Library Advisory Board Minutes - 09/26/2006J ~.
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
September 26, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Andrea Williams, Chair Teresa Wilcox
Jim Sernoe
Dr. Richard Sutton
Nell Lister
Alison Reynolds
Irene Lambert
Ellen Williams
Jeff Tillman
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Matt Benoit, Assistant City Administrator
Becky Morrison, Head of Information Services
A quorum was present and the meeting was called to order at 4:30 pm.
Minutes from March 28, 2006 were approved.
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RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date ri-N.
By Pe, Time R:,30►
In the Librarian's Report, Ms. Morrison briefly described the library's successful Summer Reading
program. Almost 3000 participants attended various events, with an average of about 160 people attending
each one. Adult and teen participation was also encouraging.
The library is welcoming two new employees in the near future: Amy Tomaselli is our newest library page,
and Cheryl Highsmith is going to take on the newly created Librarian II position as Head of Circulation and
Programming.
The State Library has announced its awards for the new fiscal year Loan Star Libraries program. This past
year, the library received $8800 and used the money to refurbish the Genealogy Room (205) as a general
meeting room. Next year's award s going to be slightly less, around $8000, and the library would welcome
any suggestions as to how best use the money. Ideas so far include: wireless Internet connection, book
drop and cart replacement, a workstation for the teen librarian to use out on the main floor, replacing lobby
bulletin boards, and purchasing more comfortable, informal seating for rooms 203 & 204.
Dr. Sutton asked for an update on the filtering project. Installation went smoothly and to date, the
implementation seems to have been successful. One patron request was made to have the filter overridden
when a patron could not log on to a health food & nutrition site. That site's URL was forwarded to the St.
Bernard company for future clearance. Although staff have seen the filter at work on a few occasions, no
patron complaints have been made.
It was agreed to discuss this issue further at the next meeting.
Andrea Williams mentioned that Debby White from the Priddy Foundation had raised the question of
marketing the public use of the teleconferencing equipment. It was generally agreed that public use of the
hardware was definitely one of the stated objectives when the Priddy Foundation agreed to help fund this
project. To date, videoconferences have all been library- related.
OBOC: Andrea Williams gave a brief recap and overview of the One Book One Community Program for
the benefit of Board newcomers. There was a general consensus that this event was to be tabled for this
year, but its future will be discussed again at the next Board meeting
Friends Report: Ms. Lister reported that the Friends' President, Gracie Gregg is having serious health
problems. Financial responsibilities have been handed to Mary Kearby, as has the day -to -day running of
the bookstore. Fortunately, volunteer numbers have increased recently, and the bookstore is actually
offering extended hours.
Other Business:
Ms. Reynolds reiterated that a future project for the Board to focus on would be to take a closer look at the
Library's DVD and CD collection and consider revamping that area. Ms. Daly will furnish facts and
figures about current holdings and associated costs at the next meeting.
RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date ri-N.
By Pe, Time R:,30►
In the Librarian's Report, Ms. Morrison briefly described the library's successful Summer Reading
program. Almost 3000 participants attended various events, with an average of about 160 people attending
each one. Adult and teen participation was also encouraging.
The library is welcoming two new employees in the near future: Amy Tomaselli is our newest library page,
and Cheryl Highsmith is going to take on the newly created Librarian II position as Head of Circulation and
Programming.
The State Library has announced its awards for the new fiscal year Loan Star Libraries program. This past
year, the library received $8800 and used the money to refurbish the Genealogy Room (205) as a general
meeting room. Next year's award s going to be slightly less, around $8000, and the library would welcome
any suggestions as to how best use the money. Ideas so far include: wireless Internet connection, book
drop and cart replacement, a workstation for the teen librarian to use out on the main floor, replacing lobby
bulletin boards, and purchasing more comfortable, informal seating for rooms 203 & 204.
Dr. Sutton asked for an update on the filtering project. Installation went smoothly and to date, the
implementation seems to have been successful. One patron request was made to have the filter overridden
when a patron could not log on to a health food & nutrition site. That site's URL was forwarded to the St.
Bernard company for future clearance. Although staff have seen the filter at work on a few occasions, no
patron complaints have been made.
It was agreed to discuss this issue further at the next meeting.
Andrea Williams mentioned that Debby White from the Priddy Foundation had raised the question of
marketing the public use of the teleconferencing equipment. It was generally agreed that public use of the
hardware was definitely one of the stated objectives when the Priddy Foundation agreed to help fund this
project. To date, videoconferences have all been library- related.
OBOC: Andrea Williams gave a brief recap and overview of the One Book One Community Program for
the benefit of Board newcomers. There was a general consensus that this event was to be tabled for this
year, but its future will be discussed again at the next Board meeting
Friends Report: Ms. Lister reported that the Friends' President, Gracie Gregg is having serious health
problems. Financial responsibilities have been handed to Mary Kearby, as has the day -to -day running of
the bookstore. Fortunately, volunteer numbers have increased recently, and the bookstore is actually
offering extended hours.
Other Business:
Ms. Reynolds reiterated that a future project for the Board to focus on would be to take a closer look at the
Library's DVD and CD collection and consider revamping that area. Ms. Daly will furnish facts and
figures about current holdings and associated costs at the next meeting.
After a brief introduction of members, Ellen Williams mentioned that the public health department is
looking for childrens' books for their waiting room area. Ms. Lister suggested that the WFISD might be a
good source for materials. The library's donation policy in general was briefly discussed.
The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, October 24 at 4:15 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Minutes transcribed by Lesley Daly.
Minutes approved October 24, 2006.
Andrea Williams, Chair