March 18, 2008 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of March 18, 2008
Present: Helen Levitt, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder, Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Absent: Gale Chapman, Prakash Mathew
Others: City Commissioner Linda Coates, Friends Representative Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tim Dirks, Beth Postema
Order of Agenda
Herb Snyder moved to approve the order of the agenda. Suzanne Morrison seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Suzanne Morrison moved to approve the minutes of February 19, 2008. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Tim Dirks reported 132 people attended a story time event featuring a staff member dressed as the PBS character Arthur. Media covered the finance program for children 7 to 10 years old with 21 in attendance. Children’s Librarian Sarah Kauffman attended Literacy Night at Horace Mann Elementary School. The library presented a demonstration of the online catalog in conjunction with the Friends meeting held at the Carlson Library.
Director’s Report
Tim Dirks reported in addition to the activities listed in the written report, he attended Mergent Health distribution of defibrillators. One will be installed at the Carlson Library. One is already in place at the Roberts Street location.
Brianne Schmidt has been promoted to Young Adult/Reference Librarian. The library has two openings for Library Associate I as well as the half time reference position vacated by Brianne Schmidt. Applications are under review for the page positions approved for this year.
Steel work is 80% complete on the new main library. The Carlson Library punch list is progressing. The exterior elements will be inspected with warmer weather.
Statistical Reports
Programming attendance increased significantly now that the Carlson Library provides a venue for programming. Circulation has increased as well. Staff is pushed to cover desks and get materials back on the shelves. This could be considered the benchmark for staffing needs for circulation and pages.
With vacant positions, part time hours have increased to fill the void. Supervisors are monitoring part time hours per pay period. To date 11.41% of the budget has been expended.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported the Friends authorized $20 gift certificates to staff for National Library Week. Speakers are tentatively scheduled for the annual meeting in June. Planning continues for the new store in the main library. They are actively recruiting individuals to become board members.
Continuing Business
A. Parent initiated blocks for minor children at registration
With the library system it is possible to block children’s access to all DVDs at the time of registration. This can be done by item class so it would affect both children’s and adult DVDs. The block would exist at the self check station. Although this has not been an issue or a challenge it would be a proactive step in educating parents. This would be voluntary, reversible, and in the control of the parents. Materials will be presented to the board prior to implementation.
Herb Snyder moved to alter the system to allow parents to block access only to DVDs for children. Leo Wilking seconded the motion; the motion carried.
It is also possible to reduce the renewal term from three years. The consensus is to maintain a three year renewal term for all library cards.
B. Organizational chart review
Tim Dirks presented the current 2008, adjusted 2008, and draft 2009 organizational charts. The draft 2009 chart adds a Librarian for Northport and additional part time circulation. This is an initial draft and not a final proposal for 2009.
Leo Wilking moved to approve the adjusted 2008 and 2009 draft organizational chart. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
New Business
A. Wellspring agreement
A Donation Agreement was distributed regarding a permanent art piece planned for the lobby of the new main library. Originally the installation was to be at no cost to the library including repairs and maintenance. Leo Wilking agreed to revise the agreement to reflect this.
Herb Snyder moved for Leo Wilking to revise the agreement and approve the revised agreement via e-mail. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
B. Fundraising report
The fundraising goal is $3 million. To date $1,780,915.68 is pledge, leaving a balance of $1,218,084.32. The campaign cabinet is available to meet with additional people and will look at networks not yet reached. Fundraising will continue through the end of the construction project.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at
4 p.m. in the City Commission room. The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen