10/17/2003LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 17, 2003
Present: Howard Adler Board Member
Frederick Dunn Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Absent: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Jan Regulski Board Member
Also Present: John Szabo Library Director
Susan Doel Administrative Analyst
In the absence of Chair Judy Melges and Vice Chair Tom Leavy, Member Glenn Garte 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 Katherine Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2003 meeting as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report
a) Main Library Project Update
Library Director John Szabo reported the Main Library construction project is
moving at a rapid pace. All roof work is completed. Stonework has begun and should be complete in approximately two weeks. Drywall ceilings and the lay-in ceiling grid are being installed.
Interior painting and cabinetry millwork have begun. All interior doors are on site; many are installed. Bathroom tile has been installed in many areas, and quartzitic tile on the
grand concourse and grand stair will be completed soon.
Staff members from the City’s Building and Maintenance Division are
meeting with contractors every Friday for several weeks to review the building’s mechanical systems. Metal shelving is expected to be installed in January. Books will likely be moved
in March.
Discussion followed about Library Advisory Board names on the dedication plaque. Member Garte suggested all Board members from the time of the Penny for Pinellas award through the
completion of the project should appear on the plaque.
b) East Library – Branch Manager Ann Scheffer
Ann Scheffer was promoted to Branch Manager at East Library replacing
Matthew Moore who retired in August after twenty years.
c) Retirement – Margot Schaeffer
Accounting Technician Margot Schaeffer retired on October 1 after 23 years
at Main Library. A retirement party was given in her honor.
Mr. Szabo also reported that two vacant Librarian II positions will be filled
through promotion, transfer, or new hire to replace Ann Scheffer (promoted) and Paul Ritz (terminated).
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
a) USA PATRIOT Act
In addition to information mailed earlier, Mr. Szabo distributed a document
from the American Library Association which answered frequently asked questions about the USA PATRIOT Act. Due to the absence of members at this meeting, Mr. Garte suggested waiting
until next month for discussion.
ITEM #5 – New Business - None
ITEM # 6 – Reports
a) Foundation
In Judy Melges’ absence, Mr. Szabo reported that a 90-second narrative over images promoting the Foundation’s Capital Campaign will be shown on the Trinitron screen during breaks at
the Jazz Festival this weekend. Materials were distributed regarding a partnership with Barnes & Noble. Proceeds from purchases will benefit the Foundation’s Capital Campaign.
b) Friends
The Friends Holiday Gala is planned for December 11th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Carlouel Yacht Club. Tickets are $35 per person.
ITEM #7 – Presentation – Anytime-Anywhere Library, Candy McDaniel & Jeff Gifford
Interlibrary Loan Librarian Candy McDaniel explained Anytime-Anywhere Library, a conglomerate of several catalogs of other libraries in the area accessed either through the Tampa Bay
Library Consortium or through our webpage under the heading Catalogs (Alleycat). A patron may search by keyword, title, subject, or author and request a book be sent to any library
at which they are registered. Participating libraries pay for courier service through TBLC. In addition to this local service, nationwide interlibrary loan is also available.
Circulation Manager Jeff Gifford noted that request transactions have almost doubled since the Anytime-Anywhere Library service started in mid-July. Most of the increased volume is the
result of requests to our library system, even though one-fifth of Clearwater’s collection is in storage. Clearwater’s turnover rate for filling requests is excellent at 0 days, and
the actual fill rate is the highest in west central Florida with multi-branch library systems.
ITEM #8 – Board Comments
Member Garte commented that the subject matter of the new television show Threat Matrix is relevant to the USA PATRIOT Act.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:17 a.m.