HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-07-13 MinutesBoard of Trustees Meeting
Fayetteville Public Library
July*, 1987, L:00 p.m.
Present: Board Members Dorothy Bowen, Bobbye Hay, Foster Park, Margaret
Salassi; Library Director Linda Harrison; Ozarks Regional
Library Director Karen Duree
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. The minutes of the regular
June 8, 1987, meeting were approved as mailed.
Library Director Harrison presented and discussed: the Statistical Report and
the Financial Report for June. She noted that circulation, particularly in the
Children's Library, was up, and is now about equal to 1986 circulation for the
1987 year. Although increases in fine income seem to be leveling off, more
money from fines than originally budgeted,' is being received. Overall budget
expenditures are about on- schedule, although temporarily ahead in the Miscellaneous
category.
In regard to the asbestos removal Director Harrison has been informed that the
advertising of bid specifications is scheduled by the end of the month, with
actual work planned for early October. At least one contractor has inspected
the Library for a preliminary estimate and hopes that work can be completed
within two weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. Ms. Harrison noted
that close inspection and supervision of the work will be insured and that air
testing will be done afterward to establish results. Books and equipment
apparently will not need to be removed (as previously thought). The question
of whether the Ozarks Regional Library will remain open during asbestos removal
is still to be settled; a number of problems (electrical supply, rest room
facilities, etc.) must be resolved.
There followed a discussion of the problem of the Library staff during the
period of closing for the asbestos removal, particularly in reference to the
options voted by the Board at its Febrary 12, 1986, meeting. It was felt by the
present Board that no final decision can be made until the actual removal
schedule is confirmed, but the principal options (each with recognizable
difficulties) appear to be: attempting to schedule vacations to coincide with
the closing; attempting to schedule staff make-up time after the closing to
insure no overall loss of salary; encouraging staff to take unpaid or partially
compensated leave during the closing; possible use of staff at other nearby
library facilities; full salary, already budgeted, to be paid during the closing.
Director Harrison also noted other problems that must be resolved: e.g., what
to dm with books returned by patrons during the closing (because of limited
storage space).
Ms. Harrison also noted that readings on Drays for staff have been completed
and that no problems because of asbestos exposure have emerged.
President Hay led a discussion about the need to increase publicity for the
Library, especially through speaking opportunities: genera:l publicity, not
necessarily that which is focused on the coming 1988 millage election. Ozarks
Regional Director Duree noted, however, the need to begin making plans for that
1988 election. Among the principal suggestions: were: contacting TV stations in
the area to try to obtain more coverage; possible funds from the Friends of the
Fayetteville Public Library for publicity; possible use of the Fayetteville
Chamber of Commerce newsletter for announcements and other Library information;
the need to advertise extensively the coming state library association meeting
here in early November; compiling a list of potential contacts (churches,
service clubs, Butterfield Trail groups, etc.).
President Hay addressed attention to the need to plan for the scheduled.
evaluation of the Library Director. Sample forms used by other groups, including
Springdale Library for personnel evaluation, were distributed; there will be an
effort to obtain at least one or two other samples, including possibly a
University of Arkansas form for staff evaluation, for consideration. The Board
will discuss the possibilities again at the August meeting, then presumably
schedule a special meeting to do the actual evaluation.
Ms. Harrison briefly spoke about the problem of equipment inventory which she
has been urged to undertake. She hopes to get help from the City of Fayetteville
to establish guidelines. There are a number of difficulties about listing
physical property.
Ms. Harrison was authorized by the Board to sign the newly -provided AT&T
equipment agreement, which contains the same provisions as previously.
Director Harrison noted that the summer reading program has been very successful,
with good attendance. She particularly commended Logan Goodwin and Mary loots
for pulling the program together.
Director Harrison discussed briefly the proposed establishment of written Library
rules and regulations, which eventually will require Board approval. The problem
of books damaged by patrons was one that has sometimes presented difficulties.
The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Foster Park, Secretary