02-08-1988 (Library) Agenda Packet DATE POSTED 2-5-88 TIME POSTED 6: 16 P. M. AGENDA LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1988 6:30 P. M. RITA AND TRUETT SMITH LIBRARY WORKROOM CALL TO ORDER ORDER OF PAGE BUSINESS REFERENCE BUSINESS 1 1 - 5 Consider approval of minutes 2 Oral Presentation by Elizabeth Crabb, representative from Nettles, on the guidelines for volunteer program 3 General Discussion 4 Adjourn CALLED LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 1988 The City of Wylie Library Board met in a called session on Thursday, January 28, 1988 at 6 : 30 P.M. A quorum was present and notice of the meeting had been posted in the time and manner required by law. Those present were Vice Chairman Pat Zimmerman, Members Rita Smith, Judy Lippe, Carol Barry, and Betty Stephens, City Manager John Pitstick, City Secretary Carolyn Jones. Chairman Robert Fultz and Mrs. Mary Jo Smith were absent . Vice Chairman Pat Zimmerman called the meeting to order . Vice Chairman Pat Zimmerman recessed the open meeting and convened the board into executive session at 6L40 P.M. under Article 6252-17 V.A.C.S. , Section 2 paragraph "g" personnel matters - regarding the lay-off of two employees and reorganization of volunteer workers. Vice Chairman Pat Zimmerman reconvened the board into open session at 7 :42 P. M. GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARY AND VOLUNTEER WORKERS: Mrs . Rita Smith said her ideal is to have a librarian with a Master Degree, that the library can not operate without this, and that this person would organize the volunteer program. The Library needs a full time MLS librarian. Mrs. Betty Stephens said the credibility of the Library would be affected with anything less than a MLS degree. Mrs. Stephens also said the board should meet with this person and set up the guidelines for the volunteers. Mrs. Rita Smith said should live in the City. Mrs . Betty Stephens said should have good public relation skills. Mrs. Rita Smith suggested that each board member call the Mayor and Council and let them know what this board wanted for the Library. Mrs. Betty Stephens said to close the Library until we find the right person who resides in our City. TRAINING SESSION FOR VOLUNTEER WORKS: The board decided to table this item until after the person was hired to operate the Library. City Manager John Pitstick said whatever happens, staff will keep an active list of volunteers. Motion was made by Mrs . Rita Smith to adjourn with all in favor. Pat Zimmerman, Vice Chairman Respectfully Submitted, Carolyn Jones , City Secretary o1 CALLED LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 23, 1988 The Library Board met in a called meeting on Saturday, January 23 , 1988 at 1:00 P.M. A quorum was present and notice of the meeting had been posted in the time and manner required by law. Those present were Chairman Robert Fultz , Members Pat Zimmerman, Carol Barry, Rita Smith, and Betty Stephens, City Manager John Pitstick, City Secretary Carolyn Jones. Mrs . Joan Lippe and Mary Jo Smith were absent. Chairman Fultz called the meeting to order . DISCUSSION OF BUDGET RESTRICTIONS AS AFFECTED BY ROLLBACK: City Manager John Pitstick presented the current years budget for Library - $62 ,000 . The problem facing the library is a money problem from the City stand point but a community service from the boards stand point. In looking at the budget and the cuts, staff recommended to Council was the two librarians. These two have been told they would be part of the lay-off. As of February 2 , no books will be checked out . We need to look at the level of service needed. Today, we have a professional librarian that runs the library. There is also funds being received from Nettles and the County. A professional librarian is one who holds a Masters Degree in Library Science. A qualified librarian is one who is recongized by the State by a certificate issued for the serving of a certain number of hours worked in a library. The qualifications for keeping the funding from Nettles and County is to keep the library open twenty (20) hours per week. City Manager John Pitstick said he was concerned about the type service we would be getting on this twenty (20) hours plus volunteers. City Manager John Pitstick also said he felt Council would fund a qualified librarian for twenty (20) hours per week. City Manager John Pitstick said he would be willing to recommend to Council to hire a certified librarian for twenty (20) hours per week to the Council . City Manager John Pitstick also said it is now time to get the community support that staff needs in order to maintain the library. If the board so wishes, the staff can put together a nice reception and invite the teaches, PTA leaders and citizens and get the support that is needed . Mr. Tom Mayes wanted to know on salaries , line items 1110 and 1150 . City Manager John Pitstick said there are two people, one is out of the executive salaries and one out of the regular salaries. 3 Chairman Fultz wanted to know if staff could get volunteer help from a qualified librarian, could we use the salary for a person to help this librarian. Mrs. Rita Smith said that we needed to work on the community support and look at our attitude. Mrs. Betty Stephens said in looking at the survey results, I do not believe the people wanted to close the library. City Manager John Pitstick said he did not believe this either , and that he would do everything he could to keep the library open. Mrs. Rita Smith said we need someone that lives in the City and will be dedicated to the City and Library. Chairman Fultz wanted to know if we could get a librarian without the benefits . City Manager John Pitstick said yes , staff could get a part time person without benefits. City Manager John Pitstick said let him recommends to Council for a part time qualified librarian to work twenty (20) hours per week. Let the Library Board interview each person that applies. City Manager John Pitstick also said the board would need to set up guidelines and have training session for all volunteers that are used . City Manager John Pitstick also stated that there was government in training money available if the people chosen were between the ages of 18 and 20 years old and are working on a library degree. . Chairman Fultz wanted to know if Council can budget a salary and leave it open ended as to who receives the pay. City Manger John Pitstick said the best staff could recommend would be to try and hire a part time certified librarian. Mrs. Rita Smith suggested we reopen with a tea and promote our Library and Friends of the Library. Chairman Fultz called another board meeting for Thursday, January 28, 1988 at 6:30 P.M. Mrs. Betty Stephens said she felt it was a shame that this has occurred. Mrs . Rita Smith said yes , but maybe it has opened our eyes. Mrs. Betty Stephens wanted to know if she could read the letter from the Principle of Middle School , Mr. Bob McAdams. "Dear Mr . & Mrs. Smith: On behalf of the Wylie Middle School staff , I wish you to know that our support and prayers are with you through out this time when some in our Community have been less than than kind to you concerning the status of our City Library. Many of us who are relatively new in the area have not gotten to know you personally, or have seen all the positive things you have done for Wylie. Others of us who have been here speak well I of your contributions to our City, our Schools and individuals as needs presented itself. It is regrettable that your generous gift in promoting our City Library program is something our citizens and especially children can take advantage of has become such a political issue. We want both of you to know that our thoughts are with you. We thank you for your giving spirits and hope every soon that all controversy will be over . Sincerely, J . R. McAdams . ' After some length of discussion on keeping the library open with a qualified librarian, a motion was by Rita Smith to adjourn, with all in favor. Robert Fultz , Chairman Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Jones , City Secretary