Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2003
Board Members Present: Mary Burchill, Jill Fincher, Terry Leibold, John Nalbandian, Craig Penzler, Jeff Shmalberg
Board Members Not Present: Bill Snead
Staff Present: Bruce Flanders, Sherri Turner
Guests Present: Janet Mody
Craig called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
There were no public comments. Bruce introduced Janet Mody, attending as an observer for the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library. Janet is the Chair of the Friends’ Board of Directors. The minutes of the November 17, 2003 Library Board meeting were reviewed. Mary moved to approve the minutes. Terry seconded the motion and it carried.
Mary commented favorably on the article in an issue of the library newsletter regarding Kim’s list of YA books.
Financial and Statistical Report: Bruce reviewed the financial and statistical report. He noted that it appeared that a transfer to the Capital Improvements Fund could be made. It was noted that 2003 total circulation figures to date approximate those of the previous year, when record circulation was experienced.
Library Programs, Events, Exhibits and Displays: Bruce highlighted the Read Across Lawrence events and the events relating to the Kansas Chautauqua celebration to be held early next year in Lawrence.
Van Go Mobile Arts Sesquicentennial Project: Bruce reported that the Friends agreed to provide financial support to this project.
Douglas County Community Foundation Grant Application: Bruce noted that an application for funding in support of the expanded facilities/services study next year was made, and he is hopeful that at least partial funding will be made available.
Library Website – Spanish Translations: Bruce noted that he is working with Dr. Isidro Rivera, KU professor, on a class project that will assist in the Spanish language translation of the Library website, a project that has been underway for some time using the services of a Library staff member who is fluent in English and Spanish.
Library Website Developments: Bruce reported that the library website has expanded dramatically in recent weeks to include young adult, children’s and senior services pages, access to the library’s monthly newsletter, Connections, in electronic format, information about the Library Centennial (clipping files and photographs), as well as new reading resources. Another new service, an online library card application form, was implemented today.
Library Expansion Task Force: Bruce described the process of recruiting members for the task force. Craig noted that he anticipates three-five meetings of this group, which has the working name of the “New Directions Task Force.” A core group of Library staff will conduct a self-examination process, working over the coming weeks to create definitions of current services as well as predictions for services in the coming 20 years (what the impact of technology will be, what kinds of space requirements are likely, what library services will change and possibly morph during the coming years). The task force will meet in early January, and will provide constituent input at the February meeting. Public meetings to be conducted in different parts of the community would be desirable. Other facilities with good design elements will also be identified. In March, there will be an idea synthesizing process. The task force’s activities will culminate in a two-three day Design Summit, facilitated by a nationally known keynote speaker, with participation from several local architectural firms. The resulting task force product will be delivered to the Library Board of Trustees, which will issue a report to the City Commission in April or May.
John asked about the number of library card holders, remarking that this is a substantial portion of the local population, and a diverse group of individuals. We will need to employ a variety of communication means and messages to reach this diverse audience with information about the library’s needs and aspirations.
John encouraged the Library Board to spend time creating a set of concise goals for the New Directions Task Force, so that they will know clearly what the Board wants for the project. For example, the goals could include the creation of a 21st Century library, a destination library, a significant community asset designed to function in non-traditional ways.
It was agreed that the January 2004 Library Board meeting will focus on this task, devoting a full hour to defining Library Board goals for the project.
Review of Draft 2004 Library Goals: Bruce presented the draft 2004 Library Goals, describing the document’s development by the members of the Library’s Administrative Team. Mary noted that it would be desirable to add one item: shifting the adult fiction collection upstairs, so that it would be situated closer to the entrances to the Library.
Health Insurance Review Task Force: Bruce requested a Library Board representative on this task force. Both John and Mary volunteered.
Employee Handbook Revision: Bruce presented a proposed revision to Section 380 (continuing education) of the Employee Handbook. Mary moved to approve the proposed revision. John seconded the motion and it carried.
Jill moved to approve the bills in the amount of $58,918.13. Terry seconded the motion and it carried.
Jill moved that the Library Board go into executive session at 5:44pm, for up to 10 minutes, for the purpose of discussing personnel issues. John seconded the motion and it carried. At 5:54pm, John moved to extend the executive session for up to an additional 20 minutes. Jill seconded the motion and it carried.
The meeting adjourned at 6:14pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Flanders
Approved _______________________________________________
Date
Secretary _______________________________________________
Jill Fincher
Chair __________________________________________________
Craig Penzler
Director ________________________________________________
Bruce Flanders
Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday, January 19, 2003
at 4:30 p.m.
in the Library Board Room
A - Call to order
B - Public comments
C - Minutes of the December board meeting
D - Minutes of the December staff meeting
E - Librarian’s report
1 – financial/statistical report
2 - library programs, events, exhibits and displays (Read Across
Lawrence)
3 – library staff attendance at Library Board meetings
4 –
F - Ongoing business
1 – New Direction Task Force activities
2 –
G - New business
1 – PATRIOT Act
2 – fiction collection
3 – review Material Section and Collection Development policy
4 –
H - Discussion of bills
I – Adjournment
“The mission of the Lawrence Public Library is to provide and promote
informational, intellectual, and cultural resources for our community.”