HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 04/13/1995CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING
Ben Delatour Room - Fort Collins Public Library
April 13, 1995 - 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT: LIBRARY BOARD: Anne Ostrye-Macdonald, Chairperson, Alan Bednarz, Al
Stone, Karen Dornseif, Linda Knowlton
ABSENT: Le Moyne Anderson, M. Madeleine Wawro
CITY STAFF: Linda Saferite, Robert Holzfaster, Ellen Willis, Larry Webber,
Marjorie Teklits
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY LIAISON: Shirley Chase
Following a tour of the newly renovated Library, the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the
Chairperson, Anne Ostrye-Macdonald. The minutes of the March 9, 1994 regular meeting and the
March 28, 1995 special meeting stand as written.
REPORTS
Summer Reading Program Preview - Ellen Willis
Ellen Willis, Program Administrator for Children's/Media, presented an overview of the planned
Summer Reading Program which will be held at Linton, Tavelli and Cache-LaPoudre Elementary
Schools as well as at the Main and Mini Libraries. The theme of this year's program for children age
2 to the end of the 9th grade is "This Summer Find a Treasure, Read a Book." The program will run
from June 19 to August 4. The Friends of the Library have donated $5,000 for book prizes. In
addition, notices will be sent out concerning Library Pals (children 4th grade and up) by the Library's
volunteer coordinator.
Statistics Report - Robert Holzfaster
First quarter 1995 statistics on collection strength, number of registered customers, items checked
in/out, holds, Interlibrary Loans, building traffic, hours open and fines collected were presented.
Organization Chart - Robert Holzfaster, Ellen Willis
An organization chart, floor plans of the first and second floors of the library and a list of books on
cassette given by the Friends of the Library was distributed.
Policy Manual - Linda Saferite
A copy of the Library's Policy Manual was shown to the Library Board.
General Report - Linda Saferite
The design for the new Library card was unveiled on Customer Appreciation Day, April 10. Al Stone
represented the Library Board, and the artist of the winning design was presented with a $25 check from
the Friends of the Library.
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The twenty -year -old plants and shrubs around the library are being replaced not only because they
created a haven for unsafe activity, but also to rejuvenate the Library's appearance.
First Search is being used at the Reference desk for extending the Library's reference search
capabilities. After the six-month free trial period ends in June, another product will be tested.
The Lions Club Foundation is willing to fund the purchase of ADA computer equipment. This includes
a microcomputer, voice sensitizer, large screen monitor, laser/jet printer and a brailler.
A report outlining "The Fort Collins Public Library --Past, Present and Future" was distributed to the
Library Board; it contains statistics of what the Library currently has and what it needs, such as it
currently has 150 seats and needs 575; the collection has 1.7 items per capita and an adequately funded
collection has 34 books per capita; there are 109 parking spaces along the street and 300 are needed.
Hopefully some of the information will be used in the City Dialogue process.
Interest earned from the funds held by the Community Foundation Serving Northern Colorado is being
designated for purchase of new material for the Library; the principal remains in the fund to accumulate
interest. Due to the low interest returns, no money has been spent. This money consists of bequeathals
made to the Library.
Library Board members were given applications and encouraged to join the Friends of the Library
organization.
A map of the Library's 24-hour bookdrop locations in Fort Collins was shown to the Library board.
Copies of a letter from the American Library Association concerning Library advocacy was distributed
to the Board. It encourages members to send a message to Congress urging an increase in Federal
spending on libraries from the current 57 cents to $1 per every American.
How'd We Do's
There were numerous customer comments concerning the use of printed receipts. It was explained that
the use of the receipts are tremendously cost effective, has reduced repetitive motion injuries and a
library consultant and automation expert has advised that this technology utilizes staff more wisely and
provides faster service to the Library's customers. It was suggested to explore the cost of obtaining
refrigerator magnets with the Library's logo to sell to customers to keep their receipts in a safe place.
Another suggestion was to provide bookmarks on which customers could write due dates.
Karen Dornseif asked if there was any way to enclose the outdoor bookdrop. Linda Saferite said a shelf
was installed near the drop to help customers who are returning numerous items. Al Bednarz asked
why there was a separate container for media items; Linda explained that they are kept separate to
prevent damage from the weight of books. She also explained that the outdoor bookdrop helps
decrease the amount of traffic inside the Library as many customers are just returning items and don't
have to enter the Library. The idea of a remote bookdrop on the premises was explored, but wasn't
practical as it would take up some of the current parking space which is already insufficient.
Karen Dornseif asked why the threshold for fines is $2 for most items. Linda Saferite explained that
it is an amount that people are willing to pay; if check-out lines are not backed up, customers are
informed of the amount of their current fines.
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Mini Library Update - Larry Webber
The walls are up and studs and electrical conduits are in place. It is anticipated that the building could
be ready for occupancy by June 1. It will take approximately a month to move into the building and
for set-up. Interviews are being conducted for staff. Larry Webber is working with junior and senior
high school focus groups to find out what they perceive the Mini Library to be and perhaps to find
volunteers to help with the move. Plans are to announce the opening date in mid -May.
OLD BUSINESS
Declaration of Principles - Al Stone
The Library Board discussed the principles and informally decided to remove it from the agenda.
Roles Document
A motion was made by Al Bednarz to accept the Roles Document as a guide and for use in training new
Board members. It was seconded by Linda Knowlton and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Library Fund Advisory Committee
This committee was set up to oversee funds donated to the Library. Anne Ostrye-Macdonald will invite
the President, Ginny Ward, to the May I Ith meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was discussed.
Continuing Education for the Board
Al Stone and M. Madeleine Wawro accompanied Linda Saferite, some of the Program Administrators
and Shirley Chase to a preview of the new Denver Public Library on March 23rd. It was agreed that
visits to other libraries is an educational experience and helps envision what can be done and what is
needed at the Fort Collins Public Library.
A Continuing Education Scholarship application for Colorado Library Staff Members and Trustees was
distributed to the Library Board. The scholarships offer to cover tuition, lodging and travel up to $200
per person per year, and Board members were encouraged to take part in this training activity.
June 8, 1995 Library Board Meeting
This meeting will be devoted to discussing results of the Library Consultant Bob Rohlfs report on the
Feasibility Study of the Reuse of Old Fort Collins High School.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Teklits
Library Secretary
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