Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes May 30 2019Unger Memorial Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes May 30, 2019 Present were Board members Leticia Gaucin and John Hightower. Also present were Cynthia Peterson, Librarian, Debbie Carlton, Library Administrative Assistant, and Barbara DeBerry, President of the Friends of the Library organization. Not present were Stephanie James, Debbie Gallaway, and Amy Thornton. 1. The meeting was opened with a welcome from Peterson. Board Minutes dated February 12, 2019, were read by those present. No action was taken due to the absence of three of the Board members. 2. Three library policy updates to be reviewed had been mailed to the Board members prior to the meeting. Most of the changes were primarily stylistic formatting. No action was taken on any of the policy updates since a quorum was not present. Presentation will take place again at the Board meeting in October. A. Policies & Procedures: Patron Behavior Peterson explained there were a few additions to this particular policy which included the rules of conduct covered in the Policies & Procedures: Computer, Internet, & WiFi Use (Section 5). Hightower stated a concern over the inclusion or choice of wording on Section 1.4: The right to dislike libraries. He considered the presentation to be vague and left a negative connotation. Others present stated they too would like to see the word "dislike" replaced with something comparable to the fact that the patrons have the right to disagree with library policies and the librarian and/or staff would be available to explain the policy(ies) and justify the inclusion. It was also mentioned that Sections 1.4.1 through 1.4.2.4 did not seem to fit under the 1.4 heading. All suggestions and comments were noted by Peterson who will revise these sections and resubmit the changes for review at the next Board meeting in October. B. Policies & Procedures: Library (Borrowers') Cards Peterson noted that the additions to this policy included TexShare Card (Section 2) and Digital Access Card (Section 3). She explained the TexShare card section was added to the policy, but this service had been available at the library for quite some time. Peterson conveyed information about the TexShare process, but there was no related discussion. Peterson then stated that the section for a digital access card was a futuristic policy, but with the proposed budgetary approval of a proxy server this service would be available to library patrons in good standing who could sign up to have access by logging in to any of the electronic resources available from the library using their own login information instead of a "one -for -all" password available from the library. All present stated support of the addition of this service. C. Policies & Procedures: Interlibrary Loan Peterson stated there were no changes to the Interlibrary Loan policies except in the format presentation. Many of these policies are preset and directed by the governing entity overseeing the available services. 3. Updates on several projects were provided by Peterson: A. Those present were provided a copy of the Unger Memorial Library Statistics October 2018 -September 2019 report with information included up through April 2019. B. Peterson reminded those present that a cemetery database was being considered to replace the old DOS one. She learned that most grants will not provide funding for updates to or replacement of existing databases. However, Peterson stated she believes there is local support and is still looking for its purchase approval at some point. She is expecting to have more information on this project by the October Board meeting. C. Shelf space has become scarce which inhibits much addition to the printed collection at this time. Friends of the Unger Memorial Library (FUML) organization at its annual meeting in March agreed to sponsor a funding drive to help purchase some additional shelving for the library. The "Buy -A -Shelf" funding drive would accept donations in recognition of businesses, groups, individuals, or special events. The donations could also be in memory or in honor of someone. For a donation of $45 a shelf, a small plaque would be placed on the shelf naming the donor and the purpose of the donation. FUML has agreed to start this campaign by providing funds for two sections of shelving. D. Peterson pointed out to those present that the Library's Long Range Plan (5 years) is to be reviewed and updated by the end of May 2020. The previous plan is dated May 2015. Peterson will be presenting an updated version to be reviewed and adopted at future Board meetings. In order to have public input on the strategic proposals, Peterson plans on having different interest analysis groups referred to as SWOT (S=strengths; W= weaknesses; O=opportunities; and T=threats, referring to obstacles or circumstances that stand in the way). She wants to include input from surveys, Library Advisory Board members, FUML members, citizens who don't patronize the library, etc. E. Cynthia mentioned the City has approved funding to replace the library's security gates which help provide protection for the collection. The previous gates were installed several years ago, but have not worked for a few years. The purchasing and installation process are in progress. F. Those present were informed of recent damage to some of the printed collection caused by leakage during the storms that went through Plainview. Measures are being taken to salvage as much as possible and protect further damage until the problem is repaired. 4. Peterson provided a rundown on the schedule of events for Summer Reading Club in June. The theme for this year is "A Universe of Stories." Children's programs are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 11:OOam. This year Peterson has included a few events for teens and adults. On Thursday evenings beginning at 6:OOpm at the library teens and adults may bring in books they have read about any space -related topics and share with the group. On Friday, June 7, beginning at 6:30pm, presented at the Fair Theatre will be a movie ("War of the Worlds") and a discussion led by Wayland Baptist University professor, Dr. Erin Heath. 5. DeBerry gave a report on the Friends' book sale in March. She reminded those present the FUML organization utilizes its funds to support library projects and events, Summer Reading Club, etc. They also provide books to local nursing homes and the Faith In Sharing House (FISH). The fall fiction book sale will be in October. 6. Carlton presented information on the blood drive held May 21. A total of 116 units of blood were received during the drive. It was reported to be the largest drive since 2015. The technicians from Vitalant Blood Services were kept busy the entire time and very please with the turnout. The next blood drive is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday prior to the Thanksgiving holidays in November. It was announced the next Board meeting will be Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Peterson reminded those present that two of the Board members' (Debbie Gallaway and Stephanie James) terms would be expiring at the end of December 2019. Names for new members will need to be presented and then approved by the City Council at their meeting in January 2020. Dismissal was at 5:20pm. Submitted by Debbie Carlton, Library Adm. Asst.