Loading...
LAB Minutes 02/20/2013 2013 Library Advisory Board Minutes February 20 , 2013 Naples, Florida, February 20, 2013 APR 1 o L013 LET IT BE KNOWN that the LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD met on this date in egufa... session at 10:00 a.m. in the Headquarters Branch Library with the following members present: CHAIR: Doris J. Lewis–District-4 VICE-CHAIR: Loretta Murray–District-1 Carla Grieve– District-2 Connie Bettinger-Hennink– District-3 District 1 Roberta Reiss–Literacy Program District 2 — District 3 ALSO PRESENT: Marilyn Matthes, Library Director District 4 Karen Tibbetts, Administrative Assistant District 5 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Lewis asked for additions or corrections to the minutes of January 17, 2013. A few minor corrections were noted. Ms. Bettinger-Hennink moved to approve the minutes, Mrs. Murray seconded and the motion was carried unanimously that the minutes be approved as corrected. Mrs. Matthes introduced Karen Tibbetts as her new Administrative Assistant to the Board. LITERACY PROGRAM REPORT–Roberta Reiss • Mrs. Reiss discussed the conversation classes at the South Regional branch. There has been such a great demand that another class has been added. Attendance has been full with the maximum of 15 participants. • Participants have mentioned that this is a much needed resource, as there are not many opportunities for them to speak English in conversations in order to understand proper grammar, pronunciation, etc. • As the facilitator, Mrs. Reiss creates conversations to encourage participants to speak. Although some conversations become competitive at times, there has been an increase in the confidence among the participants to speak English. • Mrs. Reiss has also been training tutors in conjunction with Lindsey Spinazola, School on Wheels program. • The attendance for the basic computer classes has declined since the classes were rescheduled for later in the day from 4:00–5:00 pm. • Mrs. Reiss will try to work with Beth Barger at Southwest Florida Works to help recruit more participants for the basic computer classes in East Naples. SW FL Works provides training and counseling for unemployed and under-employed residents. 411sc. Corres: • Discussion ensued regarding employers' expectations for employees to have basic computer skills. However, not everyone has a computer at home, and Board Date: 1 Item#: Copies to: members have noticed, for example, area business employees using library computers to access their scheduling information. • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink inquired about Ava Maria's interest in tutoring, and Mrs. Reiss replied that sometimes outreach contacts are lost when employees change positions. She is working on reconnecting with them. REPORT OF OFFICERS—Connie Bettinger-Hennink • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink recently became aware of the unhappiness of the staff at the Golden Gate branch. • Employees feel that more staff is needed, and they are concerned about Louise's upcoming seven week leave. • Staff cannot see all areas at all times, and teenagers are not behaving. The security guard is only there on half-days or off-days of school, not Saturdays. • Staff wants security guards during Spring break and over the Summer. • Mrs. Matthes was unaware of these issues and will look into having a guard on duty more often. She said that staff from the Estates branch helps the Golden Gate location whenever possible. • Adult patrons are unable to access public computers when the students are there, and staff mentioned that the staff computers need to either be fixed or replaced. • Employees feel that the Library Board does not address or resolve their issues. • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink gave praise to the South Regional branch in regards to their Holistic Fair. Patti DeGroot reported over 150 people were in attendance. COMMUNICATIONS a—Written—None b—Personal—None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1) Employee of the Month—February • Mrs. Grieve nominated Gary Gonwa for the February employee of the month. Ms. Bettinger-Hennink seconded the nomination and the motion passed unanimously. 2) Recognition for Employee— Roberta Stone • Mrs. Matthes shared with the Board a copy of the thank you letter to be sent to Mrs. Stone. Board members signed the thank you card to be sent along with the letter and Collier County"Thanks" card in appreciation for her exemplary service. NEW BUSINESS 1) Library Advisory Board Nominee—Lillian Cueves • Mrs. Grieve made a motion to recommend Lillian Cueves to the Board of County Commissioners to become the new member of the LAB to represent District 5. Mrs. Lewis seconded the recommendation, and the motion was carried unanimously. • As her term with the Friends of the Library will end in September, Mrs. Grieve suggested that a member from the Friends should rotate attendance to the LAB monthly meetings. 2) Budget Proposal for FY14—Mrs. Matthes Stated: • The BBC is scheduled next Tuesday to set up the budget policy for the year. She received an email asking her to submit a proposal for the Library budget to increase by 1% or 2%. • Mrs. Matthes will present the same budget as the current year and include the increase as an unfunded request list to include adding an Assistant Library Director as well as additional Library Associates. • Candidates for the Assistant Library Director's position are required to have a Master's in Library Service degree. • It is hoped that additional Library Associates will help Public Service Librarians with patrons having computer use questions and issues so that their talents and education can be redirected into other areas such as technology or collection development projects. This will also give them the supervisory experience needed for career advancement. The Library has seven Public Service Librarians (3 for HQ, 3 for NR, and 1 for SR). 