HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-16 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
July 16, 2001,
Prepared by Steven Thomas, M.L.S., Manager of Public Services
Board members present: L. Gottsponner, R. Alexander, M. Roberts, S. Singleton, and M. Thomas. Staff members
present: L. Schaper, L. Greenwood, C. Rew, and S. Thomas. Others present: Matthew Lawrence (WCLS), Cad Koffler
(WCLS), Heather Robideaux, Charles Allison (Morning News) and Vince Chadick (Bassett Law Firm).
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by L. Gottsponner. S. Singleton moved and M. Roberts seconded a motion
to approve the minutes of the June meeting. L. Gottsponer said that Mr. Koffler noted inaccuracies in the motion re:
County Board make-up. L. Gottsponer and L. Schaper noted that there were three bulletpoints in original motion and the
word "we" was missing in lastparagraph. The motion was amended. All voted aye as amended.
Library and Financial reports: 1.) L. Schaper reviewed library statistics and noted the exceptional increase in use in
terms of visitors and check-outs. 2.) C. Rew presented the new profit and loss format with the improvement in how inter-
agency transfers are handled. Both the old and new formats were included. The sense of the Board was that the new
format was fine. The City' reimbursed the library for HVAC replacement and repair leaving FPL $6,000 for general repairs
for the rest of the year. 3.) C. Rew noted that utilities are looking good. She noted that funds were re -allocated from the
equipment line (in line with 1/15/01 Board action re: 2000 rollover) to library materials. 4.) L. Greenwood stated that 1,021
elementary age children have already signed up for the Summer Reading Program — breaking last year's record. She
also stated that children's space was running out and that a third check-out station was needed during the summer. She
'announced the donation by Trout Fishing in America, Blackwood Martin, and Ozark Film and Video of a new FPL summer
reading television advertisement (that can be amended for other events). 5.) S. Thomas introduced new reference
librarian Heather Robideaux, a recent M.L.S. graduate of the University of Texas (Austin). He also noted circulation
increases and the reorganization of main library shelving to allow more shelf space.
Old business:
1.) Building project: Schaper reviewed the status of the building project, i.e. LEED contract amendment, construction
management, and back-up electrical system. She explained that the large-scale development application was delayed
{ because the engineers needed more time to review drainage data. Trustees discussed the definition of construction
management. R. Alexander said that "at risk" means that whoever is at risk guarantees a maximum cost.
2.) WCLS. L. Schaper reported dates for next WCLS Board meeting and County Services meeting.
3.) Foundation. Nothing to report.
New Business:
1.) L. Schaper introduced the library's new attorney, Vince Chadick of the Bassett Law Firm.
2.) Internet Policy. V. Chadick discussed state (Act.912 passed in March, 2001 and Act 1533 passed in April, 2001) and
federal Internet legislation (CIPA and NIPA). If libraries don't comply with CIPA, they could lose their e -rate funding.
Both Act 912 and 1533 cover the same subject matter but have conflicting provisions, i.e. definition of "public access
computer. Act 912's definition of "public access computers" fits FPL use, but FPL would not have "public access
computers" according to the definition in Act 1533. State law says that when you have conflicting statutes passed in
same legislative session, you take the language from the second act (in this case Act 1533). But, if we take Act 1553,
then we would not have to comply with August 1 deadline etc. He said that this is a fight not worth picking. The State
Library, according to V. Chadick, has asked for the Attomey General's opinion. By October 28, 2001, we must be
taking action to comply with CIPA. V. Chadick recommends attempting to comply by amending our policy to comply
with these various pieces of legislation. We will need a policy that protects minors and requires the user to agree to
comply before using a public access computer. L. Schaper said staff is working to make this agreement the defacto
start page when you sit down at a public access computer. If you click "agree°, then you can go on. V. Chadick said
that there may be some future tweaks to the policy, but this is close and recommends it be approved before August 1.
The American Library Association and the ACLU is challenging CIPA on First Amendment grounds. L. Schaper said
some minor additions might be needed to the policy, i.e. language freeing FPL from any virus liability and language
encouraging users to protect their privacy by retuming to the homepage when finished. Technical challenges will
need to be met in order to do a satisfactory defacto °start page". S. Singleton asked about filtering. L. Schaper said
that as the library has grown, staff resources are not adequate to monitor all computers. She said the plan is to have
filtered computers, but always have unfiltered available. M. Thomas moved and R. Alexander seconded a motion
i to accept the revised Internet Policy. All voted aye.
J.) Library attorney progress report. V. Chadick said he would be performing a complete legal audit of the organization,
e.g. policies, operations and structure. He started by clarifying what the FPL is vis a vis the City of Fayetteville and
that the Library is appropriately established pursuant to the laws in Arkansas in 1959. He presented a written history
of the FPL since its inception in 1916 and establishment by the City in 1959. He said the City Attomey recommended
that the Library Board pursue an affirmation of this understanding by the City. This affirmation would be a supplement
to the inter -local agreement that was signed with Washington County. He agreed to work on a proposed affirmation
that is a summary of what was passed out today. The Board can adopt it at the August 14 meeting and then ask for it
to be presented to the City Attomey or Council for affirmation.
4.) L. Schaper stated that the next meeting is August 14, a combination of meeting with the architects to approve the final
design work and the regular meeting. The September meeting would be moved from the 171h to the 24m because of
the Director's vacation.
5.) L. Schaper mentioned:
a. A change in the City's process for reapplying to another term to boards and committees.
b. The August 13 presentation of the final design at the Town Center.
At 5:15, R. Alexander moved to adjourn. M. Roberts seconded. All voted aye.
