Loading...
02/04/2010 LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER February 4, 2010 Present: Jan Regulski Chair Judith Blanton Vice-Chair Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member Rosalie G. Murray Board Member Bernard Ward Board Member Mary Van Weezel Board Member Judith McSwine Board Member Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Main Library. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2 – Introduction of New Board Member 3 – Approval of Minutes – November 5, 2009 Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2009, Library Board meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4 – Library Director’s Reports 4.1. New & Planned Innovations Library Director Barbara Pickell said the City Manager will request City Council direction regarding the budget following the March election. While library hours have been reduced, demand has increased. Staff is considering efficiency options. a) Self check It is hoped a self-check system with essential features that will improve efficiencies can be installed by June; a committee will review RFP (Request for Proposals) responses. A floating staff member will assist the public check out their own materials. The public also will have direct access to their reserved books. b) Floating collection To save significant staff time, materials no longer will be transferred to their home library but will remain at the library where they are returned. System safeguards will prevent one branch from having too many titles of the same book, for example. Ms. Pickell hoped that popular countywide deliveries can continue while budgets and services are being cut. The City is working on an option to search for materials outside the County and will participate in testing the statewide system under the Tampa Bay Library Consortium. In response to a question, Ms. Library 2010-02-04 1 Pickell said encouraging the public to pick up a book at its location would not reduce costs as staff time is required to reserve books. Changes to the collection at the entrance to the Main Library were complimented. Ms. Pickell said staff had been polled and made changes based on public input. The redesigned space has increased staff efficiency. c) Text a librarian All calls to the libraries are answered in one location. A new service that answers text messages will not require additional staff. 4.2. Café update Work is progressing on an interlocal agreement with the Pinellas County School Board for a partnership between the Main Library and Calvin Hunsinger School. As proposed, students will acquire work experience by operating the café from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. It is not known if supervision can be provided on weekends. The program teacher has a background in fast foods. Equipment and furniture will be purchased to make the operation viable. The area is not vented; a microwave and Panini grill can be used. Students also will make salads. The class is partnering with the school system’s culinary arts program. 4.3. Statistical Report While hours were reduced by 30% and staff cut by 25%, library usage has fallen only slightly since 2004. The North Greenwood branch lost half of its hours and experienced the largest reduction in usage. While the Beach branch also lost half its hours, its usage has remained steady. The Main Library is significantly busier than it was in 2004; it is the only library open every day and is the busiest in the City. Concern was expressed that candidates in the upcoming election need to understand the importance of City libraries. Ms. Pickell said although East Branch is critical to the library system’s ability to serve the public and has the lowest utility costs, it is most vulnerable to being closed. It was stated that 70% of East Branch patrons are City residents. Ms. Pickell expressed concern that staff at other City libraries would be unable to serve all of East Branch patrons if it is closed. She said if East is closed, it would make sense to also close the Beach and North Greenwood branches and increase staff at Countryside and Main. Instead of the Woodgate location, the field in front of the Long Center is under consideration as a site for a library branch that would combine East and Countryside. Support was expressed for the synergy that would result from locating the senior center, athletic activities, and library together in one City center. 5 – Unfinished Business 5.1 Advocacy & State funding Discussion ensued regarding a letter to State representatives and the administration advocating the restoration of State library funding. It was stated if State library funding drops below $21 million, Florida no longer will qualify for federal funding. Ms. Pickell thanked board Library 2010-02-04 2 members for representing the library before civic organizations. Board members were encouraged to contact all Council members regarding the library after the election. 6 - Reports 6.1. Foundation The Foundation continues to raise money and seek donors. 6.2. Friends Friends of the Library Representative/Board Member Murray said in the past year, the Friends' book store raised between $45,000 and $50,000 for the library in spite of reduced library hours. Ms. Pickell said the Volunteer Coordinator position funded by the Friends, Women's Club, and Foundation has helped improve library services. Volunteers make it possible for staff to be more efficient. The information desk has been reopened for the first time in three years. Ms. Murray said out of concern for staff morale, the Friends hosted a staff appreciation day and provided staff incentives. Ms. Pickell said four staff members are paying their own registration to attend an important conference in Oregon. A contribution from the Friends is helping cover air fares and lodging. 7 . Board Comments Member Blanton said the November benefit, "Evening with the Author," featuring Andrew Hughes had been a great success; she thanked all participants for their help. Member Murray said she was happy to be part of a group that cares deeply about library services for all Clearwater residents and hoped that the new Council will support the library. Board Members expressed support for the Long Center as a site for a library branch and encouraged the board to begin planning for the 100th anniversary of the City's library in 2016, including creation of a slogan. 8 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 11 :35 a.m. Next meeting will be on May 6, 2010 at 1 ~ ~ ~~. hair 1 Library Board Attest: Library 2010-02-04 3