08/01/2013 LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 1, 2013
Present: Judith McSwine Chair
Mary van Weezel Vice-Chair
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Paul F. Brown Board Member
Elizabeth W. Folk Board Member
Absent: Barbara Blakely 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 —Approval of Minutes — May 2, 2012
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the May 2, 2013, Library Board
meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizens to be Heard re Items Not the Agenda: None
4— Library Director's Reports
4.1. Countryside Expansion
Library Director Barbara Pickell said two public meetings were held for feedback
regarding the new 22,500 square-foot Countryside Library planned for Countryside Community
Park. A third public meeting is scheduled in September. The $6.25 million facility will be 7,500
square-feet larger than the current building and will feature a bright airy design and drive up
window for material pickups. Public feedback has been positive regarding the location and
drawings. Engineering is tasked with analyzing the small entry road for possible safety
improvements. As youth ball games at the park do not conflict with library hours, traffic
problems are not anticipated. Opening is planned for September 15, 2015. The current branch
will remain open until the end of August 2015; the move will not affect summer programs.
4.2. East Branch/SPC Joint-Use
Ms. Pickell said yesterday St. Petersburg College named the architect for the new
library; a contract will be issued once the college's board approves the selection. The City has
begun to actively consider what it wants from the library. The City needs to know how the
library will operate before determining architectural design issues. Challenges include
integrating different circulation systems, hours of operation (college library is open 23.5 more
hours per week than City libraries), and staff issues related to separate pension systems, pay
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grades, and seniority policies.
Discussion ensued regarding a possible need to cordon off the City's section and
suggestions on ways to streamline the checkout process. Concern was expressed that a
financial review analysis is necessary with operational costs, including maintenance, determined
before the agreement between the City and college is finalized. It was commented that a cost
benefit analysis would be insufficient to identify future costs and it may be determined that a
joint-use library would not be cost effective. It was stated that proper planning is essential. Ms.
Pickell will request the City Auditor to review costs.
4.3. Main Library Courtyard
Ms. Pickell said public reaction to the new fence has been positive. Staff is working with
the Public Art& Design Advisory Board to add works of art to the courtyard. In response to
questions, Ms. Pickell said three dolphins are displayed inside the Main Library. Staff has
received suggestions to rehabilitate and exhibit the turtle stored by the pump house.
It was stated the fence is much more attractive than the original design concept.
4.4. Reference Renovation
Ms. Pickell discussed recent renovations to the Main Library's third floor reference area.
A smaller desk, now centrally located, provides staff improved visibility; the number of questions
posed by the public has increased. The computers have been moved and a wall installed for a
dedicated computer training room, with laptops, to meet increased public interest in computer
and technology training. Five study rooms were added for tutoring, joint projects, and small
conversations. Three of the rooms will open once furniture is available.
The popularity of the study rooms was noted, with a suggestion that a reservation
system for the rooms may be needed soon.
4.5. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
Ms. Pickell said a new project, funded by Penny for Pinellas 3, will insert RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) computer chips in all library materials, streamline check out and check
in systems, and improve security. New sorting equipment has been installed at the Main,
Countryside, and East locations. Ms. Pickell anticipated the technology will reduce staff
workloads for repetitive circulation tasks by 50% and provide staff more time to assist library
patrons.
It was noted the RFID system was listed as an objective in the Library's strategic plan.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said while RFID equipment requires space, the number of
computers at the front work station will be reduced and the circulation desk will be relocated and
reconfigured to a smaller size.
Ms. Pickell was congratulated regarding all of the accomplishments outlined above.
5— Unfinished Business
5.1. Library Advisory Board Rules & Regulations
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Member Murray moved to remove the Library Advisory Board Rules & Regulations from
the table. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Murphey moved to adopt the Library Advisory Board Rules & Regulations. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6 — New Business
Ideas for shelf displays at the Main Library were requested.
7 — Reports
7.1. Library Foundation:
Ms. Pickell reported the Library Foundation will host a Jazz Soiree on October 19, 2013.
Guests will enjoy Jazz Holiday performances and great food from the Main Library's roof and
terrace.
7.2. Friends of the Library
Member Murray said the Friends of the Library continue to operate stores at each library
branch and are always happy to receive donations. The next book sale is scheduled for late
October. She thanked George Weiss for his generous donation to the scholarship fund in
memoriam of his wife; the couple volunteered at East Library for 40 years.
8 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:07 a.m.
Next meeting will be on November 7, 2013 at 10:15 a.m.
Attest:
oard Reporter,
Chair
Library Board
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