Library Advisory Board Minutes - 02/27/2001LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
February 27, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dr. James Snowden, Chair
Irene Lambert
Ruth Jones
Gracie Gregg
Jim Brackett
Patsy Klein
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Arthur B. Williams, City Council Liaison
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
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RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date
By Time Sarvl
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dr. James Sernoe
Shirley Harris
Andria Williams
Dr. Snowden called the meeting to order at 4:20 P.M.
Mrs. Hughes introduced Jon Walker, Acquisition Library Assistant. Jon explained that he is
responsible for receiving all materials ordered by the Library. He opens the boxes, checks the condition of
the items, checks the items against both the packing slip and the invoice for accuracy, he processes the
materials through the Library automation system, assigns the items' barcodes, and shelves them in the queue
to be cataloged, making sure they are in date received order. Each week he searches for materials with
reserves on them and moves them to the cataloging priority area. He creates order records for donated
items and follows the same procedure as that for purchased items. Ms. Hughes said that accuracy was the
key factor in Jon's performance. His position insures that the Library does not pay for damaged items,
items not received, duplicated in shipment, wrong titles shipped, etc. He also keeps an eye on the discounts
to insure that the vendors follow the contracts with North Texas Regional Library System or the State
Library. Jon also works in Circulation and the Computer Lab each week, as well as shelving in his spare
time.
Dr. Snowden declared a quorum to be present. The minutes of the January 2001 meeting were
approved. Dr. Snowden called on Ms. Hughes for the Librarian's report.
Ms. Hughes reported that she spent three days in Austin meeting with legislators promoting the
Loan Star Libraries program of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. If fully funded, the
program would bring over $80,000 to our library that may be used for anything except construction and
renovation. Mrs. Hughes urged all Board Members to write to Senator Haywood and Representative
Farabee asking them to support funding for the program. She also reported on a meeting with David
Weigand of SculptureWorks, a nonprofit organization that acts as go- between for sculptors and libraries,
bookstores and other markets. The library will become one of the display rotation sites for small sculpture
pieces. Some larger pieces may also be displayed behind the glass wall on the west. SculptureWorks
provides pickup and delivery of the display items and insurance. The first pieces to be displayed are the
work of Garland Weeks, a former resident of Wichita Falls. Ms. Hughes said that shortages of experienced
library professionals coupled with the recent national recognition because of the book controversy have
caused the Wichita Falls Library a target for recruitment from other cities. She has personally received
several position offers recently that were very enticing
Ms. Jones asked if the Library had received all of the back issues of the Wichita Falls papers on
microfilm Ms. Hughes said that all but about 10 rolls of a paper that was published for a very short time in
the early days of the city have been received. She said that the Library is now the only public access point
for the entire tuns of the Wichita Falls Daily News, Times and Times Record News. Ms. Jones asked if the
collection would be digitized to allow key word and topical searching. Ms. Hughes said that the staff would
need to write a grant for the expensive equipment and software program Right now with the migration to
the Horizon automation system there is no staff time available to dedicate to the project. It will be
considered for inclusion in the long -range plan.
Ms. Gregg asked if the Library had any plans to offer an amnesty period in the future. She
explained that during such periods in the past, the Library has forgiven fines of those who come in and ask
and overdue materials can be turned in with fines waived. Ms. Hughes replied that there was one major
push with an amnesty period prior to the passage of the "unlawful detainment of Library materials"
ordinance and one other prior to automation. Since the City now prosecutes those who do not return
materials, it is very difficult to conduct an amnesty period. Additionally, the results of the last amnesty
showed that it was mostly ineffective in getting items returned.
David Sinclair, Friends of the Library liaison presented the Friends report. The Friends voted to
underwrite the rest of the cost for proposed promotional items for National Library Week and summer
reading clubs. The Friends agreed to write letters urging support of Loan Star Libraries. The Friends are
considering a program featuring a popular photographer who lives in Benjamin, Texas. The Friends are
hesitant about programming due to poor attendance for past programs and lack of expertise in advertising
programs. Dr. Snowden recommended that the local photography club be notified and the MSU
photography class. The Friends are looking for donations for the Bookstore, high sales have depleted their
stock.
Since Ms. Hughes will be attending the Texas Library Association Conference in March, Dr.
Snowden announced the next meeting will be Tuesday, April 24, at 4:15 P.M in the Library Conference
Room He adjourned the meeting at 5:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
1,J
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator