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LAB Minutes 08/18/2021Naples, Florida, August 18,2021 LET lT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BoARD met on this date at 10:00 a.m. in the Headquarters Library with the following members present: Connie Bettinger - District 3 Joan Hochschild - District 1 Joy White - District 4 Marjorie H. Gagnon - District 5 Cada Grieve - District 2 ALSO PRESENT Tanya Williams, Library Director Catherine Cowser, Library Assistant Director Karen Tibbetts, Library Administrative Assistant Connie Kindsvater, President, Friends of the Library Dan Rodriguez, Public Services Department Head Chloe Snider, Senior Librarian Jared Del Re, Applications Analyst, Library Division Dan l\rartin, Collier County Resident Barbara Drabek, Collaer County Visitor CALL TO ORDER Ms. Williams welcomed everyone to the meeting, and reminded visitors to sign in and complete a speaker form if they want to address the Library Advisory Board. She asked for visitors to hold any questions until the chair opens public comments. l\rs. Williams introduced Dan Rodriguez, Head of the Public Services Department. Mr. Rodriguez stated that he is looking forward to working with the Library Advisory Board LAB members introduced themselves along with the District and libraries they represent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Bettinger asked for approval of the meeting minutes of June '16, 2021. One minor correction was noted. Dr. Hochschild moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. White seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONl) County Service Awards. The County recognizes staff that have completed 5, 10, 15,20,25,30, 35,40 or more years of service to County government. However, the Library did not have any staff being recognized in July. 2) County Employee ofthe Month a. August 2021 -To Be Announced 0411712021 @3PM. Ms. Williams introduced Jared Del Re, the Library's Application Analyst. She added that yesterday afternoon a formal announcement was made recognizing him as the County's August 202'1 Employee of the Month. CHAIR: VICE.CHAIR: SECRETARY: I 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 784 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) lvls. Williams read the Director's Letter of Commendation for his nomination, and stated that the County will award him $150 and a sign for his assigned parking spot. She added that only employees in non-supervisory positions can be nominated for the County's Employee of the lvlonth recognition. [,Is. Williams invited everyone to the Board of County Commissioners' meeting to be held on September 28 at which l\,Ir. Del Re will formally be recognized. 3) Library Division Cheers for Peers RecipienG for June & July. Nrs. Williams stated that "Cheers for Peers" is the Library's monthly recognition program. All Library staff, except the Director, are eligible to be recognized.. Staff can recognize each other for doing something exceptional or extraordinary, above and beyond their normal duties. The recognized employee will receive a Kudos note from the person who recognized them and a button to atfix to their lanyard.. A Kudos Wall is shared with all staff and is to be posted at each Library location. 4) Director's Letter of Commendation. Ms. Williams stated that she is continuing to work on the new recognition program, and will present it to the LAB members once eveMhing has been finalized. BOARD REPORTS - Nonel) Report of Officels - None 2) Report of Committees - None PRESENTATIONS'l) Report ofthe Friends ofthe Library. Mrs. Kindsvater stated that July and August are generally slow for the Friends of the Library, as staff generally take their vacations during this time.. Although her two-year term as President of the FOL is coming to an end, she will be heading a new series called the "Beach Series".. This series will feature friends and fiction authors during off-season, so as to not conflict with the Nick Linn Lectures and other series events.. The Beach Series events will be held at the downtown Naples Players Sugden Community Theater on October 21 and April 1.. l\rrs. Kindsvater was uncertain if any FOL member tickets were still available for the Nick Linn Lecture Series, however, virtual tickets are still available.. FOL member, Vicky Bowles, helps to publicize FOL, Library programs, and events. She's a Collier lecture series author and also writes articles for the Naples Daily News, Fort lvlyers News-Press and Naples Florida Weekly publications.. Mrs Kindsvater reported that the new venue for the Non-Fiction Author Series is the Kensington County Club, which can accommodate more people.. The Signature Series is an exclusive, member-only event featuring performances and lectures at local Library auditoriums. This series is coordinated by Patti DeGroot, Friends Advisor.. The annual LocalAuthor Book Fairwill be held on Saturday, November 13 at the South Regional Library. 2 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 785 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) . Mrs. Kindsvater stated that the FOL is committed to promoting local authors, and giving them the opportunity to meet potential readers. Authors must be Colller County residents in order to participate in the book fair.. lvlrs. Kindsvater learned from the Library summer interns at the last LAB meeting that the FOL needs to increase its social media presence. She asked if anyone had ideas to share to see her after the meeting.. Mrs. Kindsvater stated that she will be working with Kenneth Assal, the upcoming new FOL President, on having social media workshops.. She added that they will also be meeting with Ms. Williams next week to determine what direction the FOL should take to support the Library.. Ivlrs. Kindsvater reported that the FOL voted last year to give the Collier County Public Library $'100k towards the purchase of eBooks.. She presented this check to Ms. Williams, and stated that the FOL is committed to help fund the Library as long as money is available.. Ms. Williams thanked her and the Friends of the Library for their support.. She added that this money is vital in order for the Library to provide materials to the public, as State Aid money has been dwindling down over the years, and the pandemic has triggered more patrons to opt for eBooks. 