The monthly meeting of the Board of the St. Louis County Library District was held at the Grand Glaize Branch, 1010 Meramec Station Road, St. Louis, MO, 63021, on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. The agenda had been posted in all branches of the Library District at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Library Board Members
Jean Weinstock, President
Lynn Beckwith, Vice President
Kenneth Stricker, Treasurer
Edith Cunnane, Member
Chingling Tai, was not able to attend.Others Attending
Charles Pace, Director; Gary Holdefer, Associate Director and Comptroller; Darold Crotzer, Crotzer, Ford & Ormsby Counsel; Barbara Brain, Assistant Director for Neighborhood Services; Kristen Sorth, Manager, Human Resources; Marie Conlin, Library Planner; Pat Woodward, Manager, Grand Glaize Branch; Jennifer Jung, Supervisor, Grand Glaize Branch; Jennifer Samson, St. Louis County Government; Bob Rohlf, Planning Consultant; and Sandra Williams, Executive Assistant and Friends Coordinator.
The MINUTES, dated Monday, September 17, 2007, were approved by general consent. Lynn Beckwith asked that the Library Director’s goals appear continually in the monthly Board material for future reference (Beckwith/Stricker).
The Minutes, dated Monday, September 17, 2007, were approved by general consent. Lynn Beckwith asked that the Library Director's goals appear continually in the monthly Board material for future reference (Beckwith/Stricker).
The Treasurer’s Report dated September 30 was approved subject to audit (Beckwith/Cunnane). Mr. Holdefer reported that all major budgeted projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Customer Serivce Issues– Mr. Pace reported that additional non-specific complaints regarding teen materials were received concerning Tesson Ferry Branch. The individuals complaining were directed to complete a reconsideration of materials form for each item that they would like to see reviewed. To date none of them has done so. Mr. Pace also distributed a memo report detailing the 17 items previously challenged by Ms. Kostial, a patron.
Major Author Events– Mr. Pace reported that author John Dean visited the library to an enthusiastic crowd on September 20. The event was moderated by KMOX radio host Charlie Brennan.
On September 27 the Library Foundation sponsored a preview showing of the new film based on the book “The Kite Runner”. Mr. Pace commented on the excellence of the film and reported on the discussion that followed with him serving as moderator.
The Big Read was held in Clayton on Saturday, October 6. Mr. Pace reported that he attended some of the events. About ten Library workers volunteered to staff a booth promoting memberships to the Friends organization. The event featured the new Boeing Bookmobile and included tours.
Facilities – Mr. Pace reported that the lack of HVAC at the Thornhill Branch was a major problem during this month and resulted in several occasions upon which the library had to close early. The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Strategic Planning – Mr. Pace announced that Marie Conlin would present planning information for Board approval. Mr. Bob Rohlf, planning consultant, will also discuss the work that has been done so far.
Bob Rohlf, the lead consultant gave a report. His associates gathered much data, compared standards with other libraries of similar size, conducted focus groups and interviewed key staff. He said the next step is to work with staff to develop objectives. So far, results indicate that SLCL spends $33.90 per average square foot per capita. Similar libraries spend $59.
Staff – Mr. Pace announced that Assistant Director George Durnell has decided to retire after some thirty six years of service. We will conduct a national search for a replacement and expect to have someone in place by next spring. I would like to take this opportunity to thank George for his years of service and to wish him well in his future endeavors.
Upcoming Events – Best selling author Hampton Sides will be at the library on October 17 to discuss his new book “Blood and Thunder”. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the library auditorium.
Used Book Sale - On November 2-3 the Headquarters Branch will be having its first ever annual book sale. A tremendous number of books have been donated as well as many items that have been weeded from our own collection. We are looking forward to a successful event.
MISSOURI LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE- Mr. Pace reported that he attended the MLA conference in Springfield, MO on Oct. 3 and 4.
County Liaison – Mr. Pace introduced Jennifer Samson, who has replaced Tom Curran in the County Executive’s office.
Circulation Policy – Barbara Brain, Assistant Director for Neighborhood Services, gave a recap of the policies being reviewed. Fines would be increased from 10 cent to 15 cent per day with a maximum of $5 or cost of the item on 14 day loans. Items less than 14 days would have no increase. There is a 6 day grace period proposed for 14 days items only. A proposal for changing a handling fee of $5 for each refund was also discussed. All changes have detailed stipulations and would be posted for patron review. They would take effect in January of 2008.
The Board approved the change in the Circulation policy with the stipulation that the grace period must be reviewed after a six month period. Changes to the policy will be made into signs and posted on the website to notify patrons of changes (Stricker/Cunnane).
Strategic Plan – Marie Conlin gave an overview of the planning activities to date. She presented potential mission, vision, value statements and strategic goals for the next five years. The Board selected and approved the following statements (Beckwith/Stricker).
Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Louis County Library District is to provide the resources and services to enrich individual minds, enhance lives and expand perspectives.
Vision Statement
The St. Louis County Library District Staff, Board and Community envision a future in which:
every person can enjoy an intellectually and culturally rich life
our community celebrates and appreciates its diversity
our staff find value in their contribution to our mission
our facilities will be welcoming and comfortable spaces
Values and Goals
At St. Louis County Library we value:
Intellectual freedom and confidentiality of customers’ use of the library
Well-trained, knowledgeable, courteous and professional staff
Vital, relevant and effective library services
Responsible stewardship of the public funds
Diversity and the different perspectives that strengthen our community and library
Partnerships that contribute to the library goals
New methods of information delivery
Outreach to customers beyond the walls of our physical facilities
Because of these values, we have developed the following goals to guide us through the next five years of service to our community.
Celebrate diversity
Community diversity will be fully integrated into library services and programs in a language and format which meets their diverse needs.Visit a comfortable place
Library users of all ages will have friendly, inviting, safe facilities which are accessible physically and virtually.Connect to the online world
Residents of all ages will have reliable, leading edge technology to support the vision of the library, making its resources accessible to the community.Encourage and support young readers
Children of all ages will have programs and services designed to develop a love of books, reading, writing and learning to ensure school readiness.Stimulate Imagination/Satisfy Curiosity
Residents of all ages will have materials and programs that excite their imagination, satisfy curiosity and provide pleasurable reading, viewing and listening experiences in pursuit of lifelong learning.Information fluency
Residents of all ages will have the skills to search for, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information to meet their needs.
Insurance Brokerage Services - The Board approved AJ Gallagher & Co. to provide insurance brokerage for the Library (Beckwith/Cunnane).
Pension Board – The Board appointed Dr. Lynn Beckwith as the representative to serve on the Pension Board (Stricker/Cunnane).
Foundation Board – The Board approved the recommendation of the Foundation Board Nominating Committee to appoint Arthur T. Morey and Doug McCoy as members of the Foundation Board (Stricker/Beckwith).
Kenneth Stricker moved that the open meeting adjourn and the Board reconvene in closed session pursuant to Section 610.021 subsection (1), (2), (3), (9), (11), (12), (13) and (14) to discuss matters relating to legal actions, causes of action or litigation; property acquisition or sale and any personnel matters involving hiring, firing, discipline and promotion. Dr. Beckwith seconded the motion. All approved by individual voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________________________ __________________
Chingling Tai
Date
Secretary