Minutes of Regular Meeting

July 20, 2004

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Board President Hope Furth. In attendance were Trustees Timothy Connors, Denise D’Ambrosio, Jeane Garment, Timothy James, Lynn Oliva, Paul Schwarz, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler, and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen. Absent with notice was Trustee Hawkins.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the regular meeting of the June 15, 2004 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Connors.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed reports for month ending 5/31/04.

Bills 2003/04 Budget: #24 & #25

The payment of bill vouchers #24 and #25 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee James seconded by Trustee Garment.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed written administration reports. Library Director Miranda noted that Kurt Hadeler and Tim Baird had just prepared several excellent new reports on use of collections, and these would be helpful in making decisions about how to spend book and nonbook budgets to best meet patrons interests. She is reviewing and will share with the Board at its next meeting. Mrs. Miranda reported she and Kurt Hadeler were interviewing RFID vendors and reviewing products, services and options. Her plan is to recommend that we introduce this type of inventory control system in the new Children’s Library, as currently there is no security on children’s materials, and then continue it on the main floor in the long term. She noted that RFID will greatly facilitate patron convenience services like self-checkout and checkin, and allow staff to be redirected to more patron-centered services. Mrs. Miranda reported that the bids for the new Children’s Library should go out in August/September with start date in October. She will meet with the Mayor’s office this week to update staff on the Children’s Library construction and marketing plans and the Foundation Campaign. Mrs. Miranda thanked Karyn DeLuca and Kurt Hadeler for their hard work on the implementation of the new ebook service and noted that 8/1/04 is the target start date. She hopes that free "downloans" of audiobooks will commence by late fall. Library Director Miranda reported she was interviewed on News12 Daily about the Library’s International Story times and shared the videoclip with the Board at the end of the meeting. She thanked Cassie Guthrie, Rosemary Rasmussen and staff for preparing her so well for the interview. Trustee Connors commended Rosemary and her staff for doing an outstanding job every year at the schools and for making it so exciting for the kids.

Trustee Reports and Business

WLS

No meeting.

Advocacy

Library Director Miranda asked the Board to mark their calendars for November 29 and encouraged those interested to attend this statewide Leadership meeting at the New York Public Library. At this meeting State Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills will discuss the NYS Department of Education’s New Century Libraries initiative and its potential to raise the quality of education and improve the quality of life in communities around the State.

Friends

Mrs. Miranda noted the Friends would not meet again until the Fall and reported that they had moved successfully into their new book sale sorting space on the third floor. Assistant Director Thorsen noted their new space was extremely well organized, and commended Lee Palmer for doing such a fine job with the books.

Foundation

Library Director Miranda reported the Realtor’s Breakfast held at the Library on July 14 was a great success with many thanks to Mayor Delfino, Gary Klein, and Nick Wolff for their enthusiastic support. Mrs. Miranda reported the Campaign fund raising efforts were going well and that over the summer, Foundation Board and Steering Committee members would be expected to make their gifts or pledges and reach out to their contacts.

Community Outreach & Volunteer Recognition - No report.

OLD BUSINESS

Long Range Plan

Mrs. Miranda encouraged the Board to send their comments on the mission statement to her by next week, so she can bring back to the Board for approval.

Logo/Children’s Library Identity

Library Director Miranda shared visuals of the new Library logo, new Children’s Library identity program, and conceptual story with the Board, and these were received with interest and enthusiasm. Mrs. Miranda said that over the summer she would work to finalize the story concept and develop plans for launching these new looks.

2004/05 Library Fund Budget

The Board reviewed the 2004/05 Library Fund Budget. Library Director Miranda noted that the decrease in the Children’s Library book and nonbook lines was beyond what had been recommended, but that we would compensate by adjusting spending on adult materials. She noted that reduced spending for Children’s materials was necessary, as there would be less shelf space in their temporary location during construction.

NEW BUSINESS:

Approval for Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll (4/1/04 - 6/30/04)

The Board approved Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll, 4/1/04 - 6/30/04, on a MOTION by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Connors.

Gift Fund - approval for the use of funds

The Board approved use of up to $25,000.00 from the Gift fund for office furnishings for Reference staff and Administrative offices on a MOTION by Trustee Connors, seconded by Trustee Garment. Library Director Miranda noted that during 2004-2005 approximately $90,000.00 additional from the Gift Fund will be needed for security, furnishings and shelving, and that funds from the Lost Book Account will be targeted to Children’s book purchases.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Garment.

P. Lynn Oliva, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees