HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes 03.09.2010 Minutes of the
Laurel Public Library Board of Trustees
March 9, 2010
Attending: Clair Killebrew (presiding), Bruce McCullough, Christy Smith, Nathan Baillet, and Nancy
Schmidt
Minutes:
The minutes of February 9, 2010 were read and approved by all present. 1
I
Correspondence:
The Unity Garden Club made a $25 annual donation to the library and a $10 memorial in honor of Edna
Miller.
Circulation Report: I
Traffic had increased 23.3% for February 2010 over the previous year. Item circulation had also
increased for February 2010, books increased 12.8% and media items increased 43.9 %. We circulated
2,741 books & like items and 613 media items. Internet computer use was up 12.3% with 842 users.
Children computer use was up 41.5% over the previous year with 65 users.
Old Business:
The creation of a Library Foundation was again under discussion. The meeting with Suzanne Reymer was
held on February 18 at the library. Bruce McCullough had been unable to attend this informational
meeting so the board members shared information that they felt was of the most importance. Nathan
commented on the process of creating the foundation and how it should be presented to the public.
Clair explained some of the demographics of the library users & how the library could support each
group. All board members that attended the meeting felt that there had not been a lot of discussion
about the "nuts & bolts" of the creation of the foundation. It was finally decided that Bruce would talk
to Peggy Arnold about partnering the Library Foundation with the Laurel Library Trust to avoid
reinventing the wheel. Bruce will report at our next meeting.
Nancy reported that the application through the Montana State Library had been sent to the Federal
Government with the help of the Gates Foundation grant writers. As part of our agreement, we are
willing to take on a new part-time employee for three years with the understanding that we have to pay
their wages after year 3.
Copies of the Collection Management Policy and Library Use Policy had been corrected and distributed
to each Board Member. Copies of these and all future policies will be given to each staff member as
reference AND a copy will be kept at the Circulation Desk to give to patrons as needed.
Nancy asked for ideas or thoughts on how to proceed with the creation of an Overdue Collections Policy.
It was decided that Judge Kerr should attend a future board meeting to help us determine what should
be included in our policy. All policies should be presented to legal counsel before final adoption to help
with the legality of all issues.
Personnel issues were again the topic of discussion at this meeting. It seems that the kinks have been
worked out of the problems that had arisen to the satisfaction of all personnel. Nancy stated that since
it is so close to the hire anniversary of Chris and Jenny, she would like to keep them on staff if there
were no objections. No objections were presented.
Nancy reported that new information had been sent out for Library Certification through the Montana
State Library. In the new guidelines, each director MUST be certified through MSL to receive grant
money. Nancy stated that her certification expires in December 2010. She currently has 27 CE credits in
Library Administration but needs 60 and hopes to pick up the balance at MLA Conference in April and
Fall Workshop in September.
The Technology Plan update is taking much longer than anticipated but is still being worked on as time
allows.
New Business:
Clair reported that she had sent a certified /return receipt letter addressed to Rachelle Tresch concerning
her position on the Board. After three attempts to deliver the letter, the Postmaster returned it to Clair.
After some discussion about the need to have a full board, Bruce motioned that we replace Rachelle as
Trustee, Christy seconded the motion. Motion passed. It was decided that Clair will send a letter to
Mayor Olson requesting that Rachelle be removed from the Library Board as Trustee.
There will be a Federation Meeting in Big Timber on March 20 All board members are welcome to
attend but one trustee (not the director) must be in attendance to vote. Nancy is planning on attending
the Federation Meeting.
Nancy talked to Karin, Friends of the Library, about the date for the Spring Book Sale. The sale will be
held May 7th & 8th Times will be announced at a later date.
Nancy requested that staff evaluations be postponed until April OR until they are required by City policy.
The Laurel Federated Women's Club will hold its annual Playette & Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 at
1:00 p.m.
Addressing the Board:
No one asked to address the Board at this time.
Next regular meeting:
April 13, 2010