Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 7
p.m.
I.
Roll Call
Brink called the meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Maxine Brink, Lucille Cronin, Laura Peterson,
Suzanne Phillips
ABSENT: Michael Burhans, Sarah
Galt
ALSO PRESENT: Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary; Ron Beacom, Manager
of MCTV and Library Communications
II.
Acceptance of November 16, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept minutes
made by Phillips, seconded by Cronin. Motion
approved.
III.
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
None
IV.
Public Comments
None
V.
Director’s Report
Barnard introduced Ron Beacom whose position now includes promoting the library though the newsletter, MGTV, press releases, ads, articles, website and facebook. His new title is Manager of MCTV and Library Communications. The adjustment in assignments is related to the loss of the Assistant Director position,
Barnard announced that the library has received $10,000 in funding to develop an Early Literacy Activity Center in the Youth Services area. The following organizations awarded grants to the library in support of the project: Midland Area Community Foundation, Midland Rotary Foundation, and Kiwassee Kiwanis Foundation. The Friends of the Library donated to the project and private contributions were received. This center is designed to complement story times for children 0-5 years that are currently held and help prepare children for school. The center is expected to open in February.
Barnard
explained that March programming will focus on The Reading Promise based on the
book with the same title. In the book, a
father and daughter make a promise to read together every night for 100 days in
a row. The reading streak continues for
3,218 nights. Our Reading Promise
encourages the entire community to participate in a reading streak for the
month of March. A Celebration of Our
Community of Readers will be held on Friday, March 23rd. The Library is partnering with The Literacy
Council of the Legacy Center for Community Success on this program. Phillips complimented the staff on this idea
and inquired about a list of nursing homes where people can go read. Cronin suggested connecting with Senior
Services to develop a list of people who would like to be read to. Barnard responded that the staff will look
into this possibility.
VI.
Patron Comments and Suggestions
SIGNED COMMENTS:
1. At least two hours allowed for computer use if not too busy.
Based on the use of the computers,
extending the time is not recommended. Laptops
are available for check out with the first hour free and $2.50 each additional
hour.
2. I would like to see the library have ebooks.
This service will be available by
the end of January.
3. I was wondering why nobody has installed the coupon bar from coupon websites so everybody can have the opportunity to print off valuable coupons from the web. It is simple, free and easy to use.
Our policy is not to download individual programs on the public
computers. The computers are set up to provide basic computer services to
the diverse audience that we serve. We do not have the resources to
download and monitor the numerous specific programs that would be requested.
UNSIGNED COMMENTS:
1.
You need to clean the CDs when they are
returned. More than once, I’ve had to
clean them because they had fingerprints and food on them.
Cleaning every CD that is returned is not feasible because of staff
time involved. CDs would unavailable for
periods of time. Patrons are encouraged
to let us know if the condition of a CD needs to be addressed.
VII. Library Board Vacancy
Barnard reported that there are three applicants for the vacant Library Board position. This position will continue the term vacated in the fall. Two City Council members will interview the applicants and present their recommendation to the entire City Council who will then appoint the new Library Board member. Barnard anticipates that the position will be filled in March.
VIII.
Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board Report – Cronin
Cronin reported that the
MMLC Board met on Thursday, January 12, 2012.
The following business items
were addressed: a clean audit was
presented, a revised advocacy plan was adopted, plan of service revision is in
process and the Technology Plan final report was presented. A copy of the revised advocacy plan will be
included in the next Board packet.
Barnard mentioned that the
May meeting is the joint advisory council and board dinner meeting in Grand
Blanc. Board members are invited to
attend and more information will be forthcoming.
IX.
2011-2012 Strategic Plan
The plan was reviewed, noting items that actions
have been taken.
a) Building/Infrastructure
Goal: Address needed repairs and renovations
Staff – The entrance to the public parking lot has been resurfaced. Hopefully the rest of the parking lot will be addressed this year.
b) Staff Development
Goal: Ensure that staff has needed technology
skills
Staff – The staff survey has been completed and training needs are being identified.
Goal: Identify opportunities for staff to learn
more about early literacy and its impact on library programming
Staff – Youth Services staff is researching early literacy and making plans to attend workshops on this topic.
c) Funding
Goal: Evaluate income sources
Staff – The Library Work Group is reviewing fines and fees
d) Programming
Goal: Review emerging trends and respond to
changing demographics
Staff – The staff gathered and reviewed 2010 Census information.
Board – Phillips met with staff to discuss the 2010 Census information and the impact on library services and programs. She presented an overview of the information at the Board meeting. Primarily the focus was on age with increases in the population of those 55 and older. Though there was a decrease in the youth population, no changes are anticipated in the youth programming offered at the library. Literacy development remains a critical role for the library. The library will continue to review and evaluate services and programs for adults 55 and older.
Peterson requested information on the circulation of large print materials, wondering if there is an increase in use with the increase in the older population. Cronin requested information on poverty levels by age to determine if there are any trends. Information will be provided at the next Board meeting
Goal: Expand early literacy
services
Staff – Funding is in place for the Early Literacy Activity Center and materials are being ordered.
e)
Technology and Resources
Goal: Utilize technology to improve access to
resources
Staff –Several apps are available to patrons including: BookMyne, Gale Databases and Mango Languages. Popular eBooks compatible with the Kindle, Nook and other eReaders will be available the week of January 23rd.
f) Marketing
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 – A committee of librarians is working on the list of brainstorming ideas developed by the Board to increase circulation of materials for adults including inclusion in the Senior Services newsletter, Midland Daily News column, Grab and Go book display, and end panel book displays. Beacom has made arrangements for staff to provide a library article to the Midland Daily News twice a month.
A letter written by Peterson appeared in the Midland Daily News. Cronin will prepare a letter to be sent to Midland Daily News in the next couple of weeks.
X.
Announcements
Brink commended Phillips on her report on the 2010
Census.
Phillips mentioned that the next Friends of the
Library Used Book Sale is February 10-12, 2012.
Cronin inquired about the statistics under review. Barnard responded that staff is working with
Valley Library Consortium to determine accurate statistics. Cronin requested that reference questions
statistics be included. Barnard
explained that reference questions are counted for one week per month and the
annual total is extrapolated from those counts.
XI.
Adjournment
Peterson moved to adjourn. Phillips seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at
8:05 p.m.