2) Report of the Library Director a, Capital Proiects Update. [,Is. Williams shared pictures of the Naples Regional Library, which reopened on Tuesday, August 10. Collier County Public Schools also resumed on this day, however, there was not much foot traffic from kids.. This location was closed for 34 days as the air conditioning system needed to be shut down for the new chiller to be installed, and workers needed to work on the ducts in the main area of the library.. There will be more service interruptions as workers move into phases 3 and 4 of the project. Other areas of the library are still under construction for the duct work and LED lighting installation.. This project is funded by County surtax dollars, and will be done in four phases to be completed in 10 months.. The contractor originally selected for the lmmokalee parking lot project reported that they would be unable to complete the work at the original price quoted due to the increase in supply costs. Therefore, the project has gone out for re-bid.. Ms. Gagnon asked if it would be possible for the pot holes that continue to increase in size to be fllled.. [rls. Williams stated that she will ask BillWilkins, Library Operations Coordinator, to take pictures. She also encouraged everyone to send pictures and comments to the County's 311 system and County Commissroners.. The installation of approximately 1,500 square feet of fiber at the East Naples Branch Library is currently being estimated. lt is anticipated that this project will be completed in FY2022. b. Staffing Update. l\rs. Williams reported that the Library is in the midst of recruiting and training several Library Assistant positions.. The Centralized Hiring Team is a core group of select Library staff who handle all of the application reviews and interviews. 3 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 786 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) . All new hire training is done at the Headquarters Library since it is the best environment to learn how to handle complex issues.. So far, the Library has hired eight new employees using this new initiative.. Ms. Williams hopes to reduce the high turnover rate for these positions, which has been compounded by the pandemic.. The Library Technician position vacated when Madlyn VanAtta retired has been filled by Veronica Salley, a former Library employee who was reassigned to the OVS' centralized operations team.. lnterviews are being conducted for the Administrative Supervisor position at Naples Regional.. The Library currently has five new-hire candidates pending with Human Resources. c. General Operations Update. Ms. Williams reported that the Library is working on a credit card acceptance project to enable patrons to pay fines/fees, etc.. The Library is waiting for the County to approve a new vendor so they can migrate from PayPal.. This morning the Library was approved to purchase adapters for the self- check machines to allow credit card payments to be processed. . Point of sale credit card systems will also become available at the circulation desks.. Ms. Williams reported that the Library absorbs all credit card processing fees.. Recently the Lee County Library System met with their County lranager and Commissioners to eradicate late fines.. The Lee County Library System determined that using a collection agency to go after late fines was not fiscally responsible.. Ms. Williams reported that many library systems nationwide have eliminated late fines. Within the last year, Palm Beach and Hillsborough County libraries have done so.. The rationale is that late fines are an impediment to access services, and locally, it costs more revenue to collect fines than is being generated.. The Collier County Public Library does not use a collection agency and restricts access to library seNices by patrons who have $10 or more in fines/fees. d. Grant Opportunities. At the last LAB meeting, Mr. Martin mentioned that there were grant opportunities through Arthrex.. Ms. Williams is looking to see if there were any opportunities for the Library, however, some organizations limit their grants to non-government agencies, The Library may be able to work with the Friends of the Library for any potential grant opportunities.. Ms. Williams reported that the State Aid to Libraries application process has opened for FY2022.. The application process consists of two steps, and the first application is due October 1.. The BCC will review the Library's application at the September 28 meeting. Ms. Williams is working with the County's Grants Department to complete the process. It is anticipated the Library will receive an estimated $160k from this grant. 4 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 787 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) Ms. Williams is also working with the Acquisitions Senior Library SupeNisor, Kim Spina and Senior Librarian, Chloe Snider on three American Rescue Act grants totaling over $6 million. 1) Collection Enhancement Grant = $2.9 million over the next 4 years for eBook purchases. 2) Tech to Go Grant = $1 5 million over a 4-year period for 300 WiFi Hotspot devices and '100 laptops.. This grant is applicable to qualified census tracks. Residents of lmmokalee and Golden Gate would be within those areas. 