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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 11/06/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING -NOVEMBER 6,1999e I _. _ 1 i a; c U Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epsteiti;,and Josephplynni Vivian Sweet has resigned in connection with her retirement to Cape Cod. The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. Nancy convened the meeting at 8:20 a.m, in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public Library. Secretary's report. In Leonard's absence from the October 2 meeting, Joe recorded the minutes and will finalize the report. Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. The Board discussed Vivian Sweet's accumulated contributions and the desirability of continuing to maintain separate accountability for the status and use of the funds she has so generously donated over the years. Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed including: a letter from Leslie to Betty Amicone confirming that the library's network software (Novell Netware 3.2) is Y2K compatible, responding to an inquiry initiated by a Department of Revenue audit of the Town's software; a memo from Leslie reporting on Joan Keohane's resignation as a substitute due to an injury; an invitation from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to a program "Telling Our Stories: Massachusetts Public Libraries;" Vivian Sweet's resignation as a Trustee resulting from her move from the Town; a memo from the Board of Library Commissioners seeking comment on a proposed revision to 605 CMR 4.01(5) dealing with libraries' minimum hours of opening as a function of community population; and a letter from Dianne Royle to Vivian Sweet thanking her for service on the Library Board of Trustees. Librarian's report. Leslie presented the Librarian's report. Highlights included the successful commencement of the creative writing for teens program (12 participants), and the overwhelming response to the 4 part sign language program which was fully subscribed even before its official announcement. Janet Campbell's report was reviewed noting the success of the 10/25/99 program "Big Joe and His Box of Stories" with 110 children and parents attending a Monday morning event. OLD BUSINESS Original library collection. Leslie has obtained a report from Isaiah Thomas, a well- respected book dealer, who has confirmed the previous reports of two other dealers that most of the materials in the history room are without monetary value. The Board discussed what to do with approximately 400 volumes which were not highlighted in Thomas's report as having some potential value, all of which meet the library's criteria for weeding, i.e. (1) they are out of date, (2) in poor condition, and (3) essentially of no interest to the population served by the Library. The i only reason for the collection's continued existence is that it is the original collection. Leslie was -- directed to contact the Board of Library Commissioners for advice concerning disposition of the materials. Leslie also suggested contacting the BPL and was authorized to do so should she conclude it might be helpful. Personnel committee. A draft revision has been prepared and circulated. Joe and Leonard reported to the Board on the work with Joe highlighting the work and accomplishments to date, including the proposed approach to resolving the numerous issues deriving from the conflict between dates of hire and fiscal year end viz -a -viz salary, sick days, etc. Leslie raised the issue of employee salaries and presented comparative data for nine libraries serving communities of comparable size and library budgets (Auburn, Fairhaven, Gardner, Greenfield, Hudson, Marshfield, Middleboro, Somerset, and Wareham). The Board discussed the library's salary levels and the need to revise pay scales to make them more competitive with other similarly situated libraries. Leslie will request copies of current salary schedules from the identified communities and attempt to prepare an analysis of the incremental budget requirements necessary to raise staff salaries to levels comparable to similarly situated libraries. ADA workstation. Leslie has begun research to acquire an ADA workstation as a possible gift in Vivian Sweet's name. The matter was tabled for further discussion next month. MEG wish list. Leslie presented several ideas for use of MEG funds including: an ADA workstation, $500; two ceiling hanging signs (@$150), $300; shelf backs for the young adult section, primarily for paperbacks (@$5.50), $165; a magazine rack for the young adult section, four magazine capacity, $375. These acquisitions would total approximately $1,330. The MEG balance is currently $12,000, a large portion of which will be needed to replace five dumb terminals. The Board approved all of the acquisitions with the exception of the ADA workstation which Leslie is still researching. November programs. November programs were approved including: City Stage's presentation, "The History & Adventures of Tom Thumb" (November 20); and, Gail O'Leary's program "Cardio -Kickboxing & Step Aerobics" (November 18). January 2. 2000 opening. The Board had previously voted to open on Sunday, January 2. Leslie recently learned that SAILS' computer will be down and asked if the Board wished to reconsider. The matter was tabled for final decision at the December meeting. Next meeting. December 4, 1999, 8:00 a.m. Joint meeting with COA at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.