The regular meeting of the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by President Paul Barton. Also attending were Dick Hall, Ed Haskell, Betty Hutchins, Frank Iossi, Ann Larson, Susan Lee, and Jeanne Parker.
Absent with notification: Naomi Lipsky.
Staff present: Audrey Betcher, Acting Library Director; Judy Kereakos, Acting Assistant Director; Lynette Diekmann, Adult Services; Kim Edson, Head of Extension Division; Jean Jahn, Head of Automation Division; Louise Moe, Head of Information Services; Beth Nienow, Information Services; Rebecca Splittstoesser, Head of Technical Services; Andy Stehr, Adult Services; Beth Warfield, Head of Children's Division; and Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
Others present: Ethel Himmel, Himmel and Wilson.
Ed Haskell moved, Dick Hall second to approve the meeting minutes from August 9, 2000. Motion approved.
There were several unusual bills for the month: equipment for an internal wireless communications system and equipment for a workstation for the visually impaired. Most of the cost for the workstation will be paid with a donation from the three local Lions clubs.
Through the end of July, we were under budget in terms of expenditures which is largely due to several positions being vacant. At this point, we do not anticipate any problems staying within budget even with the organizational study costs and the anticipated shortfall in revenue.
The Library Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank are co-sponsoring a program with Hamilton Jordan on October 10, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 which includes admission to the program and a copy of his book.
Dick and Audrey are serving on the Long Range Planning Committee.
Judy Kereakos introduced Andy Stehr who has joined staff as a Library Assistant I in Adult Services, mainly doing public desk work.
Ann Larson stated that the committee has met to discuss student representatives to the Library Board and their conclusion is that a student representative is good for the board. The intent is that this student would be a liaison between the Library Board and the Youth Advisory Board. Candidates would be interviewed by the Library Director and Library Board President and ideally would be a junior or senior in high school. They would also be required to join the Youth Advisory Board and to make one year commitment.
Ann Larson moved, Jeanne Parker second to approve the recommendation from the Policy and Planning Committee. Motion approved.
The organizational study consulting firm has distributed an preliminary outline of their findings and are in the process of writing a final report. Any comments on the report should be communicated to the Ad Hoc Committee to pass on to the consultant.
Ethel Himmel reviewed the results of the staff survey. The response rate from staff was very good. Lowest score was for opportunity for advancement; highest was compatible co-workers. There is a real commitment on the part of staff to customer service. There was a close tie-in to what staff spent the most time doing and what they felt was the most important part of their job.
Ethel stated they felt staff had a positive attitude, were comfortable participating, and were ready to do what needs to be done.
The final report will be done in early October. A Board planning retreat will be scheduled in late October.
At the next Board meeting, the Ad Hoc Committee will have proposed job descriptions for the open positions.
The Board reviewed the staff recommendations on fines. The recommendations are to eliminate overdue fines on children's materials for a one year experiment, and reduce the maximum overdue fine on adult material to $3.
There are a great number of books that are never returned. By eliminating fines on children's items we remove some barriers to service and should improve circulation. Research suggests that if you don't charge fines, more items are returned in the long term. Our expectation is that we would get more materials back in the building that we have been unable to get back.
The matter was tabled for further information; the Board recommended that staff put together a business case to justify the loss of revenue.
Ed Haskell moved, Ann Larson second to move the Library Board meeting date to the third Wednesday of the month, starting in November. Motion approved.
Our request for an IBM discretionary hardware and software grant has been approved. This equipment will be used for additional Internet stations and will also include a young explorer station for the children's area.
Privacy screens have been installed on the Internet terminals. We are also conducting staff training on handling complaints regarding Internet access.
We will be ordering name tags for staff. If any Board member is interested in having a name tag, let Kathy know.
Audrey has been asked to serve on several statewide boards: Minitex Advisory Committee and Minnesota Library Association Board/Public Library Division.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lee
Secretary
The next regular Board meeting will be Wednesday, October 11, 2000, at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the second floor of the library.