02/19/1988
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LIBRARY BOARD
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CLEARWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
Minutes of tho Meeting
19 FEBRUARY 1988
Clea~water Public Library
9:30 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Mr. Frank Barnicle, Chair
Mr. William Donovan
Mr. Frederick Dunn
Ms. Carol Nielsen .
Mr. Bernard Panush
Mr. Theodore Serril!
Hrs. Faye Sollid
Mrs. Virginia Watson
Mr. Sydney White
Mrs. Linda Mielke, ex-officio
Mrs. Susan Hyman, excused
Ms. Margot Pequignot. excused
Chairman Frank Barnicle called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Mr. White
moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded and approved.
Mr. Barnicle reported that a piece of literature Mrs. Mielke had acquired
from the Legal Department clarified some of the financial responsibility concerns
the Board had discussed earlier, but still showed inconsistencies. Mr. Barnicle
read the information which placed responsibility for income and cash gifts to
the Library Board with the City Manager and City Commission, except for gifts
of books or bequests made directly to the Library Board. Mrs. Mielke reported
on a telephone conversation with City Attorney, Al Galbraith, in which he felt
that there are inconsistencies in the Code concerning the Library Board.
Mr. Barnicle suggested two committees be established: one to look at the powers
and financial aspects of the Board, and one to look at making information availa-
ble to prospective members and other concerns. After some discussion, it was
agreed that one committee should look at the basic ordinance and conflicts,
present a package to the Board, and then make a recommendation to the City
Commission. Mr. Dunn was asked to Chair this committee and accepted. Hr. Dunn
selected Ms. Nielsen and Mrs. Sollid to serve on the committee, and Nr. Barnicle
asked Mrs. Hyman and Mr. Donovan also to serve. Mr. Dunn will call a committee
meeting.
Hr. Barnicle discussed the subjects of meeting absences, number of c.;onsecutive
terms, and required financial disclosure statements.
Mrs. ~1ielke reported that a letter of intent has been submitted to the Stnte
Library for grant funds as a combined effort with Largo Library and Pine1las
County to establish subregional Talking Book Library Service in Pinellas County.
The service would be housed in Largo Library and Clearwater's North Greenwood
Branch. There was some discussion of the need for two libraries offering this
service in the same county. Mrs. Mielke reviewed how the talking book service works.
Nrs. Mielke reported that the Clearwater Countryside Library construction
project is on schedule. She anticipates hiring new staff in June. Employment
requests are in the Personnel Department. There is a possibility for promotions
for Library staff members. Nr. Serrill remarked he will try to get pictures of
the construction project for his paper, The Pine11as Review.
~lr. Serrill questioned the progress of book ordering for Clearwater
Countryside Library. Mrs. Mielke stated that books are steadily being ordered,
processed, and placed at Clearwater East Library until Countryside opens.
.... '
CLEARWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
Ninutes of the Meeting February 19. 1988
Page 2
Mr. White expressed concern over the condition of some books in the
Library collection. He noted that several new books fall apart at the binding
after only a few circulations. Mr. \-lhite also questioned who is responsible
for pen or pencil markings inside books. Nrs. Mielke reported that many times
new hooks are returned to the publisher due to poor binding. She agreed that
badly damaged books should be taken off the shelves, hut added that staff are
not able to review each hook returned for inside damage. There was some
discussion of staff placing bookmarks inside the books at checkout to discourage
patrons from laying the open books down to reserve their place. thereby breaking
the binding. Mr. \<1hite asked whe thaI' the book drops cause much damage to books.
Mrs. ~lielke felt that only a small amount of the damage problem results from
the book drops. She will suggest that staff spot check returned books for
damage.
Mr. Dunn questioned the consequence of stealing books. He suggested using
labels inside those books in IIhigh theft" subject areas, such as computer science.
However, Hrs. Hielke noted that this is not enough of a problem to warrant such
action. There was some discussion on the effects of amnesty periods. Mrs. Mielke
reported they don't work that well and upset those patrons who have always paid
fines. She suggested amnesty could be a topic for discussion at another Board
meeting.
Hr. Serrll! asked about police protection nt totain Library. HI's. Hielke
noted that this is the season for an increase in vagrants in the Library.
~ir. Serrill asked if a recommendation might be necessary for increased police
patrol during library hours. His ~oncern stemed from an incident involving
a female friend and her children. Mrs. Mielke asked Mr. Serrill to propose
such a resolution, since the downtown patrol officer was removed for other
duty. ~lr. 5errill resolved that the City provide increased police vigilance
with respect to the Library facilities, especially during the winter months.
The resolution was seconded and approved. Mrs. Mielke will notify the City of
the resolution from the Board.
Mr. Barnicle reported that the Greater Clearwater Public Library Foundation.
Inc., has asked for representation from the Library Board. Nr. Barnicle asked
Mrs. Hyman, Vice Chair for the Library Board, to serve in that capacity Dnd she
has accepted.
The March Board meeting will be March 18 at Clearwater East Library in
the conference room.
The meeting waG adjourned at 10:35 a.m.