3) COLE (Community Outreach Literacy Education)grant = $2.7 million. Supports part{ime community leaders to help teach parents and children life skills, such as home economics, shop, etc. on evenings and weekends. l\rs. Williams stated that pre-pandemic the Library provided programs on using cricut makers, sewing machines and crock pots for teens. However, many adults expressed an interest She added that there is much evidence-based data and statistics to support these programs and is optimistic that the three grants will meet public approval- Ms. Williams stated that the County encourages public comments in support of its proposed programs and projects. PUBLIC PETITIONS TO THE BOARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION - None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION. Mr. Martin stated that he was pleased that the Library has been successful in finding some potential grant opportunities. He asked if the County would reduce any money allocated to the Library's budget.. Ms. Williams replied that two of the projects (Tech to Go and COLE) are brand new and would not affect the Library's budget.. However, eBook funding will affect the Library's budget, as it works with several funds. The generalfund comes from property taxes, but is not enough to sustain the purchase of eBooks. For FY21, the Library used FOL funds, Shreve Trust funds and State Aid money to purchase eBooks.. The Library is actively working to identify sustainable funding for the next four years for eBook purchases.. Ms. Bettinger asked if the Library has reached the level of service standards for its materials.. Ms. Williams stated that based on peak season population numbers of 465,000 people, the Library should provide 1.87 items per capita. However, the Library is still under a deficit and generally operates at 1.33 items/capita. The deficit multiplied by $25.84 for each item currently amounts to $7 million.. She added that grant money to be spent in FY20 was used to purchase additional eBooks, which brought the service level to '1.43 items/capjta.. Ms. Williams has submitted the Library's AUIR (Annual Updated lnventory Report) to the County Manager for review. This report also includes square footage, and with the level of service standard of.33 sq. ft./capata, the Library anticipates having adequate square footage for the next eight years.. She added that currently, Collier is the only county in the state that conducts an AUIR.. The level of service standards for other libraries in the state is 2-3 items per capita. 5 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 788 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) . Ms. Williams will share the Library's AUIR with LAB members at the next meeting.. Mrs. Kindsvater asked if more library cards have been issued as the County's population has increased.. Ms. Williams reported that currently, two out of three Collier County residents have a library card.. Ms. Bettinger asked if the Library would be having any promotions for September's Library Card Sign-Up lronth.. l\rs. Snider reported that the Library will be having a "Treat Yourself to a Library Card" campaign using sweet treat incentives. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1) LAB Agenda Format & Notice to Public Speakers. Ms. Williams asked if the current LAB agenda and meeting format needs further adjustment, or if this item could be sunsetted.. All members agreed thatthis item has been resolved. NEW BUSINESS 1l FY 2022 Annual Plan of Service (Motion & Approval). Ms. Williams handed out a draft packet of the Library's FY2022 Annual Plan of Service that is required for the State Aid application.. The information has been updated to reflect the next fiscal year, which will be the last year in the current s-year strategy plan.. ln October, the Library will be working on creating a new plan for the next five years.. [,Is. Williams pointed out that on Page 1, Objective 2 pertains to State Aid Grant funds allocated each year to collection development.. The performance measures for online usage, which includes virtual visits to the Library's website, catalog, eBooks and in-house public computer usage, as shown on page 5 show an increase of 7olo between FY'l9 and FY20.. The performance indicator for the Summer Reading Program on page 6 shows a 7olo increase over last year. Currently only the youth statistics are listed, as the adult numbers are being tallied, which may bring the totalto 10%.. LAB members will review the FY 2022 Annual Plan of Service and discuss further at next month's meeting. The motion and approvalwill be tabled until Septembeas meeting.. Ms. Williams added that the Library partnered with the Parks & Recreation Division to bring the Summer Reading Program to its summer camps. 800 campers participated and read over 7,000 books.. lvls. Williams shared an excellent article about the Library's services and programs that appeared in the August issue of the Neapolitan Family Magazine. This publication is provided to the Library each month to distribute to the public.. She will send copies of the magazine to each ofthe County's Commissioners with a cover letter. Extra copies are available if anyone would like them.. l\,Is. Williams also shared an editorial article on the FOL'S Non-Fiction Series by Louise Franck which appeared in the June 4rh edition of the Naples Daily News. PUBLIc cOMMENTS ON GENERAL TOPICS RELATED TO THE LIBRARY DIVISION - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board, the meeting was adjourned at '1 1:25 a.m. 6 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 789 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021) Ms. Williams will update LAB members as to the format ofthe Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, (239)252-7350. by: Connie Bettinger, Library Advisory Board 7 28.A.3 Packet Pg. 790 Attachment: LAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - August 18, 2021 (20102 : Library Advisory Board - September 15, 2021)