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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes 10-11-2016 Library Board Meeting October 11, 2016 Present at the Library Board meeting were Board members Kenna Hatch, Joe Ed Sullivan, Debbie Gallaway, and Stephanie James. Also present was Debbie McPherson, Friends of the Library President. Mariya Hapiy, Librarian, opened the meeting with a review of the agenda items. Hapiy began with a look at updates suggested on library policies by going through each of the sections and pointing out deletions, rewording, and additions made which were marked or highlighted for easy recognition. (Sections of [[1227,850,1354,911][12][,I,][Calibri]]Unger [[1353,850,1364,911][12][,,][Calibri]] [[1364,850,2157,911][12][,I,][Calibri]]Memorial Library Policies & Procedures [[2157,850,2168,911][12][,,][Calibri]] covered: Services; Internet Use; Library (Borrowers’) Cards; Circulation Rules; Overdue, Lost or Damaged Materials; Interlibrary Loan; and Meeting Room.) A new Policies and Procedures section introduced by Hapiy was Patron Behavior. Hapiy and the Board examined this new section more thoroughly since it is an addition not previously included. Hapiy asked for input, suggestions and/or recommendations from Board members for any options or opinions on changes already suggested as presented on the Policies & Procedures covered. All were in agreement on the suggested changes for the Policies & Procedures already in place. Board member Stephanie James questioned some of the choice of wording used on the new Patron Behavior policy. She and Kenna Hatch both stated that the new policy needed to utilize more appropriate terminology applicable to this particular section and that perhaps the City Attorney could be contacted to help with this. Hapiy informed those present that after suggested updates and changes were completed she would submit them to the City Council for approval. Hapiy shared she had been to a meeting in Lubbock for three days which was very informative and that she had gained more insight into the responsibilities of a public librarian. She is hoping to implement some changes in the future which reflect the goals she has set. Hapiy pointed out that the 15-16 Fiscal Year budget was under quite a bit from what was originally allocated by the City, even though some of the individual accounts were over. Some of the reasons provided for this was: 1) The time span between the retirement of the former librarian and the hiring of the new one required fewer funds for salary and insurance; 2) The cost of office supplies such as toner for the printers and copiers have gone up and services provided to the public demand that maintenance on these machines be kept up to date; 3) Replacement HVAC unit and repairs on the building and the sump pump were unexpected costs, but necessary; 4) Communication costs have increased; and 5) The overlap of former and present librarians’ membership dues to the Texas Library Association and American Library Association doubled the charges on this account. These memberships for the librarian are necessary to receive benefits and software support from the State Library and to receive Library Board Meeting—page 2 October 11, 2016 discounts from participating vendors. The dues also allow the librarian to attend conferences that are supported by these associations to continue his/her growth and knowledge in the library fields. A report on the Texas Summer Reading Club held in June was given by Hapiy. Due to the absence of a librarian, the programs were presented only two days a week for three weeks. The programs were well-attended. Hapiy gave a report on the receipt of the Texas Book Festival Grant for $2,500. The grant was for increasing the library collection in the Western Genre. Hardcover and paperback books were a part of the application request. Audiobooks were also approved in order to diversify the collection and to assist in meeting the options requested by patrons. A report on the patron survey taken by Hapiy showed that over 92% of the patrons completing the survey were satisfied or very satisfied with the services and materials that are provided at Unger Library. Some of the patrons did provide some feedback on what they would like to see changed or implemented in the future. Hapiy stated she would be studying the feasibility and appropriateness of these suggestions. Hapiy informed the Board that she is in the process of applying for a Plainview Area Endowment Grant. She is wanting to start a teen group focused on the Manga interest. There is a group at the local high school which is referred to as the “Anime Club” which concentrates on this Japanese animation video series of telling stories through art, similar to graphic novels. Hapiy stated she wants to try to get this teen group into the library by providing an activity in which they are interested. She added that the library has programs for the younger children and a variety of materials for other patrons, but believes this teen group has not been provided any specific activities focused just for them. She is hoping that the participation in this activity will bring in local presenters for programs and some artistic focus and outlet for the teens. The library would be using the funds from the impending grant to purchase the printed materials, and possibly some of the art supplies, to assist in the goal of reaching the middle/high school- aged children in our community. More on this grant and the teen group activities will be provided if/when the grant is approved. The semi-annual blood drive will be the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving on November 23. The next Library Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2016, at 4:00 pm in the basement of the library. Dismissal was at 5:55 pm.