HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-22 Board of Library Trustees MinutesJ
r Board of Library Trustees
A ` 14 Minutes of Meeting -December 22, 2003
Present: Dick Ogden, chair; Steve Conner; Roberta. McRae; Karyn Storti; Vicki Yablonsky; Kimberly
Lynn, Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. Mr. Ogden called the meeting to order at 3:10
p.m.
Minutes of the November 24 meeting were approved.
Announcements
Ms. Lynn announced that a patron had donated $1,000 in recognition of the excellent service provided by
reference librarian Kathy Miksis. The donation will be used to purchase additional audiobooks. It was
also noted that a $50 contribution was made with thanks to librarian Rachel Baumgartner for her efforts in
providing local history information.
Financial Report
Highlights of the financial report, presented by Ms. Lynn:
• Ms Lynn passed out acquisitions budget breakout which showed that all departments are doing well.
Statistical Report
Highlights of the statistical report, presented by Ms. Lynn:
• Traffic count is unreliable due to problems with the equipment. A new traffic counter has been
installed.
• Trends in circulation:
Very high circulation for all AV materials
- Continuing rise in web renewals
Highlights from the Director's Report
Grant opportunities:
Ms Lynn submitted two letters of intent to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commmisioners for the
following LSTA grants:
• $20,000 letter for purchase of foreign language materials, publicity and outreach.
• $20,000 letter for purchase of thirty MP3 players, content, and other necessary equipment
such as carrying cases and battery chargers. This grant would also include money for
shelving, staff hours to implement the program, and publicity.
• Approval of LSTA grants is finalized at the July meeting of the MBLC.
Librarian Kathy Miksis has written and submitted a $2,000 grant proposal to the Demco Company. If
accepted, the grant will provide money for purchase of display and shelving equipment. Approval is set
for January.
ShopfortheLibrary.net
Ms Lynn contacted the project manager for ShopfortheLibrary.net at the Woodland (CA) Public Library
to obtain more information. She was informed as follows:
• ShopfortheLibrary will be merging soon with a larger company, Schoolpop.
• Expectation is that the site will be ready by spring
• There will be no charge for libraries to participate
ShopfortheLibrary is a portal that connects users with over 200 retail companies. These companies give
between 2 and 55% of the net profit on sales back to the participating libraries.
Patriot Act Program
Ms. Lynn participated in a public program on the provisions of the USA Patriot Act, which was held on
December 4. The program featured Chief of Police, Bob Silva, and a representative from the ACLU, in
addition to Ms. Lynn. About 35 people attended, and the program was recorded by RCTV.
Amazon Wish List
Ms. Lynn is looking into the possibility of setting up a "wish list" on Amazon.com. This would allow the
public to purchase copies of titles that the Library needs.
Facilities and Equipment Improvements
• Two main circulation terminals have received new wiring and new "video safe" buttons.
• Ms. Lynn has requested additional lighting for the Children's Room (desk area)
• Current copier contract with Statler Associates has expired. Ms. Lynn, Ms. Smethurst, and Ms.
Dickinson are meeting with representatives from other copier companies to discuss options.
• Signs prohibiting skateboarding on library property are being replaced due to an error in spelling.
Staffing and Personnel
• There is a part-time opening in the Circulation Department.
• Performance evaluations are being done on all pages, and will be submitted to Town Hall by the end
of December.
Notary Services
• Requests for this service have doubled in the past year.
• A discussion was held regarding whether the Library should charge a fee for this service.
Mr. Ogden requested that we find out whether Town Hall charges a fee.
Trustee Items
• Ms. McRae announced that children's book author Jack Gantos will be presenting an all-day program
at the Birch Meadow School on February 10. There will be a Librarian's Luncheon at noon. Ms.
McRae thanked our librarians for their assistance in helping the school arrange this special program.
• Ms. McRae announced that she will not run again when her term as a Trustee expires. She is
. returning to school, and will no longer be able to make the necessary time commitment.
• Mr. Ogden also announced that he will not be running again. He stated that he felt it was time to let
someone new have the opportunity to serve the community by participating on the Board.
Both Ms. McRae and Mr. Ogden have made important contributions to the Library and the Town.
We accept the news of their upcoming retirements regretfully.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director