HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-22 Board of Library Trustees MinutesV'.
RECD IVED
I,C CLERK
Board of Library Trustees { I- A
F~ j MASS.
Minutes of Meeting - Oc{ober 229 2002
Present: Eugene Nigro; Richard Ogden, chair, Roberta McRae; Vicki Yablonsky,400V A & 5 3
Silvaggi.
Mr. Ogden called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Minutes: The minutes of September 24th were accepted.
Financial Report:
Ms. Lynn reported that extra personnel money that had been accrued from the assistant director
position vacancy from mid-July to mid-September would be needed for sick leave buyback for
Sally McDonald upon her retirement in March 2003. Ms. Lynn also distributed a new
spreadsheet that will be used as a financial tracking document for the trustees that includes
anticipated expenditures from donations, trust, and state aid fiends in order for the Library to
make the 15% materials expenditure requirement for certification.
Statistical Report:
Circulation figures are still up this fiscal year. However, the Beverly Public Library has started to
edge Reading out for the number 2 spot in NOBLE for highest circulations behind the Salem
Public Library. Ms. Lynn noted that this is entirely due to the fact that Beverly is open more
hours than Reading, including Sundays. Comparing hour-for-hour circulation, Reading's hourly
circulation is higher than Beverly's hourly circulation.
Ms. Silvaggi formally annouc~ced that she will not be seeking re-election to the Board of Trlst%es.
Nine years of service have gone by quickly. However, Ms. Silvaggi believes that all boards must
have turnover to remain vital. Mr. Ogden remarked on her many years of service to the Library
and the Town.
Director°s Report
® North Reading's Flint Memorial Library received the funding it required in order to remain
certified. Reading will continue to loan items to North Reading residents.
e The Library's collection is being revitalized with an intensive weeding project.
® New technical services/circulation technician Candy Ralto has been welcomed to the team.
Candy is already doing a wonderful job.
o The AV area expansion is finally happening. The trustees toured the area.
® Ms. Lynn reported that NMRLS is passing on some of the cost of obtaining out-of-network
interlibrary loan materials. Ms. Yablonsky explained that this was due to state budget cuts.
While some libraries are passing on the costs to their customers, Ms. Lynn argued that
providing free access to these hard to find or out-of=print items is a key principle of free
public library service. Ms. Silvaggi stated that libraries, even more than schools, are the great
equalizers in society and that free access to these materials should be held sacred. Further
discussion ensued. Mr. Ogden stated that interlibrary loan business will continue as usual.
® Ms. Lynn reported that state aid forms had been submitted dud received by the NIBI-C.
Internet Access Policy
/ A draft; Internet Access.Policy was posted on the agenda of this public meeting. The Reading
Public Library is now in compliance with the requirements outlined in the letter from NOBLE
executive director Ron Gagnon, dated September lo, 2002. Ms. Sllvaggl moved that, "In as