CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The regular meeting of the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by President Jerry Balm.
Members Present: Jerry Balm, Chris Colby, Ed Haskell, Steve McMaster, Tyler Hoecker.
Staff Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Jean Jahn, Automation Services Manager; Louise Moe, Head of Reference Services; James Rentz, Head of Technical Services; Andy Stehr, Head of Circulation Services; Beth Warfield, Head of Children's Services; Kathy Shimek Olson, Special Projects Coordinator.
CONSENSUS AGENDA
Motion by Ed Haskell, seconded by Chris Colby, to approve the Consensus Agenda, including the minutes from January 18, 2006, and the bills as submitted. Motion carried.
STRATEGIC UPDATE
The Action Plan 2005 has been updated to show progress on the various elements. Staff has established baselines or generated new ways to track data. The key measurements document will be updated in April, since it is generated after the State annual report is completed.
Chris asked how staff will monitor changes in the community to meet citizen needs. Audrey responded that the recently completed community survey is one piece in determining if we are meeting needs. It was important in that input was received from citizens that don't use the library and will be one tool to use periodically. We are also talking about doing some online surveys. We also have a mechanism for staff to provide feedback they hear from patrons.
The Board discussed outreach to the Hispanic community. Are we dedicating resources to something that isn't necessary? Audrey stated that it is a growing community and traditional methods of publicity are not working. We will be discontinuing the Spanglish programming and that staff person will be out working in the Hispanic community.
In 2006, we are also doing a pilot project for Somali outreach, funded with Foundation Endowment Fund proceeds.
Ed asked if there is any accounting of costs spent on traditional library functions versus social engineering functions. The Board discussed what this means. Some of what the library does is available to everyone; some is available to specific groups of people. It is important to understand what our core mission is; what we need to do versus what we would like to do. The matter was referred to the Planning Committee for further discussion.
The Board discussed partnerships for programming. Audrey stated that the Foundation Development Committee will be working to build business partnerships to support programming and services.
FOUNDATION REPORT
We have started a new program of Library Tours with Audrey. Tours are scheduled through May. It was suggested that tours be given to City and County staff; Park Board, RPU Board, etc.
SELCO REPORT
Steve attended the SELCO Board meeting. There was a discussion about the on-going problem with access to RPL's collection. Audrey added that this was also discussed at the last Advisory Committee meeting. Since that time we have developed a book mark for libraries to give to their patrons to help them with basic services.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Chris volunteered to serve on the Planning Committee and have the new Board member serve on the Finance Committee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance: none.
Personnel: none.
Planning: a meeting will be called to review the Action Plans 2005.
Policy: none.
Youth Advisory Board: The name has been changed to Group of Advising Teens (GOAT). The logo art contest for the summer reading program ends March 19. A recommended reading list for young adults has been developed. They are in need of new members.
STATE PLAN FOR LIBRARIES
The Board discussed a resolution in support of excellent public library service. It was suggested that the resolution be amended to add: Whereas the Rochester Public Library Board and staff strongly support efficient allocation of State dollars for library services to support resource sharing.
Motion by Ed Haskell, seconded by Chris Colby, to approve the resolution in support of excellent public library service as amended. Motion carried.
DIRECTOR'S INFORMATION ITEMS
Board members interested in becoming a Minnesota Library Association member should complete the application and drop it off at the office.
Library legislative day is March 30. Anyone interested in attending should contact Audrey.
Installation of the DVD self-check has been delayed because of problems with the main circuit board. It is anticipated that this will be resolved within the next week or so.
The CRPLSA resolution was not endorsed by the MnLINK Gateway Committee since they are not a policy making group.
A meeting with MS&R to discuss the building study is tentatively scheduled for March 15, at 3:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Shimek Olson
Secretary Pro Tem
The next regular meeting of the Library Board will be Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the second floor of the library.