HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1980.12.16 BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES
DECEMBER 16th, 1980
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting of December 16th, 1980, was called to order by Chairman Nagle at 7:30pm.
ROLL CALL: Trustees Present: Chairman Nagle, Trustee Fricke, Trustee Parsons & Trustee Weatherbe
Trustees Absent: Trustee Hechinger
Also Present: Mrs. Kristine Cannon, Representing A.A.U.W.
Miss Adrian Cannon
John Cascone, Representing a Government Class from Capuchino High
School
Mrs. Joy Molder, Assistant City Librarian
BILLS: Special Fund checks in the amount of $1,973.14 were approved on a motion made by
Trustee Weatherbe, seconded by Trustee Parsons. Checks in the amount of $8,882.07
were approved on a motion made by Trustee Parsons, seconded by Trustee Weatherbe
and carried.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18th, 1980: Minutes of the meeting of November 18th, 1980 were
approved as written and ordered filed.
CORRESPONDENCE: Secretary Alice Fricke read a letter from Mr. Jean V. DeJardin complimenting the
Library Staff and the Shut-In Program for their fine service. She also read a
letter from Mrs. Sexton of the Garden Study Club of the Peninsula praising the book-
list prepared by Reference Librarian Barbara Rowe on "The Garden as Art". The Board
members expressed appreciation on hearing from people who were pleased with the
Library's services.
Secretary Fricke then read a letter written by Mrs. Bergsing to Mr. Ron Miller,
President of the Burlingame Lions Club. The letter was a "thank you" to the Lions
Club for their continuing support. Trustee Weatherbe asked about what the "Visio�-_— J
Bus" was that the Lions Club might provide for a day in front of the Library. Mrs.
Bergsing explained that it is a fully equipped van that goes from place-to-place
and provides free eye tests to anyone who wishes to participate. It is similar to
the chest x-ray mobile.
Finally, Mrs. Bergsing distributed a memo from the City Attorney to the Trustees
on the Brown Act. Discussion followed.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT: Chairman Nagle requested further information on the L.S.C.A. Grant that P.L.S. was
applying for on the "Planning Process for Public Libraries". Mrs. Bergsing explained
that this was a detailed study of the community involving conducting several surveys
collecting demographic information, and thoroughly analyzing as many aspects of life
in Burlingame as possible in order to set goals and objectivesfor future Library
planning. The Process has been developed in lieu of rigid numerical standards
previously used by the American Library Association to evaluate adequate library
service.
Kristine Cannon questioned what kind of library this study was for? Was it to
establish or build new libraries, or for those that were in trouble? She wondered
if it were possible to go through the entire process and find that the Library was
doing everything right? Mrs. Bergsing replied yes, this was possible, but, usually
there was always room for improvement. The major purpose of the Process, however,
was to help set realistic goals for the next five year period. Discussion followed.
Chairman Nagle expressed reservations about the time involved, and the necessity
for the Planning Process in Burlingame.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Update on Automated Circulation:
Trustee Fricke asked if there were any further developments regarding a consul-
tant to research the specifications for a shared Circulation System or San Mateo
City's proposed System. Mrs. Bergsing reported that she had spoken, that day, with
Jean Davis, the County Librarian, regarding the matter, and it appears that the City
of San Mateo may be willing to take a second look at the shared P.L.S. System as
well as their own proposed System. Mrs. Bergsing asked the Board to approve $250.00
€ADEm the Special Fund, if necessary, to join with the other P.L.S. libraries to
hire a consultant to compare the two proposed Systems. Since there are no written
specifications available for the San Mateo City System, it requires someone who
understands the computer language of the City's program. Mrs. Bergsing feels that
since so much money is involved, and because whatever San Mateo City decides to do
will definitely impact on Burlingame, that it seems very wise to get as much information
on the two Systems from an objective source. There is a qualified consultant available
in San Jose through C.L.A.S.S. (the California Library Authority for Systems and Services) .
This particular expert has been in charge of "bringing up" two on-line circulation systems
on the East Coast, she explained, and he has considerable practical as well as background
knowledge. After considerable discussion, Trustee Fricke moved that the City Librarian be
impowered, at her discretion, to contract with C.L.A.S.S. (in conjunction with the other
P.L.S. libraries) to hire a consultant to review and compare the two Systems for an amount
not to exceed $250.00. Trustee Parsons seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS: Report on the California Library Association Conference in Pasadena:
Trustee Fricke reported on her attendance at the C.L.A. Conference in Pasadena. She
said she had two roles, one as a "Friend of the Library" and one as a "Commissioner", so
it had proved to be very beneficial for her. She reported that one of the Trustees meetings
was aimed at "the role of the Trustee", and she had particularly like the point they made
about supporting the library staff.
She reminded the other Board embers that the American Library Association Conference
was going to be held in San Francisco on June 26th through July 4th, 1981, and to try and
attend some of the meetings that pertain to their roles as Trustees.
Trustee Fricke reported on another meeting she attended, where the principal speaker
was a woman from Security National Bank in charge of their Foundation program. She
stated that Security Pacific's grant budget in 1979 was 2-1/4 million dollars; in 1980,
2-3/4 million; and in 1981 they were projecting a figure of 3 million dollars for grants.
She explained the process of how one goes about applying for such a grant.
Alice told a little about her visits to the exhibits at the Conference and commented
particularly on two items that she had seen. First, she described a portable Microfiche
Reader that a patron could check out and take home and use, rather than spending long hours
at the stationary reader in the Library. She explained that it is a very small unit, with
a light, that can be comfortably transported to and from the Library. Chairman Nagle
requested that Mrs. Bergsing look into the possibilities of purchasing one for the Library.
Trustees Parsons requested that in the investigation, to be sure and check on the costs
and 4requency of repairs.
Trustee Fricke also described another new service available called "The Source".
Through a terminal such as the one currently in use in the Cataloging Department, the
Library can access such databases as the U.P.I. Wire Service, the stock market reports,
the New York Times News Summaries, weather reports, etc. She said she realized that it
would be a luxury to have such a service, but she was amazed as to what was available
and the almost limitless possibilities.
Trip To Roseville To Look At Their Automated Circulation:
Librarian Bergsing asked if the Board members wanted her to arrange a trip to Rose-
ville to observe their automated circulation system. Several Trustees expressed interest
depending on when the trip was scheduled. Mrs. Bergsing stated that she would check
further and report back on possible dates.
Miscellaneous:
Trustee Weatherbe asked about the annual staff Christmas party. Mrs. Bergsing
explained that because of the C.L.A. Conference, there had not been time to arrange a party
this year, and that the staff was tentatively planning on having a get-together sometime in
the Spring.
Chairman Nagle asked that the minutes reflect that the Branch circulation statistics
were up again.
Librarian Bergsing asked if the Board would approve the purchase of a "Model D," I.B.M.
reconditioned typewriter for the Circulation office. The typewriter currently in use can
no longer be repaired as parts are no longer available. Trustee Fricke made a motion that
the Library purchase the typewriter out of the Special Fund for $495.00 plus tax and
another $70.00 for a card platen. Trustee Weatherbe seconded the motion and it carried
unanimously.
Mrs. Bergsing stated that she and Mrs. Molder were going to check on mail systems at
Peninsula Office Supply on Wednesday. ' She stated that if they can find a suitable system,
she may ask the Board for funds to purchase it. She still isn't sure about prices or what
options are available, but she will keep them informed.
Trustee Nagle commented on the meetings and the large attendance for the month of
November in the Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm with the next meetings scheduled for January 20th, 1981
at 7:30pm in the California Room. Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Bergsing PB/jg
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