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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-13 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees Minutes. of Meeting December 13, 2004 Present: Vicki Yablonsky, Chair; Bill Anthony; Suzy Axelson; Karen Brown; Steve Conner; Karyn Storti; Elizabeth Dickinson, Acting Director; Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services. Also present: Lorraine Barry, Reference Librarian/Elder Services. N C^ Call to Order: Ms. Yablonsky called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Minutes: The minutes for the meeting of November 16, 2004 were approved. __J Financial Report 1 w c Expenditures are on target. There is the usual situation of Professional Development.afig Tr being spent down. Future expenses in those categories will. be paid from State Aid. Statistical Report Ms. Dickinson reported that traffic was down slightly in September/October which led to the decline of circulation figures for those months. Ms. Yablonsky reported that according to a NMRLS focus group, circulation is down in general at area libraries. We will continue to monitor the circulation statistics to see if this is a temporary blip or a more long-term trend. The NOBLE decertified libraries were discussed and it was agreed that since they are not geographically close, they won't have a major effect on our circulation. - Elder Services Librarian: Lorraine Barry: Lifelong Access Institute/Active Older Adults Day Ms. Barry explained the new Lifelong Access Institute program, which is funded by a NMRLS grant to promote services to the aging boomer population. This newly identified population group is 55 years of age and up, healthy, active and looking for meaningful engagement in the community. In Reading, this group makes up 23% of the population and in 2010 will climb to 40%. Reading Public Library and the 18 other participating NMRLS libraries are exploring services to meet their needs. Ms. Barry has organized a Reading Active Older Adults Day in cooperation with the Reading YMCA to be held May 26, 2005 here at the Library. Director's Report • Ms. Dickinson reported that we received notification from the MBLC that we have met the requirements for certification and eligibility for State Aid. • A preliminary draft of the FY 06 Action Plan was distributed; it has been sent to the MBLC as required. • All job descriptions have been updated, reviewed and submitted to the Town Manager and Human Resources Administrator for the biennial Pay and Classification Study. Three positions were recommended for review for reclassification. The classification of Library Director will also be evaluated. • Ms. Dickinson commended librarian Lorraine Barry for her recent updates to the library website and development of an internal homepage. • Kudos also to YA librarian, Amy Lannon who redesigned the Teen Page, adding several attractive new features. • Ms. Dickinson reported that the building has been spruced up in many ways. Plans were made for painting the downstairs bathroom and replacing the floor. The second floor carpet was professionally cleaned. Staff cleaned the workroom and display materials were organized and stored in the attic and on new shelves installed by John Davis. Ms. Fisher and the Children's Room staff priced some new chairs and have arranged for some reupholstering. • A total of 14- 6th grade classes have visited for the annual "Cookie Tours". • Ms. Dickinson reported that camera crews from NBC Dateline and CBS 48 Hours visited the Library to research the Robin Gilbert murder case. Librarian Rachel Baumgartner worked closely with each group. • 8 staff members received free passes and will be attending the exhibits at the American Library Association conference that will be held in Boston on January 14-17. • Rachel Baumgartner has been named to the NMRLS Youth Services Board. Update: Director Search Committee Ms. Storti distributed an update on the search. Two more interviews are scheduled and the reference checking sub-committee will begin their work. A sub-committee consisting of Ms. Yablonsky, Mr. Anthony, Ms. Axelson and Ms. Dickinson drafted second interview questions, which were then discussed. It was decided to require a writing sample via email prior to the second interview. The Screening Committee will meet with the Trustees on January.26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the candidates selected for second interview. Ms. Axelson will update the staff on the progress of the Director Search Policy Reviews • Ms. Dickinson distributed the Policy on Lending to Residents of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries in light of Beverly's probable decertification in January. No questions or changes were suggested. • Both versions of the Policy on Distribution and Posting of Materials (10/92 and 5/01) were distributed and discussed. The Trustees instructed Ms. Dickinson to create a new version of the policy to supercede the old versions. Ms. Storti moved to deny the request of the Girl Scouts to sell cookies at the Library. The motion was seconded by Mr. Conner. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Items • The next Trustees Meeting will take place on Monday, January 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will commence with a check presentation by the Lions. • Mr. Conner announced his intention not to run again for Trustee. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Corinne Fisher Head of Children's Services