Library Board
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
7 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Roll Call – Stein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Maxine Brink, Stu Bush, Ann Heard, Cherie Hutter, Kathleen Kinnish, Judy Stein, Marilyn Soules
ALSO PRESENT: Virginia McKane, Assistant Director
Tony Lascari, Midland Daily News
John Palen, Midland Issues
II. Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes of the September 21, 2005 meeting were approved as submitted.
III. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
There were no additions or changes to the Agenda.
IV. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
V. Director’s Report
Barnard reported that the library will begin offering access to MeLCat, the statewide database, in December. Our library users will have access to the on-line catalogs of other participating libraries and can place holds on items from those libraries for delivery at our library. By the end of 2005, there will be 136 participating libraries in MeLCat.
McKane reported that Local Author’s Day had wonderful authors and interested library users. It was a learning experience since it was our first attempt at this type of program. Evaluation sheets were passed out to the participating authors for feedback.
McKane also reported that author Terry Trueman was here on Monday and visited Dow High School, Windover High School, and Midland High School. We also had a presentation at the library in the evening. Approximately 640 teens were able to hear him speak. Both of these programs were co-sponsored with the Friends of the Library.
McKane reviewed the following upcoming programs:
Teen programs: Café Muse Slammin’ at the Café with Karrie Waarala, Thursday, October 20, 7 p.m.; and Teen Spook Night, October 28, 7 p.m., Library Lounge, Grades 6-12.
Children’s programs: Halloween Party, Monday, October 31, from 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. with puppet shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Library Auditorium, followed by costume parades that will be filmed by MCTV to be shown on MGTV; and Battle Kick-Off on Saturday, November 12, 2005 with author Will Hobbs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Library Auditorium.
Adult programs: Safe Computer @ Work, @ Home, and on the Road, Thursday, October 20, Library Auditorium.
VI. Patron Compliments and Concerns
Barnard responded to the comments and questions received from patrons. Barnard related an incident in which a patron was injured after contact with the permanent wooden benches in front of the library. The location and use of the benches was discussed. Barnard reported that the City's Safety Manager visited the library to evaluate the benches from a safety standpoint and recommended that they be removed. The Board concurred with the recommendation.
1. Very friendly nice place! Wi-fi would be a helpful enhancement.
Planning to provide wireless access.
2. More time on computer for important things like projects for school.
See
“Frequently Asked Question” in the September/October 2005 Library Connection
newsletter on the library’s website, www.midland-mi.org/gracedowlibrary.
3. You should be able to access the disk drive to allow users to send files.
Still addressing security concerns.
4. Very nice facilities – first time visitor to Midland. Appreciate the use of Internet enabled terminals; why not one (or more) 15-minute only terminals that one does not need to log onto. Why not use recycled paper?
Do
not have computers available to set up express use. Staff does recycle paper.
5. It is very inconvenient that the computers don't have word processing programs that can open documents downloaded from the Internet. I saved my documents to a flash drive, as well as uploaded them to the Internet prior to coming here, as I figured these computers should be able to accommodate one of those two methods, if not both. I was unable to print my documents today due to this problem and I'd like to suggest word processing programs and disk drives be available so that documents can be downloaded or opened via a disk and printed.
Still
addressing security concerns.
6. I came in wanting a book but I didn't know the author, title, or publisher. It seemed almost impossible to find. One of the juvenile staff helped me by using a new program – I was amazed!
7. Are fewer audiocassette tapes being ordered? Though I come at various times, I find the selection of new audiotapes to be meager.
Yes,
due to demand for other formats (CD and MP3) and availability from vendors.
8. I like the Cup and Chaucer very much.
9. There is no one to assist us in finding videos or DVDs.
Reference
staff is available to assist. Signs are posted
in the audio-visual area directing patrons to the Reference Desk.
10. It's cold in here, especially in the summer! I have to wear warm clothes in here at all times.
Try
to maintain a consistent temperature.
11. We truly appreciate this library. Resources are great and it has been a wonderful place to bring the children and family to. Please make sure books are checked in. There have been two times in the last couple of months that we have received overdue notices on items that are returned. One was a DVD and one was a book.
Reviewed
procedures at the check-in desk to address these errors.
12. I wish that the library would get heavier, better quality plastic bags to carry out our books in. I have to double them as it is.
Exploring
alternatives.
13. I'm wondering why some libraries have no charge for videos, etc. and we do.
Rental
charges provide a revenue source for the library.
14. Please – a drive up book drop.
Researching options and their
costs.
VII. Old Business
a. Board/Community Communication
Ann Heard’s "Frequently Asked Question" response is turned in and ready for the next Library Connection. Maxine Brink will write the following one for the March/April issue.
b. Joint City Council/Library Board Meeting
Barnard reminded the Board there will be a joint meeting with the City Council in the Council Chambers on November 21 at 6:30 p.m. Stein will present the Board's annual report at this meeting.
c. State Librarian’s Excellence Award
No report at this time.
d. Community Read Project
Heard reported that the Committee has narrowed the selection to a few titles. Now the process of checking on author availability begins. The Committee is continuing to meet and review titles for next year.
e. Mayor Black Appreciation
Stein suggested that a card of appreciation signed by all Board members would be appropriate.
f. Cup and Chaucer and Drinks in the Library
Barnard reported that the trial period will end in October. Very few spills have occurred. Bush moved and Heard seconded that drinks be allowed in the library in covered containers except in the Local History/Genealogy Room and by the computers. Motion carried.
VIII. New Business