Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 7
p.m.
I.
Roll Call
Soules called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Maxine Brink, Sarah Galt, Tami Johnson,
Kathleen Kinnish, William Snover, Marilyn Soules
ABSENT: Norm Neher
ALSO PRESENT: Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary; Virginia McKane,
Assistant Director; John Palen, Midland
Issues
II.
Acceptance of April 15, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved as
submitted.
III.
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
None
IV.
Public Comments
None
V.
Director’s Report
Barnard reminded the Board
that the Library will be closed Monday, May 25th for the Memorial
Day holiday. The Library will be closed
on Sundays from May 26-September 7, 2009.
Barnard announced that the Library
will be participating in the statewide program, “Park & Read.” A limited number of passes may be checked out
beginning in June and throughout the summer.
These passes can be redeemed for one free entrance into any one state
park, with several parks offering free hammocks to participants. The pass is “due” one week from check-out. The program is sponsored by the Department of
Natural Resources and the Library of Michigan.
Barnard reported that the
Library’s Teen Advisory Board has volunteered to plant flowers for the Midland
Blooms program. Barnard invited the Board
to join the teens on Saturday morning, May 30th.
Barnard distributed the
Summer Reading Program brochure. Galt
expressed concern about the children’s performances all being on the same
night. Barnard responded that the Mideastern
Michigan Library Cooperative makes the arrangements, matching the availability
of the performers with the Library’s preferred dates as possible. Kinnish complimented staff on the brochure. The brochure is designed in-house by Library
staff and Barnard recognized Graphics staff for developing the attractive brochure. Kinnish was glad to see that there would be a
summer book discussion this year.
Johnson noted that there
would be a summer reading blog for adults on the Library’s website. Soules added that there is also a web guide
that has ideas for summer travel.
Kinnish congratulated Ann
Jarvis, the Library’s outstanding employee for 2009. Barnard explained that the award was given to
Jarvis by her peers for her work on the Library website, computer class
instruction, and good customer service.
Soules noted that the gate
count was down in April. Barnard
explained that it could be due to the Easter holiday falling in April this year
when the Library was closed two days that month. Soules also mentioned the increase in
database searches. It appears that many
people are discovering the databases and the Library staff is doing a good job
of promoting them. Barnard mentioned
that the Library offers consolidated searching with Power Search. When used, this searches multiple databases
and may be part of the reason for the increase.
The library’s website also has a revolving picture that highlights current
topics with links to Library databases.
VI.
Patron Compliments and Concerns
SIGNED COMMENTS:
1. I have been a library card holder for years and years and years. I have never seen a class offered in “how to play chess”. I would really appreciate if you could offer a class to the public. Thank you.
We appreciate receiving program suggestions
and will review. Online resources were
recommended.
UNSIGNED COMMENTS:
1. I came here to print a word document for class and I was told that I cannot access word from the computers that have the internet, my doc is saved on my e-mail and I cannot access the internet on computers that have word. That is ridiculous.
Laptop computers are available for uploading and downloading.
2. For someone who depends on his local (and tax supported) library for internet access, among many other things, the down right lethargic and molasses-like speed of the majority of the internet computers appalls me. There is no reason to put up with this level of functionality – or lack thereof.
There was a problem with Internet access on the day that this
suggestion was submitted. Problem was
corrected as soon as possible.
3. Hand sanitizers and tissues at all work stations or why not swine flu.
Restrooms are available for hand washing.
In addition, there were four comments about security gate alarm going off while checking out books. Problem has been corrected.
Barnard encouraged people
who submit “Compliments and Concerns” to sign their form so that the director
can respond to the comments.
VII.
Old Business
a. Board/Community
Communications
Snover wrote the May/June Board article for the
Library Connection. Johnson has
submitted her article for July/August.
Galt reminded the Board that Soules had inquired about continuing the Board
column in the Library newsletter.
Barnard agreed to have staff check the circulation of the recommended
books from previous issues and report the findings at the June meeting. A decision about continuing the Board column will
be made at the June meeting.
b. Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board
Report
Soules reported that the current director is retiring
in the fall and four candidates will be interviewed in June. The committee will present their
recommendation for a director to the Board on June 11th. Soules mentioned that the status of state
funding for libraries and the Library of Michigan is still undecided. She reported that there will be a 4% cut in
state aid to libraries this fiscal year that will affect Cooperative services. Soules reported that Barnard, McKane and
Johnson all attended the MMLC Annual Meeting.
c. Library Board Goals
Committee Reports
Soules called
upon board members to report on the activities of their committees.
Goal 1: Advise
library staff and evaluate processes and procedures related to technology use
and instruction at the library.
Board members
assigned: Neher, Galt, Johnson
Report was presented
in January 2009. Barnard distributed a
brochure that explains the computer services available at the Library. This brochure is a result of a recommendation
made by this committee. The information
in the brochure will be available on the Library’s website in the future. Johnson felt that the brochure fills the need
that the committee identified.
Goal 2: Participate
in the review of the Library’s Mission Statement and development of a strategic
plan.
Board members
assigned: Galt, Soules, Kinnish
The Strategic
Planning Committee met in April to review the revised mission and vision
statements, and develop goals. Library
staff will now work on action plans for the goals. The Board will have the opportunity to review
and approve the statements and strategic plan at a later meeting.
Revised Mission Statement: The Mission of Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is to enrich our community by providing opportunities for learning, exploration and enjoyment in a welcoming environment.
Revised Vision Statement: The community’s chosen gateway for knowledge; a place for our community to gather and connect.
Goal 3: Participate
in the City of Midland Community Roundtable discussions regarding city
services, including the services of the library, to provide input in
identifying city budget priorities for fiscal year 2009-2010.
This goal was
completed in October 2008.
Goal 4: Suggest
innovative marketing strategies to communicate library services and programs to
the community.
Board members
assigned: Kinnish, Soules, Snover
The Northwood University
marketing seniors presented their proposals to McKane and Barnard. Soules also attended the presentations and
thanked McKane and Barnard for their effort in providing information and data
to the students. Johnson felt it was a
positive experience for both parties.
More information about the suggestions offered will be provided to the
Board.
d. 2009-2010 Budget Updates
The proposed city
budget was approved by City Council on Monday, May 18th. As a result of this, reduced library hours
will take effect July 1st. There
are plans to update the website, make signs and print bookmarks to provide as
much notice as possible to patrons about the hours change.
e. Library Board Annual Report
Committee – Galt, Johnson, Soules
Soules reported
that the committee plans to have information for the Board at the August
meeting.
VIII.
New Business
a. Board Member Appointment
Barnard announced that three people have applied to
fill the vacant seat left by Snover. City
Council members will interview candidates.
Barnard hopes to have the name of the new Board member at the June
meeting. Soules thanked Snover for his
service on the Board.
b. Mideastern Michigan Library
Cooperative Board Representative Appointment
Soules stated that her term as representative on the
MMLC board expires September 30, 2009.
She explained the responsibilities of the position and indicated that
she is willing to continue this appointment if no one else is interested. Barnard said that the Cooperative needs to be
informed of the new representative’s name by August 1st. The Board will make the appointment at the
June meeting.
c. Nominations Committee
Appointments
Soules stated that it is the end of her second year
as Library Board Chair. A nominating
committee of Soules and Kinnish was formed to identify candidates to fill the
positions of Chair and Vice Chair. This
committee will provide names to consider at the June meeting when the election
takes place.
IX.
Board Announcements
Brink announced that there will be a Midland County Township
Officials meeting on June 4th.
The Library will provide summer program brochures to distribute. Homer Township has requested that Barnard write
an article about the library for their newsletter. Barnard asked Brink to extend an invitation
to the Township officials that she would be willing to do the same for them.
Soules applauded Catherine Lundgard for nominating
the Volunteens for recognition in the Midland Daily News.
Johnson reminded everyone that the Friends of the
Library book sale is June 5th – 7th.
X.
Adjournment
Brink moved to adjourn. Kinnish seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned.