HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 06/08/2022MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting - Jane 8, 2022
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Jean Mallon, Deborah Gordy, Kimberly Usselman,
Leonard Epstein and Director Catherine Coyne. The meeting was called to order at 5:48 PM.
Secretary's report. The report for May was reviewed and unanimously approved with
minor corrections..
Treasurer's report. The report for April was reviewed and unanimously approved. $200
remains from last year for programs, making a total of $800 total available for programs which the
board, on motion, voted to allocate for that purpose.
Correspondence. None.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed. The
new Childrens Librarian has accepted the library's offer and will start on June 27.
OLD BUSINESS
Fine free policy. Jean made the point that the board has been discussing this issue for three
meetings and felt it was time to make a decision. Leonard questioned Easton's policy which had
eliminated fines during the pandemic but which have now been re -instituted. Catherine has sought
input from the circulation staff and reported concern that items would not be returned on time,
especially best sellers. The board discussed the library's policies on various types of fines including
the library of things and museum passes in particular. Patrons with outstanding fines of $10.00 or
more are blocked and bills are issued for items not returned after 90 days. It was noted that juvenile
cards are issued for patrons under sixteen years old, after which they may have adult cards. The
library routinely makes phone calls for unreturned museum passes and Catherine reported there
hasn't been a problem with overdue items from the library of things. Deborah voiced concern over
Mansfield's current budget difficulties; Catherine added that she expects it to be even worse next
year.
Following the discussion Kim moved to eliminate fines, except items in the library of things,
effective July 1, 2022. Leonard seconded the motion which was approved with three members in
favor and two opposed (Deborah and Nancy).
Jean moved to exclude fourteen day loans, video games and DVDs from t*e fine*eeImlicy.
Jean would like to exclude 14 day loans, video games and DVDs from fine freed' y. Ceath,rine
said the planned to check with Sails. Jean moved to adopt this variation; Nancy Ond`V anrd
motion passed four to one with Kimberly's opposition. n C� -- rn c7
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NEW BUSINESS
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Director's annual review. Jean met with Catherine yesterday to discuss the board's annual
review. Catherine said she was comfortable with it and would sign the document in order for Jean
to deliver it to HR.
Goals for FY2023. Catherine discussed her goals for the upcoming year, noting that they
should come from library's long range plans. Jean suggested that the first thing to do is look at the
last Five Year Plan.
Work on collection development policy; update as needed. Especially need to update
challenge policy. Catherine will look at the Town's Five Year Plan to see if anything in it affects
the library. She will also review the last plan and see what didn't get done and consider adding to
new plan. The noted that the staff handbook review and space evaluation will be important
priorities. She will be putting together her preliminary list of goals for the year.
The possibility of a patron survey was discussed, Kim noting that she has used a consulting
the NELA for assistance in developing a meaningful approach. Catherine will also check with the
BLC.
Staff handbook. Nancy and Debbir will work on issues and bring back to the board for
review and discussion. Catherine will look at Town's Five Year Plan to see if anything in it affects
the library. In particular, Nancy thinks the holiday policy for part time employees needs revision to
be made more fair and equitable. There are presently twelve holidays, seven of which are on
Mondays. Juneteenth was the last added. Nancy would like one more meeting with the committee
followed by a consultation with Jocelyn (HR).
Next meeting. September 14, 5:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Leonard Epstein
Leonard Epstein, Secretary
The foregoing minutes were approved at the September 14, 2022 meeting of the Mansfield
Board of Library Trustees.
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