HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-10 Board of Library Trustees Minutes4/4 9A)D9D
Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - April 10, 2000 7
Present: Stephen Conner; Donna InDelicato; Richard Ogden; Maria Silvaggi.
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
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Minutes: The minutes of March 20 were accepted. It was again noted that Dorothy Alworth's
last day is May 3. Ms. InDelicato will coordinate a gift from the trustees.
Financial report: $8000 was paid out of state aid in this billroll, including $3000 for PLA
conference attendance and $3000 for construction (circulation desk and archway). Ms. Young
expects that by the end of the fiscal year about $14,000 will be carried over in state aid, to last
until the FY01 aid is received next January. The professional development account is being
spent down in this billroll also; four staff members are attending the MLA conference at the
end of the month; Corinne Fisher and Dee Brennan are on the committee which developed an
excellent conference program. A trust fund report from February shows about $35,000
available for books and about $23,000 unrestricted (primarily books, furniture, and
equipment).
Statistical reports: Circulation is down ten percent from last March. This seems to be typical
in the region; Ms. Young will get comparative information from area libraries. The Board
discussed possible causes for decline in adult fiction circulation: a good economy and lack of
time means that some people are buying more than borrowing. The staff will explore the issue
and work on ways to bring circulation back up. Services aside from circulation, such as
programs and reference questions, continue to increase.
Report from the Chairman: Ms. Silvaggi read the report that she will deliver to Town
Meeting on April 24. The budget is likely to begin on May 1. The Chair asked that all board
members attend. There was discussion on whether or not the Board has committed to close on
Saturdays in July and August. It was acknowledged that that cut would have the least impact
on staff Mr. Conner asked the Acting Director to prepare some data on customer traffic and
staff hours that will reflect the impact of some other options on service and on staff.
Director's report: The circulation staff was scheduled to meet two candidates for Head of
Circulation during the week of March 24. One of the candidates withdrew, the staff expressed
their discomfort with the second candidate, and the interviewing process has begun again. An
evaluation of the Acting Director will take place at the Board's May meeting. The Region will
make a decision on the after-hours reference service contract ($50,000) on April 13.
Director search: The search process was reviewed. In particular, the Board discussed the
importance of staff representation and involvement, as a successful "marriage" is a top
priority. Mr. Ogden expressed his confidence that the three staff representatives elected by the
staff would represent the best interests of the staff as a whole. It was decided that the Board
needs to further discuss and clarifv the search brocess. A meetiniz was oronosed for Anril 25
at 7 pm. Dates will be set at that meeting for May interviews.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Donna InDelicato
Board of Library Trustees -
Minutes of Meeting - April 10, 2000
3
Present: Stephen Conner; Donna InDelicato; Richard Ogden; Maria Silvaggi.
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of March 20 were accepted. It was again noted that Dorothy Alworth's
last day is May 3. Ms. InDelicato will coordinate a gift from the trustees.
Financial report: $8000 was paid out of state aid in this billroll, including $3000 for PLA
conference attendance and $3000 for construction (circulation desk and archway). Ms. Young
expects that by the end of the fiscal year about $14,000 will be carried over in state aid, to last
until the FY01 aid is received next January. The professional development account is being
spent down in this billroll also; four staff members are attending the MLA conference at the
end of the month; Corinne Fisher and Dee Brennan are on the committee which developed an
excellent conference program. A trust fund report from February shows about $35,000
available for books and about $23,000 unrestricted.
Statistical reports: Circulation is down ten percent from last March. This seems to be typical
in the region; Ms. Young will get comparative information from area libraries. The Board
discussed possible causes for decline in adult fiction circulation: a good economy and lack of
time means that some people are buying more than borrowing. The staff will explore the issue
and work on ways to bring circulation back up. Services aside from circulation, such as
programs and reference questions, continue to increase.
Report from the Chairman: Ms. Silvaggi read the report that she will deliver to Town
Meeting on April 24. The budget is likely to begin on May 1. The Chair asked that all board
members attend. There was discussion on whether or not the Board has committed to close on
Saturdays in July and August. It was acknowledged that that cut would have the least impact
on staff. Mr. Conner asked the Acting Director to prepare some data on customer traffic and
staff hours that will reflect the impact of some other options on service and on staff.
Director's report: The circulation staff was scheduled to meet two candidates for Head of
Circulation during the week of March 24. One of the candidates withdrew, the staff expressed
their discomfort with the second candidate, and the interviewing process has begun again. An
evaluation of the Acting Director will take place at the Board's May meeting. The Region will
make a decision on the after-hours reference service contract ($50,000) on April 13.
Director search: The search process was reviewed. In particular, the Board discussed the
importance of staff representation and involvement, as a successful "marriage" is a top
priority. Mr. Ogden expressed his confidence that the three -,tiff renreeentat;vPC etPrterl h-,
needs to further discuss and clarify the search process. A meeting was proposed for April 25
at 7 pm. Dates will be set at that meeting for May interviews.
T meetin was ad' urned at 9:30 p.m.
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Donna InDelicato