Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
7 p.m.
I.
Roll Call
Burhans called the meeting
to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Melissa Barnard, Michael Burhans, Lucille Cronin, Sarah Galt, Steven
Markey, Laura Peterson, Suzanne Phillips
New Board member Steven Markey was introduced.
ABSENT: Maxine Brink
ALSO PRESENT: Ron Beacom, Manager of MCTV and Library Communications
II.
Acceptance of January 18, 2012 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.
Presentation on Library Databases
In addressing the Board goal
to increase awareness of the library, Barnard arranged for Sudi Kotecha, Adult
Services Librarian, to give a presentation.
Kotecha gave an overview of two of the library’s databases: Mango Languages and Health Reference Center
Academic.
VI.
Director’s Report
Barnard encouraged people to attend the Great Michigan Read Panel Discussion being held in the Library Auditorium on Tuesday, February 28th at 7p.m. The Great Michigan Read book selection, Arc of Justice, focuses on race relations in 1920’s Detroit. Panel members include Dr. Betty Jones, Ric Shahin, Jack Telfer and Leola Wilson. MCTV will be taping this presentation.
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 pajama party will be held March 16th along with a Celebration of Our Community of Readers being held on March 23rd. The Library is partnering with The Literacy Council of the Legacy Center for Community Success on this program.
Phillips commented that Cram Night had a good turned out. Galt highlighted the library’s participation in the Job Shadow Day attended by fifth graders from Carpenter School.
VII.
Patron Comments and Suggestions
None
VIII. Library Board Vacancy
a) Vacancy
Steven Markey has been appointed to fill the current Library Board vacancy.
b) Expiring Terms: Galt, Phillips
Barnard announced that Galt and Phillips terms will be expiring on 6/30/2012 and they will be contacted at a later date for their decision about reappointment to the Board.
IX.
Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board Report – Cronin
No report.
Cronin 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.
X.
City of Midland 2012-2013 Budget
Barnard went over the schedule for the City of
Midland budget process and approval for 2012-2013.
XI.
2011-2012 Strategic Plan
The plan was reviewed, noting items that actions
have been taken since the last review.
a) Building/Infrastructure
Goal: Address needed repairs and renovations
Board – Another Board member is needed to serve on the committee to identify fundraising opportunities for the Auditorium renovation.
Staff – Entrance to parking lot completed
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 attended a workshop sponsored by Kent District Library.
c) Funding
Goal: Evaluate income sources
Staff – A chart of rental facilities in Midland has been developed to compare the library’s current charges to others in the community.
d) Programming
Goal: Review emerging trends and respond to
changing demographics
Board – Phillips presented information on the poverty rate and how it is distributed by age in response to inquiries from the Board.
e)
Technology and Resources
Goal: Utilize technology to improve access to
resources
Staff – Overdrive Subscription Service to eBooks is now available to our patrons.
Goal: Enhance delivery of
collections and develop unique library collections
Staff – QR codes are being included on most publicity.
Staff – Special discounts on DVD collections continue in March.
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.
Board – Cronin is preparing a letter to the Editor for the MDN about the library.
Staff – Two articles have appeared in the Midland Daily News promoting programs.
Staff – Barnard and Suszek promoted the Reading Promise programs on the Midland Daily News show Front Page which will be shown on MCTV in March.
Staff – A presentation on library databases was provided at the February 22nd meeting.
XII.
Announcements
Phillips inquired about the success of the Friends
of the Library Used Book Sale in February.
Barnard responded that they had a very successful “bag day” on
Sunday.
Peterson reported that there has been a lot of
excitement about the Battle of the Books Written Battle.
Phillips commented on the demographic information
provided about large print circulation that was provided in the board
packet. There was discussion about how
the demographics affect this circulation.
Cronin recommended that board members read the MMLC
Advocacy Plan that was included in the board packet.
Phillips suggested that staff promote use of the
auditorium to gain publicity before fundraising to renovate the auditorium.
Barnard noted that she is emailing the MLA Update to
board members. If members would prefer
not to receive it, please notify Barnard.
XIII.
Adjournment
Gale moved to adjourn. Peterson seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at
8:07 p.m.