HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-12 Board of Library Trustees MinutesECEIVE0
Board of Library Trustees TOWN CLERK
Minutes of Meeting - February 12, 2001 READING, MASS.
Present: Stephen Conner, Donna InDelicato, Christine Redford, Maria Sily iM122 P 1* 38
Cummings (after 8:45).
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Correspondence: Board members received a letter from Ed Bertorelli, chair of the MBLC,
regarding the regional reference program. The Board instructed the Director to invite Mr.
Bertorelli, Elia Marnik, and Keith Fiels of the MBLC, and Greg Pronevitz of NMRLS to an
upcoming meeting for a follow-up discussion. The Board and the BLC will develop an agenda
to structure the conversation.
Children's Services report: Corinne Fisher reported that school/library cooperation stands
out in the past year. Deposit collections have increased significantly, due to improved
communication, publicity, and changing curricula. Mr. Conner suggested that the Library
invite a conversation with the school department for planning to meet these needs. Ms. Fisher
said that the teachers need to work with the frameworks for a few years before they finally
determine what subjects will fit into which grade.
Circulation is up by 2.8 percent due to the growing child population and additions to the
nonprint collections. The demand for programs for ages 4 to 5 is decreasing, while programs
for ages 0 to 3 draw huge crowds.
The division is understaffed. More hours are needed for the part-time librarian's position. The
paraprofessional is temporarily doing Technical Services work to get new children's material
on the shelves, since Technical Services is also understaffed.
Minutes: The minutes of January 8 were accepted.
Statistical report: The publicity for Reference On Call has just been sent out to member
libraries by NMRLS; therefore, the number of calls is expected to increase.
Chair's report: The Finance Committee will review the Library's budget on February 21.
Everyone seems to understand that it would be folly to fund the Library below what is
required for state certification.
FY02 budget: If the override passes, the Library's budget will be reduced by $15,713. The
budget recommended by the Board of Selectmen if the override fails is only $3,000 over the
amount needed for state certification.
Facility walkthrough: Postponed until after the election, for the benefit of the new trustee.
Director's report: Safety is a major issue, particularly since an ostensible break-in to a staff
area while the Library was open on January 30. Ms. Lynn is getting input from the police and
staff as to what changes need to be made in the building.
The Internet filtering requirement in recently-passed federal legislation would impact
NOBLE. If NOBLE libraries continue without filters, as is expected, NOBLE will lose about
$10,000 in federal subsidy.
The Library has had phone line trouble three times since Christmas, once extending for four
days. Ms. Lynn is considering seeking compensation from Verizon. The cause of the problem
has not been explained satisfactorily. Since the problems sometimes include the data lines to
NOBLE, NOBLE has been involved in the complaint and resolution process, also.
The Director and Susan Beauregard attended a Chamber of Commerce business card
exchange, eliciting interest in the Library's SIPS program, which features local
businesspeople. Mrs. Silvaggi suggested that a few businesses could fund a staff position. Ms.
Lynn is talking to the Town's Personnel Administrator about possibilities for creative funding
of personnel.
December's Staff Development Day will be reviewed at a future board meeting.
Policy review: Postponed. There are a number of policies that need updating. The Director
would like the Board to reconsider the posting policy, to allow for-profit organizations to
publicize activities.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
,VtQ,
Diane I Young
Assistant Director