HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 11/03/2018MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting - November 3, 2018
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Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz, Dana Hourigan, Marianne MackipJeat1 _„a FPK lofftE
Epstein and Director Catherine Coyne. Nancy convened the meeting at 8:10 a.m.
2018 DEC -3 A 4 41
Secretary's report. The secretary's report for October was reviewed and approved with a
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Treasurer's report. The treasurer's report for October was reviewed and approved.
Librarians reports. The librarians' reports were reviewed and highlights discussed.
Capital improvement plan. Improvements to the physical plant are being considered
including a new front desk, increased shelving for holds, lighter ceiling paint, an improved front
desk book drop, and possibly new carpeting. Catherine will prepare a proposed wish list and
consult with Mike Ahern.
"A Walk in Their Shoes.” The library and COA are planning a joint program on dementia,
scheduled for December 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Notaries. Catherine reported that she and Darcy were applying for notary public
commissions. The board considered the possibility of offering passport service, noting that it would
be a convenient venue for families preparing for travel. After discussion it was concluded that the
library does not have sufficient staff for the service.
Gender/sexual orientation neutrality. Catherine reported on discussions at the recent
NELA/RILA conference. She believes the library has done well in making sure to acquire gay
materials and will work to expand the library's sensitivity to ensure that appropriate materials are
included in promotions, displays, etc. The rest rooms will be changed to gender neutral with new
signs and re -labeled keys.
OLD BUSINESS
Staffing. The new reference librarian, Whitney Brown, is doing very well. Kitty will be
taking over the cataloging position. The children's librarian position is being widely advertised.
Kitty will continue to run the department until a new person is hired. Marianne suggested that
Catherine prepare an analysis of the budget impact of the various staff changes now being made.
Catherine is continuing to review and analyze schedules and hours of coverage and will hopefully
eliminate split shifts. The recent staff development day went very well. As previously noted, Fran
is retiring and November 16 will be her last day.
RFID inventory wand. The board had previously deferred purchasing an inventory wand
for the RFID system but with it now installed and operational it will be an important addition. The
board voted to use MEG funds to purchase the new model now available, $3,145 plus $50 shipping.
NEW BUSINESS
Digitization. The board discussed digitization of the Mansfield News, currently 130 reels of
microfilm in the library. The cost wold be $125/reel plus a website setup fee of $500. Catherine
will be further researching this issue since it is possible that Gatehouse Media may have already
done it and, if so, may be willing to license the rights to such a collection. She believes that
Gatehouse owns the rights to the last 75 years of the paper. She also reported that the library may
seek a grant to digitize school yearbooks.
Bulletin board policy. Catherine circulated the current policy and asked the board to
review it and to consider whether to restrict use to non-profit entities.
Holiday hours. The library will close at 5:00 p.m. November 21 and will re -open on
Friday, November 23.
Next meeting. December 1. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
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