02/14/2003LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 14, 2003
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Frederick Dunn Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Absent: Katherine Merriam Board Member
Vacant Position Board Member
Also Present: John Szabo Library Director
Susan Doel Administrative Analyst
Chair Judy Melges called the meeting to order at 10:30 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 Frederick Dunn moved to approve the minutes as corrected to reflect missing ITEM #6 – Reports. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report
Main Library Project Update
Library Director John Szabo reported that concrete, masonry, ductwork, and
plumbing work continues on all floors. The GMP contract is scheduled for approval at next week’s City Commission meeting. The City Commission will also be discussing how they will address
the cash flow shortage of the remaining $1,132,000 needed to fully complete construction.
State Library of Florida – Proposed Dismantling
Mr. Szabo discussed the latest information on the dismantling of the State
Library. Under the Governor’s plan, the three bureaus of the State Library will be split apart and sent to other governmental institutions. As incoming President of Florida Library
Association, Mr. Szabo spoke before the Senate Appropriations Committee and met with the Secretary of State in Tallahassee this past week to talk about the priorities of the library
community. Mr. Szabo reported there is bipartisan support on this issue.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
Vice Chair Tom Leavy commented on the new laser gun for bar code reading being used at the circulation desks. Mr. Szabo indicated that circulation staff enjoy using them. He also
discussed the use of radio microchips in library materials as a replacement for barcodes.
ITEM #5 – New Business
Chair Melges received a call from an Island Estates resident reporting that a Beach developer is interested in providing free space for the Beach Branch Library for 2-3 years. The
caller suggested advocating for a permanent space for the Beach Library in the development. Board members agreed. Mr. Szabo will investigate and report back to the Board. In response
to questions from citizens about the future of the Beach Library, residents may write to City Commissioners to voice their concerns.
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Chair Melges reported the capital campaign is doing well. A Dagwood sign
is in place in the southeast corner of the new Main Library site.
Friends
The Friends Winter Luncheon is Friday, February 21 at Harborview Center.
On April 24, poet Nikki Giovanni will speak and conduct a book signing at the East Library.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Member Howard Adler requested a staff member make a presentation to the Board to familiarize members with databases available to patrons.
Member Glenn Garte questioned why the Library doesn’t have a regular program on Channel 15, similar to the Police department. Due to program cost, Mr. Szabo stated the Library has
chosen to advertise on flash screens on Channel 15 and in weekly publications. Chair Melges will investigate whether money is available from the Foundation or Friends for a program.
Mr. Szabo noted a proclamation will be read by the Mayor declaring February as Library Appreciation Month.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.