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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2, 2011 Approved 4/6/11 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES March 2, 2011 The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:31 p.m. Members present were: Nancy Hoium, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, Lynette Thomson, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm, Becky Loader, and Stacey Hendren. The minutes of the February 2, 2011 Board meeting were approved as mailed. The bill list dated 2/14/11 of 2010 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The 2010 accounting dated 3/2/11 was reviewed. The bill list dated 2/14/11 of 2011 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The bill list dated 2/28/11 of 2011 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The 2011 accounting dated 3/2/11 was reviewed. Old Business: 1. The February 21 switch over to the City fiber network had minimal problems. After a few patches, and resolution of issues with CybraryN, the connection is working well. 2. Business with Unique Management is continuing smoothly. There have been issues with SIRSI reporting, so monthly reports don’t accurately reflect progress of our accounts. The spring Workflows update should resolve this issue. 3. Loader and Renee Dougherty, Adult Services Librarian, met with Sergeant Matt Markham from the CH Police Department to discuss safety procedures in the Library. Sergeant Markham advocated all persons leave the building in a non-weather related emergency and recommended security cameras, card keys, remote locks, and a voice activated radio alarm with panic button that would tie directly to the police radio. Dougherty is revising the safety procedure draft based on these recommendations. Loader will meet with companies concerning the emergency door replacement and discuss options for safety features as well as pursue Sergeant Markham’s recommendations based on current funding. New Business: 1. The City version of the annual report has been submitted. Since 2010 contained many record breaking statistics, Loader submitted additional pages to highlight this information. Board members received a copy of the report and Loader reviewed the statistics. The Board appreciated the graphics and discussed recent changes in Library use. 2. Crossover statistics for January were reviewed by the Board. 3. Due to the cost of licensing, the Library has never been able to put Microsoft Office programs on the public computers. Jesse Hauf, IS Department, recently applied for and received a grant through Tech Soup which allowed the Library to purchase 11 licenses and receive behind the scenes support for only $264. This amount is covered by the Gates Grant since the licenses are for public use. An additional perk of the grant is that Library staff is able to purchase Office 2010 for personal use at a discounted price and receive free training. The expected rollout for the program is April. 1 4. The Board discussed the Webinars sponsored by MELSA and produced by WebJunction. The first webinar is on Unemployment insurance and all reference staff and two additional staff had the opportunity to view this program. The Board discussed what a Webinar is, and why it is beneficial for Library staff to take advantage of the training. Loader explained the webinar was created for library staff and provides training for helping patrons who are going through the unemployment process. The Board discussed the technical needs of Librarians and the requirement to be generalists in the public library environment. 5. The Board discussed the League of Cities legislative update. Ideas and issues presented in the article include city revenue diversification, local option sales tax, alternate revenue streams, and design-build construction. Diehm stated that the profits from the Liquor operations of the City go to capital. Items from the Floor: 1. Anoka County Library will expend the balance of MN Legacy funds in 2011. 2. The Overdrive E-book program has been very successful, and Loader will soon be receiving statistics based on Columbia Heights patron usage. Publishers are not pleased with the current set-up for e-book purchases and state that it is an unreasonable expectation for a library to be able to purchase an item that may circulate indefinitely. Harper Collins has set a 26 circ. limit on its items, at which time the items must be purchased again. Loader will update the Board with any new developments. 3. The Board reviewed the year-end crossover statistics. The Minneapolis Library on Central will open on April 4, after being closed for a 2 year renovation process. The Board is interested to see how this affects our computer and building use. 4. Loader attended the recent Anoka County Library Board meeting. The ACL Board is facing potential funding cuts and is preparing a worst case scenario plan. 5. The Columbia Heights Friends of the Library are holding a “Love Your Library” program which was th presented to the City Council on February 28. Staff selected a variety of Children’s books, Adult Books, and DVDs that need replacement and the Friends are asking patrons to donate funds to purchase these titles. Patrons then have the option of being recognized on a display and in the book on a bookplate. Diehm stated how beneficial it is for the Library to bring programs such as this and the READ dogs in front of the City Council and recommends contact at meetings as much as possible. 6. Vesley notified the Board of the Historic Quilt show now being presented by the Anoka County Historical Society. Loader recommended the show. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey R. Hendren Secretary, Library Board of Trustees The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights services, programs, and activities. 2