest circulating Overdrive consortium in the world, with spending of $1,067,629 for content and platform fees. Goal addressed: MELSA is a leader in fostering innovation, collaboration and experimentation in metro area library services. (Outcome V of strategic plan) We continue to support the smARTpass program which offers accessibility to the arts for library users with the option to attend music, theater and museum locations. Goal Addressed: MELSA communicates the value and impact of public libraries in the metro area. (Outcome 1 of strategic plan) MELSA worked in collaboration with staff from the member library systems to determine the most effective ways to build awareness in communities across the 7-county metro. Through campaigns for smARTpass, promotion of programs through the public library systems across the metro, participation in community events, television spots, and social media postings that reach thousands of people.

• Who was served by this program? MELSA serves communities throughout the 7-county metropolitan area and supports member library systems to deliver outstanding library services.

• How did this program contribute to your organization’s mission and strategic plan goals? MELSA activities are designed in collaboration with MELSA member library systems. Our members are critical to MELSA being a mission driven organization and ensuring that our services reflect their needs and the voices of the community. This enables member systems to improve and expand their library collections, programs, and services provided for metro area residents. MELSA’s overarching resources expand the service capacity of member library systems, and they in turn provide direct services to the public.
Program Outcomes – Please provide one or more performance measures, including two data points for each and the dates of those data points.
Name of measure FY2024 data FY2025 data
Goal Addressed: MELSA leverages its resources to enhance shared access to library services across the metro area.

Overdrive Metro E-library:
This shared resource still holds our place as Overdrive’s highest circulating consortium collection worldwide.

e-Resources services:
This shared resource provides access for our library
members. Each of the resources addresses a different need and are in high demand by library patrons.

Unique users 345,339
Total checkouts 12,117,000
Searches/users 1,048,636

Unique users 384,145
Total checkouts 13,201,000

Searches/users 2,333,463

Goal addressed: MELSA is a leader in fostering innovation, collaboration and experimentation in metro area library services.

MELSA continued supporting smARTpass, which continues to grow and provides opportunities to experience the arts for library patrons who may not
otherwise have access to participate.

$7,190

$7,730
Goal addressed: MELSA communicates the value and impact of public libraries in the metro area.

MELSA works with our members to determine how to increase the awareness of the public about what libraries offer. MELSA does this through developing promotional materials, and content that tell the public library story through traditional and social media
campaigns. We use advertising and expand contracts
$67,938

$74,456

with the media that reach diverse audiences. MELSA also provides event coordination and metro wide library program support through advertising and
program collateral.

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT
CREATING METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SERVICE AGENCY

Adopted by Members: 1969
Amended by Members: January 27, 2000
February 1, 2003
September 1, 2009

This Third Amended and Restated Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and among Anoka County, Carver County, Dakota County, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Scott County, Washington County and the City of St. Paul (“Members”) pursuant to
Minn. Stat. §§ 471.59 and 134.20.

The Members have determined that the extension and improvement of public library service within the Members’ respective jurisdictions can be accomplished by MELSA as
authorized and described herein.

In consideration of the mutual promises and benefits that each Member shall derive here from and by the authority granted by Minn. Stat. §§ 471.59 and 134.20, the Members agree to amend the Second Amended and Restated Agreement creating the Metropolitan Library Service Agency by deleting it in its entirety and restating it as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURPOSES
The Members have executed this Agreement for the general purposes of improving public library services within the jurisdictions of the Members and coordinating public library service in any ways, which the Members deem mutually satisfactory and appropriate. Such coordination may consist of but is not limited to the following activities:

* establishing catalogs of materials, such as Union Catalog
* establishing communication networks
* arranging for interchange of materials and services
* reviewing the location of public library services
* coordinating the selection of emphasis in materials selection
* coordinating the coverage of subject fields

ARTICLE II

TERM
The term of this amended Agreement shall commence on September 1, 2009 and continue in full force and effect until terminated pursuant to Article VIII of this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SERVICE AGENCY

A. Creation. Composition and Appointing Authority. A joint powers library board, known as the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), is established for the purposes contained herein with the powers set forth in this Agreement. The Board of MELSA shall consist of one representative from each Member. The Board of Commissioners of each Member that is a county shall appoint, by resolution, its representative to the Board. The mayor and city council of the City of Saint Paul shall select the City of Saint Paul’s representative to the Board. No representative may be an employee of any of the Members’ library systems.

B. Terms. Each representative to the Board shall be appointed for a three-year term and may be appointed to no more than three consecutive terms. A representative may continue to serve until a successor has been appointed pursuant to the provisions of section A above. Removal of any representative with or without cause during the term for which the representative was appointed shall be done only by the appointing authority of the Member.

C. Vacancies. If an appointment of a representative to the Board is vacated before the end of the term, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the same method as identified in section A above for the remainder of the term. A vacancy shall be deemed to have occurred when any of the conditions specified in Minn. Stat. § 351.02 exist or if a representative who is an elected official fails to qualify or act as such official.

D. President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. The Board shall elect a President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer from its membership for one-year terms. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall perform other duties and functions as may be determined by the Board. The Vice President shall preside over meetings of the Board and act as the President in the absence of the President. The Secretary/Treasurer shall preside over meetings of the Board in the absence of the President and Vice President, and act as President in the absence of the President and Vice President.

