Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
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 walkâthrough 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