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11/15/1996LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 15, 1996 Present: Wilbert Bacon Chair Thalia Kelsey Member Joanne Laurenti Member Estelle Dunn Member William Raffaniello Member Pamela LeClair Member David Waddell Member Marshall Bennett Member Edward Nichols Member Tom Leavy Member Judy Melges Member Dr. Arlita Hallam Library Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Christine Morris Member The meeting was called to order by Chair Bacon at 9:00 a.m. at the Main Library, Adler Room, 100 North Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 1. Welcome New Board Member, Judy Melges Chair Bacon welcomed new Board member Judy Melges, whose background is in education. She is from the beach area. 2. Approval of Minutes Joanne Laurenti moved to approve the minutes of October 18, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Request for Revision of Video Policy - Pam Wyatt Mrs. Pam Wyatt addressed the Board regarding the Clearwater Library System’s current video policy. She noted she has always been happy with the Clearwater Library System, and library staff have always been helpful and courteous. She has called other libraries across the country and found that the Indianapolis Marion County Library spent 6 months canvassing other entities to implement a new library policy. She presented suggested signs which she felt should be displayed throughout the Clearwater Library System. In her opinion, the wording on library applications implies a financial obligation rather than a parental screening obligation. Mrs. Wyatt contended this is not a parent/child issue if parents are unaware of the Clearwater Library System’s policies. Dr. Hallam noted that the issue in Marion County was different than Clearwater’s. It involved the separation of juvenile and adult videos, which the Clearwater library already does. Friends of Mrs. Wyatt expressed their opinions of library policies and a remark was made that it takes an entire village to raise a child. Mrs. Shirley Kennedy, a citizen, indicated she was against censorship. She felt it was inappropriate to expect library staff to be responsible for judging the maturity level of others’ children. Member Waddell complained about materials in the library and indicated he would resign from the Board, but in response to a question stated he would reserve his decision until after the meeting. He accused Dr. Hallam of lying about the number of complaints received in the library and said he would not adhere to the Board’s rules. Chair Bacon noted the Board had addressed all of Mr. Waddell’s complaints in his censorship challenge of 1992. In response to Mr. Waddell’s comments, Mrs. Wyatt stated she has no problem with library materials and that is not the issue. She was unable to locate library policy relating to the video issue and requested the library bring these policies to parents’ attention. She suggested three changes: 1) posting signage throughout the library system to include “video” or “media material” and “parental discretion advised”; 2) stamping juvenile’s library cards with a “jv” code; and 3) adding “video” on library application cards. A member clarified that library policy L7 states: “Responsibility for all children using the library rests with the parent, guardian or assigned chaperone, and not the library personnel.” It was noted at the March 15, 1996 meeting the material selection policy was approved by the Library Board and the City Manager. At the last Board meeting, members voted to accept wording for signage throughout the library and on library application cards to read ”Library cardholders have unrestricted access to all library materials”. Member Laurenti moved to retain the current library policy. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. Library Director’s Report a. Slide Presentation of New Library Buildings In the interest of time, the slide presentation was postponed. b. Trip to Tallahassee - 1/17/97 The Library Board is scheduled to tour the Leon County Library on January 17, 1997. Plans are to meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Main Library. The scheduled return time is 7:00 p.m. This topic will be further discussed at the December meeting. c. Update on Revision of Code of Conduct Discussion There has been discussion about customers in other libraries pulling information from the Internet and harassing other customers with the material. The City Attorney’s office reviewed current policy and recommended one change to Rule 4 of the Clearwater Public Library’s Code of Conduct. It was suggested adding “and staff” to Rule 4 of the code. Member Leavy moved to add “and staff” to the code. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Dr. Hallam noted the motion is a recommendation for revision since it requires the City Manager’s approval. 5. Reports: Foundation, Friends, Cooperative Mr. Shirley Hunt noted tonight the Clearwater Women’s Club is hosting a benefit for the Foundation at the East Library. On November 18, 1996 at 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Division a reception is scheduled to thank the Clearwater Women’s Club for all their support. On November 18, 1996 at 6:30 p.m. the Wickman event will be held at the Beach Library. The Cognoscenti Auction is scheduled for President’s Day on February 17, 1997. The Friends of the Clearwater Library has a luncheon at Cove Cay Country Club November 16, 1996. Mike Foley is the guest speaker. At the last Cooperative meeting, discussion ensued regarding a way to make the East Lake High School Library a branch of the Palm Harbor Library. Details will need to be determined prior to any decisions. 6. Board Comments It was noted Betty Wickman Perkins donated the Wickman boating and sailing collection. Even those who knew nothing about boating or sailing have found the Wickman Programs interesting. A large crowd is anticipated. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. The next Library Advisory Board is scheduled for December 20, 1996 at the Main Library, Adler Room, 100 North Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida.