HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 01/11/20010
LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting —' January ;11, 2001,'
6:00 p.m.
Council Liaison: Michael Byrne Staff Liaison: Brenda Cams
(Phone 221-6670)
Chairperson: Edward Jakubauskas
(Phone:223-7428)
A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on January 11, 2001 in the Ben Delatour Room
of the Main Library. The following Library Board members were present: Lisa Helme, Edward
Jakubauskas, Rudy Maes, and Mary Robertson.
Library Board Members Absent:
City Staff Members Present:
Friends of the Library Liaison:
Carolyn Haase, M. Madeleine Wawro, and Charles
Robles
Brenda Cams, Kimberley Crowley, and
Marjorie Teklits
Absent
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the Chairperson, Edward Jakubauskas.
A motion was made by Mary Robertson to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2000
meeting; Rudy Maes seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Correspondence
A copy of the January 5`h, 2001 letter from Mayor Ray Martinez and County Commissioner
Kathay Rennels concerning the need to identify options for an equitable solution for library
funding was mentioned by Ed Jakubauskas; copies were included in Board packets.
Reports/Presentations
a. Director — Brenda Cams
Brenda brought to the Board's attention the following items in their packets:
An article entitled "Federal Filter Legislation in, Rides on Appropriations Bill"
from the January 8th issue of Library Hotline; it basically says that if public
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libraries wish to be eligible for federal funds, such as Library Services and
Technology Act grants, they have to filter all computers. At the suggestion of the
Board, Brenda will invite a representative from the City Attorney's office to speak
to the Board about freedom of speech issues and the Bill's implications;
An article written by ALA Legal Counsel, Jenner & Block, entitled "Children's
Internet Protection Act Frequently Asked Questions;"
A copy of the library's Local History holiday newsletter summarizing special
accomplishments and projects of the year;
Copies of the library's achievements in 2000 and goals for 2001; Board members
were invited to bring their comments to the next meeting;
Copies of three articles from recent American Libraries periodicals concerning
advocacy, building partnerships, and information -smart communities;
An article about the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library;
A draft Capital Improvement Plan and Inventory for 2001-2010 prepared for City
Council by City staff which details the City's funded and partially funded projects
and highlights the capital needs that are not yet funded;
An updated Library Board roster, 2001 meeting dates, and a copy of the Public
Calendar.
Library Board members were encouraged to join Brenda at the Colorado Library
Association's Legislative Day, Thursday, February 22"d. It is an opportunity to express
views about various issues, such as Internet filtering and library funding. The meeting
starts at 8:30 a.m. in Denver and ends approximately 2 p.m. Rudy Maes said that he will
try to attend. Details about the day's program will be provided as they become available.
Brenda said the CLA Legislative Committee has created a sub -committee to deal with the
formation of library districts; they also plan to discuss our present County funding
situation.
The library is planning a quarterly newsletter which will acquaint customers with what
the library is doing, its funding needs, Library Trust updates, a calendar of events, and
lists of important library activities.
Special purple icons have been attached to the HealthAware Library's circulating
collection for ease in identifying those materials. It is planned to have the reference items
ready by March 1.
The Coloradoan will begin publishing lists of the library's new business titles.
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Brenda reported on what the Main and Harmony Libraries do to address the special needs
of customers at a recent City Commission on Disabilities meeting. A copy of her report
was included in Board packets.
C. Committee Reports:
County/State/National — Carolyn Haase
Although Carolyn and Charles were not able to attend the meeting, Carolyn's written
report and attachments were copied for the Board packets and brought to the attention of
the Board.
Community Public Relations — Mary Robertson
Brenda reported that a local trust foundation approved a $50,000 donation to the Library
Trust to be used as an endowment for library programs; it can be.applied to fulfill a
requirement for matching funds for a National Endowment of the Humanities grant the
Trust is seeking. In addition, the library may be eligible to receive a considerable amount
of money over a four year period from the local foundation as well as funds for a study of
the present facility to be used as a Museum if a ballot issue for a new main library is
obtained and approved this year.
The Library Trust has created a survey focused on determining what services the public
would like to see at the library and what they perceive as appropriate for private funding.
The survey, which will be distributed to City residents in the January utility bills, also
suggests thoughts for a new main library.
Lisa Helme recommended a letter from the Library Board to members of the Library
Trust thanking them for their efforts.
