August 2008                                                       Minutes of the Meeting Of the Columbus Public Library Board August 14, 2008 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbus Public Library Board was called to order at 4:30 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2008 by the President, Jim Schaefer. He read aloud and signed the “Certification of Compliance,” regarding the “Open Meeting” law. Other Library Board members present included Joie Taylor, Carol Keller, Craig Neid, and Sharon Raimondo. Jill Owens, the Library Director, and Brad Hruska, the Children’s Librarian were also present. Notice of this meeting was given in advance with a copy of the agenda posted at City Hall and in the Public Library. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the public. The Minutes of the July Board meeting were reviewed and allowed to stand as presented with a motion from Craig Neid and a second from Carol Keller. The motion passed by voice vote. The Library Director distributed the Financial Reports for the Library Foundation, the City Library and the County Library Services. A brief discussion followed about the timing of the availability of the financial information with where the Board meeting date lands in the month. The possibility of a consent agenda was brought up, but only part of the financial information is available early enough to send out with the Board packets. A motion was made by Craig Neid and seconded by Sharon Raimondo to accept the financial reports as presented. This motion passed by roll call vote: Schaefer-aye, Neid-aye, Keller-Aye, Raimondo-aye, and Taylor-aye. The Director’s Report was presented. Circulation statistics, Wi Fi usage, and the print management system were briefly discussed. There were no Committee Reports or items of Correspondence. Under Old Business the first item discussed was the staffing situation and what is being done to keep the doors open. The new Reference Librarian has been hired but still needs to move to Columbus before her orientation can start. The vacant Library Assistant I position is being advertised. Discussion speculated on how the budget for the part-time positions might be used should the budget be approved. As the computer lab had already been discussed during the Director’s Report portion of the agenda no further time was spent on it. In the New Business section of the agenda it was decided that the Director would check with the City on how to proceed with any building/physical plant maintenance concerns. Jim Schaefer and Carol Keller brought up their “Looking Forward” list. It was decided to separate what can be done immediately from the long-term projects. They will also separate the focus group suggestions by what is beyond our ability right now and what can be started on. The Director was asked to remind and encourage the staff to be smiling and welcoming when working with patrons…pay attention to our expressions and demeanor. After discussion, Joie Taylor voiced a motion that the staff be visually identified by some means, one idea being wearing name tags. Sharon Raimondo seconded. All voted “aye.” It was decided that a staff committee could have a say in the type/style of identification. This will be discussed at the August 29th staff meeting. The Director and the Library Board commended the staff on working so long in a short-handed capacity. Joie Taylor brought up the need to work on the Mission Statement. After discussion it was decided not to put this topic on the next agenda, but begin the revision process with a separate meeting at 6:00 PM September 17th to give it more attention. Meanwhile, each Board Member will come up with his or her own ideas to bring to the meeting. The Board will consider emailing Richard Miller of the Nebraska Library Commission to get his input. Craig Neid said that the Friends of the Library offered to do both a tenant study and breakdown regarding who uses the meeting rooms for what amount of time. We will then be able to show all the capacities and populations the library serves, and that CPL is functioning as a mulit-use facility for the community. Craig Neid excused himself. Joie Taylor brought up that down the road the Director needs to address professional growth with the staff. Jim Schaefer brought up security concerns in the context of some times of day there are only a few staff in a large building. If we get the three additional staff we can have someone upstairs at all times who can walk around and keep an eye on things. Other options include security cameras or volunteers who could randomly patrol on the nights PVLA isn’t upstairs. Joie Taylor volunteered to represent the Board at the Friends of the Library meeting August 19th. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Carol Keller and second by everyone. The “ayes” were unanimous. The meeting was adjourned, Respectfully submitted, Jill Owens Library Director