HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-14 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - August 14, 2000
Present: Stephen Conner, Donna InDelicato, Eugene Nigro, Richard Ogden, Christine
Redford.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of June 19 were amended and accepted.
Financial report: The office supply budget always gets hit heavily early in the yeat~~ When
the bulk of supplies are ordered for the whole year. The acquisitions budget is expended more
quickly than might be expected, because bills toward the end of the year are paid froii
donations. An increase in the NOBLE expense is expected next year and reasonable;-naue
major improvements over the last couple of years. Mr. Nigro requested an overview,-ff what
NOBLE is and does; the staff will make a presentation at the next trustees' meeting. A letter
of thanks was sent to the Larsons for their $10,000 donation to the Children's Room.
Statistical report: July statistics show some new formats for the Library: DVDs, audiobooks
on CD, software. If videos are discounted, circulation has gone down from last year.
Director's report: Ms. Lynn has met with the Personnel Administrator, the Treasurer, and
the Town Manager. Mr. Hechenbleikner offered to arrange a meeting with Reading's state
representatives concerning regional contracts.
She continues to discuss an Innovative Grant, "My Library," with the Board of Library
Commissioners. This may include notification to patrons of new books on their interests, the
ability of patrons to see what they have checked out, and a live video connection to a librarian
via the Internet. Some pieces would be done with NOBLE, some with III.
There was an incident of sexual assault at the Library that was followed up by the police. The
Board requested that the chair be informed of such incidents. We also need to establish a
policy for the staff on reporting incidents between patrons.
The after-hours reference service has gotten some calls. The regional administrator wants to
hold off on publicity until the Region can do a coordinated campaign for all of its reference
services.
Ms. Lynn spoke with Lt. Robbins of the Police Department about security for staff working
after-hours hours, and the possibility of a RAD program for the staff. He suggested that the
Library might be made a police substation. That idea will be pursued. We will be getting
panic buttons for staff to carry out to their cars if they choose. The buttons can set off the
alarm system from the parking lot. Mr. Nigro suggested a first aid course for Town
employees.
Building maintenance has been satisfactory. The Director is concerned about the look of the
outside of the building (trash barrel, plantings, etc.).
The Head of Circulation job will be posted very soon:
In Foundation news, Gerry Fiore and the Director will interview a candidate for that
organization's administrative position. A plaque will be purchased, annual letters will go out,
and the Foundation will target people up for RMHS reunions.
The Friends are redecorating the book sale room. Their goal is receipts of $5,000 from the
__1' book sale this year.
Action plan: The Board suggested that the Director do a speadsheet showing the time frame
of each item on the action plan and who's responsible, for perusal at the next meeting.
FY02 budget: The Board's meeting as part of the Financial Forum was not posted. Town
Hall had done that in the past. However, the trustees did not have a quorum that night. There
has been discussion about the continued value to the Board of participating on the Financial
Forums. Trustees will attend the September meeting, and make a decision on future
participation at the next regular trustees' meeting.
Instruction from the Town Manager for preparing the FY02 budget request was to level fund
everything that can be level funded. He has asked the Library to look into alternative funding
for self-checkout equipment, but it should not be left out of next year's capital budget request.
The draft FY02 budget presented to the Board funds Saturdays year-round, and fully funds the
materials budget. The trustees directed Ms. Lynn to include an added full-time librarian in the
budget request.
Director's goals: Ms. Lynn's goals for FY01 include: offering a proposal to be the Region's
supplementary reference center; looking at building renovation options and establishing a
timetable for applying for a construction grant; establishing a task force to study a school
liaison position; continuing work on the Innovative Grant; organizing a Staff Day; getting a
grant for service to the business community; resolving the public printing issue; hiring a
Division Head for Information Services; and goals related to being a first-year director.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Diane J. Yo mg
Assistant Director
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