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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-09-11 MinutesBoard of Trustees Meeting Fayetteville Public Library September 11, 1989 Present: Board Members Camilla Crouch, Bobbye Hay, Foster Park, Carol Phillips; Library Director Linda Harrison; Ozarks Regional Director Karen Duree President Bobbye Hay called the meeting to order at 3:50 p.m. The minutes for the regular August 14 meeting were approved as distributed. Library Director Harrison commented briefly on the Statistical and Financial reports for August, noting particularly the considerable expenditure for books during the month. Ms. Harrison also called attention to the tree removal from the front lawn of the Library, as a result of damage from the May storm; it is hoped that a replacement, possibly from the City, can be secured soon. Director Harrison reported further on the very productive workshop week at the end of August. Shelf reading was done more quickly this year; considerable work on the card catalog was possible. A marathon staff meeting allowed -time for extended discussion of problems, especially that of problem patrons (drunks, psychotic and disruptive behavior, etc.) and the need for policy in dealing with such problems. It is hoped that Dale Forbes, the community representative for the Police Department, can soon speak to the staff about handling such situations. Many overdue books were returned during the workshop "no -fine" week, but many overdues are still out. We may need to secure help, as Rogers and Springdale have already been forced to do, from the city attorney about possible legal action. In response to Director Harrison's observations about the need for storage for children's video material, Carol Phillips moved that the Board authorize the expenditure of $269.95 (plus shipment and tax) for such a storage facility; after Camilla Crouch seconded the motion, it was approved unanimously. That expenditure will be supplemented by a $250 sub -grant provided by Karen Duree, Ozarks Regional Library Director. President Hay reported on a recent discussion with Scott Linebaugh of the Fayetteville city administration. The Library is now on the list to be notified about the. annual budget training program sometime in early summer. President Hay further noted a potential problem with the assign- ment of the annual Library audit once the cost reaches 32000 when bids would be required. For the 1989 audit Carol Phillips moved, with a second: by Camilla Crouch, that Director Harrison inquire of auditor John B. Ervin his willingness to serve again; the Board will then send an official letter of appointment. The motion was unanimously approved. City of Fayetteville plans for remodeling the Medark Building are page 2 Minutes of September 11, 1989 apparently proceeding. The assistant city engineer has called about another walk—through inspection soon to prepare the "Request for Qualifications" before the appointment of an architect. It is hoped that the Board can be closely involved in the plans that develop. There was a brief discussion about the need for a policy in the use of the Library display cases. Some questions have apparently arisen about the current doll exhibit, although there is no need for Board action at this time. A discussion of the new Ozarks Regional Library policy manual was postponed until the October meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 1:55 pan. Respectfully submitted, Foster Park, Secretary Board of Trustees Meeting Fayetteville Public Library September 11, 1989, 3:00 p.m. Present: Board Members Camilla Crouch, Bobbye Hay, Foster Park, Carol Phillips; Library Director Linda Harrison In a special called meeting the Board of Trustees met in executive session for its annual evaluation of the Diredtor, Linda Harrison. In response to Board request, Director Harrison briefly assessed the past year, noting that it had been generally a goodyear, with a happy, cooperative staff and a number of significant accomplishments. Ms. Harrison observed that, having taken an assertiveness training program, she now had a better ability to say "no" when that was necessary. Among the notable achievements was an especially successful summer reading program. The establishment of the video program (limited to educational filmsrather than popular entertainment) has been particularly well received. The video grant -re -funded for another year and money from the Friends of the Fayetteville Public Library will allow for additional video holdings in the near future. Both the public gccess computer and the Library program computer have been put to good use during the past year. The public computer has been particularly useful to many patrons in the preparation of academic and professional resumes. Ms. Harrison noted that perhaps it is time to consider a separate computer for the children's library, now that good software is available. For the Library use computer the accounting program and books -on -order records are especially useful. An overdue program is being developed. Ms. Harrison noted (as the Board already knows) that communication from and with the City officials, especially in budgeting, needs to be improved. The year 1990 will be especially busy and crucial if, as expected, the Medark Building becomes available for use. Library publicity is an area that still needs improvement, although some regular achievements (e.g., staff member Donovan's regular articles for The Northwest Arkansas Times ) continue to be important. Director Harrison is now working on a new personnel review, with the three department heads assessing their individual groups. Patron and staff complaints during the year have been at a minimum. The two recent additions to the staff have proved to be most satisfactory. The Board agreed that this has indeed been a good year. Director Harrison's leadership has been especially effective; her delegation of authority has allowed for additional long-range planning to be implemented. There has been a good balance between overall direction and supervision page 2 Meeting of September 11, 1989 Executive session 3:00 p.m. on the one hand and careful attention to seller details on the other. The Board noted that the excellent staff, cooperative: and helpful, is in large part the result of Ms. Harrison's administrative choices and oversight. The Board concluded by commending Director Harrison for her unfailing cooperation with the Board and with staff and patrons. Assessment of Ms. Harrison's administration of the Library rightly focuses upon the many positive achievements of recent months and years. Respectfully submitted:' Foster Park, Secretary