OLD BUSINESS
a. Officer Nominations -- Brenda Cams for absent Nominating Committee Chairperson
As the Chair of the nominating committee and one other member were not able to attend
tonight's meeting, Brenda was asked to place the names of Mary Robertson as Chair and
Charles Robles and Rudy Maes to share Vice -Chair duties. Lisa Helme motioned to
approve the nominations, Ed Jakubauskas seconded the motion and it was unanimously
approved.
b. County Library Funding -- Brenda Cams
The December 11'h meeting with County and City officials and library supporters resulted
in agreement to find a way to fund the County's libraries. The City's Commission on
Disabilities is planning to write a letter to the County in support of library funding. The
City is planning to underwrite $90,000 of the $120,000 cut from the County's
contribution to the library; funding for the $30,000 used for the Outreach/Volunteer
Coordinator position will have to be either cut or reallocated from other library resources.
Ed Jakubauskas said that a new library building is the number one priority at this time.
He believes the library will have to look at districting options in the future in order to
acquire and maintain adequate funding, and that the Library Board needs to provide
direction.
Lisa Helme suggested the use of temporary structures in the park to alleviate some of the
overcrowding at the Main Library. Brenda explained that ordinances in place do not
allow such structures. She said that, in some instances, multiple copies of library
materials are stored and retrieved when needed to save shelf space. Unfortunately, this
inconveniences the public, causing them to wait longer for materials, and adds to staff
time needed to accommodate requests. Additional storage space will be requested as the
need arises.
Lisa asked what options would be available for expansion if a new main library was not
approved. Brenda said solutions might include partnerships with the School District or
the HealthAware Library.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Annual Report -- Ed Jakubauskas
Board members present agreed with Mary Robertson's recommended revisions and
additions to the draft Annual Report for the year 2000. Mary motioned to approve the
Annual Report as amended, Rudy seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
b. Internet Filtering -- Kim Crowley
An opportunity for state grant funds requiring a filtering option to protect children from
accessing inappropriate Internet sites prompted the library to began offering optional
filtered Internet access for its customers at the beginning of this year. The type of filter
purchased eliminates most hate speech, illegal drug and sex sites, and it is the same
filtering system used by the Poudre School District. Customers are being asked to
choose either full, filtered or no Internet access when their library cards expire, and
parents with children under the age of 18 are being asked to choose for their children.
Library staff are making available to customers a brochure describing the present Internet
policy. At present, if customers do not choose an access level, the default is full access.
City officials have requested the library to automatically filter access to the Internet
starting March 15 for customers under the age of 18 whose parents have not made a
decision for them.
Out of approximately 88,000 registered borrowers, only about 10% use the Internet. To
date, 701 customers have chosen full Internet access (633 over age 18, 68 under age 18);
195 have chosen filtered Internet access (78 over age 18, 117 under age 18), and 105 have
chosen no Internet access (85 over age 18, 20 under age 18).
One of staffs biggest concerns is attempting to have parents make an Internet access
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decision for their children. Lisa suggested making a staff member or volunteer available
in the library to seek out parents visiting with their children and informing them of the
options. She also suggested including information in the utility bills, however, Brenda
mentioned that a library survey, which Mary will further explain, is presently being
inserted in the City utility bills. Kim said that information about access levels will be
included on the library's web page, and Brenda said it could also be included in a library
newsletter which is being planned. Lisa also suggested a "pop-up" screen on the
computers explaining access options, and Kim said Technology staff are looking into that
possibility.
Lisa asked that the Library's Management Team be proactive regarding the filtering issue,
to do all they can to help parents make an intelligent decision for their children. She also
suggested possible partnering with the School District to reach as many parents as
possible.
C. Naming of the Automated Catalog System -- Kim Crowley
Over 170 suggested names were submitted by the public in the library's automated
catalog naming contest last fall. The Library Management Team reviewed the choices
which were further narrowed down to seven selections by a focus group. The
overwhelming favorite was "Owl" which lends itself nicely to graphic possibilities, it is
easy to say, an acronym could be "Our Web Library," and it can be tied into the
upcoming Summer Reading Program theme of flight. Kim explained that one of the
purposes of choosing a name for the system is to make it easier for customers to relate to
the computer system; it also provides a publicity opportunity.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Teklits
Administrative Secretary