Library Board Update 2 24 05
COJ'J1egie-SlOlIl Public LibrolT
Librar\' BOill'd of TrUSlees Update
From the Meeting of
Februm}' 24, 2005
. Personnel Update: Debra Stephenson from Children's Services (over 16 years) applied for the
position of Circulation Supervisor and was hired. Closing date for the position vacant in
Children's was February 23 and we received 84 applicants. Interviews will be held the week of
February 28 with a decision made the following week. Applicants were interviewed for the
position of Library Aide (Cataloger) in Technical Services as Sharon Dahl retired (last day,
February 24). Tim Miller, part-time (30 hours) Library Aide in Circulation (15 year employee)
was hired. After evaluating the position and our staffmg needs the Director asked City Personnel
to change the % Aide position to two 20-hour week Assistant positions. This change can realize a
savings of $4, 1 00 the fIrst year while gaining ten hours of staff time. The City Manager approved
this. Jason Burds started in Technical Services as the library's new Information Technology
Specialist. Twelve staff members completed a class to be certifIed in CPR and in the use of the
automatic defIbrillator. Staff development day was changed to August 25th due to conflicts with
all-day meeting room reservations already confIrmed for the previously set date.
. Inventory of Grant Wood prints, note cards and post cards are depleted. About 50 copies of the
Grant Wood print of Appraisal are sold each year. The board authorized spending from the
general gift trust to replenish the prints, note cards and post cards not to exceed $2,000.
Discussion followed as to how we can better market these products as well as the Kate Van Duze
notecards, Art Geisert prints and other items. One volunteer has expressed interest in marketing
and public relations that can get out into the community to place these works on a purchase or
commission basis. The Director will be contacting the volunteer to set a time for further
discussion regarding this project.
. Financial Reports: 58% of the year has lapsed and 58% of the budget has been expended.
Supplies and services appear high at 76% expenditure. This is due to the annual payment of
several maintenance contracts earlier in the fIscal year. Revenue is at 68% ofprojections.
. Facility Update: Ken Beck from Terracon Consulting Engineers visited to set a time for the
vibration study. Several areas of the building were identifIed for the study. The Director will
contact Don V ogt to ask for assistance in simulating heavy truck traffIc on Bluff Street. This will
save time waiting for heavy truck traffIc to drive by which, although occurring on a daily basis, is
unpredictable time wise. It is anticipated the study will be completed and a report available by the
next board meeting. Construction will begin to add a wall in Technical Services to provide an
offIce for the Manager. The City Council approved the notice to bidders for repairs to the exterior
building ofthe original Carnegie building. Bids will be open on March 15 and go to Council for
awarding the contract on March 21, Work must be complete by June 30, 2005. The work
required is presented in a main bid and two alternates. Discussion was held as to how important it
is to have the building cleaned, Last year ivy was taken down because it was overgrown and had
begun to damage the fayade of the library. This has left stains.
. Foundation Update: The Library Foundation met and held an election of offIcers. Donna Bauerly
is now the President, Ed Everts, Treasurer and Becky Barnhardt, Secretary. The Foundation is
seeking new board members and welcomes suggestions and recommendations. During the
meeting the Foundation reviewed a list of projects totaling $85,000 that the Director submitted.
The Foundation approved spending $25,000 in support of several projects including additional
shelving and audio-visual listening stations in the Children's Department to accommodate the
huge growth in the AIV format, and new databases which can be accessed by patrons from their
homes as well as the library. The Foundation agreed to fund two large material returns
(approximately $8,100) in the future to support drop off/pick up service at a location on the west
side of town.
. Use Update: During the board meeting last month discussion took place as to whether the gate
counter could be incorrect. A study was completed over the course of a week and the counter was
correct. We conclude at this point that gate count is down due to the Library opening at 1 :00 on
Thursdays. At the same time, Circulation of materials is up 10%. Although print materials are
part ofthis (up 3% for adults, and 7% for children's compared to last year) it is audio-visual
material largely responsible for the increase in circulation (Adult DVD up 74%; Children's DVD
up 74%) The increase in circulation of audio-visual materials does mirror a national trend.
. Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a frog from the River Museum as a marketing and
public relations tool. The cost of the frog is $1,250 and we believe the library can receive that
back in publicity and in the raising of awareness. The library can keep the frog after its debut and
it will fIt in well in the Children's room. It was determined that funding for this project would
best be taken from State monies,
From the Reference Desk
"What is the cost of osmium?" The price of 99% pure osmium powder - the form usually supplied
commercially - is llbout $100/g, depending on quantity and supplier. (Osmium is on the periodic elements
chart as a precious' metal.)
After spending a fruitless hour searching the Internet a frustrated patron came to the library for biographical
information on R.J. McElroy, His question was answered immediately and he left saying, "Today the
Library beat the Internet."
"I need information on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory"
"I need information on the Dubuque company McFadden Coffee." (closed in 1941)
"I need more information on the use of herbs in Native American medicine."
A Girl Scout was able to earn her "Global Awareness" badge after the Children's Librarian helped her
research six different aspects on the topic.
Librmy Board of Trustees
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Michael Shubatt, Board President
Susan Henricks, Director
Alan A very, Vice President
Mary L. Strom, Board Secretary
J.L. Felderman
Sue Lindsay
Kristen L. Smith
Tom Tully