Library Advisory Board Minutes - 09/22/1998LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
September 22, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jim Snowden, Chair
Al Sutko
Irene Lambert
Jim Bracket
Ruth Jones
Dr. Richard Day
Valda Jones
Patsy Klein
Andrea Williams
ALSO PRESENT:
Bill Altman, City Council Liaison
Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator
MEMBERS ABSENT:
The meeting was called to order at 4:20 P.M. by Dr. Snowden. A quorum was present. The
minutes were approved as submitted.
Dr. Snowden welcomed everyone back from the summer recess as well as the new members. He
then called on Ms. Hughes for the Librarian's report. She reported that, although shortened to six weeks by
the move, the summer reading club was a huge success involving almost one hundred more children than
last year. 5801 hours of reading were logged by participants. Special summer reading programs were also
offered for teens and adults this year and were also successful. More than 2100 children attended programs
during the summer. Ms. Hughes reported that the Library would be hosting the Fall Assembly of North
Texas Regional Library System, about 150 librarians and representatives are expected to attend. The Dynix
software will undergo its first major upgrade since the move and Telecirc will be installed. This will allow
patrons to call in and renew or reserve materials and check their records for what they currently have out or
any fines by using a touch tone phone. Telecirc will also act as an electronic notification system, calling
those with overdue materials. Overdue notices will be printed and mailed to only those not reached by
phone. She said that a committee of librarians from MSU's Moffatt Library and Wichita Falls Public are
beginning to plan a joint celebration of National Library Week next spring.
Dr. Snowden commented on how different the report seemed to be from the days at Kemp. It was
so positive and upbeat without the comments on how the staff had to cope with various problems or
disasters. Ms. Hughes replied coming to work was now a fun experience. The staff outlook was positive
and eager. Dr. Snowden said that he had been told that by other staff members too.
Dr. Snowden recommended that any Board Members who were not members of the Friends of the
Library consider joining. Ms. Hughes said that the Book Sale room was doing quite well. McNaughton,
the Library's lease book vendor is donating 262 older books to the Friends to sell. Ms Lambert pointed out
the Book Store hours in the Library newsletter, Check It Out. She said the store could be open more hours
if there were more volunteers to man it. Ms. Hughes commented that the Friends are looking at forming a
book study club. Details will forthcoming as the plans are finalized.
Dr. Day asked if the Library was planning anything for Banned Books Week. Ms. Hughes said
that there would be displays including books the Library owned which had been banned in other
communities. She said the week is planned as a celebration of the freedom to read.
Dr. Snowden asked that any Board Member who had something he or she wished to be placed on
the Agenda, call Ms. Hughes. Ms. Hughes said she went to the generic agenda format since no one was
calling with Agenda items. She said that she would like to add a Meet the Staff segment to the meeting.
This would provide the Board an opportunity to become familiar with each member of the staff and what his
or her duties were. Dr. Snowden said it also created a connection between the staff and the Board.
Dr. Snowden announced the next meeting to be the 27h of October, 1998, at 4:15 in the Library
Conference Room. He also recommended that the Board consider meeting in mid November, on the 17`s
for a combined November/December meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
&�' '�' L'
Linda Hughes, Library Administrator