HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-11 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - December 11, 2000
Present: Stephen Conner, Donna InDelicato, Eugene Nigro, Richard Ogden, Maria Silvaggi
(after 8:30). Also: Matt Cummings.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of November 20 were amended to read that Mr. Conner and Ms. Lynn
attended the MLTAAII FOL conference. The minutes were accepted as amended.
Financial report: The Assistant Director gave an overview of how personnel money
conserved due to vacancies and new hires will be reallocated through the year. Mr. Ogden
requested a memo about the increase in FTEs in the FY02 budget. He expressed his concern
that some departments are talking about two budgets: override and non-override. While Ms.
Lynn was directed to remove new positions from the proposed budget, the School
Department's budget includes a number of positions that are new to Town funding. Mr.
Ogden also requested a breakdown of the increases in the FY02 personnel budget.
Statistical report: Reading was number two in NOBLE for November circulation, and
accounts for 9.4 percent of the total circulation activity in NOBLE's twenty-seven libraries.
Report from Young Adult Services: "Young adult" officially includes high school age, but
the young adult librarians' main focus is middle school students. Librarian Susan Beauregard
reported on behalf of herself and Lorraine Barry. Young adult circulation over the summer
was up by 500 over last year. 208 kids read 924 books in the summer reading club. Interfiling
of paperbacks and hardcovers has helped circulation. The young adult book budget was
increased 100% for FY01, up to $4,000, including $500 for audiobooks.
Both librarians meet with the middle school media specialists monthly. Their relationship is
excellent; the only area that needs work is advance notification of assignments. All four are
collaborating to select titles for the Foundation's donation for curriculum support. The young
adult librarians will work on an orientation program for new teachers.
A Youth Advisory Group of ten to twelve students meets monthly to give feedback and
develop program ideas. The young adult collection will move into a new space in January.
Next spring's visiting author is Sook Nyul Choi, presented in collaboration with Parker and
Coolidge.
Regional reference center: Mr. Conner asked that the Director keep the trustees apprised of
public forums concerning regional reference center standards. The trustees decided to send a
letter to the Board of Library Commissioners expressing their displeasure with the slowness
of the process, requesting an update on the timetable for an RFP, reiterating their offer of
support in the process, and requesting to be kept abreast of developments.
Reference on Call snow closing policy: A motion was made to approve the policy as
presented by the Director. Administrators and trustees need to keep in mind that there are now
staff in the building until 1 I p.m. most nights. The Board would like statistics for ROC each
month.
Director's report: A chart of recent building projects funded by the BLC was distributed.
Ms. Lynn is waiting to receive the third bid for the carpet installation. She is hoping that the
building will not have to close during installation; however, the main floor will certainly be
disrupted for about a week. Concern has been raised by staff about the toxicity of the carpet;
Ms. Lynn is working to make sure that everyone is comfortable with what is being done.
FY02 budget: $3,000 was added to the Library's materials budget to bring it to the '1 S% level
in the version presented by the Assistant Town Manager. The Board has been requesting
additional FTE for a few years now; if that is not funded with the override, there will be no
other opportunity for some years. Mr. Ogden suggested that the Board present its own budget
to the Selectmen by December 19, when they are scheduled to attach a number to the
override. Mr. Cummings will make a liaison report to the Selectmen tomorrow night, asking
them to use the original budget request if an override budget is prepared.
FY02 action plan: A revised version was distributed.
Trustees goals: Changes were made in the draft, under advocacy and financial goals.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Diane J. Young
Assistant Director