Meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees
September 19, 2007
A regular meeting of the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees was held on September 19, 2007 at the Norfolk Public Library. In attendance were Robin Glasser, Library Director; Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director; Mary Jo Gothorpe, President of the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library; and the following Trustees; Harvey Boulay, and Mary Jo Gothorpe.
The meeting was called to order at 8:04 A.M.
Approval of Minutes
The June 20th meeting minutes were approved.
Director’s Report
Mrs. Glasser reported that the ARIS, Financial & Compliance reports have been submitted to Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Net Lender form has been submitted to SEMLS. Norfolk Public Library is a significant lender of items within the SAILS network. This fiscal year we circulated 5,642 items more than our patrons borrowed from the network. We were compensated $4,239 for this net lend service.
The inventory wand which was purchased by the Friends of the Library in 2006 is making our first inventory in several years a much easier process. In past years, each item needed to be located from a paper listing requiring many staff and volunteer hours and many weeks to complete. Now the wand reads the information from the RIFD security tags, and the process is completed by two people in a fraction of the time.
Mrs. Glasser also reported that ITG the manufacturer of the inventory wand is preparing a case study showing the inventory process using the wand. The case study will include the Norfolk Public Library. The documentary will be presented at the Maryland Library Association Annual Meeting.
Bridgewater Public Library is being closed in early October because two overrides in the town of Bridgewater failed. The Senior Center is also being closed and several police and firefighters were also laid off.
Associate Director’s Report
Ms Pisani-Kristl reported that in June 9,868 items were checked out of the library, July saw 11,009 items borrowed and August activity was at 11,124 items.
June self-check usage was 53% and July usage was 51%.
The meeting room was used in June for 21 non library related meetings, in July, 13 times and in August 15 meetings were held in the meeting room.
Permanent Building Committee/Interiors Report
Mr. Boulay reported that the bid for reconstruction of the School House is ready to be submitted, however the chair of the Permanent Building Committee is traveling extensively for his work and the committee is having difficulty planning a meeting. The bid need to be approved by the PBC before submission.
Friends of the Library Report
Mrs. Gothorpe reported that the Friends of the Library held their meeting on September 10th after a summer hiatus.
The landscape project has been completed by Cecelia Shipley of Landscape Solutions. The entire front area of the library has been weeded and mulched and dead plants have been removed. The circle at the front door has been planted and the center area is colorful with seasonal mums. The entrance to our library now looks very welcoming. Thanks to Cecelia for her hard work and the very generous discount she made to the Friends and the Library which allowed us to complete this project.
Sarina Bluhm, Children’s Librarian, requested $100 for prizes for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest planned for October. The request was approved.
Beverly Baldoni and Margaret Lange will serve as co-chairs for the Annual Membership Drive which will begin in early January 2008.
New Business
The Privacy Policy and Video Surveillance Policy were approved. The Meeting Room Policy has been updated, and it will be mailed to regular users of the meeting room.
Old Business
The proposal for a Library Café was further discussed, and after review and discussion with several MA libraries that have cafes, it was decided that the project would not be financially feasible for us. The trustees discussed the option of placing several tables and chairs and perhaps a couple of upholstered chairs in the lobby entrance. Food would not be provided, but it would be allowed in this area.
Public Comment
None
Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Adjournment
There being no further business it was moved and seconded and the Trustees VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 A.M.
Submitted by
Mary Jo Gothorpe
A true copy (attest):
Mary Jo Gothorpe, Clerk
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