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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 3-15Library Advisory Board March 15, 2007 Members Present: Elizabeth Bryan, Dean Gattone, John Gangemi, Eleanore Lipscomb-Warren, Conrad Luhmann, Frank Oddo, Elizabeth Stanfield-Maddox, Paul Walker Friends of the Library: John Daynlyk Staff Members: David Paynter, Harry Tuchmayer Absent Members: Lynn Browning, Jacqueline O’Grady, Roberta Penn, Allison Rankin Meeting began at 2:35 PM. Pubic Comment: None Minutes approved. Correspondence: Patron submitted response for a refund of debt setoff funds and library waived certain fees in order to get additional materials returned. Director’s Report: David Paynter shared pictures of the devastation of the libraries on the Gulf Coast near Biloxi, Mississippi. Solinet is working to assist in rebuilding the community. The RFID system at the Northeast Library is being updated. House Bill 633 has been introduced by Representative Wright to provide funds for the museum and library. Representative Wright’s office contacted David Paynter earlier this week regarding funding for a?n archivist and other required funds for this project. Several programs are currently being held at the library including a film series on war. This series was put together by Marie Spencer, AV Librarian, and is being held at the Main library. Interviews are being conducted for the librarian position at NE. There will be two additional openings for retiring Branch Manager, Rebecca Taylor and Circulation Supervisor, Jerry Drye. Alice Sheridan has also been out on medical leave. David Paynter passed out a graph regarding holds, loans, and total requests; the graph indicates the growth of these services. Harry Tuchmayer reported on the website, which is being updated by the County IT department. The IT department is currently working to make the process of updating websites easier, there will be significant changes over the next few months. Friends’ Report: An Ad Hoc Finance Committee has been established to explore and recommend additional spending on library projects and programs. The FOL will donate $25,000 25,000 to the Library Foundation Book Endowment Fund. The book sale committee is preparing for the upcoming book sale for April 21 – 26. Jimmy Pierce, Director of “Kids Making It” will speak at the Volunteer Luncheon on May 24. Shay Pittillo, past president, and other board members are sponsoring a workshop for the Friends on March 17 in Burgaw. There are currently 627 FOL members. Conrad Luhmann commented on the Atkinson public library closing and what the FOL might do to assist this library. Old Business: Budget Hearing: David Paynter distributed the library budget. David met with County Manager, Bruce Shell regarding levels of staff compared to library staffing levels at other public libraries in the state. The library has requested 2 positions at NE, (library associate and library assistant). David has requested for a position at the Main library; several of these positions are to replace positions that were cut several years ago. A request for the teen area on the second floor was included in the library budget. Other requests were for new signage for the Main and Northeast libraries. John Gangemi recommended that the LAB meet with the Parks board; he will set up a meeting to discuss the possibilities of building a library in conjunction with a park project. David Paynter reported that a developer has contacted him regarding developing a Northchase library site. Library Day in Raleigh: There are two bills in the House regarding an increase of $3.7 million in State Aid (Bill 452) and funds for online homework help. A copy of these bills was distributed to the board. The board will meet in the Museum of History on Library Day (April 17) at 10 AM and later with the legislators as appointments are secured. The board was asked to write area legislators asking their support for these bills. Chambers Trust: David Paynter distributed a letter from this trust, which has now matured, and the distribution will be used to purchase books. There was some discussion regarding investments of this trust. New Business IMLS grant application: Two grants have been applied for; a planning grant for the Smart Start program for early literacy; and a technology planning grant. The latter application will be made through the State Library. Reference Dept presentation: Phyllis Smith, Reference Librarian, gave a presentation to the board on the services that are available in-house and from the Internet. All of the reference staff is involved in training as new materials arrive and new programs are offered. The staff is conducting a major weeding project to update the book and audiovisual collections. Updating procedures include the law library materials and databases to ensure that proper services are available to those patrons. The reference materials and electronic resources are being monitored to ensure that up-to-date and accurate materials are being offered to the patrons. As materials are de-selected, current materials are being purchased. New Interlibrary Loan procedures have been put into place to ensure consistency at all branches. Tax information is now provided on-line and by copy-only basis. David Paynter reported that NextReads has been a popular program. The next meeting will be Thursday, April 19. Meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM.