HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary trustees 03/06/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING -MARCH 6, 1999
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epstein; Joseph Flynn;
Vivian Sweet. The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. Janet Campbell attended ins
response to a request for her views concerning several internet issues. Nancy convened the
meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public Library.
Secretary's report. Joe read the minutes of the February 13 meeting which were
accepted subject to minor correction.
Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. The
Board again expressed its gratitude for Vivian Sweet's additional gift of $1,000 presented at the
last meeting.
Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed. Leslie highlighted several
items including Nancy's letter to Pat Cournoyer (02/24/99), a notice from the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners and Massachusetts Friends of Libraries of a fundraising
program, a Sun Chronicle article about the library's childrens' resources, and a membership
solicitation from the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association. Joe discussed recent turnover
within the Boston Phoenix' literary staff and reported that he had spoken with the new editor and
received assurance that the library will receive 200 copies of the publication in April.
Librarian's report. Leslie and Janet highlighted items from their respective reports.
OLD BUSINESS
Internet Filtering. Leslie discussed her memo dated March 1, 1999 summarizing her
investigation of filters. The issue remains difficult in that any filtering designed to eliminate
inappropriate material will also block legitimate (and important) information e.g. breast cancer,
gay lifestyle, art sites with any nude material, etc.
Janet was asked for her observations of young peoples' use of the internet and for her
views concerning the filtering issue. She reported that her attempts to monitor internet usage
have resulted in a few discoveries of inappropriate material including sexually oriented sites and
chat rooms. (The library already prohibits internet use for chat rooms because of
monopolization of the computers by a small number of individuals and the danger to children
from their use.) Janet said that inquiries to other children' librarians have disclosed a strong
antipathy to monitoring among the four she spoke with who have the internet.
It was noted that all filters offer a free trial period and Nancy suggested it would be
helpful for Mary Tynan to test any filters in which we might have interest. Chris continued to
recommend moving the childrens' terminal. Janet expressed concern that doing so would cause
more people to see inappropriate material.
f' After extensive discussion it was unanimously voted: (1) to move the children's internet
terminal; (2) to have Leslie try one or more WEB filters of her choice; and (3) to communicate
the Board's concern to Town Counsel and ask for advice and input.
Computer purchase. Leslie presented quotations from Gateway, Dell, and Andrews.
Three machines are needed to replace existing terminals which are inadequate for CD Rom use
(two in the childrens' room; one in the adult section). Two of the three replaced machines will
be useable for PAC terminals. It was unanimously voted to authorize Leslie to purchase three
systems from Andrews from the MEG account.
Parents' use of childrens' cards. A problem has arisen with parents accumulating fines,
resulting in suspension of privileges, and then switching to their childrens' cards. It was
unanimously voted to adopt a policy of prohibiting adults whose cards have been blocked
because of overdue fines from using their childrens' cards and to publicize the policy in the
newsletter.
Fine free period. The Board approved a fine free period of up to 3 weeks to be
established by Leslie, to run through April 30. Leslie will draft a policy statement for the
Board's review and will advise the exact dates of the fine free period.
Budget. A minor typographical error (decimal point) was found in the budget presented
to Fin Com. Leslie is confident that the official budge�'includes the right numbers because the
computer calculates the balances.
SiM Leslie will be able to inspect the new sign sometime this month. It should be
installed in April (after removal of the old one).
NEW BUSINESS
Programs, March programs were reviewed and approved.
Gift& Gifts were noted.
Power packs. Leslie reported that 9 of the I 1 backup lighting packs are worn out and
that replacement batteries are more expensive than replacing the packs. There is at least $10,000
remaining in the shingle settlement (after replacing the downspouts and sign). The Board voted
to authorize Leslie to replace the failed units.
Neat meeting. April 3, 1999. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.