Library Advisory Board Minutes - 03/24/1998LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
March 24, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jessie Stewart, Chairperson
Al Sutko
Jim Snowden
Jim Bracket
Martha Allensworth
Dr. Richard Day
Valda Jones
Patsy Klein
ALSO PRESENT:
Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Gloria Taylor
The meeting was called to order at 4:15 P.M. by Ms. Stewart. A quorum was present. The
minutes of the February meeting were approved as printed. Ms. Stewart called on Ms. Hughes for the
Librarian's report.
Ms. Hughes said that the statistics were pretty close to last year. She said that the first truck load
of shelving, 30,000 pounds worth, and a second truck is due in next week. The end panels are due in two
to three weeks. Installation should take 2 to 3 weeks and the furniture is due in about April 10s. The
Purchasing Agent is preparing purchase orders for the remainder of fixtures and equipment. Ms. Hughes
reported that the new staff members have been hired and are being trained. She said that the bids from
the relocation companies would go to Council the first meeting in April. The apparent low bidder is well
under what was budgeted. When references were called, the company got rave reviews.
Under Old Business Ms. Stewart queried the progress, if any, on the consortium idea between
MSU Library and the Public Library. Ms. Hughes said that the project is still under investigation, but
temporarily on hold until the new Library project is finished. There are two major issues to be resolved,
the barcodes —MSU uses a different type of coding and the ability of MSU to pursue overdue materials of
non - students. Ms. Hughes is going to request funds to become a full member of AMIGOS in the next
budget cycle, which will put all Library holdings on -line in an international database and expedite the
consortium while expanding the Inter Library Loan and cataloging capabilities. The Library intends to
make its catalog available on the Internet which will benefit the area schools. Ms. Hughes said that the
new LSTA (federal funds) grant, future rounds of TIF grants and Gates grants may provide possible
funding sources for a consortium effort.
Martha Allensworth said that the Friends Executive Board is meeting regularly to plan the
Dedication Day ceremonies, plan for the Book Sale Room, and other matters of business.
Ms. Stewart called for further business, there being none, she announced the next meeting to be
May 26, 1998 at 4:15 PM in the Wichita Falls Public Library Conference Room. The meeting was
adjourned at 4:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
May 26, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jessie Stewart, Chairperson
Gloria Taylor
Jim Snowden
Jim Bracket
Martha Allensworth
Dr. Richard Day
Valda Jones
Patsy Klein
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Bill Altman, City Council Liaison
Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
Irene Lambert and Gracie Gregg, Friends of the Library Liaison
Al Sutko
The meeting was called to order at 4:15 P.M. by Ms. Stewart. A quorum was present. Robert
Powers introduced Mr. Altman, the new City Council Liaison to the Library Advisory Board. The minutes
of the March meeting were approved as printed. Ms. Stewart called on Ms. Hughes for the Librarian's
report.
Ms. Hughes said that the week prior to closure was very heavy in circulation. All materials
checked out within three weeks of closure were due after the opening. The period of closure was treated
as a holiday so that no fines would accrue during that period even on materials overdue prior to closure.
She said that the in -house book drop had already become very popular. She reported that the actual move
of materials, furniture, and equipment from Kemp to the new facility was completed in five days with both
the staff and movers working thirteen hours a day to speed completion. The Wichita Falls Tole Painters
club have begun a long term project decorating the Youth Storyroom and other areas in Youth Services
with wall paintings. Ms. Hughes said that the Library has developed an Adult Summer Reading Club as
well as the Young Adult Discovery Club and the Children's Reading Club. A group of reading specialists
will be offering reading tutoring for children this summer through the Youth Services Department.
Under New Business, Ms. Stewart announced that the Board would have discussion concerning the
challenged books Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy's Roommate. Ms. Stewart said that no decision
would be made at this meeting. She asked that all members read the books in order to make an informed
decision. Dr. Day asked for reviews and commentary concerning the books. Ms. Stewart said that the
book was under reconsideration according to the policy manual. Dr. Day asked for clarification of the
Board's role in the procedure. Ms. Hughes stated that it was simply that of feedback from a citizen's
group appointed by City Council. Dr. Day said he understood that the Library Administrator had the role
of decision maker and assumed that the Board was looking to see if the selection criteria was met. Ms.
Hughes agreed.
Gracie Gregg f6ported that the Friends would have a general meeting on May 28 at 7 P.M. A tour
of the new facility will be offered after the business meeting. The Friends will be planning their role in the
Dedication Day ceremonies, arranging for refreshments, finalizing the plans for the Book Store, and
soliciting volunteers to accomplish a variety of chores during the opening and the Dedication. The Friends
will be offering incentives for the Children's Summer reading program
Ms. Stewart called for further business, there being none, she announced the next meeting to be June 23,
1998 at 4:15 PM in the Wichita Falls Public Library, Room 215. The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator