Minutes_Report-Library Board of Trustees 2 27 14Carnegie -Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting of
February 27, 2013
Present: Mike Willis, President; Jenny Weiss, Vice President; Frederick Miller,
Secretary; Trustees, John Anderson -Bricker, Daniel Boice, Paula Connors, and
Diann Guns
The Library Board of Trustees met on February 27. Following is a summary of
the meeting:
• Approximately 58 percent of the fiscal year has lapsed and 58 percent of
the budget has been expended. Revenue collected is at nearly 75 percent
of projections. The City has realized a decrease in overall revenue this
fiscal year and this has caused adjustments to the budget. Travel and
continuing education lines are frozen unless registration has been paid for
or, in the case of continuing education, credits are required for
certification. A hiring freeze has also been implemented.
• Circulation to Dubuque residents increased 1.6% year-to-date. During this
same time Open Access check-outs decreased nearly 3%. In general
decreases are seen in materials cataloged as Adult. Compared to the 7th
month of the fiscal year pre -renovation (FY 08) our checkouts reflect an
overall increase of 22.8%. Comparing Open Access checkouts during this
same time our current use reflects a 54.3% increase. (Restrictions to
Open Access have been in place for over a year).
• The Library is now Petal Project certified. This local certification is
challenging to achieve and will also require annual updates. We would
like to plan a "green ribbon cutting" ceremony during Earth Week. (Earth
Day is April 22).
• The directors of the public libraries in Dubuque County met on February
19. Sharing of resources was discussed. There was general agreement
that sharing existing resources is unlikely due to the cost of buy -in and in
general the libraries are facing tighter budgets. Purchasing new resources
for sharing was discussed — specifically a new product called Atomic
Training. This online product offers training on popular hardware and
software, which can assist in libraries' abilities to train patrons as well as
offer patrons the option of pursuing such training on their own. All agreed
to use the trial period offered by the vendor to become familiar with the
product and decide whether it is worth discussing further. Also, all agreed
that the fundamental issue is that the County Library system lacks
adequate funding to serve its population. This is a problem that only the
County Board of Supervisors has the power to resolve.
• The Board of Trustees approved an updated meeting room policy. The
only change to the policy is a request that those using library meeting
rooms will use biodegradable plates and cups if they have food. This is in
keeping with our commitment to sustainability.
Library Board of Trustees
Mike Willis, Board President
Jenny Weiss, Vice President
Frederick Miller, Board Secretary
John Anderson -Bricker
Daniel Boice
Paula Connors
Diann Guns
Susan Henricks, Director