HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-13 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - December 13, 1999
Present: Maria Silvaggi, chair; Stephen Conner; Donna InDelicato; Cherrie Dubo Rlthar`dr' 3` 08
Ogden- Christine Redford.
Also present: Matt Cummings, selectman liaison and Dorothy Alworth, Head of Circulation.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of November 22 were accepted.
Financial report: Accepted. Ms. Silvaggi noted the receipt of the state aid check:
$34,261.05.
Statistical report: The Board asked if the report was needed monthly. Ms. Silvaggi
suggested quarterly.
Report from the Chairman: Ms. Silvaggi presented information from the Town Charter on
how the annual budget is presented to Town Meeting, and that the Trustees are responsible for
presenting the budget. Prospects for an override and the general health of the FY 01 town
budget were discussed.
Circulation Head report: Mrs. Alworth expressed thanks to Board of Trustees for
supporting staff ideas and requests. Reading ranked second in NOBLE circulation. The new
3M system is almost complete despite some glitches in implementation. The patron counter
will return as part of the 3M system. A receipt will replace date due cards when the new date
printer is operating. Targetting is up to 530 in the collection and most of the media is done.
Early plans for Dorothy Alworth's retirement in the spring were discussed.
Director's report: No conclusion was reached in a discussion with Peter Hechenbleikner,
Beth Klepeis, Russ Dean and Carol Roberts about paying a differential for Sunday hours. A
survey of other towns done by Julie Cosentino shows a difference from community to
community. It is perfectly legitimate and a good idea to hire new people with requirements to
work Sundays, but that requirement can't be imposed on employees hired previously under
different conditions. The Town Manager is interested in establishing a new grade for a
Sunday librarian position, but this doesn't address the Sunday technician problem. The Town
Manager was thanked and commended for pursuing a solution. The Friends are proposing
vending machines on trial to be located in the basement near the elevator.
Friends: The Friends' Newsletter will be mailed later than usual and probably will come out
Trustee liaison reports: The Foundation is ready to give the library their first check in the
amount of $4,000. The policy determining the amount will be based on a percentage of assets
donated. Extensive publicity about this check would be beneficial, as would some collection
development in areas specified by donors.
Unfinished business: 1) FY01 Budget contains no increases, but Matt Cummings
recommended presenting the materials request as 15% of the appropriations number.
New business: 1)Expressing a firm belief in term limits, Cherrie Dubois announced that she
may not run for re-election, but her final decision has not been made.
2) Director's Evaluation: The following points were made during a discussion by the Board:
high emphasis on customer service; willingness to take risks and try new things; top notch
communication (keeps trustees well informed); graciously works with all; leadership with
foundation superior; deals with people with wisdom; keeps the library in the public eye;
encourages staff, creates a seamless operation; maintains high standards; uses creativity in
motivating the staff to have the best library; gets things done; extremely productive; sets
aggressive goals of completion of capital plan and sees them through; leadership in long-
range plan; keeps high morale; exceptional retention rate.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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r' Diane I Young
Assistant Director