HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-2002 Library Board MinutesDecember 10, 2002 4 pm
Unger Memorial Library Advisory Board met in the basement of the library with the following
attending: Board President David Isaacson, Board VP Maisie Jones, Board member Sharon
Morgan, High -Plains Genealogical Society President Theresa Dunlap, WTLS lay representative
Lucile Davis, City of Plainview Director of Community Services John Castro and Librarian John
Sigwald.
John introduced new library employee, Rebecca Redding who began working at UML on Monday,
October 28, 2002.
John Sigwald told those present that the Library has received a $1000. grant from the Cultural
Arts Council. These monies come from hotel/motel taxes and are used to promote tourism. It is
possible that due to changes in the law the Library will not be able to receive this particular grant
in the future. The grant this year will be used to start a DVD collection (37 have been ordered).
John indicated that software updates for Encarta and Streets & Trips have been provided by the
Gates Foundation. The updates will be on the 10 Public Internet computers.
UML is again receiving a Loan Star grant. Last year's grant of $3600. was spent on the couches in
the juvenile area of the Library. This year's project includes outside lettering on two sides of the
Library ($1200.), 2 benches for outside seating for patrons ($200. each), and a new bike rack
($400.). These items should be in place by February or March or 2003.
John Sigwald will be attending the American Library Association Midwinter Conference in
Philadelphia, PA on January 24-29, 2003. This gives him an opportunity to talk to vendors and
get posters for UML.
UML is again being a Beta test site for the Spectrum circ/catalog. The Library was a Beta site
about 18 months ago and was able to obtain Visual Search (search using icons) that is very
helpful especially with kids.
Phyllis Wall, Hale County Literacy Coordinator, will be recognized at tonight's City Council and
awarded the Award of Excellence from the City of Plainview. She currently has a poster board
display upstairs in UML that shows the "readers" from the Plainview Daily Herald daily "Meet Your
Neighbor".
John showed pictures of Phyllis Wall, Rebecca Redding and himself that have recently been on
the front page of the Plainview Daily Herald.
John explained that the current lawsuit involving the United States and the American Library
Association Is well-meaning censorship, but doesn't serve the public well.
John explained to the Board that the Library has a $4000. building maintenance budget. He stated
that the Library may go over in that line item this FY. We have had 2 hot water heaters go out,
serious water leak in boiler room this week, water fountain replaced in basement, and Honeywell
heating/cooling system is old (presently have no heat in the east end of the building).
John Sigwald explained that the Library Information Sheet has been updated regarding the
TexShare database. A different address is now shown. This is a state -funded service and they
keep statistics for UML. It is a use it or lose it funding situation.
Next Board meeting will be March or April 2003.
Meeting was adjourned.