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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1977.11.15 BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES November 15, 1977 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Chairman Hehcinger at 4:30 P.M. on November 15, 1977. ROLL CALL: Trustees Present: Trustee Hechinger, Trustee Lynes, Trustee Phelan Trustees Absent: Trustee DeMartini, Trustee Choehdat (both excused by Board for business reasons) BILLS: Warrants in the amount of $8,759.44 were approved for payment on a motion by Trustee Phelan, sec- onded by Trustee Lynes, and carried by those trustees present. Special Fund bills totaling $521.61 were paid on a motion by Trustee Lynes, seconded by Trustee Phelan. MINUTES: Minutes of the meeting of October 18, 1977 were approved and ordered filed. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT: Security System: Chairman Hechinger commented favorably on the reduction in price because of the publicity value to the company in having an installation on the West Coast. Mrs. Bergsing informed the Board that the system would be installed on December 15 immediately after the California Li- rary Association Convention. She also stated that the first 10,000 tags had arrived and the remain- ing 40,000 would be coming within the next week or two. A full crew of students are scheduled to begin installing tags on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. There was discussion about notifying the public about the new system and the Librarian and Board agreed that an article should be sent to the local newspapers and some kind of notice posted in the library. Mrs. Molder, the Assistant Librarian, is in charge of training the staff in the use of the system. There was brief discussion about the lower loss rate at the Branch library and there being no apparent need for a security system there at this time. Fines and Fees: Considerable discussion was held on the problem of overdue fines, maximum fines, loan periods and San Mateo Public Library's automatic renewal. The City Librarian pointed out that the implications of the report on delinquent accounts seemed to be that the 10Q fine hastened the return of books when they were slightly overdue, but slowed the process when the books were long overdue. She also stated that the amount spent on salaries had increased from $799 to $1 ,379 for the same periods because the number of overdue accounts had doubled. Mrs. Bergsing reported that she had spoken with the San Mateo City Librarian regarding their overdue fines, and he said the San Mateo Library Board had tabled the matter, and apparently did not intend to change their fines at this time. Trustee Lynes asked Mrs. Bergsing what her opinion was. She stated that she was opposed to the 10¢ fine because she did not believe it speeded the return of materials, and in fact as the report showed, it had the opposite effect. Also, it cost more to administer. The Board discussed the many different policies and procedures currently practiced in the other libraries in the Peninsula Library System and then decided to write the PLS Board and ask them to consider the problem and try to recommend some uniform circulation policies for all the libraries. They agreed to delay any action until they heard from the System. Service to Hillsborough: The Board commented on the increase in use of the library by Hillsborough residents. The Librarian reported that she had spoken with Bob Davidson, the Hillsborough City Manager, and that he was hoping to begin discussion of a new contract shortly after the first of the year. LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES November 15, 1977 Page Two Parking: Chairman Hechinger suggested that when the recommendations from the Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission come before the City Council, that the Library Board should be there to represent the interest and concerns of the Library. Everyone agreed. California Room: Mrs. Bergsing reported that both the table and the locked cases should be here very soon. Comparative Statistics: The table showing the comparative statistics of the eight libraries in PLS was more fully explained by Mrs. Bergsing. Trustee Phelan commented on how exceptionally well Burlingame compared with all the others. Everyone agreed that the figures showed the strong support this city has always given the library. Personnel: Trustee Lynes asked how many applications had been received for the Library Assistant II examination. Mrs. Molder replied that 40 applicants had applied, but only 34 met the require- ments and would therefore be eligible to take the written exam on November 19th. Future Board Meetings: The Board commented favorably on the tour of the Reference Department planned for the December meeting. Mr. Hechinger also suggested another meeting be held at the Branch library before too long. Capital Improvement Program 1978 - 1983: The Librarian reported that the staff had met and dis- cussed possible capital improvements, and their major concern was the parking problem. Mrs. Berg- sing then talked to the City Engineer, Ralph Kickup, and he suggested that the library write a letter defining the problems and suggesting possible solutions, but he recommended against trying to complete a capital improvement proposal for parking this year. He felt this would be next to impossible to put together an accurate financial picture in so short a time. Also, it was very likely that if such a proposal were made at a later date, it might come from the Public Works De- partment or in conjuction with other city or business parking proposals. Mrs. Bergsing mentioned that computerizing some of the library's operations was another possible capital project for a later date, but not this year. Discussion was held on a possible Branch for Mills Estate. However, everyone agreed that the cost was too high, and there was little evident demand. The discussion concluded with all the Board agreeing that the library would not submit any capital project proposals this year, but would begin to think of needs for the next few years immediately. The Librarian stated that the staff was already working on a list of needed items and suggested physical changes or rearrangements within the existing facilities to improve services. Annual Report: The Library's first annual report printed for distribution was passed out to each Board Member. There were questions and comments on some of the figures. In general, there was a feeling that it might be a good public relations item. Community Room: Trustee Lynes asked about use of the Community Room. Mrs. Bergsing replied that the demand had increased to such an extent that the rules needed to be revised and updated to be more consistent and equitable to all groups. When she had the proposed changes ready, she would bring them to the Board for approval. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 P.M. with the next Board meeting scheduled for December 20, 1977, at 4L30 P.M. Respectfully submitte , Patricia M. Bergs 4g Clerk of the Board !!!�// PMB:jo