HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 04/03/1999r
MANSFIELD Pvtim(, LInRARY�ICr
BOARD of TRUs,rus MrnINC - APRIL 3, 1999 G 1 A UG
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Attendance: Nancy Brcef--Pili Chris Cormier Flaycs: Leonard Gpstcin; Joseph Fl)r�tnv` n'7 i W! E�
Sweet was unable to attend.. The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. A USE TS
Nancy convened the meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Cerluse Room of the Mansfield Public Library.
Secretary's report. Copies of the minutes of the March b meeting were distributed and
reviewed. Corrected and final copies of minutes for February 13, 1999 and January 9, 1999 meeting were
given to the Director for filing.
Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. Chris
commented that she continues to receive statements from Prudential and has not yet received
documentation reflecting the transfer of our account to Merrill Lynch. Leonard agreed to inquire about
the transfer when he next sees Michael Bcllodv.
Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed including a memo from Diane Royale
announcing a Board and Committee Chairmen workshop on Thursday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. Nancy will
be unable to attend and Leonard agreed to try to be present in her place.
Librarian's report. Leslie presented the. reports and reviewed highlights. She recommended
lengthening the borrowing period for adult non -print items, other than CD roms, from 2 to 4 weeks. It
was unanimously voted to approve the new loan period (subject to ratification at the May meeting).
Videos will continue with a one week loan period.
OLD BUSINESS
Internet filtering in youth room. The intemet terminal was moved in front of the book drop.
Janet reported a drawback in that more people will see inappropriate material as it comes on screen. It
also promotes congregating at the terminal because of its now prominent location. Two filters were
tested, Cyber Patrol and Surf Watch. Janet reported seeing filter screens sufficiently often to infer that
more inappropriate internet usage has been going on than was previously noted. Leslie reported that the
software is effective and that substantial improvements have been made with the key word devices so that
legitimate material remains available, particularly medical and life style information which may have
terminology likely to overlap with pornography. The software did well with hate literature sites (although
it will not block opinions posted to non hate sites). It seems that Surf Watch blocks a little sooner than
Cyber Patrol. Surf Watch seems to block the listing of the sites while Cyber Patrol allows the existence
of sites to be displayed but blocks access to them. Both programs are very effective at blocking
obnoxious advertisements. Mary Tynan reported (in her notes) that she could find objectionable sites by
using `other than obvious" language in her search parameters. Chris and Joe mentioned the problem with
popular song lyrics and asked to try so see if the filters will block access to various sites that make lyrics
available. Both programs must be unloaded now because the two week trial periods are expiring.
No response has been received from Town Counsel concerning legal ramifications of the decision
to filter or not.
/ Leslie reported that both she and Janet now feel much more strongly about employing a filter and
recommended that we keep Surf Watch which only costs $49.95, with quarterly updates at a small fee. It
was unanimously voted to direct Leslie to purchase Surf Watch and to draft a proposed policy statement
describing the library's position.
Young adult nroerams at Oualters Middle School. Efforts to implement a creative writing
program have thus far been unsuccessful and the school has postponed further consideration until next
year. Leslie has concluded that there is no effective way for the library to work with the school for a
creative writing program and recommended that the Board's efforts to more effectively serve those
students should be centered at the library, with no further attempt to interface with the middle school. At
this juncture it appears the school has declined the trustees' proffered $700 gift.
The Board concluded that it will look for other ways to benefit young people and discussed the
particular problems in serving young adults. Leslie noted that libraries which are effective with the age
group invariably have a librarian specializing in that area. Leslie and Mary will "regroup and refocus" in
order to put together a new plan for next year.
Student Improvement Committee. Leslie commented that she is thinking about dropping out of
the Student Improvement Committee because it has become clear that it has no connection with the
library. It is a two year commitment (with one more to go) but she may terminate early. She will think
about it for another month before making a final decision.
Budget. FY 2000. Confusion has arisen over building and maintenance supplies which will now
be ordered from DPW (and off the library's budget). Certain items in that budget category (5242) cover
other items which will remain the library's responsibility. Donald will stay here but all payroll and
ancillary expenses will be on DPW's budget.
NEW BUSINESS
Performance evaluation of the Director. Nancy called John to discuss his memo concerning a
proposed new evaluation form. It is up to the library whether to use the new form or the old one. John is
concerned about being able to provide financial incentives to obtain better personnel and high quality
work. Leslie stated her philosophical opposition to the concept of merit increases as an affront to the
taxpayers, (Leslie will participate in a 3% union negotiated increase.) Leslie will review the evaluation
form itself and let Nancy know which format she prefers. Copies of the form will be distributed to Board
members who will then call Nancy or Leslie with feedback. The Board discussed how to proceed with
the evaluation process and tentatively agreed to hold a separate meeting to work on Leslie's evaluation.
Tenyear anniversary of building. May 14 will mark 10 years in this building. Nancy, Chris and
Nancy feel it may be appropriate for the Friends to think about planning some activity to commemorate
the event.
Programs. April programs approved and funded.
Gifts. New gifts include a subscription to the New England Journal of Medicine,
Meg funds. New shelving has been ordered for the library but end of row signs were
inadvertently overlooked. The board unanimously approved purchasing eight signs for $621.44.
Next meeting. May 1, 1999. The meeting was
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