TRUSTEE BOARD MEETING

Minutes

February 15, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm by Blaine Robertson, chairman of the board. Board members present were Blaine Robertson, Lee Anne Kinghorn, Tricia Galer, Roger Jackson, and Judy Dewey, secretary.

There having been no meeting in January, due to lack of a quorum, there were no minutes to approve.

The bills were approved by acclamation, and the checks paying the bills were signed.

The first order of business was a patron of the library, Sharon Schwab, asking the board to change the policy regarding the necessity of having one’s library card in order to check out materials. She suggested that patrons be required to pay $25 for a card, which would then give them the privilege of not having to use their card to check out materials. The board responded that the library is funded by property taxes which are paid by the patrons and the library is not allowed to then turn around and charge patrons more for a library card. She also wanted to know if the library has a mission statement. Blaine responded that we are in the process of working on this, as well as a policy manual.

A discussion was held as to why patrons need their cards to check out. Cards are easily and quickly scanned in one step. To use a picture identification, requires the following steps: 1) picture ID must be verified; 2) appropriate screen must be brought up on the computer; 3) clerk must type in the patron’s name; 4) a list appears and the correct name must be selected. That’s four steps versus one. It would significantly slow down checking out if we were to allow patrons to use a picture ID when they don’t have their card with them.

The other order of business was a presentation by the library director of information about a Radio Frequency Identification system the staff is recommending the library purchase. The purpose of the system is to improve service to our patrons, speed checkout, facilitate inventory and shelf reading, and provide a security system.

The board watched a DVD from 3M Library Systems demonstrating how the system works. Questions regarding impact the system would have on the library were discussed. Library usage has increased dramatically in the last five years. Number of personnel and hours worked has not kept pace. An RFID system would allow staff to serve the public better without increasing the number of staff.

The cost is substantial: $125,000, which is the same as paying two more half-time clerks’ salaries for the next five years.

Blaine brought a printout of an online article regarding RFID and cell phones. Judy was asked to ask the 3M sales representative about this issue.

Roger made the motion to table a decision until the next meeting. When asked what time frame she was considering, Judy replied we need to get it installed and functioning before summer reading or more personnel will need to be hired. Because several of our pages will be graduating and others will be gone for the summer, we will need either the RFID system or more employees. The board approved Roger’s motion.

Considering Sharon Schwab’s comments, Lee Anne made the suggestion that perhaps if a patron doesn’t have their card, they could pay $1.00 to check out without the card. The board will discuss this at the next meeting. Judy will discuss the issue with the staff to get their response and suggestions.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm.

Blaine Robertson, Chair of the Board                 Judith M. Dewey, Secretary

E:\Board Meeting Minutes\Minutes - Feb 15 2006.wpd