Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 03/17/1994CITY OF FORT COLLINS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING CIC Room at City Hall West March 17, 1994 - 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: LIBRARY BOARD -- Anne Ostrye-Macdonald, Chairperson, Al Stone, Sandra Webermeier, Jerry Roselle, Jean Dietemann ABSENT -- Madeleine Wawro, Karen Dornseif LIBRARY STAFF -- Linda Saferite, Robert Holzfaster, Mike Powers, Barbara Surber, Larry Webber, Ellen Willis, Marg Portouw, Lu Berke, Pat Doughty LIBRARY LIAISON -- Ann Azari - absent The meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m. by the Chair, Anne Ostrye-Macdonald. The minutes of the January and February meeting were approved as distributed. There was no correspondence. Council Liaison was absent, no report was presented. REPORTS Linda Saferite introduced Ellen Willis, Childrens/Media Program Administrator to present her "On The Job With" report. Ellen reported on her responsibilities and those of the Childrens and Media Department by the use of difference hats for her different roles. Ellen introduced Lu Benke and Pat Doughty who are the two new librarians in the Childrens department. Ellen emphasized the importance of the childrens department in creating the lifelong reader by such things as storytimes as an instant gratification. Ellen reported on functions and resources in the Media department. Linda Saferite reported there are five new librarians; Elain Burritt and Sue -Ellen Jones in Reference, Renee Beihl in Technical Services, Lu Berke and Pat Doughty both in Childrens. Linda said they would be helpful in moving the library forward as changes occur. Linda reported on: - changes with new cash handling procedures. - the bookdrop at 1st Interstate Bank is working out fine - the new reference desk is nearly finished - the changes to the first floor desk location and prototype at the circulation desk are in progress and staff are being cross trained Linda noted the need for staff to take physical breaks and a have an ergonomic desk for large amount of materials handled. 1 - a donated sculpture will be placed in front of the library. The sculpture is in bronze of 2 children in dress up clothes. There will be a dedication and Board Members will be invited. - to investigate the possible joint library venture with Front Range Community College, Linda reported on a trip in April to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with Eric Reno and Mike Powers to observe and evaluate a community effort there. Linda passed around a Adult Literacy brochure, Bar Code Volunteer and Read Aloud thank you notes, and thank you note to Linda from Childrens Mercantile for the Boards information. The Library Board expressed some concerns on the "How'd We Do" forms i.e. late charges from books left in bookdrops and complaint of staff responding to people of color. Linda assured the Board that training and sensitizing staff is in progress. Kim Crowley is working on a Hispanic collection at this time. Larry Webber reported on progress on the Mini Library. Larry demonstrated (with the help of an architectural drawing) the layout of the Mini Library. He explained the layout they are using and a universal shelving which improves visibility. The locations of various departments and space usage with a story telling room and the relocation of Adult Literacy to this location. He anticipates a collection of between 15,000 and 17,000 items upon opening. Larry Webber announced the submittal of two library grants to LSCA. These are Title I grants and chose a Young Adult Services collection to be added to the Mini Library with this funding. He hopes this will encourage this age group to become life long readers and offer a safe alternative to teens to gather. The total amount of money requested on this grant is $18,240. and with the in kind contributions, the total would amount to $41,821. The award will be announced on July 14, 1994. Larry spoke briefly on using the Mini Library meeting room for Adult Programming. Sandra Weibermeier asked about anticipated opening of the Mini Library and Linda responded with a possible October date. OLD BUSINESS Ann Ostrye-Macdonald reported on the Library Board Retreat held in February and handed out a detailed report she had compiled on results of the brainstorming sessions. She spoke on the needs that are coming out of these discussions that these were mostly to find alternative funding and getting a support group coordinated. Anne asked to set up a special meeting for the Board Members and Linda Saferite to meeting to discuss ideas for funding sources. This meeting will be held on April 7th. Anne reported on a meeting with the Senior Center group who have requested a library effort be considered in the new Senior Center. Anne considers this to be too large of a request for the main library to consider doing at this time. Anne asked a Board Member represent Board at the Seniors next meeting since she is unable to be there. Sandra Webermeir volunteered. Many expressed their thanks to Anne for her outstanding work on the retreat report. 7 Sandra Webermeier reported on the Legislative Day activities and spoke on a proposal to put new wording into the constitution to limit the freedom to read that is being considered. Sandra explained that Representatives Peggy Reeves and Bernie Strom were there and she encouraged all to speak to their representatives on the need to voice their opinion on the Senate resolution. Ellen Willis presented the recommendation to approve a policy change to eliminate the public use of Typewriters and Computers in the Media Department. Ellen emphasized that the need to free up staff time would benefit the library and more of its users than having these non -library services available. One computer would be kept in the Children's department to be used by children with educational software available on it. Jerry Roselle inquired about the history of this service at the library and Marg Portouw and Larry Webber responded. Jerry asked if Kinko's could be contacted and asked to accept a discount to library card holders. This could offset the publics need to access a computer at a reasonable cost. Sandra Webermeier made a motion to accept this policy change with the wording changed to show computers only being moved to be put to a better use. All approved. Ellen Willis presented the recommendation to change the media loan periods and limit the number of items in Media and books to be checked out. Jerry Roselle asked if this is a policy or procedure and if it was necessary to vote on this. Linda said it is a policy. The Board Members supported this and recommended that the changes be made. Al Stone seconded this and all approved. Linda handed out her Expectations and explained her customer service philosophy. Linda explained how this philosophy will help improve service. Volunteers play a key role in this success. Linda also spoke on employee recognition and the Board Members recommended posting these expectations. Kim Crowley reported on her work the LSCA grant. Bievnvenidos a Todos de la Comunidad is a Hispanic access grant and will expand the Hispanic collection in Adult Services and Media. It will also address the needs of the Spanish speaking community by providing books, videos, audio tapes magazines and newspapers. Spanish speaking community members will act as an advisory committee when developing this collection. Al Stone voiced a concern that this collection would be kept separate but due to the need to be easily accessible, the multi -language section will be kept apart. Jean Dietemann spoke on her meeting with the New West Fest committee this committee's request for the Library's cooperation this year. The request for a character i.e. Garfield and Mother Goose could represent the library at this years event. The recommendation to ask for help in financing was suggested. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Surber Library Secretary r BJS/ 3