Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2004
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: Janice Friedman, Don Phipps, Steve Stemmerman
Craig called the meeting to order at 4:32pm.
As there were two guests from the Kansas Bill of Rights Defense Committee present to comment on the proposed PATRIOT Act resolution, this issue was discussed first. Don Phipps and Steve Stemmerman stated that the purpose of their committee’s efforts in requesting that the Lawrence City Commission pass a resolution regarding the PATRIOT Act is to bring this issue to the public’s attention. Their committee’s position is that this federal law is intrusive and negatively impacts civil liberties. They would like for the library to post warning signs, and wanted to have this conversation with the Library Board to discuss the language of the resolution, and to find wording that would “work for the library.”
Board members expressed a number of concerns about the sections in the draft resolution regarding the library. The use of the term, “database,” was felt to be too broad and vague. The use of the term, “warning,” was felt to be inappropriate. A concern that warning signs might have a chilling effect on patrons’ use of the library was expressed. There was also a concern that such signs could be construed as a political statement.
The Board felt that it should review the PATRIOT Act in more detail, paying particular attention to the portion of the law that impacts libraries and bookstores. Bruce will provide Board members with links to the full text of the PATRIOT Act.
It was felt that it would be inappropriate for the Library Board to comment on or endorse the resolution as a whole. Rather, it was felt that the Board should focus on those sections of the proposed resolution that relate to library service.
Sherri noted that information about the PATRIOT Act could be included in a library brochure rather than in the form of signs.
The Board decided to write a letter to the Mayor and City Manager, asking that if the City reaches the decision to put the resolution on the City Commission agenda, that the Commission request comments from the Library Board regarding those sections of the resolution that impact the library. A copy of this letter will be sent to the Kansas Bill of Rights Defense Committee.
The committee members in attendance were asked to provide the Board with more information regarding libraries that have placed signs in their facilities. The Library Board thanked Mr. Phipps and Stemmerman for their interest, and for bringing this topic to the Library Board.
There were no other public comments. Bruce introduced Janice Friedman, a Friends Board of Directors member attending as an observer for the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library. The minutes of the December 15, 2003 Library Board meeting were reviewed. Mary moved to approve the minutes. Jill seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote.
Financial and Statistical Report: Bruce reviewed the financial and statistical report. He noted that a transfer of $3,007.11 will be made to the Library Capital Improvements Fund. He also pointed out that the circulation of library materials in 2003 represented a new record for the library, and would have been even higher had we counted in-house use of materials, as has been done in previous years.
Library Programs, Events, Exhibits and Displays: Bruce highlighted the Read Across Lawrence events and distributed copies of the book to Board members.
Administrative Team Attendance At Library Board Meetings: Bruce noted that he felt it would be appropriate and useful for members of the Administrative Team (Assistant Director, and the four Department Coordinators) to attend all Library Board meetings.
New Direction Task Force Activities: Bruce described the activities of the New Direction Task Force. At the first meeting of this group on January 8, an introduction to library funding and the library’s history was made. John attended, and spoke eloquently to the need for enhanced library facilities in downtown Lawrence. Library Board members are welcome to attend any meetings of the task force. Bruce has created a website for use by task force members and the Library Board: www.lawrence.lib.ks.us/newdirection/. Library staff will continue to work over the coming weeks to provide useful input into the task force’s discussions. The task force will generate a report for the Library Board, which will then issue a report to the City Commission.
Fiction Collection: The adult fiction collection will be moved upstairs in 2004. Bruce noted that research into how this can best be accomplished has generated thoughts regarding the rearrangement of other library collections in order to provide better public service. Bruce recommends that the Library be closed to the public for one day while all staff work to shift collections. Craig noted that the Board should be involved in the efforts that day as well.
Review Material Selection and Collection Development Policy: Bruce described some recent concerns expressed in the local newspaper regarding a donated collection of materials, the Leslie Whittington Memorial Collection. These concerns appear to have been addressed, but Bruce felt that he should review the library’s gift and donation policy. He believes that the policy statement is appropriately worded, and that no change is needed.
Mary moved to approve the bills in the amount of $82,717.06. Terry seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 5:58pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Flanders
Approved _______________________________________________
Date
Secretary _______________________________________________
Jill Fincher
Chair __________________________________________________
Craig Penzler
Director ________________________________________________
Bruce Flanders