3) Staffing—Mrs. Matthes Stated: • Chris Serio recently joined the Headquarters branch as a Public Service Librarian. • Joy White is expecting twins and her last day will be February 28th. • Robert Rodriguez will be taking over Joy's duties regarding Social Media, however, it is expected that he will be retiring in August 2014. • Blane Halliday will be resigning as Branch Manager at the Vanderbilt Beach location effective March 5th • Ankie Viets will be retiring from the Naples Regional branch on May 18t. • Other Library staff anticipated to retire within the next two years or so are Marilyn Matthes and Carol Travis. • The Library needs a succession planning procedure in order to make the transition and restructuring process smoother for hiring and training new employees, as well as helping to make the best decisions for the long term. • The Board commented on Steve Carnell's positive attitude towards the Library and the Community. • The Immokalee branch is improving. Since Ginjer Fassold has joined the staff, she has helped increase the attendance at the children's programs. 4) Friends Proposal for Funding to Hire Teens—Mrs. Matthes Stated: • Mrs. Matthes shared with the Board her request to the Friends of the Library to match funding to hire six teenagers to help the libraries after 3 school and on Saturdays to shelve books and assist patrons with using electronic devices and resolving computer issues. The cost would be approximately $30,000 for the year. Without a Grant from the Friends, the library would not be able to advertise for teens only. • Mrs. Matthes' proposal would not only help provide teens with a good employment opportunity, but would also help Library staff when they need it most. • Paul Cioffi counter-proposed a 10-10-10 plan to hire 10 teens for 10 months at $10 per hour to assist patrons with computer and technology related concerns only. He feels that teens would not want to shelve books. • An alternative presented by Mrs. Matthes would be for the teens to be hired as Presenters of programs and be paid directly by the Friends. She said that the Library would pay any associated fees for fingerprinting and background checking, etc. The Board unanimously thought it would be a reasonable compromise to present to the Friends. • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink mentioned that students need community and service hours for school and organizations such as the Boy Scouts. She would look into seeing if that would be another option to assist the Library staff. • Mrs. Matthes agreed and mentioned that the County requires students to be at least 14 years of age to be eligible to volunteer. The minimum age for employment is 16 years of age. 5) Meeting Room Policies/Old Golden Gate Building—Mrs. Matthes Stated: • The County wanted for the Senior Resource Center to sign a rental agreement which would require for them to pay 100% of the utilities and building maintenance (such as the A/C, roof and structural problems, etc.). • As they are a non-profit organization and cannot afford the County's proposal, Mrs. Matthes proposed for the Seniors to rent 15% of the building for$100/month. However, the County declined her proposal. • Mrs. Matthes reminded LAB members that Government Agencies can use the facilities at no charge. The Senior Employment Services is a state agency that helps seniors to get into the work force may be able to use the building. They are in need of a meeting place, and in turn they could invite the Senior Resource Group to assist them to help the seniors. • Mrs. Matthes suggested that the Board establish policies for the use of the building by any other government agency. She will write up a proposal to send to the County attorney for approval. • Currently the building is used by the Parks Department and they are only responsible for having the facilities cleaned. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • Mrs. Lewis mentioned a new virtual library in Colorado at which everything is electronic. There is not one book in the library. 4 • Mrs. Grieve mentioned the Fort Myers Beach Library having a check-out system that scans all the books within a carrying bag without having to take them out of the bag. Mrs. Matthes said it was the Radio Frequency Identification system. • Ms. Bettinger-Hennink asked about the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Events. She encouraged all Board members to attend events at other branches to show their appreciation. Joanne Wannemacher will be sending the schedule to members. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mrs. Matthes reported the following: 1) Current Statistics • Book circulation was down for the month of January for 2013 in comparison to 2012. The Library is not purchasing as many books and the waiting list is longer for best sellers. The Immokalee branch had an increase, possibly due to more Ave Maria patrons coming back. • Overdrive will be having a new interface update coming out next week. • Patrons reserving materials makes it easier for them to come to the Library only when the materials they want are available. Therefore, they do not need to come as often. • A new flyer is being designed regarding the newest available DVDs. • Zinio was used 2100 times in January, and there were 191 new users. 2) Time Capsule • The Time Capsule is a part of the Viva Florida 500 festival. There will be a dedication event on Wednesday, May 8th from 1:00-5:OOpm at the Naples Depot. This will be the 90th Anniversary of Collier County. Officials will speak at the program and several non-profit history groups and local artists will have items on display. • Denise McMahon is heading the Marketing Committee regarding items to be put in the capsule. Due to its limited size, electronic representations of some items will be enclosed in the capsule and the physical items will be stored at the Library. • The capsule will be opened in 10 years (not 110 years as reported by the Naples Daily News). REPORT OF THE FRIENDS— Mrs. Grieve mentioned: • The Friends of the Library are considering forming a task force to create events featuring non-fiction authors in order to encourage a greater attendance of men. • Marlene Kern and Pat Sherry are the new Friends staff members. • New procedures are being implemented to increase efficiency, such as new renewal notification procedures. 5 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Library Advisory Board. Mrs. Murray moved to adjourn, Mrs. Grieve seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. Approved by: '(-Q /f—We;–.7 Doris J. Lewis Chair, Library Advisory Board 6