Library Advisory Board Minutes - 09/25/2001LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
September 25, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. James Snowden, Chair
Irene Lambert
Ruth Jones
Gracie Gregg
Dr. James Sernoe
Andrea Williams
Jim Brackett
Patsy Klein
Shirley Harris
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Arthur B. Williams, City Council Liaison
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date I [)-
—Time a'
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ms. Andrea Williams called the meeting to order at 4:20 P.M. Ms. Hughes introduced Angela
Joyner, Library Assistant – Technical Services. Ms. Joyner explained that her main duty is to process all
materials after cataloging, to make them shelf - ready. She produces labels, inserts magnetic strips,
laminates book jackets, stamps the Library name and address on books, covers trade - paperbacks with a
sturdy laminate cover, and checks the items into the collection before passing them to the Information
staff for the final check. She also fills in on the Circulation Desk and in the Computer Lab regularly as do
all Library Assistants.
Dr. Snowden declared a quorum to be present, noting that all members were present. The
minutes of the May 2001 meeting were approved as submitted Dr. Snowden asked Ms. Hughes for the
Librarian's report.
Ms. Hughes reported that the personnel shortages and turnover had been crippling for most of the
summer and there are still two vacancies, one Librarian I and one Library Assistant. She thanked Board
Member Dr. Jim Sernoe for volunteering time to shelve books during the summer. She reported that Pat
Doan, Youth Services Manager retired in August. Lesley Daly has been promoted from the Information
Services staff to fill that vacancy. She said that during the week of September 10-15 the Library was
closed to migrate from Dynix to Horizon automation software. During the closure, the foyer file was
extended to the Circulation Desk. Replacing the stained carpet has created a much more inviting
entryway. Staff put all shelves in order, and shifted all of the adult fiction, adult non - fiction, and young
adult collections. A section of shelving has been added to the young adult area allowing for growth in this
popular collection. The video rack containing children's videos was moved to the Youth Services area A
new policy allows children to check out videos; parents are responsible for monitoring their child's
selections. Ms. Harris asked about the Boy Scout video project. Ms. Hughes replied that it was very
successful, adding a large number of videos to the collection. The circulation of videos and DVD's
continues to be high, and the addition of these videos was very helpful
Under New Business, Ms. Hughes announced that the Library had been awarded $88,600 in
grant money by the Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund Board. The fiords will be used to upgra de the
Library's computer equipment, staff training, and some special software to address service issues. Also
under New Business, Ms. Hughes explained the State Library's Loan Star Library Program. The exact
funding and details for use of the funds have yet to be announced, however; it appears that Wichita Falls
will receive between 59000 and $10,000. Since the City charges a non- resident fee, the Library will not
receive fill fimding. Ms. Hughes said that until such time as the State Legislature fimds the program at a
level that makes up for the revenue lost by terminating the non - resident fee, she would not approach
Council asking that the fee be rescinded.
Under Old Business, Ms. Hughes handed out a copy of the Library's fiscal year 2001 -02 budget
as approved by Council. Ms. Hughes explained that all above line items were cut from the Library budget
and a deep cut occurred in the materials budget. She said that the lack of increase in pay for staff and no
new staff positions coupled with the high turn -over rate among Library staff would probably result in the
reduction of services, such as the computer lab hours, possibly Genealogy hours, and children's
programming. She said the entire staff had worked at above maximum load for an extended period in
hope of relief. Since none was forthcoming, reductions of services was the only option to keep all
departments functioning and relieve pressure on a staff that is rapidly burning out.
Dr. Snowden turned Chair duties over to Andrea Williams.
In the absence of David Sinclair, Friends of the Library liaison, Gracie Gregg presented the
Friends report. The Friends are focusing their efforts on a special program featuring Wyman Meinzer, the
State Photographer of Texas. Ms. Gregg said this could possibly be the final effort; if this program is not
well attended, the Friends will not pursue programming in the foreseeable future. The "Sidewalk Sale"
held on September 8`b generated 5440.70 at twenty-five cents per book. Ms. Gregg asked if there was any
way the City could help with set -up and breakdown of the Library meeting rooms for special events. Ms.
Hughes replied that she and her staff set -up and breakdown for workshops sponsored by the Library.
Building Maintenance does not provide that service in the Library, as there are no full -time maintenance
personnel stationed at the Library. Ms. Gregg said that most of the members of the Friends who volunteer
to work these events are nearing 70 or older, it was a real physical hardship for them.
Ms. Williams announced that the next meeting of the Library Advisory Board would be October
23, 2001 at 4:15 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator