Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
7 p.m.
I.
Roll Call
Burhans called the meeting to order
at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Maxine Brink, Michael Burhans,
Lucille Cronin, Sarah Galt, Laura Peterson, Suzanne Phillips
ALSO PRESENT: Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary; Virginia McKane,
Assistant Director
II.
Acceptance of October 19, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Motion to
accept minutes made by Cronin, seconded by Peterson. Motion approved.
III.
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
None
IV.
Public Comments
None
V.
Director’s Report
Barnard reviewed upcoming holiday closings at the library.
Barnard reported that Virginia McKane has announced her retirement and her last day will be November 30th. Phillips thanked McKane for her passion, her communication skills and her organizational skills noting that she will be greatly missed.
The Battle of the Books Kick Off was Saturday, November 12th featuring children’s author Shelley Pearsall. The day was very successful with good attendance at both presentations. Peterson asked about the possibility of taping the presentations. Barnard explained that most authors prefer not to be taped and that space would be an issue as well.
Phillips inquired about the Eagle Scout project that involves surveying library users on their satisfaction with library services. Over 200 surveys have been completed and the results will be shared with the Board once the final report is finished.
Peterson inquired about the
Wimpy Kid Program. Barnard responded
that the day was a success with many activities and events. Galt commented that she attended both the
Wimpy Kid Day and the Battle of the Books Author Presentation and enjoyed both
events.
VI.
Patron Comments and Suggestions
SIGNED COMMENTS:
1. I have found no solution that works for me in the absence of date stamps.
2. I suggest that you institute a reader review and star rating system in the library catalog, a la Amazon.com. I think that many patrons would participate. If you don’t have budget money to modify the software ask the Friends of the Library if they will sponsor it.
The library will soon be introducing LibraryThing that will allow patron interaction on the
catalog.
UNSIGNED COMMENTS:
1.
I love reading.
You’re doing excellent. Have a
good day.
2.
The library is my favorite place in Midland!
VII.
Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board Report – Cronin
No report. Next meeting January 12,
2012.
VIII.
2011-2012 Strategic Plan
a) Building/Infrastructure
Goal: Address needed repairs and renovations
Staff – Parking lot entrance to be repaired
Staff – Friends to decide donation to Auditorium renovation
Board – No report, need another
Board member on committee
Goal: Repurpose physical space
to accommodate patron use of the library
Staff – No report
b) Staff Development
Goal: Ensure that staff has needed technology
skills
Staff – Survey completed
Goal: Identify opportunities for staff to learn
more about early literacy and its impact on library programming
Staff – No report
c) Funding
Goal: Evaluate income sources
Staff – No report
Goal: Provide methods for more convenient payment
of fines and fees
Staff – No report
d) Programming
Goal: Review emerging trends and respond to
changing demographics
Staff – Reviewed 2010 age demographics
Board – No report
Goal: Address issues that affect youth in the
community
Staff – No Report
Goal: Expand early literacy
services
Staff – Grant submitted to fund Early Literacy Activity Center
e) Technology and Resources
Goal: Utilize technology to improve access to
resources
Staff – No Report
Goal: Enhance delivery of
collections and develop unique library collections
Staff – No report
f) Marketing
Goal: Explore ways to strengthen engagement with
library users
Staff – No report
g)
Goal: Promote the library to the
community by increasing awareness of the library to achieve sustained usage of the library and
attendance at library events.
Staff – Committee reviewing brainstorm ideas on increasing adult circulation
Board – Plan to submit letters to MDN quarterly, Peterson 1st quarter, Cronin 2nd quarter. Encourage other Board members to participate. Would like to meet with MDNM staff to explore other ideas to promote library.
IX.
Announcements
Barnard asked for feedback from the board regarding
the revised agenda format. Board members
responded with positive feedback regarding the new agenda format.
Cronin commented that the adult materials statistics
had remained rather flat over the last two months.
Cronin inquired about the vacant board
position. Barnard responded that City
Council had accepted the resignation and if there were any candidates remaining
from the previous call for board members they would be considered. If there were no candidates remaining then
there would be a call for new board members.
X.
Adjournment
Brink moved to adjourn. Galt seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at
7:30 p.m.