Kansas librarians from around the state gathered in Wichita on November 9 to consider changes to the current statewide database funding and governance model. Marc Galbraith, Interim State Librarian, opened the session with an overview of issues and outline for the day’s agenda.
Patti Butcher (SLK), Alan Bearman (CODDL) and Jean Redeker (KSBOR) followed with details on history, current structure, funding and costs, and the Regents’ interest in moving forward. Gillian Harrison Cain, director of Marketing & Program Development at BCR, presented comparisons with neighboring state models and solutions for multi-type library consortium purchasing. 
Following lunch, the group divided into small groups to discuss and report back on two questions:
1. What is the single most critical component of a statewide multi-type consortia from your point of view?
*Funding, branding, universal access, and expansion of funding partners
2. What does your library hope to achieve by participating in a statewide multi-type consortia?
*Access to more resources (economies), marketing, education, tiers of service, central support/ management
Representatives from OEIE at KS were on hand to assist with group facilitation and recording. A report will be issued through Kan-ed, with more discussion planned and the goal of a long-term solution.
The day was sponsored and funding was provided by Kan-ed as part of its annual Member Conference.