02/08/2007
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 8, 2007
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Lorelei Keif
Michele Krentzman
Robert Brumback
Also Present:
Barbara Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair Jan Regulski called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
. ITEM #1 - Welcome
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Fred Dunn moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2007 meeting as
submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Library Director's Report
a) Budget update
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the 07/08 budget cuts will include the information
desk at the Main Library, combination of North Greenwood and Beach branch hours, and
closing two nights per week at East and Countryside.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated relocation of the Beach Library is still
planned. We will not be eligible for State funding, however, which requires a minimum 3,000
sq. ft. construction. The additional $200,000 cost to the City would show a return of
investment in three years. Anticipated completion for the project would be March 2008.
b) Strategic Plan
Director Barbara Pickell reported the plan includes six strategic directions based on input
received from staff, Friends of the Library, Library Foundation and Library Board members.
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1) Connect to the Online World - Public Internet Access.:. Residents will have high-speed
access to the digital world with no unnecessary restrictions or fees to ensure that everyone
can take advantage of the ever-growing resources and services available through the
Internet.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated Wi-Fi access is available at all branch
libraries. Although East and Countryside libraries each have 15 Internet computers, patrons
will sometimes wait up to an hour for a terminal. More computers are needed but space is
limited.
2) Create Young Readers - Emergent Literacy. Preschool children will have programs and
services designed to ensure that they will enter school ready to learn to read, write, and
listen. School age children will have programs and resources to support both their
educational and recreational needs.
Director Barbara Pickell stated we have a good ongoing partnership with the schools and will
continue to build on that. In response to questions, she stated some story times are brought
to the schools. Main library has the most use in the system of children's programs; North
Greenwood is second.
3) Get Fast Facts: Ready Reference. Residents will have someone to answer their
questions on a wide array of topics of personal interest.
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4) Satisfy Curiosity: Lifelong Learning. Residents will have the resources they need to
explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives.
Director Pickell stated items 3 & 4 are the most generic objectives. Clearwater does a
relatively good job in these two areas. To provide Ready Reference and Lifelong Learning,
the collection needs to provide the broadest array of nonfiction materials covering areas the
public is interested in.
Future plans include developing branch collections to support the most popular materials for
the patrons of that branch. The Main library would become the resource library for the
system, providing materials that are not often requested at the branches.
5) Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing and Listening for Pleasure. Residents who
want materials to enhance their leisure time will find what they want when and where they
want them and will have the help they need to make choices from among the options.
Director Pickell stated stronger fiction and DVD collections are needed. In response to
questions, Director Pickell stated the majority of library use is for recreational materials
checkout and Internet access. Adult and juvenile nonfiction use is down due to availability of
information on the Internet. Reference requests have not decreased, but many patrons are
now asking questions regarding Internet research. Children's picture books are still very
popular.
6) Marketing/Community Awareness. Resident will recognize the library as an essential
community resource serving the common good. They will be aware of the many types of
materials, services and programs provided by the library, and will feel that the library
. enhances the quality of their lives.
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Director Pickell stated the library needs more visibility in the community. Continuing effort is
being given to remind people of what the library offers by providing in-house programs and
being a part of community events.
Pursuant to discussion with Friends and Library Board members, the importance of
continuing a "branch system" was evident. In support of this, in the "Values" portion of the
plan, item #1 states providing convenient access to all members of the public through easy to
reach, welcoming and attractive neighborhood branch locations open during the hours of
highest public demand.
In response to questions, Director Barbara Pickell stated the Clearwater Library System is an
excellent library, rating in the top 10% nationwide in comparison to other libraries of
comparable size.
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of the different priorities, with a consensus that
creating young readers (#2) has greater importance than public Internet access (#1).
Director Pickell reported that libraries across the country are becoming social agencies
because other government entities such as INS and welfare services are requiring online
submittal of forms and appointment requests. Since they do not providing computers or staff
support, people are directed to libraries for computer access.
Member Michele Krentzman moved to amend the Strategic Plan by switching priorities one
and two. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued whether additional review of the plan's objectives was needed.
Consensus of the Board was to provide recommendations and approval now.
Member Lorelei Keif moved to accept the Strategic Plan, as amended. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business - none
Discussion ensued regarding the need for a business plan to provide direction and a timeline
for projects including branch expansions and budgetary priorities. Consensus of the Board
was to make this phase 2 of the strategic planning process.
ITEM #5 - New Business - none
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation
Chair Regulski reported the $90 Dress Circle tickets for the Madame Butterfly performance
does not include transportation or lunch. There is a pre-opera lecture March 6 at the Main
Library.
b) Friends
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the Winter Luncheon with the authors was a great
event. Approximately 60 were in attendance, which was less than expected.
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. ITEM #7 - Board Comments - none
ITEM #8 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :50 a.m.
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Attest:
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