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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-19 Board of Library Trustees MinutesI/ Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting -May 19, 2003 Present: Dick Ogden, chair; Suzy Axelson; Steve Conner; Roberta McRae; Karyn Storti; Vicki Yablonsky; Kimberly Lynn, director; Elizabeth Dickinson, assistant director. Mr. Ogden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The minutes for the April 14 meeting were approved. Financial Report Ms. Lynn explained to the Board how the 15 % required allocation for materials is calculated. She reviewed with Board members the current financial report and stated that all accounts are on target. She further outlined the status of the trust funds, and reviewed expenditures which had been paid for out of trust funds Statistical Report Ms. Lynn reported that circulation of materials is up again this month. If the current trend continues, it is her expectation that circulation will be up 3.9 % for the year. Director's Report • Ms. Lynn announced that Esme Green, Head of Reference Services was selected to be one of 24 participants in the New England Library Association Leadership Symposium to be held this summer in Rhode Island. Esme is one of only five delegates selected from Massachusetts. In addition, Rachel Baumgartner was selected to participate in this summer's YSLead Institute. Ms. Lynn was invited to be one of five New England library directors who will be speaking at the New England Library Association's annual conference in October. Ms. Lynn has also been nominated to serve a second year on the NOBLE Executive Board. Mr. Ogden asked that the minutes of this meeting reflect the Board's pleasure and pride in the abundance of awards that have recently been received by the Reading Public Library. Suzy Axelson suggested sending those people who have received recognition for their outstanding abilities individual notes of congratulations from the Board. • Performance Evaluations are ahead of schedule. Almost everyone has been evaluated and/or have completed the evaluation of their staff. • Ms. Lynn reported on the Nelinet Annual meeting in Worcester which she and Assistant Director Elizabeth Dickinson attended. • The Board was informed that our current contract with NMRLS to provide Reference On Call service will end on June 30 due to budget constraints. Ms. Lynn is hopeful that the Reading Public Library will be able to continue to participate in the 24/7 aspect of the program., but on a more. limited basis. • The Virtual Catalog will be available to members of the NOBLE Library Network as of June I. Ms. Lynn explained the operation of the Virtual Catalog, and its benefits. • Ms. Lynn described for the Board her proposal for a drive-up service window. She has asked the Friends of the Library to submit an application to the Gladys Brooks Foundation in the hope of securing $100,000 in funding for the project. In addition, the Friends have agreed to contribute $8,000 of their own funds for this purpose if the project is implemented. She has discussed the project with Mr. Debrigard who feels that it is feasible. Ms. Lynn has put out a public survey.. The results are overwhelmingly in favor of the project. Mr. Conner made a motion in support of the Friends of the Library submitting the grant application to the Gladys Brooks Foundation for funding the construction of a drive-up service window. The move was seconded and all voted in'favor. Patriot Act Ms. Lynn handed out materials regarding the U.S. Patriot Act and its consequences for libraries. The Board expresses concern about the elimination of " probable cause" as a requirement for a subpoena or search warrant and also about the secrecy of requests. According to the new law, patrons are not informed when a request is made to view their library records, and the Library Director is not allowed to inform the Board or anyone else. Mr. Ogden suggested that the Board adopt a policy on user's privacy and confidentiality. Ms. Lynn said that she would be contacting other libraries to see whether they had such a policy, and would try to obtain some sample policies. It is also possible that there would be interest at NM (LS in helping libraries craft a general regional policy that individual libraries can adapt. Mr. Ogden also requested that Board members be provided with the actual text of the U.S. Patriot Act (in particular, section 215 which applies to libraries). VNA Update Ms. Lynn reported on the status of the VNA's request to use the Library's Internet access to upload information from the PDA's. Mr. Hechenbleikner has requested more information before making a decision on this, and has asked that the town's technology staff be involved. Policy Review - Unattended Children A decision on the "Policy on Unattended Children" was postponed. Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services, will attend the next Board meeting where this will be discussed. Ms. Fisher has expressed concern that the age limits provided in the draft are too restrictive. Mr. Ogden suggested that Ms. Lynn bring to the next meeting a draft without defined aged limits. Trustee Items Ms. Storti brought in an article on cel I phone towers which had appeared recently in the New York Times. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 16, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Tour of the Library Following the meeting, Board members toured the Library.' d c-) Elizabeth S. Dickinson Assistant Director Cr,