HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees Minutes 11/6/2010MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - NOVEMBER 6, 2010
Attendance: 'Nancy Breef- -Pilz, Chris Cormier - Hayes, Leonard Epstein, Joe Flynn, and Director
Janet Campbell. Joe convened the meeting at 8:00 a.m.
Secretary's report. Minutes of the October meeting were reviewed and approved.
Librarian's reports. The librarian's reports were reviewed and details discussed.
OLD BUSINESS
Microfilm reader. Janet is obtaining bids on a new microfilm reader since the old one is beyond
repair. The primary need for such a reader is for The Mansfield News since on -line copies are only available
from Newsbank for about the last two years. Two patrons have sought to use the reader in the past two
weeks since the reader failed and the board agreed it is important for the library to maintain access to
archival copies of the Town's local newspaper. Bids for anew machine are in the neighborhood of $10,000,
including a dedicated computer, which is now part of the standard technology for reading microfilm.
NEW BUSINESS
FY 2012 budget. The TM has informed department heads that he will not approach next year's
budget on an overall percentage basis but instead look at each department's budget requirements
individually. It is clear there will be no cost of living adjustments or raises for non -union personnel. The
library staff are among the relatively few non -union employees in Mansfield and the static salaries are
discouraging. As of July 1, 2010 non -union employees were forced to change health insurance plans which,
although slightly less expensive to purchase, require higher co- payments for services.
Personnel policy revisions. The last library personnel handbook revision was done in 1999. A new
revision will be required soon and Janet will prepare some initial notes concerning matters needing review.
Tutors. Tutors are using more and more table space in the library. So far there have been no patron
complaints so Janet will continue to monitor the situation.
Holiday hours. The library will be closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
Capital improvements. Janet reported that refurbishment of the rest room floors is part of the
DPW's capital improvements request.
Children's' room. Joe will be finishing the shelf reorganization of the children's' room at the end
of the year. The work will result in improved sight lirs and add about 600 linear feet of shelf space.
Gifts. The library received $50 from The Emblem Club. Janet received a $50 honorarium for her
genre study presentation to the PLA.
Next meeting. December 4. The business meeting concluded at 9:35 a.m., at which time the board
convened in executive session, with the Director present, todiscuss Janet Campbell's performance review.
LeolJpstei Secretary