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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 06/10/2026Mansfield Public Library Evaluation of Library Director: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 The Mansfield Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct a formal, wrift1MVQiomffe Library Director at the end of each fiscal year. TOWN C1_ERi'S OFF Purposes of the Performance Evaluation A 27 43 • To provide the director with a clear understanding of the board's exJQ644842 • To ensure the director and the board are aware of how well the expectatiQnl�r�e�ji met. • To serve as a formal vehicle of primary communication between the a .;anj10(j156W • To identify the board's actual concerns so that appropriate action can ee taken. • To demonstrate sound management practices and accountability to municipal officials and the community. **************************Check areas of satisfactory performance******************* Management of the Library, Budget and Collection The Director provides administrative oversight for the day-to-day operation of the library. The Director determines user needs/wants and translates these into appropriate acquisitions and services. The collection is current and reflects present community needs and interests. A proper and realistic balance is maintained between promotion of services and budget constraints. _Circulation trends and in-house use are adequately analyzed. _Collection development policy is up-to-date. The director maintains an adequate knowledge of current library science. _Selection criteria have been established to enable the library to react systematically to changes in the budget. _Funds are effectively allocated. ARIS (August) and State Aid (October) reports are accurate and completed and submitted to the MBLC in a timely manner. _Other funding sources are explored and applied for as appropriate. Comments: See Summary Comments. Staff Selection, Development, and Utilization Staff selection is accomplished at appropriate supervisory levels and with adequate use of staff resources in concert with Equal Opportunity Employment guide lines. _Potential managers are identified, encouraged to develop, and assisted in their pursuit of career goals. _ Director adequately justifies the need for staff development funds, actively campaigns for such funds, and adequately accounts for the use of such funds. Cross -training is utilized to provide adequate service to the public. Staff are encouraged to maintain an awareness of technological advances in the profession. _Peak service hours have been identified and staff deployed accordingly. _Functions are analyzed periodically with the objective of combining, eliminating, and/or creating new positions. _Positive management/staff relations are maintained. Fair and equitable policies are proposed for board adoption and then fairly administered. When grievances are filed, they are justified. Comments: See Summary Comments. Community Engagement _Information about new and existing services are effectively communicated to the public. This year has been particularly challenging given the demanding fiscal climate. Although we faced a difficult financial year, Catherine did an impeccable job of keeping our library open, active, and a resource for everyone in our community. Communication with the Trustees is done with an eye to ensuring the current and future needs of the Library. Catherine has created, along with her staff, special feelings of community, peace and joy. This is not something that comes easily, and is a direct reflection of Catherine. She has worked hard to keep the library a welcoming home to the whole community, not just the avid readers. She should be very proud of what she has accomplished at this library. We wish her great happiness in her well -deserved retirement. Y - Ala-io-L(a I ector's Signature/Datd Library Trustee Chair's §ignaturetnatp I"loin: Charles Cullinan,cullin:in(�xalnr�nr>iioldin:L(.orn Subject: RE: Eval Library Director 2026 Jun 8, 2026 at 8:57:59 AM ro: Jean Mallon M1dlolij(,0vorifon.ntJ Hi Jean, I neglected to send you something earlier, sorry about that. Consistent with other comments, I would add the following summary comments: Catherine has provided strong leadership to the Mansfield Public Library, developing and building the staff resources necessary to create a welcoming environment for library patrons. Thanks, Charlie From: Jean Mallon <malloni @verizon. net> Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 3:25 PM To: Katherine Pope <kpope@mansfieldma.com>; Charles Cullinan <ccullinan@inansfieldma.carr>; Jackie Curtis <jmcurtis3@verizon.net>; Leonard Epstein <lepstein@mansfieldma.com> Subject: Eval Library Director 2026 Please review and advise of any changes, additions, etc. I will be meeting with Catherine, likely on Tuesday so I can review before our Wednesday meeting. Thanks. Jean Sent from my iPad Disclaimer The Information contained in this communication from the Town of Mansfield is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Pfimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more Click Here. Hom: Katherine Pope Comments Hiiie : Jun 1, 2026 at 9:54:01 PM ro: Jean Mallon jig`i,�llryn(�m.7ir,tielclnra.<,c>m Throughout my time as a resident of Mansfield, I have been continuously impressed with the way this library operates. The feelings of community, peace and joy stem from not only the patrons but also the librarians and staff. This is not something that comes easily, and is a direct reflection of the Director. Catherine has worked hard to keep the library a welcoming home to the whole community, not just the avid readers. She should be very proud of what she has accomplished at this library. Let me know via text if you need anything else as I won't be bringing this iPad with me on vacation. Thanks! Kate Sent from my iPad From: jmcurtis3@verizon.net Subjeol: Mansfield library director summary 2026 Dole: May 25, 2026 at 10:05:10AM lo: Jean Mellon m:fllonj(t)voiizon.no( Although we faced a difficult financial year Catherine did an impeccable job of keeping our library open, active and a resource for everyone in our community. Catherine has always communicated with the Trustees what the need and also the want was during this past year. It is always a pleasure to meet and discuss the future needs of the Mansfield Public Library. Accomplishments Introducing the RFID system into the library for circulation, collection maintenance, inventory and security. Expanded our public computers with the addition of 3 and moved them into a new visible space. Previously we had 3 computers in a small office space making it uncomfortable and non -secure for patrons Design and planning for the Teen Space. The MPL did not have a welcoming area for teens and this made a huge impact. Oversaw the movement of the magazines to the Quiet Area to make this possible. During COVID we worked to offer services virtually (book clubs,you-tube storytimes, book recommendations, public health information resources, etc.) and initiated curbside delivery. This allowed us to provide library services throughout the closure. Planned the Annual Welcome to Mansfield event for 4 years which brought together town departments and community groups to offer information to new residents. Initiated the Homebound delivery service. Added Book Club Kits and the Library of Things as new services Oversaw the replacement of worn out furniture in the library in FY26. Planned the update of the audio-visual equipment in the shared meeting room ( automatic screen, ceiling mounted projector, speakers) Digitization grants for the Mansfield News and through the BPL for the Mansfield street guides and Mansfield High School yearbooks. Was elected to serve on the Board of The SAILS Library Network including a stint as Vice President and President. Advocated for the addition of a part time librarian position for Children and Teens (Unfortunately cut due to budget constraints in FY26) In hiring staff during my tenure, I worked to build a team with customer service as a top goal. I am happy to find that many patrons comment on how wonderful our staff is.