HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-16 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees Meeting
May 16, 2005
G, MASS.
Ufi SON' 20 P 3' 00
Attending: Vicki Yablonsky, chair; Bill Anthony, Susie Axelson; Karen Brown, David
Hutchinson, Karyn Storti; Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant
Director.
Also attending: Ben Tafoya, liaison from the Board of Selectmen
The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of the Meeting of
April 10, 2005 were unanimously approved.
Database Demo
The first order of business was a demonstration of several of the library's research databases.
The group adjourned to the first floor where reference librarian Kathy Miksis explained and
demonstrated various databases, including the Boston Globe online, Reference USA, and
Novelist. Kathy explained useful features of each of the databases, and also pointed out that
these databases may be accessed by library card holders from home.
In response to questions from the Board, Ms.Urell explained the role played by NOBLE,
NMRLS, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in providing libraries with
access to these databases. Mr. Anthony expressed the need for publicizing the databases, and
incorporating statistics into library reports.
Financial Report
Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the personnel budget appears to be underspent due to the
saving created by the vacancy in the Director position. A question was raised by Ms. Brown
about whether this money might be used for some other purpose benefiting the Library. Mr.
Tafoya will speak to the Town Manager about whether the surplus can be transferred and
used for capital expenses. Several suggestions were made in regard to needed improvements,
including replacing carpeting (basement, Children's Room, and on the stairways) and
purchasing new computer hardware.
Statistical Report
Ms. Urell spoke about the need to use statistics effectively. She will be reviewing the reports
currently being provided to be certain that they are useful and relevant to decision-making.
In response to a question from Mr. Hutchinson about how circulation statistics could be
increased, Ms. Urell spoke about increasing hours of operation and providing an up-to-date
and vibrant selection of materials.
Director's Report
Report on attending the Massachusetts Library Conference
Ms Urell attended an outstanding program on diversity leadership
Reading won three Public Relations awards, including first place for " Summer
Reading Programs"
Patty O'Donnell was honored as one of the nominees for "Paralibrarian of the Year"
• Update on the Community Languages Grant. The Advisory Group has been formed and
has met once. Materials have been ordered, and have begun arriving. Multi-cultural
programs are planned for summer, in conjunction with Summer Reading which will have
an international theme.
Town Meeting Budget Amendment
Mr. Tafoya was able to clarify the situation in regard to the amendment that was made to the
Library budget on the floor of Town Meeting: Money can not be targeted for a specific
objective (such as restoring certain library hours or services). Essentially what Town
Meeting did was to add an additional $8615 to the overall budget. A consequence of this is
that the materials budget will also need to be increased in order to maintain the 15%
requirement. There was discussion about using funds from state aid and donations to make
up the needed increase in the materials budget. Ms. Urell also mentioned that the additional
summer hours will result in higher costs for air conditioning and for custodial coverage.
Trustee Distribution List
Ms. Urell suggested that the Trustee "packets" be distributed by email rather than by postal
mail. This would be more economical, and would give the Trustees more time to review the
packet contents before the meeting. It was agreed to try this method, beginning next month.
New Trustee Orientation
• Ms. Urell will order Trustee Handbooks for Ms. Axelson and Mr. Anthony.
• Ms. Yablonsky was given a copy of the by-laws.
• Ms. Urell suggested a training on the role of NMRLS and NOBLE. The Trustees felt that
this would be useful.
• The schedule for future meetings was revised. There will be no July meeting. The
August meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2005.
Trustee Items
• Ms. Storti commended Elizabeth Dickinson for her work as editor of "Off the Shelf."
• The Friends House Tour was extremely successful again this year with over 400 tickets
sold.
Ms.Yablonsky then adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The next meeting of the Board of
Trustees will be held on June 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director