ARTICLE IV

POWERS OF THE BOARD

A. The Board shall have all of the powers and duties of city and county library boards as provided in Minn. Stat. §§134.ll, 134.12 and 134.13.

B. The Board shall have the power to adopt and amend such bylaws that it may deem necessary or desirable for the conduct of the business of the Board. Such bylaws shall be consistent with this Agreement and any applicable laws or regulations.

C. The Board shall have exclusive control of the expenditure of moneys collected for or placed to the credit of the MELSA library fund established pursuant to Article VI, and of interest earned on all moneys collected for or placed to the credit of such library fund.

D. The Board may provide for the employment, discipline or discharge of personnel required to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

E. The Board may enter into any contract necessary for the exercise of its powers or the fulfillment of its duties, including contracts with library systems within and outside the seven-county metropolitan area.

F. Consistent with applicable state law, the Board may apply for and accept gifts, grants, or loans of money, other property or assistance from the United States Government, the State of Minnesota, or any person, association or agency for any MELSA purposes; enter into any agreement in connection therewith; and hold, use, and dispose of such money, other property or assistance in accordance with the terms of the gift, grant or loan relating thereto.

G. The Board may disburse funds in a manner which is consistent with this Agreement and with the method provided by law for the disbursement of funds by the Members.

ARTICLE V

RESERVATION OF AUTHORITY
All responsibilities not specifically set out to be jointly exercised by the Board under this Agreement are hereby reserved to the Members.

ARTICLE VI

MELSA LIBRARY FUND

A. Establishment. The MELSA library fund is established for the purposes contained herein. It shall include all money collected for or placed to the credit of the MELSA library fund and the interest on all such funds. All money received for the Board, if paid into the treasury of any Member, shall be credited to the MELSA library fund and kept separate from other money of the Member.

B. Procedures. Money in the MELSA library fund shall be paid out only upon approval by the Board.

C. Budget. The Board shall adopt an annual budget and shall make it available to all Members and their library boards.

D. Budget and Accounting Services. The MELSA library fund shall be deposited in such bank or banks as may be determined by the Board in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 11A.

E. Accountability for Funds. All funds in the MELSA library fund shall be accounted for according to generally accepted accounting principles. The Secretary/Treasurer shall report monthly to the Board on all receipts to and disbursements from the MELSA library fund and shall make it available to all Members and their library boards.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS

A. Applicability. MELSA shall be considered a separate and distinct public entity to which the Parties have transferred all responsibility and control for actions taken pursuant to this Agreement. MELSA shall comply with all laws and rules that govern a public entity in the State of Minnesota and shall be entitled to the protections of M.S. 466.

B. Indemnification and Hold Harmless. MELSA shall fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Parties against all claims, losses, liability, suits, judgments, costs and expenses by reason of the action or inaction of the Board and/or employees and/or the agents of MELSA. This Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless does not constitute a waiver by any participant of limitations on liability provided under Minnesota Statutes, Section 466.04.

To the full extent permitted by law, actions by the Parties pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be and shall be construed as a “cooperative activity” and it is the intent of the Parties that they shall be deemed a “single governmental unit” for the purpose of liability, as set forth in Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.59, subd. 1a(a); provided further that for purposes of that statute, each Party to this Agreement expressly declines responsibility for the acts or omissions of the other Party.

The Parties of this Agreement are not liable for the acts or omissions of the other participants to this Agreement except to the extent to which they have agreed in writing to be responsible for acts or omissions of the other Parties.

ARTICLE VIII

WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION

A. Withdrawal. Any Member may withdraw from this Agreement by giving written notice to the Board at least six (6) months prior to the effective date of withdrawal. In the case of a Member that is a county, notice shall be a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Commissioners indicating its intent to withdraw from this Agreement. In the case of a Member that is a city, notice shall be a certified copy of a resolution or minutes of the appointing authority indicating its intent to withdraw from this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice, the President shall forward a copy to each Member. In the event of withdrawal, by any Member, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to all remaining Members.

B. Effect of Withdrawal. Withdrawal by any Member shall not terminate this Agreement except as provided in Article VIII, section C.

C. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any one of the following events:

1. When enough Members withdraw pursuant to Section A so that, in the judgment of the Board, it becomes impractical to continue.

2. When necessitated by operation of law or as a result of a decision by a court of competent jurisdiction.

3. When a majority of Members agree to terminate the Agreement.

D. Effect of Termination. Termination shall not discharge any liability incurred by the Board or by the Members during the term of this Agreement. Upon a decision to terminate pursuant to Section C, and prior to the effective date of termination, the Board shall wind up its business, including the prosecution and defense of any claims. Property or surplus money held by the Board shall then be distributed to the Members in proportion to contributions of the Members or as required by law. The Board shall approve a final report of its activities and affairs prior to the effective date of termination.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

A. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only by unanimous written Agreement of the Members.

B. Records, Accounts and Reports. The Board shall establish and maintain such funds and accounts as may be required by good accounting practices. The books and records of the Board shall be subject to the provisions of Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) and Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5.

C. The Board shall obtain liability, property and other appropriate insurance it deems necessary to indemnify the Board and its members for actions of the Board and its members arising out of this Agreement.

D. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

E. The Board may adopt bylaws for the governance and conduct of the business of the organization.