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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1978.01.17 BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES January 17, 1978 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Chairman Hechinger at 4:30 P.M. on January 17, 1978. ROLL CALL: Trustees Present: Trustee Hechinger, Trustee Lynes, Trustee DeMartini, Trustee Cohendet Trustees Absent: Trustee Phelan (excused by the Board due to a family emergency) BILLS: Warrants in the amount of $4,800.03 were approved for payment on a motion by Trustee Cohendet, seconded by Trustee DeMartini, and carried by those trustees present. Special Fund bilss totaling $314.49 were paid on a motion by Trustee DeMartini, seconded by Trustee Cohendet. DEMONSTRATION OF THE CUMPUTERIZED COMMUNITY INFORMATION FILE by Sue Reiterman. MINUTES: Minutes of the meeting of December 20, 1977 were approved and ordered filed. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT: Fees & Fines: Mrs. Bergsing elaborated on her report on the P.L.S. Board of Directors meeting on fines and fees. She stated that the San Mateo County Librarian agreed in principle to the 5¢ fine, but felt because of restricted revenue that the County Library would not be able to reduce fines. The Menlo Park librarian was not present at the meeting and since she represents the other library in the system charging 10� per day for overdue adult books, her point of view was missed. Chairman Hechinger commented that the meeting had not resolved the question, but he still felt that standardization would be a good idea. Trustee Cohendet inquired if Mrs. Elaine White, the patron who had raised the issue, had been informed about the steps the Board was taking. Mrs. Bergsing said that she had been notified. Trustee Lynes suggested that a questionnaire or a survey form be written and sent out to each of the libraries asking what fines and fees, loan periods, and renewals etc. they preferred. Mrs. Bergsing said she would relay that request to the System Coordinater. The matter wad tabled tem- poratily until more information could be gathered. The P.L.S. Board intends to continue discussing the problem, the City Librarian reported, so she will report further at a later date. Joint Meeting of all Trustees: The Chairman of the P.L.S. Board, Mr. Chandler from Daly City, is very anxious to have a meeting of all the Trustees covering a broad range of matters, Mrs. Bergsing stated. However, there are a number of issues to be decided before that can take place. Trustee Lynes suggested a committee to set up an agenda, before holding a gneeral meeting. After discussion about possible topics for the agenda, Mrs. Bergsing stated she would inform the P.L.S. Board about Burlingame's interests and concerns regarding such a meeting. Security System: Discussion was held on moving the screens further away from the front door and moving the circulation desk back. Trustee DeMartini asked if another activate/deactivate unit would be necessary. Mrs. Bergsing replied that it might be, but it was still too early to tell. It is also possible to recess the unit or units into the desk and that would be another consideration. Mrs. Bergsing informed the Board that Mrs. Molder and she were meeting with the circulation desk assistants later in the week to hear what problems they were experiencing with the system, and if they had any suggestions regarding the need for added units, change of location etc. At that time, she expressed hope that she could allay fears from the staff regarding the safety of the system. Library Board Minutes January 17, 1978 Page Two Mrs. Molder informed the Board that there had been very few complaints from the public, but some apprehension from the staff. Parkin : There was discussion about the increased difficulty of finding short-term parking around the library. Everyone agreed that it was a growing problem, and the City Librarian said she would keep them informed'on any actions the Traffic, Safety nad Parking Commission or the City Council were considering. Maintenance: Chairman Hechinger inquired about the leaks from the recent storms. Mrs. Bergsing reported that she was waiting for an estimate on the cost of roof repairs from the roofing company. However, the company was literally swamped with work because of the heavy rains, and some delay was likely. City Documents: At the monthly meeting of City Department Heads, the City Librarian reported that she had requested at least two copies of all important city documents be sent to the library for circulation to the public. This suggestion received a positive response from the Departments repre- sented. We hope this will solve the problem and make it possible to give more complete and up to date information to the citizens of Burlingame. CORRESPONDENCE: None NEW BUSINESS: Analysis of the Community: As part of an overall plan to give better service to all residents of Burlingame, the City Librarian explained that the Library staff will be working on an analysis of the community and on developing a "community profile". She pointed out that the City is changing and the library needs to keep pace with those changes. We need to have clear goals and objectives, and decide whether we wish to continue all the services we are presently offering or substitute new ones. As an example, Mrs. Bergsing pointed out the growing number of "senior citizens" and the declining number of school children. Another example is the service we are offering to the business community, and what we could offer if we discover a greater need or change our priorities. Trustee Lynes stated that a suggestion box might be used for the purpose of obtaining public views on library services. Chairman Hehcinger suggested that the local newspaper might publish a ques- tionnaire. Everyone agreed that both options had possibilities depending on how they were handled. Mrs. Bergsing mentioned that realigning or changing our services might lead to changes in the physi- cal location of various departments in the building, but she would report more on that at a later date. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 P.M. and the Board agreed to hold the next Board meeting at the Easton Branch on February 21, 1978, at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia M. Bergsing �?� Clerk of the Board PMB:jo