Update_Library Board of Trustees 6 24 10Carnegie -Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting of
June 24, 2010
Present: President; Diann Guns, Paula Connors, David Hammer, Elizabeth
Leeper, Beverly Kolz, Kristen Smith and Mike Willis
• May marked 92 percent of the fiscal year lapsed. Revenue was at 125
percent over estimates ($28,569.00) and between this and savings in
utilities, and the HVAC Maintenance line; the overall budget will be
under, or on target, for the closing of FY10.
• Circulation in May was down 8 percent and number of visits down 13
percent. This decrease was expected due to construction now on first
floor as well as being closed for 3.75 days for moving and not having
the elevator operational. Year -to -date circulations remain at a 4
percent increase.
• New laptop computers were added for circulation (which was up 55
percent year -to- date).
• The City of Asbury has now contracted directly with the County Library
system to have a branch library in their town effective July 1, 2010.
This will decrease the "Other" category in circulations where 28E
business is tracked and will increase the Open Access (OA) line as
Asbury residents will become card holders of the County Library. Our
revenue for OA reimbursement from the State of Iowa will increase,
however; it will not increase enough to cover the decrease in revenue
from the Agency.
• During a meeting Susan had with the City Manager in May he
indicated that the City requires $254,000 net for the Heade painting.
This information was passed on and the painting is now at the Debra
Force Fine Art Gallery in New York City with instructions that it not be
sold for less. Although the market has been recovering, we were
cautioned the price might be somewhat high.
• Earlier this year Susan wrote and submitted two grants to the DRA:
one on behalf of the Friends of the Library and one on behalf of the
Library Foundation. Both grants were awarded. With the Friends
match the Library will have $13,396.00 toward the outdoor sign project
and with the Foundation's match there will be $10,000 to launch an
E -Book collection.
• The City Manager approved advertising for the positions prior to the
FY11 budget so that interviews can begin in mid -July.
• Discussion is continuing regarding Susan's request for $15,000 toward
supporting a new staffing model and she will continue working with the
City Manager and Budget Director.
• Discussion was held regarding the failure of the elm veneer installed
throughout the Library. Cause and /or responsibility for the failure has
not been identified. Prior to its installation in Phase Five (now under
construction) it was agreed that a design change be issued to
incorporate a reveal feature to allow the veneer to expand in response
to indoor climate changes. It was agreed that a sample of the failed
veneer needs to be tested by an outside party to determine the cause
so that the installations in the rest of the Library can be repaired or
replaced with confidence that the product will perform as expected.
• The Board approved a quote to restore the marble floor at the Main
Entrance. The marble on the third floor will be postponed until it is
known if contingency funds are available, or if it should be a future CIP
request.
• Discussion took place regarding a new chiller valve which failed and
cost $1,200 when the vendor said it was not under warranty. It was
stated that the air conditioning system had only run very briefly in 2009
as it was installed late in the season and without instructions,
recommendations, and an owner's manual Library staff could not know
particular preventative maintenance procedures and therefore the
Library should not be liable to pay for the valve.
• The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program was discussed. It is a very popular
program for a small percentage of patrons (1,916 titles received last
year; 1,423 loaned to other libraries) but is also the most expensive
service offered at an average cost of $14.18 per title. The Library
Board approved signing the ILL agreement with the State Library to
participate in FY 11. Participation allows us to maintain accreditation
as well as receive partial reimbursement for postage for items loaned
to other libraries. Also, it was recognized that Dubuque is one of the
anchors of this service in Iowa. The State Library has expressed
concern that if Dubuque withdraws it may have a ripple effect as other
libraries see an opportunity to save money, but service to all Iowans
will suffer as a result. It is expected that the number of ILL requests
will decrease beginning in FY 11 as library-owned materials will return
from storage, the City of Asbury will obtain ILL material through the
County Library, and the Library will no longer handle bulk ILL requests.
The new staffing model also will place this program under a Library
Assistant rather than a Library Aide position.
• The Board approved a change in the Personnel policy for part-time
employees as it pertains to Step Increases. Effective July 1, 2010,
new part-time employees will have the same status as other City
employees. They will start at Step "A" and after one year of service will
be eligible to move up to Step "B" with future increases every other
year. This change will take effect in FY12 for existing part-time
employees.
• This was board member Beverly Kolz's last meeting. New board
member Fred Miller took his oath of office at the end of the meeting as
did Diann Guns who was reappointed. An election of officers will be
held at the July meeting.
Diann Guns, Board President
Kristen Smith, Board Secretary
Paula Connors
David Hammer
Beverly Kolz
Elizabeth Leeper
Mike Willis
Library Board of Trustees
Susan Henricks, Director