Mae S. Bruce Library

Library Advisory Board Meeting

Minutes of April 1, 2004 Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 6:42pm. The following board members were present: 

Library Director Brenda B. Cheatham was also.

The minutes of January 15 were read.  Barbara made a motion to approve the minutes and the motion was seconded by Jack.

Member’s Report/ Old Business

1.      There were several questions and comments regarding the reduction of Board Members request.  Brenda presented this request at the January meeting in which we all approved a reduction to 5 Board members.  Lark asked if the number can be increased in the future if and when the need arises.  Brenda assured her that the procedure would be the same and she didn’t foresee any problems.

2.      We reviewed the City Ordinance that is required to change the number of Board Members.  Brenda emphasized that this change is not to get anyone to resign.  It is simply so that we can reduce the quorum number so that more items can get accomplished.

3.      Brenda will contact those members whose terms are up this July.  Lee brought up a good idea of including an alternate, like a proxy vote.  Brenda will discuss this with the city and also include an effective date on the new City Ordinance.

Director’s Report

Director Brenda Cheatham discussed the following items with the board members. 

1.                  The staff desks have been dispersed throughout the Library as well as some rearranging.  The internet computers have been moved to the mural wall near the Computer Specialist’s desk.  The Children’s Librarian’s desk was moved to the children’s area.  The Reference Specialist’s desk is now in the Reference area.  These changes make the staff more accessible and have been very successful.

2.                  Paula Walker, the Reference Specialist has resigned.  Brenda has already posted the position opening.

3.                  Brenda sent the staff to the intellectual freedom workshop.  It was very educational.

4.                  A request was made to acquire a pet for the library, specifically a cat.  We discussed many things that need to be considered, such as liability, cage, and patrons with allergies.  Lark suggested we think about it further and discuss it more that the next meeting.

New Business

1.                  Heritage Festival is coming up.  Jack said it will be September 11^th.  We do plan to have our annual book sale.  At the July meeting, we will discuss all the previous ideas and finalize our plans.

2.                  Brenda presented a Technology Plan that DeAnna has created.  It simply states the libraries projected needs for the next few years.  Lark requested that it also include some price ranges.

3.                  The library finally has a web page.  The site is www.maebrucelibrary.org .  It should be up in a few days.  The library will be its own webmaster.  The server will be off-site.  The library’s catalog will be accessible from this web page in the near future.

4.                  Brenda will have Advisory Board By-Laws by the July meeting for us to review.

5.                  The audio books will be down sized.  The cassettes take up too much room on the shelves.  They will be replaced with CDs.

6.                  DeAnna is applying for some grants to add at least 2 new computers and possibly a wireless hub since there is no more room for computer workstations.

7.                  A new fire alarm system is being installed.  The old system has not worked since November.  The new alarm will be on a radio signal and allow for faster response time.  It is a $2700 cost that will be covered by the city budget.  The monthly fee of $55 will be included in the library annual budget.

Adjournment

The motion to adjourn was made by Jack and seconded by Lark.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:52pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2004 at 6:30 pm.