HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-15 Board of Library Trustees Minutes% tV'L
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Board of Library Trustees r 8 MASS.
Minutes of Meeting - October 15, 2001
2001 NOV 21 p 1: 4q
Present: Stephen Conner, chair; Roberta McRae-, Richard Ogden-, Maria Silvaggi. Also
present: Jim Francis, Finance Committee liaison.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of August 13 were accepted as amended. The minutes of September 10
were accepted.
Financial report: Finances are on target. Based on the worst case scenario of the state budget
(yet to be finalized), the Library will lose $8,000 in computer capital and $24,000 for
selfcheck, but nothing in personnel. A Financial Forum is scheduled for November 8.
Statistical report: A dip in September's circulation was evident at this and other libraries, in
the aftermath of September 11. That afternoon, the Children's Room was packed, a TV was
set up in the meeting room, people who had been sent home from work or wanted to get away
from TV came in to be with people, but not to borrow books. September's SIPS program drew
an audience of over 50, presumably because people wanted to get out and think about
something else. Businesses are calling the Library asking to present at SIPS.
Director's report: Teri Campbell, Senior Technician in Technical Services and Circulation,
and Jean Krogh, Page, have resigned.
Connecticut's "Night Owl" reference service has a budget of $500,000 compared to our
Reference On Call's $50,000. If ROC were to go statewide, it would probably be done by the
Boston Public Library.
Reclassification is sought for the position of Head of Circulation, which now includes
professional involvement, book selection, Web site design, and reference desk fill-in. The
Board reiterated its desire to get the Assistant Director position up closer to the grade of the
Director position.
There is no news from the Board of Health concerning an inspection for mold in Technical
Services, but neither have there been any problems reported by Technical Services.
Neither the School Department nor the Friends are paying for busses to bring sixth-graders to
the Library for tours.
Department heads retreat: Mr. Ogden reported on today's retreat, which he facilitated.
Iterns discussed included departmental relationships, developing common processes, e-
commerce, training, mentoring, standard and joint publicity, reorganization. Issues to consider
in reorganization include staff morale, space, synergy between divisions, and impact on
specific positions. A meeting was scheduled for November 2 to further discuss ramifications
of reorganization.
Celebration Trust: The Library needs to appoint a representative. Names were suggested.
Wireless technology: The Board approved expenditures to install a wireless network on two
floors of the Library, and to purchase two laptops. Ms. Lynn was instructed to ask the
Foundation if they would fund this project. The cost of the network is estimated at around
$5,000.
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The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
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