Lawrence Public Library Board of Trustees

Meeting Minutes

August 15, 2005

 

 

Board Members Present: Mary Burchill, Jill Fincher, Ron Hurst, Terry Leibold, Craig Penzler, and Jeff Shmalberg

 

Staff Present: Bruce Flanders, Joyce Steiner, Tricia Karlin, and Sherri Turner

 

Guests Present: Ellen Miller, and Mary Michener (League of Women Voters)

 

 

Terry called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.

 

There were no public comments.

 

The Consent Agenda was presented and approved with a correction to the minutes by motion from Craig and second from Mary.  

 

 

Librarian’s Report

 

Fiction Move: Bruce gave a progress report on moving the fiction collection upstairs. A bid to move the collection was received in the amount of $3,100. It was estimated to take three days to make the move, during which time the library would remain open. Jill moved to authorize the expenditure for the relocation of the fiction collection. Mary seconded the motion, which passed by a voice vote.  

 

Library Promotion: Bruce reported that the library was represented at the Douglas County Fair with a booth highlighting library services. 

 

One Book, One State: Bruce presented a reading program in which the library will be actively involved on a local level. This statewide program encourages parents to read to preschool children and will be launched during Children’s National Book Week, November 14th – 20th. Bruce hopes to schedule an author visit and readings by local celebrities. 

 

Carpeting Project: The library has received extra funding from the City to replace carpet in the lobby, media room, circulation area and the children’s room. Carpet will be replaced under display shelving in the Media Room, and under the Checkout Desk and Children’s Room service desks, but not under book stacks in the Children’s Room.

 

Catalog and Circulation System Upgrade: Bruce and the staff were presented a demonstration by SIRSI Dynix of a new catalog and circulation system. The upgrade to this system would also update the aging computer server and operating system. Total cost of the upgrade is estimated to be $75,000 to $95,000. Bruce will investigate the software proposal in more detail and return to the Board with a specific recommendation.

 

 

Ongoing Business

 

Library Expansion Project Update: Craig reported that a Library Program Consultant was chosen through the RFP process. This consultant candidate, Jeff Scherer and assistant consultant Anders Dahlgren, will be presented to the City Commission for approval. Mr. Scherer is highly experienced in library building consulting work. A previous client, the Fayetteville Public Library, just received the “Library of the Year” award from Library Journal, thanks in part to his efforts.

 

 

New Business

 

Library Policy for service to minors: Sherri Turner suggested that the library review its policies regarding service provided to minors. She presented the conflicting concerns of minor borrowers who have a right to privacy in regards to material borrowed and of parents who have a financial responsibility for materials borrowed by minors. Sherri will contact the City of Lawrence Director of Legal Services for guidance in this regard.

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:45pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jill Fincher

 

 

Approved _________________________________________________

                                                            Date

 

 

Secretary _________________________________________________

                                                            Jill Fincher

 

 

Chair _____________________________________________________

                                                            Terry Leibold

 

 

Director ___________________________________________________

                                                            Bruce Flanders