Time: 12:00pm Eastern Time (US)
Please see the calendar invite for the Zoom link.
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Welcomes
Discussion around budget updates; info varies but generally institutions are gaining more info and clarity on budget impacts of COVID-19.
FY2021 Fedora Budget
David sent draft budget in advance; presented top line scenarios and anticipated impact. We had some renewals, cancellations and downgrades but don’t have full clarity on renewals this early in process. Budget proposal includes reduced travel and presumed 15% reduction in membership revenue as estimate. It also included info and impact around potential reduced staffing allocations.
It is challenging to know how much impact there will be this year.
Potential IMLS funding won’t be known until July/August. Other grants may be options.
General Agreement/Guiding Principle: Fedora 6.0 is a priority. Leadership wants to fully commit to 6.0, and make it easier to migrate. This requires development but also training and outreach. Program has “rainy day” funds – it is raining so let’s use some reserves for this year while keeping in mind the need to keep some for future years as well. Also moving to 6.0 gives opportunity for more effective hosting options for institutions.
General agreement: go with option A (keep current staffing allocations, reduced travel) and will spend down reserves. Leadership will check in in next quarterly meeting to assess once renewal info is clear (and IMLS funding decided). At that time, we can determine if we need to change course then and go to option C (with reduced staffing allocations) or other changes if necessary.
No reservations with this plan.
Action: David will send out info for official vote for FY20-21 budget
Bridging Fedora Memberships
David provided info on the steering recommendation for bridging memberships. We want to recognize institutions would continue to be members if not for COVID-19 related budget issues; in those cases, after exhausting other options (lower membership level 1st resort; if not then) offer to maintain Fedora membership at current level for 1 year.
The intent is to have them continue in the community (also sometimes contribute to testing, development, documentation, governance) and bring back institution on as paying member the following fiscal year. This recognizes that once an organization loses a member, it is hard to bring them back. It is a way to keep the community together and recognize their membership cancellation is due to financial circumstances beyond their control. Extending the membership and offering understanding is a bridge to fuller community vs losing their participation in the community. Note, this isn’t a decision in perpetuity – it is a one-year extension. It will be revisited for the following membership cycle.
General agreement, no reservations with this plan.
Action: David will send out info for official vote for FY20-21 budget
Communication and Outreach during COVID-19
David introduced how program is communicating during COVID-19. There is interest in following the example a DSpace forum for some membership tiers as a way to encourage more engagement. Discussion about engagement and events included:
Strategic Subgroup Reports and Next Steps
Subgroup: Product Technology Group
David provided an update. They are focused on testing for Fedora 6.0 – creating a test plan, identifying tests to run and the resources necessary. Not ready yet for testing but quite close.
Subgroup: Communication, Outreach, Marketing, and Community
Este shared with COVID-19 shifted outreach; want to spread the word about Fedora 6; articulate the value of community in addition to the software; would like to do brochure (similar to Samvera); would like to capture information about the way Fedora supports research and impact in cultural heritage. Is there a way to gather info on increased usage during COVID-19 to show impact?
Interest in virtual events and videos
Many shared links to their content.
Action: Este will gather these resources for a draft document about online resources and increased usage supported by Fedora
Subgroup: Governance and Business Model
Rosalyn gave an update on this group. They have updated the wiki to more accurately reflect the structure of governance. They are working on the event for other levels of membership and thinking about how to convey governance to the group. Asked for other topics of interest to the larger leadership. Some potential areas include exploring and documenting COVID-19 related change such as bridging and participation, new fiscal year elections.
Other
Congratulations to Maurice York– he will be the new Director of Library Initiatives for the Big Ten Academic Alliance!
Action Items
Action: David will send out info for official vote for FY20-21 budget
Action: David will send out info for official vote for FY20-21 budget
Action: Este will gather these resources for a draft document about online resources and increased usage supported by Fedora