Library Advisory Board Minutes - 10/22/2002LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
October 22, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. James Snowden, Chair
Dr. James Sernoe
Ruth Jones
Patsy Klein
Irene Lambert
Shirley Harris
Jim Brackett
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Arthur Bea Williams, Council Liaison
Matthew Benoit, Assistant City Manager
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date .L��a'� –G4:-
By _Time
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Andrea Williams
Gracie Gregg
Dr. Snowden called the meeting to order at 4:20 P.M. He declared a quorum to be present. The
minutes of the September 24, 2002 meeting were approved as submitted.
Dr. Snowden called on Ms. Hughes for the Librarian's Report. Ms. Hughes said the public
library staff was being heavily impacted by the reduction in school librarians and the increase in home
schooling. Reference queries were up by almost 250% over September 2001. Most of the increase has
been related to school assignments and needs of home school children. Councilor Williams remarked that
Moffet Library at MSU has also been inundated with students seeking help. Ms. Hughes said that the
Collection Development policy for youth materials was to purchase enhancement materials, not
curriculum support materials. Librarians are currently revisiting that policy, although the school system
has the responsibility. If the support is not being offered, the students are the ones injured by the lack of
materials, and library instruction. She reported the replacement of the pay phone with a courtesy phone
for local and toll -free calls. She noted that the Library will be closed on November 4, 5, & 6 to upgrade
the Library automation software. The closure is necessary as no transactions could take place during the
upgrade.
Ms. Hughes then introduced Ms. Lynne Handy, Executive Director of North Texas Regional
Library System. Ms. Handy explained that NTRLS is one of the ten regional systems created by the Texas
Library Systems Act of 1969. Wichita Falls Public Library has been a member ofNTRLS since the mid
80's and is currently the third largest population base in the system, behind Fort Worth and Arlington.
The system is funded in part by the state through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and
in part by federal funds passed through the state library. There are currently 72 member libraries within
NTRLS's 20 county area receiving funding and professional support. NTRLS is unique among systems in
that it obtained non -profit corporation status several years ago. The other nine systems are operated by a
major city within the region under state contracts. The non -profit status allows more flexibility in
grantsmanship and services for its members. A staff of professionals provides consulting services,
continuing education workshops and videoconferences, vendor discount contracts, computer training,
equipment and supplies for marketing and programming, grant application critiques and research of
funding opportunities, and technological support and assistance. There are no fees for membership. Each
city must submit an application to the Texas State Library and meet the rather minimal requirements.
NTRLS services are member driven through committees composed of both Library Directors and
interested lay representatives. City governments [or other funding agencies] designate the lay
representatives, and these citizens alone have the vote on budgets, by -laws, and plan of service. NTRLS
also offers small grants for special projects, consultants and, occasionally, materials to support a special
service. A committee appointed by the NTRLS Board of Directors evaluates all grant applications. The
Board approves grants based on the recommendations. Ms. Handy said that NTRLS recently went
through a lengthy long range planning process. The plan was approved by the citizen representatives and
is being implemented as quickly as possible. The new plan represents a change in focus for the system
and reorganization of staff to support the change. Ms. Hughes explained that over the years the focus of
many of the members, especially the larger libraries has changed from the importance of the system as a
source for materials funding to that of a source for consulting and educational opportunities. The new
long -range plan actively promotes that view of the system. Ms. Hughes is active in NTRLS, serving on
the Services Planning Committee and chairing the Advocacy Committee. Wichita Falls Library Advisory
Board Member Irene Lambert is Vice -Chair of the NTRLS Board of Directors. After a question and
answer period Dr. Snowden thanked Ms. Handy her presentation.
In Ms. Gregg's absence, Ms. Hughes reminded everyone that the Friends of the Library hold a 2
for 1 sale the first Saturday of every month.
Mr. Benoit reported on his findings concerning the abandoned fire stations. With the rezoning of
the property of interest, the City expects to find a buyer. Dr. Snowden remarked that the Board should
remain supportive of the ideas of branches, even though this opportunity didn't work out. Ms. Hughes
said that she would continue to explore other possibilities for branches, such as storefronts.
Dr. Snowden reminded the members that due to the holidays, the Board has customarily
combined its November and December meetings and met the second Tuesday of December. The motion
to continue that practice was seconded and approved. The next meeting of the Library Advisory Board
will be December 10, 2002 in the Conference Room at 4:15 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator