Minutes of the Special Meeting
of the
Columbus Public Library Board
March 16, 2009


A special meeting of the Columbus Public Library Board was called to order by President Jim Schaefer at 6:00 on Monday, March 16, 2009 in the Video Conference room at the Library. The meeting was held for the purpose of prioritizing and discussing goals and setting committees.

Board members in attendance: Jim Schaefer, Carol Keller, Sharon Raimondo , Craig Neid, and Joie Taylor. Jill Owens, Library Director, was also present.

President Jim Schaefer read and signed the “Certificate of Compliance” regarding the Open Meetings law. The meeting was open to the public and had been publicized at the Columbus Public Library and City Hall.

Special committees and goals were finalized as follows:

1. Improve the visual appearance of the library facilities. – Carol Keller, Sharon Raimondo
Begin with the entrance wing. Some possible changes include removing the detection system, replacing blinds and curtains, new furniture, removing brochures and garbage cans, and repainting. The consensus was to remove the security gates as soon as possible. Need to decongest crowded room. When possible the windows need to be replaced in the entire building. New curtains are also needed in the library. Redecorate the Auditorium by painting, taking out the kitchen, adding adequate lighting, and hanging pictures.
2. Upgrade computer lab. – Jill Owens and Donna Thiem are working with City personnel and tech consultant.
3. Web site revision. – Craig Neid
Possibly just a face lift and make more colorful.
4. Review CPL policies. – Joie Taylor, Jill Owens. This one is ongoing. The Board members and director are working on at least one each meeting.
5. Provide adequate facilities. – Phase I – Jim Schaefer and Craig Neid
Phase I: Footprint: See how to best use the space we currently have by having an architect familiar with building libraries examine the blue prints including the electrical drawings of the building. The architect would then make recommendations on best use the facilities and where structural changes could be made. This information could be used to make some immediate changes or as a part of the decision in Phase II.
Phase II: Expansion: Do we remodel only existing building, join nearby building and remodel both buildings, or build entirely new building? Some factors include what the city does with the Armory, who else wants the building to the west, and the Quality of Life Initiative.
6. Create Young Adult programming and space – No committee needed yet because space will be addressed with #5. Programming will be addressed with new L.A. III interviewing/hiring.
Young adult is defined as middle school and high school. Space is needed as is additional materials and programming and a young adult librarian.

The committees will report any activity during the “committee reports” section on the Board meeting agendas each month.

The meeting was adjourned by President Jim Schaefer.