Lawrence Public Library Board of Trustees

Meeting Minutes

September 19, 2005

 

 

Board Members Present:  

Mary Burchill, Jill Fincher, Ron Hurst, Terry Leibold, John Nalbandian, and Jeff Shmalberg

 

Staff Present:

Bruce Flanders, Joyce Steiner, Tricia Karlin, and Sherri Turner

 

Guests Present:

Ron Shorr representing the Friends of the Library and Mary Michner of the League of Women Voters

 

 

Terry called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m.

 

There were no public comments.

 

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

 

 

Librarian’s Report

 

Fiction Move: Bruce reported that the project to move the fiction collection upstairs was successfully completed after a slightly rocky start. The move was made with much assistance by the staff. 

 

Library Promotion: Bruce reported that a full-page advertisement promoting the Library website ran in the Lawrence Journal-World. The Friends and the Foundation funded the cost of the ad. 

 

Grant Update: Bruce reported that the Library was awarded a $3,000 connectivity grant from Kan-ed. These funds will help defray the cost o increasing the Library’s Internet bandwidth to provide patrons with a faster Internet connection. In addition, the Library was awarded $2,000 from Pearson Education (NCS) in order to further develop the young adult collections.

 

Catalog and Circulation System Upgrade: Bruce reported that he and library staff members are still exploring the software upgrade following the vender demonstration last month. An on-site visit to a current client will be made and Bruce will most likely return to the Board in November with a recommendation.

 

Library Presentations: A presentation by Bruce and Craig to the Central National Bank Advisory Board regarding the Library expansion project was well received. Bruce will again speak at the Chamber of Commerce presentation, “The Talk of the Town,” on September 20th. John suggested that Bruce address the myth that libraries are no longer needed in an electronic age and that he also be prepared to address questions regarding cost and design of the expansion.

 

Ongoing Business

 

Library Expansion Project Update: Bruce reported that on September 6th, unanimous approval was received from the City Commission to hire two consultants, Jeff Scherer and Anders Dahlgren. A contract was executed with the consultants and they are in the information gathering mode. John asked to see the letter describing the relationship between the two consultants. He also suggested that the Library seek more formal representation from the County Commission. John also recommended that one public meeting be dedicated to the Library and its surrounding environs. It was suggested that one public meeting also be dedicated for downtown business owners or residents.   

 

 

New Business

 

Grant for Statewide Trustee Continuing Education: This new business item was tabled for next month contingent upon Ellen Miller’s availability.

 

Library Expansion Project Fundraising: Bruce asked for guidance on behalf of the Library Foundation regarding fundraising needs in light of the library expansion project.  John suggested that the Library Board and the Foundation Board hold a joint meeting to discuss the issue further. Bruce will schedule such a meeting.

 

Friends Book Sale Advertising: Ron Shorr asked for assistance in identifying possible donors to underwrite a newspaper advertisement for future book sales. Bruce recommended contacting the Library’s major vendors for donation requests.

 

Meeting Room Policy: Mary recommended that the Meeting Room Policy be reviewed and possibly updated to clarify the acceptance of donations by non-profit groups. Bruce will take the matter under advisement

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:45pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jill Fincher

 

 

Approved _________________________________________________

                                                            Date

 

 

Secretary _________________________________________________

                                                            Jill Fincher

 

 

Chair _____________________________________________________

                                                            Terry Leibold

 

 

Director ___________________________________________________

                                                            Bruce Flanders