HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-2019 minutes
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019
Approved
11/6/2019
The meeting was called to order in the History Room by Chair, Catherine Vesley at 5:36pm. Members present: Catherine
Vesley; Patricia Sowada; Tricia Conway; Stephen Smith; Christopher Polley; and City Council Liaison, Connie Buesgens.
Also in attendance: Renee Dougherty (Library Director), and Nick Olberding (Recording Secretary).
The Minutes of the September 4th, 2019 Board Meeting were approved.
Bill Lists dated September 11th & 25th, 2019 were reviewed. Each was moved, seconded, and approved.
Items from the Floor:
• Windows 10 Upgrade for the Automated Materials Handler and 3 Self-Checkout Stations: Due to the end of
support for Windows 7 coming in the next few months, the Library has received a quote for upgrade to Windows
10 operating systems on the Library’s book drop AMH (which automatically checks-in and sorts returned
materials, as well as processes our inter-library delivery 3 times/week), and our three Self-Checkout Stations.
These are specialized systems which were provided by two vendors; the AMH by TechLogic, and the Self-Checks
by Bibliotheca. The City IT Department would feel more comfortable if the vendors performed the upgrades on
these proprietary systems. Renee intends on the funding for these upgrades to come from the Donation Fund
rather than the standard budget, but would like the Library Board to Motion to Approve this action. Tricia
Conway motioned to approve the Windows 10 system upgrades for the AMH and the (3) self-check kiosks
utilizing funds provided by the Columbia Heights Public Library Foundation in December 2018; Pat Sowada
seconded; all were in favor.
o TechLogic AMH- Windows 10 Software, Shipping, Field Service, Installation, and Validation: $5,690
TechLogic assures that this upgrade has guaranteed support until 2029.
o Bibliotheca Self-Checks (x3)- Windows 10 Software, Shipping, Installation, and Validation: $5,469
Old Business: Strategic Planning
Members of the Board came prepared with examples of their favorite mission and vision statements from public
and academic libraries around the country as inspiration, as well as some that they had personally written. After
reading them off and comparing them, they debated the important aspects of them, and how they fit with the
direction we would like to take here at Columbia Heights. With the understanding that the Vision should convey
the overall goals of the Library if money and resources was not an issue, and the Mission covers the integral
purpose of the Library, the Board discussed what was important to include:
o Community Partner (collaborative symbiotic relationship with the people/organizations)
o Diversity (growing the collection, staff, and programs to reflect the community composition)
o Transformation (emphasizing how we are here to progress/enhance people’s lives)
o Culture (arts, creativity, and self/group expression)
o Lifelong Learning (education, freedom of access, technology, books, quality programming, etc.)
o Environment (state of the art building, professional staff, safety, co-working)
With so many good mission/vision statements out there and the similarity of many of them, it was difficult for
the group to settle on one that would be clear and simple without plagiarizing one that already existed. After
much discussion and guidance by Renee, the Board was pleased with these draft vision/mission statements:
o Vision: To nurture diversity, community, creativity, opportunity, and knowledge in Columbia Heights.
o Mission: The Columbia Heights Public Library collaborates with the community to support its
informational needs with access to professional services, a state of the art facility, and quality
programming.
After drafting solid mission/vision statement options, the Board moved on to create a list of goal areas based on
them; main goals that will serve as guidance for them and the Library staff over the next few years. A slew of
ideas were mentioned and sorted into logical groupings:
o Facility Sustainability: correcting the parking deficiency, maintaining the longevity of the building, and
planning ahead for the maintenance and replacement of furniture/amenities.
o Co-Working: providing space and opportunities for individual and collaborative work.
o Diversity: build on our collection/staff/programs to reflect the diversity of our community.
o Education/Training: More lifelong learning opportunities and programming of all kinds, for all kinds.
o Promotion/Publicity: Consistent messaging, stronger web/social presence, and a robust marketing
campaign for our collections, services, programming, and other resources.
o Outreach: Expanding the library beyond our walls and reaching the community where they are.
o Policy: Review outdated policies, and make them more concise and accessible.
o Art: create a strategy to increase artistic opportunities and available funds for public art.
Much thanks to Tricia for volunteering to keep track of all the ideas on the bulletin board during the session; it
was a huge help in keeping the meeting focused and efficient. The Library Board will reflect on these draft
statements/goals over the next month, and re-visit at the November 6th Board meeting.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:46pm by Catherine Vesley, and seconded.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas P. Olberding
Recording Secretary, Library Board of Trustee