HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 6, 2013
APPROVED
4/3/13
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
March 6, 2013
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:32 p.m. Members present were: Nancy
Hoium, Steve Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: Mayor
Gary L. Peterson, Acting Library Director Renee Dougherty, and Recording Secretary Stacey Hendren.
Not present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm. Guest observer: Valerie Wiig.
The minutes of the February 5, 2013 Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 2/6/13 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 2/20/2013 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
Dougherty notified the Board that the Microfilm reader printer no longer works. Members discussed the
cost of replacement for a new or refurbished machine, potential grants and the possibility of digitizing the
collection. Dougherty will provide more information at the next meeting.
The 2013 accounting dated 3/6/13 was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. Board members received copies of the current Public Service Policy and proposed revision.
Dougherty reviewed the changes including the Basic2 provisional card type for “residents of
transitional housing, shelters, or health care facilities; or minors with no legal guardian.” The
Board discussed the desire to provide access to the Internet and online resources. Dougherty
noted that the card type has a 6 month, 2 item limit and individuals must provide an active cell
phone or email address if no mailing address is available.
Motion: To adopt the proposed revision dated March 6, 2013 of the Columbia Heights Public
Library Public Service Policy. Motion carried.
2. Dougherty notified the Board that the Library Task Force passed a recommendation and sent a
letter with the recommendation, vision statement, and summary list of needs to the Mayor and
City Council. The Library Task Force will present their recommendation and the needs
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assessment from Leo A. Daly at the April 8 City Council meeting. Board members were
encouraged to attend.
3. Anoka County Libraries and Columbia Heights Public Library will be providing librarians to staff
AskMN, a chat reference service for Minnesota residents. AskMN is run by QuestionPoint and
30 libraries in MN currently provide reference assistance. During library closed hours,
QuestionPoint hires librarians to continue the service.
Columbia Heights will provide one hour of service every other week after a period of training and
practice.
New Business:
1. The Board received and reviewed the January crossover statistics. Dougherty highlighted that the
gate count was down, however the e-book/e-audio numbers are climbing.
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2. The Board reviewed the Unique Management report for January. Members noted the annual
letter from Unique Management stating a 5:1 return on investment. The waive figures were
defined as an error due to the inability of the computer program to qualify the canceled
processing fee.
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3. Five candidates for the Library Director position were interviewed on March 6. Two to three
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semifinalists will be brought back for a day of activities on March 21. The Library Board will
interview candidates from 10-10:45 in the City Council chambers.
4. The Library Board reviewed the 2012 City Annual Report and complemented the pictures, graphs
and clarity. Dougherty notified the Board that the total card holders has decreased by 2,000 due
to a purge of records. Discussion continued regarding the Internet statistics and the availability of
staff assistance. Board members requested copies of the 2-page summary to hand out to the
public.
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5. On March 1 Anoka County Libraries successfully launched Zinio, a digital magazine service.
Zinio provides free, unlimited downloads of magazines that can be browsed like print magazines
with enhanced features. The platform will be funded by MELSA for 2 years with 50 magazines,
and ACL purchased an additional 96 titles.
Anoka County Library has proposed Columbia Heights pay a portion of the cost for the 96 titles
based on use. The Board will receive the draft contract for review once it has been submitted by
ACL.
6. Anoka County Libraries will be providing e-books through the 3M Cloud in the near future. The
3M Cloud product is a competitor to Overdrive and is working with libraries so that e-book
content can be owned and shared through inter-library loaned.
Anoka County Library has proposed Columbia Heights pay a portion of the service cost based on
use. The Board will receive the draft contract for review once it has been submitted by ACL.
Vesley requested information on getting a 3M Cloud browsing terminal at Columbia Heights.
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The Board discussed the 40 and Central proposal for a library with Mayor Peterson. Mayor Peterson,
commenting on the proposal for the Northeast Business Center, stated there wasn’t consensus on the City
Council to move forward with a feasibility study. Mayor Peterson stated he is 100% in support of the
Library Board.
Items from the Floor:
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1. March 11 starts Teen Tech Week which promotes digital literacy. Mai Kao Xiong, children’s
librarian, has prepared a Teen Tech Week Bingo drop-in program that runs through the end of the
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month for 6-12 graders.
2. The Library Board welcomed Wiig, who visited the Board meeting to learn more about the group.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey R. Hendren
Recording 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.
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