Loading...
10/24/1997LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 24, 1997 Present: Christine Morris Chair Howard Adler Member Tony Bacon Member Marshall Bennett Member Estelle Dunn Member Thalia Kelsey Member Joanne Laurenti Member Tom Leavy Member Judy Melges Member William Raffaniello Member Carolyn Moore Library Division Manager Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Glenn Garte Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Clearwater Main Library. For continuity, the items are listed in agenda order, although not necessarily discussed in that order. 1. Welcome Chair Christine Morris welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Approval of Minutes Member Wilbert Bacon moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Library Director’s Report - Carolyn Moore A. Library Facilities Report Library Division Manager Carolyn Moore referred to handouts given to members: 1) Countryside Library Expansion, Clearwater Public Library System; 2) East Library/SPJC Joint Use Facility, Clearwater Public Library System and St. Petersburg Junior College Clearwater Campus; and 3) North Greenwood Joint Use Facility, Clearwater Library, Police, and Parks/Recreation Departments. She noted that these items were discussed at the last meeting. Ms. Moore explained for each plan, a conceptual drawing is included. She emphasized the plans were only tentative. A comment was made a recent newspaper article on libraries mentioned North Greenwood and Countryside Libraries, but nothing about a main library. It was remarked on November 18, 1997, the City Commission will establish priorities for Penny for Pinellas projects. Department Directors were asked to prepare a report on each Penny for Pinellas project in terms of criteria the Commission will use to evaluate the projects. The reports will be submitted to City management, and departments will answer questions from the City Commission at the November 18, 1997, meeting. The meeting will be highly publicized and televised on C-View TV. Members were encouraged to visit the Greenwood area and the other potential library sites under discussion in order to be prepared for the November 18, 1997, meeting. B. Pam Wyatt Interview on Maury Povich Show It was noted Pam Wyatt, a Clearwater resident who has previously addressed the Library Advisory Board, was recently interviewed on the Maury Povich Show. The show did not mention she was from Clearwater. The Library has received no follow-up calls from the public. Ms. Moore has a video tape members can view. C. Self-Checkout Machines It was noted the machines have been in place at the Main Clearwater Library for one week, and at the East Library for two weeks. The Countryside Library’s unit is being replaced. Circulation is between 100 - 200 items per day at the East Library, which is 10% -15% of circulation. Comments received from volunteers are people are very enthusiastic about the machines. D. Jana Fine - City Employee of the Year On October 16, 1997, Jana Fine was named City Employee of the Year. Ms. Moore read a synopsis of the article written about Ms. Fine’s positive attitude and willingness to help and encourage others. E. Britanica Online Ms. Moore noted this year the Britanica is available on-line free of charge to Clearwater libraries through an agreement with the State Library of Florida, the Florida Information Resource Network, and Britanica. One can search by a word, phrase or a sentence. Britanica Online offers various links to other Internet reference sites. It was noted it cannot be accessed from home computers. The Electric Library is also an on-line service which is very helpful to students. Member Howard Adler has information should members be interested in subscribing to the service. He commented the service contains more contemporary information than Britanica Online. 4. Unfinished Business A. Donor Naming Recommendations - Glenn Garte, Ad hoc Committee Chair Member Glenn Garte was not able to attend today’s meeting. Member Howard Adler noted he was also on the Ad hoc Committee. He said the Committee discussed development of donor recognition guidelines relative to naming areas and rooms in the new library building. He noted the issue of acceptance of any and all donations was discussed. Library Foundation Executive Director Julie Lewis said she attended the meeting and will be contacting other foundations to review their methods for donor recognition policy. In response to a question, Ms. Lewis said it is possible for a citizen to make a donation to the Library without going through the Foundation. B. Other In response to a question, Ms. Moore said there is no new information about a Clearwater Main Library site at this time, and no decisions have been made. It is anticipated the City Commission may make a decision in January. 5. New Business None. 6. Reports: Foundation, Friends and Cooperative Foundation Ms. Lewis said the Foundation Board of Directors has agreed to hire a fund-raising consultant to conduct a 3-month feasibility study beginning in January for the new library capital campaign. The study will begin after the site has been named and put in a priority list. It will provide information relative to the general perception of the Library among those major donors that will be contacted, the level of funds available from private donations, and the amount of revenue the Foundation can be expected to raise. The second phase should begin next Spring when major donors will be asked to give their support. There will also be opportunities for the public to show their support. Friends Board Member Judy Melges said the Folk Festival was the focus of the last Friend’s meeting. A new membership fee schedule will go into effect January 1, 1998. She noted the Friends will sponsor the Storytelling Olio buffet dinner scheduled for November 14, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harborview Center. Cooperative Board Member Tony Bacon noted Dick Fitzgerald has been reelected Chair of the Cooperative Board for a second time. The East Lake Library issue is still being addressed. Mr. Bacon will share information as it becomes available. 7. Board Comments Mr. Bacon noted as part of this Board, each member is expected to frequent libraries and share any information they feel can improve conditions. He noted on a recent day there seemed to be a problem with trash removal at the Countryside Library. He stressed the importance of keeping the library neat and attractive to maintain a positive impression. It was suggested holding Library Advisory Board meetings at a different library every month. Many members only frequent the library closest to their homes and tours would also be beneficial to new members. Member Tom Leavy moved to recommend the Library Advisory Board meet at least one time in each branch library during the year. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Moore will propose a schedule at the next meeting. Member Howard Adler requested further information regarding the relationship between the Clearwater Public Library System, the Cooperative, and the Library Advisory Board. Member Tony Bacon offered to provide Mr. Adler with pertinent information. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.