HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 04/14/2022MANSFIBLD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting -April 14, 2022
Attendance: Deborah Gordy, Kimberly Usselman, Jean Mallon, Leonard Epsteit(; [I VEQ
Director Catherine Coyne. Jean called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM. _ Ff�S OFFICE
Secretary's report. The report for March was reviewed and unanimously aRWUN. -b P 1: 55
Treasurer's report. The report for March was reviewed. Approval was de4y 8,d #� (! E L0_ S
Nancy is present to discuss details.
Correspondence. Catherine reported an Instagram posting extolling the virtues of the
library. She also noted that Kim has a friend who has similarly posted her enthusiasm for the
library.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed.
September 28, "Welcome to Mansfield. Kevin has asked the selectboard to save the date
and to plan tables for all departments. The last such event was in 2019 because of Covid.
Staffing. Catherine reported that there are no viable applicants for the library's open
positions. This is consistent with many other libraries in the state that are similarly having
difficulties filling staff positions. Mansfield has received only one resume from a working
children's librarian, but she lacks an MLS degree which is a requirement for all professional staff.
The children's librarian position is especially important given Zeb's plan to move to Ohio.
Recruiting efforts were discussed. Jean asked how many students are at Simmons and how many
new graduates will potentially be in the market.
Hearing impaired patrons. Catherine and Whitney attended a webinar about library services
for hearing impaired patrons. Catherine would like someone to review our equipment and consult
concerning possible help for deaf patrons.
Spanish club. Jean is especially interested in the Spanish Club. A resident of Rhode Island
asked if she could start such an activity, open to everyone. The first meeting was in March and was
very successful. Rather than a teaching resource the purpose is to provide a conversation group for
Spanish speakers. A second session has been scheduled for May. Catherine also reported an
increase in patrons borrowing books in German.
Council on Aping. There is speculation about razing the former police station and
constructing a new building on the site for the Council on Aging. Costs are estimated at $12-$14
million dollars. The library would obviously be interested in looking into the feasibility of utilizing
the space now occupied by the COA. Interestingly, the Parks and Recreation Department has also
expressed interest in that space. There are many possibilities for the library's use of the space
including study rooms, small conference/private study rooms, tutoring spaces, and even craft space.
The meeting room could be an issue. Currently the COA controls use of the room until 3:00 PM
and the library takes over the schedule until the building closes.
OLD BUSINESS
Director's goals update. Catherine's goals update are covered in detail in her monthly
report, including expansion of library services, homebound deliveries, the Library of Things, hybrid
programming (the "Owl"), physical plant, security, and updating the staff handbook. Homebound
delivery has commenced with extensive publication (on-line application, COA newsletter article,
PSA program highlighting the service scheduled for broadcast on March 30, and the April MPL
newsletter. One issue that was discussed with some concern was the weakening of the Friends of
the Library. One of Catherine's goals has been to attempt to help strengthen the organization which
she has been doing. The Friends annual meeting is scheduled for May 5 and, with Catherine's help,
the organization is actively seeking new members.
NEW BUSINESS
Director's annual evaluation. The board discussed the evaluation instrument which has
been in use for the last three years. Contrary to the board's original approach, meeting in executive
session is actually inappropriate for the exercise. Each board member will fill out an evaluation
form which will then give to one board member to synthesize. This will presumably be the
chairperson (Nancy did it last year). The evaluation should be completed by the end of the fiscal
year, June 30. It was agreed that the new members of the board should feel free to abstain from
particular criteria if they feel they have insufficient knowledge and experience at this point given
their recent appointments. Catherine herself will start the process by sending board members her
view of accomplishments and achievements. The evaluation forms distributed should be returned
to Jean at the May I 1 meeting.
Town meeting. May 19.
Fine free libraries. The board commenced a discussion of making the Mansfield Library
fine -free. Discussion points included Norton Library's long history of being fine -free for seniors,
other libraries which exempt children and seniors, and the Boyden Library's recent decision to
maintain fines except for seniors. Catherine pointed out that Mansfield's current $1 million deficit,
and the Town Manager's comment that "Every dollar counts," likely makes this a poor time to
change the current policy. The library has collected and delivered to the town $3,324 in fines so far
this year. As of April 4, $3,409 in fines were owed by patrons, with 820 library cards blocked. The
board unanimously voted to table the issue for further discussion at a later date.
Next meeting. May 11, 5:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Leonard Epstein
Leonard Epstein, Secretary
The foregoing minutes were approved at the May 11, 2022 meeting of the Mansfield Board
of Library Trustees.
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