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05/15/1998LIBRARY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 15, 1998 Present: Christine Morris Chair Judy Melges Vice-Chair Estelle Dunn Board Member William Raffaniello Board Member Tom Leavy Board Member Howard Adler Board Member Glenn Garte Board Member Lois Martin Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Julie Lewis Library Foundation Shirley Hunt Library Foundation Dr. Arlita Hallam Library Director Gwen Legters Board Reporter Tony Bacon Visitor Linda Lange Staff Linda Hamrell Staff The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at Clearwater Beach Library. For continuity, the items are listed in agenda order, although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval – April 17, 1998 Member Melges moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Library Director’s Report A. Library Construction Update Library Director Dr. Arlita Hallam described conceptual plans to reconfigure the SteinMart site, build the new Main Library on the current parking lot, and share Harborview Center’s meeting rooms. A slide presentation showed designs by Robert A.M. Stern reflecting a bayfront style of architecture that might fit in with the library’s architectural plan. Concerns were expressed that exterior materials suitable for use on the bayfront should be selected. Concerns were expressed with uncertainty of the site selection. Discussion ensued regarding philosophy of downtown property use. Dr. Hallam responded to questions regarding the architect selection approval process, negotiations with the firms, and timing for using anticipated Penny for Pinellas funds. Discussion ensued regarding advantages and disadvantages of combining the library with the Harborview Center. Dr. Hallam reported St. Petersburg Junior College may have access to State grant funds for a joint library project. Junior College and East Library branch staff are meeting to work out details regarding automation, staff, and coordinating systems. Discussion ensued regarding disposition of the current East Library, and discussions between the two entities. Dr. Hallam reported a conceptual building plan for the North Greenwood Library branch will come forward on June 4. She related details regarding grant funding and site preparation. Dr. Hallam announced a fund raiser at Barnes & Noble on June 5, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., to benefit Clearwater Folk Arts Festival. She related activities scheduled for the festival. Discussion ensued regarding need for more building space and social/cultural expansion at Countryside and North Greenwood branch libraries. 4. “Those Library Numbers (Dewey, OCLC, ISBN, etc.) What do they mean?” — Linda Lange and Linda Hamrell Linda Hamrell gave an informative presentation and responded to questions regarding the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress cataloging systems, and how they are used in Clearwater. Linda Lange gave an overview of ISBN (International Standard Book Number), an inventory control number series used by publishers to expedite ordering and track sales statistics. 5. Reports -- Friends, Foundation Member Judy Melges said Friends are getting a new format for the newsletter and new label printers. Newsletters will be distributed within the next month. The Friends plan to sponsor half, or more, of the fee for storytelling at the Folk Arts Festival. It is hoped Friends can sponsor storytelling every year. 6. Board Comments In response to a concern, Dr. Hallam will send copies of Library Department dress code standards to all board members. Chair Morris circulated a letter from Shirley Hunt and his wife, thanking the Board for sending cards and flowers. A letter was submitted reporting Marshall Bennett’s termination from the board due to non-attendance. Dr. Hallam noted a new appointment will need to be made before the September meeting, but the volunteer pool is down. Dr. Hallam reported Jim Davis is retiring after 25 years on the reference desk. 7. New Business Board attendance requirements were reviewed. It was indicated the code was amended to delete the distinction between excused and not excused absences. A board member missing three meetings will be taken off the board. Board Treasurer, Member Dunn, reported $32.00 remains in the board’s petty cash fund. Election of Officers Chair Morris and Vice-Chair Melges were unanimously re-elected to their respective offices. The next meeting is scheduled for September 18, 1998, at the Main Library. 8. Tour of Beach Library and Adjournment After a brief tour of the Beach Library, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.