Grace
A. Dow Memorial Library
Library Board
Minutes
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 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, Steven Markey, Laura Peterson
ABSENT: Suzanne Phillips
ALSO PRESENT: Ron Beacom, Manager of MCTV and Library Communications;
Wendy Shields, Technical Secretary
II.
Acceptance of February 15, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Motion to
accept minutes made by Cronin, seconded by Galt. Motion approved.
III.
Additions or Changes to the Agenda
None
IV.
Public Comments
None
V.
Director’s Report
Barnard announced that the Early Literacy Activity Center will be called “Beyond Books.” This center has been created thanks to grants and donations. There will be a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 9th at 4:30 p.m. in the Youth Services Department at the Library.
Cronin commented that she enjoyed serving refreshments with Peterson at the Celebration of Our Community of Readers on March 23rd . She thought the program was very successful. Burhans complimented the staff on their teen programming including the Hunger Games Program.
VI.
Patron Comments and Suggestions
SIGNED COMMENTS:
1. I live in Tittabawassee Township and would like to access ebooks.
Access to eBooks is limited to
those who live in the library’s legal service area as required under the
Overdrive subscription.
2. You really must teach people how to behave in the library. No talking on cell phones anywhere in the library except in the coffee room. Whispering at all times. No talking in computer area. Just whispering. Otherwise they should be asked to leave.
The Quiet Room provides a space
for those who need or want a no talking area.
3. Install P.A. system.
Need and cost are considerations.
4. You guys are awesome and you’re doing a great job. Keep doing what you do.
5. Great library. Friendly people.
6. I would like to comment on the new feature that the library offers – Virtual Shelf Browser. Looking up books is so much easier with this option. I have found a lot of books that I did not know even existed. Also reviews from people that have read the book is very helpful. Thanks for this service.
UNSIGNED COMMENTS:
1.
I would like to see more community events in
brochure rack. Informative programs,
information on books clubs, etc.
Nonprofit organizations are invited to provide brochures for the literature
rack in the lobby.
2.
Could there be computer classes for people who
are really beginners.
Please share your specific suggestions for computer classes with the
Reference Librarians.
Too hot in library – 7 comments
Repairs were being done on the cooling system during this unexpected
unseasonably warm March weather.
VII. Library Board Appointments
Galt and Phillips have been reappointed by City Council to serve three year terms expiring June 30, 2015.
VIII. Library Annual Report Committee
Two to three people are needed to serve on the Annual Report Committee. Typically, the Annual Report is approved at the August meeting. Past reports are available as a model. Galt, Peterson and Cronin agreed to serve on the committee.
IX. Nominations Committee for 2012-2013 Officers
One person is needed to bring a slate of officers before the Board to be voted on in June. Peterson agreed to serve on the committee. Brink offered to be Vice Chair.
X.
Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Board Report – Cronin
No report.
Barnard mentioned that the
May meeting is the joint advisory council and board dinner meeting in Grand
Blanc. Board members are invited to
attend. An email with more information
is forthcoming.
XI.
City of Midland 2012-2013 Budget
Barnard went over the schedule for the City of
Midland budget process and approval for 2012-2013. The proposed budget is available on the City
of Midland’s website. There is a printed
version available at the Library.
The Library budget will remain flat in 2012-2013. Galt commented on the gate count statistics
and their accuracy, and inquired about the Supervisor of Circulation and
Acquisitions. This position was a staff promotion, no new positions have been added. Markey asked if
it was possible to provide circulation per hour statistics. Barnard will check.
XII.
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
Staff – Grants submitted for parking lot resurfacing, met with architect about Auditorium estimates
b) Staff Development
Goal: Ensure that staff has needed technology
skills
Staff – Staff questions about Windows 7 addressed on an individual level
Staff – Troubleshooting help sheets provided to staff
c) Funding
Goal: Evaluate income sources
Staff – Library Work Group is reviewing fines and fees
d) Programming
Goal: Review emerging trends and respond to
changing demographics
Staff – Scheduling the 5th Regiment Civil War Band on a Saturday afternoon was appreciated by senior attendees
Goal: Expand early literacy services
Staff – Formal opening of the Early Literacy Activity Center is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th
e)
Technology and Resources
Goal: Utilize technology to improve access to
resources
Staff – Developing a page on the website featuring apps, Overdrive Subscription Service to eBooks, Limit on eBooks has been raised to two, eBooks records are being added to the library catalog, offering help sessions with eReader devices
Goal: Enhance delivery of
collections and develop unique library collections
Staff – Special promotions on HBO produced and foreign films, Academy Award winners and, coming in June, rent one DVD get a second at no cost. QR code is being included in Library Connection, posters, flyers.
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 – Presentation at 2/15 Board meeting on library databases. Implemented ideas from Board’s brainstorming list – Special end cap display in fiction area for Black History Month, “Quick Pick” book displays at check out desk available for borrowing, have submitted a sample article to the senior services but have had no feedback
XIII.
Announcements
None
Barnard provided the summary information from the
ICMA survey that was sent at random to Midland residents as well as being
available on the City’s website for anyone to respond. Barnard reviewed the results relevant to the
library. She also reviewed the report
card from the Health and Human Services Council of Midland which highlighted
the top 10 social issues in Midland County.
XIV.
Adjournment
Brink moved to adjourn. Peterson seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at
7:51 p.m.