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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 01/13/1994CITY OF FORT COLLINS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING Ben Delatour Room January 13, 1994 - 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: LIBRARY BOARD -- Anne Ostrye-Macdonald, Chairperson, Karen Dornseif, Sandra Webermeier, Madeleine Wawro, Jean Dietemann ABSENT: -- Al Stone, Jerry Roselle LIBRARY STAFF -- Linda Saferite, Robert Holzfaster, Mike Powers, Barbara Surber, Dave Bagge, Larry Webber, Ellen Willis LIBRARY LIAISON -- Ann Azari - absent The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the Chair, Anne Ostrye-Macdonald. The minutes of the December meeting were approved as distributed with the request to correct the second page of the Challenged Book Policy which was an attachment to the minutes. Anne Ostrye-Macdonald introduced Jean Dietemann who is replacing Fay Rhoadarmer as a member of the Library Board. Anne also introduced Pam Sandlian, Children's Library Manager at the Denver Public Library as Guest Speaker for this evenings meeting. PAM SANDLIEN - GUEST SPEAKER Pam Sandiien handed out literature and information on the use of Focus Groups in planning changes and needs in the design process of the new Denver Public Library's childrens department. Pam spoke at length on: - information gained - types of groups and the need to consider demographics - encouraging participation - importance of using a neutral person to run the groups Pam related some of the information gained from the children i.e. colors, type of environments, space and noted that not all of their ideas could be put into the new library but that all of the information was useful when they began planning and mentioned the importance for children to know they are listened to. Pam noted that the documentation received from these Focus Groups was most important and was taken to the Architects. This information was used before any discussion for placement of walls. The information gained was used to make space more attractive to the children or allowed them to create their own space. Pam noted the project was planned for eight months before they implimented their team approach. The Denver Public Library only used Focus Groups in designing the Children's Library and noted the need to be aware of demographics and using a full range when assembling the focus Groups. Anne suggested holding a meeting to discuss the use of Focus Groups at a later date. REPORTS Linda Saferite introduced Dave Bagge, Circulation Program Administrator. Dave reported on his responsibilities and those of the Circulation Department. Dave supervises 18-20 employees six of whom are classified and the rest are hourly. Circulation often is the first contact point for customers. Dave reported there are three remote dropboxes and a new location will be available soon at the 1st Interstate Bank at College and Boardwalk. The dropbox at the Foothills Fashion Mall will be moved to the Barton Early Childhood Center due to its low use. A dropbox in the north area of town has been requested and is being considered. Dave reported on the numerous repetitive stress injuries in the Circulation Department and noted that they are following the doctors ordered restrictions. Dave noted that a new circulation desk is being thought out and ideas for different ways to check -in and check-out are being considered. Self check-out is another alternative and Dave explained how it would work and the need to have two machines to accommodate the barcode placement. Linda Saferite reported that Ann Azari could not be here tonight due to another engagement and Mike Powers would be arriving later. Linda welcomed Virginia Lee, a member of the Friends Of The Library. Linda noted that the there was $451. Gift -A -Book donation from the Friends. Linda reported the Friends of the Library voted to use booksale proceeds to support: $ 100. Employee recognition award ($25.00 per quarter) $2,500. Staff development ($1000 - national conference attendance; $1500 for local training for front line staff $3,000. Summer Reading Program - $5,000. Replacement of worn and broken library furniture Linda announced a school and library cooperative effort could gain us a large donation from an anonymous source. The time frame is short and requirements are firm. It must be a combined school and Library need that will extend to the community. A committee of school, library, and City personnel are working on this project now. Linda reported on the library barcoding project. The library will be closed until noon weekdays from January 24th to February 4th. This is the final phase of the barcoding project and will include some data base cleanup. As the consultant advised, a blitz format will be used and volunteers are being recruited and press releases have gone out. Staff committees are working on this project also. Linda reported that the library was undergoing a reorganization with an emphasis on combining public service desks for greater efficiency in staff use and ease of customer use. This reorganization will consolidate the Reference desk and Adult Services desk into one. This desk will be changed and located upstairs where the computer catalogs are now. The Circulation desks will be consolidated into one and redesigned. It will be relocated so queuing does not block the entrance. Later in the year Media will be combined with Childrens and Media and that area reconfigured. Combining these desks will enhance the service levels with customers needing to seek out fewer locations for help as well as strengthening the staffing at each of these desks. There will also be changes with Program Administrators. Dave Bagge will move the Administration and be responsible for facility maintenance, Adult Literacy, Outreach Volunteers, and special projects. Carol Clemons (Bering) will move to Circulation and oversee shelving as well. Dean Willms will move to Technical Services and also be responsible for a collection development. Robert Copeland will continue to oversee Reference with the addition of Adult Services. These changes will be affective March 1st. Larry Webber will be working closely with Linda on the Mini Library project and after it opens, will manage it. Linda reported on her meeting with the Larimer County Librarians. The following items were discussed: - a possible 1 cent tax may be on the ballot and commissioners may be receptive to other needs if they are presented before February 15th. - The continued low county support of public libraries and the needs of improved access, more books and expanded courier service Linda thanked Anne, Jean and Karen for attending the City Council Poudre R-1 School Board Work Session on the Barton Early Childhood Center Library. Linda reviewed the Library's Goals and objectives for 1994. Linda shared a recent newspaper article on the Library's Adult Literacy Department. The Board members commented on the customers "How'd We do" forms. Karen Dornseif commended the Library staff for their sensitive responses to these complaints and inquiries. OLD BUSINESS Anne Ostrye-Macdonald, Sandra Webermeier and Madeleine Wawro requested their dates of service be changed to reflect their reappointments. Home and work phone numbers were also updated. Linda reported on visits to the following libraries. at the next regular meeting: - Boulder and Meadows - Longmont - Evergreen - Tattered Cover Bookstore Ideas for our Mini Library will be shared Sandra Webermeier reported that the February Board meeting would be a retreat. The Agenda has not be set yet but the facilitator will be Nancy Knepel, Director of the High Plains Regional Library System. The retreat will be held at Lee Martinez Park Building on Thursday, February loth from 4-9 p.m. Sandra handed out flyers with this information. Linda reported on progress in finding a location for the Mini Library. Linda used a visual demonstration, 92/93 survey and a Census tract to explain the goal and reasons for using a 2 mile radius. The following two sites are being considered: - Raintree Center at Drake and Shields - Troutman and College behind Lonestar Restaurant The locations are fairly equal in size but the Troutman location could be built to suite. Parking is good at both but better at Troutman and both have bus stops. Linda displayed a chart to explain cost comparisons and estimates of costs. The location at Troutman would serve the most new users, be near our projected Branch location and within the budget allotment. Madeleine Wawro expressed concern with the traffic at the Troutman location but others pointed out better access, better parking, cost less, more flexibility for space, closer to Front Range Community College, and the future need of a full Branch Library. Linda asked the Board for their recommendation in order to move quickly. Sandra Webermeier motioned to recommend the Troutman location and it was unanimously approved. Mike Powers requested a letter be drafted and sent to Council with the recommendation. Linda agreed to draft this letter. Linda encouraged and recommended a cooperative relationship between Friends of the Library and the Library Board and pointed out that the Mini Library would be a good opportunity to build this relationship. Anne asked about a $5,000. donation that was put on hold last year and suggested this money could be put to use on the Mini Library. Madeleine Wawro asked about barcoding and Kid Catalog and expressed problems she has had getting a title. Suggestions were made on ways to access information. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Surber Library Secretary BJS/