JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
May 20, 2010

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday May 20, 2010 in the Archive Room.   Present were Dennis Scheussler, Ellen Jessen, Taena Fowler, Steve Scott, Shirley Weuve, Alex Johnston,  Heather Schmitz,  Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

Ellen Jessen moved approval of the minutes.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

• Thank you notes were received from Alysia Peich, State Library of Iowa, expressing appreciation for the helpfulness of library staff during times the State Library has used the meeting room and from a customer for use of the Library’s themed cake pans.
• 3rd graders from a Johnston elementary wrote letters to various city departments and responses were sent in answer to specific library questions.
• Comments from the Suggestion Box included suggestions for more Greek myths and faster computers.

Meeting Minutes

Ellen Jessen moved approval of the minutes.   Taena Fowler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library bills for the month total $23,106.52 with city back charges of $4,955.77.  Ellen Jessen moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Staff Evaluation Report and Compensation Approval

The evaluation process has been completed with all staff meeting and/or exceeding expectations.  Ellen Jessen moved to approve a 3% pay increase for all staff.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Nominations of Board Officers for FY10/11:

A slate of officers was presented: President – Shirley Weuve, Vice President – Taena Fowler, Secretary – Dennis Scheussler.   Ellen Jessen moved to approve the nominations as presented.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Interlibrary Loan Agreement

Ellen Jessen moved to approve the annual ILL contract with the Central Iowa Library Service Area for reimbursement of costs for placing requests on the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Subsystem at $1.50 per request.   The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of April 30, 2010, total expenditures were $863,234.76.  With 83.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 81.72% of the operating budget.
• As of April 30, 2010, assets in the Library Trust totaled $44,691.50.
• The Final budget amendment for FY09/10 was approved at the May 17 Council meeting.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 12% over last April.  Overall, circulation of the Adult collection increased 5% and Juvenile/YA increased 19%.  Especially noteworthy were increases in specific collections: Juvenile nonfiction 39%, Juvenile fiction 22%, YA Fiction 33%, Readers 22.5%, Juvenile Paperbacks 25%, YA Paperbacks 31%, Juvenile CD Books 46% and Juvenile movies 18%.  YS staff to be commended for effort to update collection.
• Recorded customer assistance increased by 57%.  The increase was partially due to more consistent recording and partially due to a higher demand for customer services.
• Willona presented the State Public Library Statistics providing statistical comparisons with other libraries in our size category.

Library Board Appointees

• Interviews were completed, recommendations made and Alexandra Johnston and Heather Schmitz were approved by the City Council as new Library Board trustees effective July 1, 2010.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Window washing and caulking repairs on sidewalks and the foundation have been scheduled.
• Two interior cameras were replaced this month.
• The Parks Department will begin planting some new trees around the building.  One from the Boy Scouts and another from the Women’s Garden Club will be planted on the west side; additional trees will also be planted on the east side.
• The annual boiler inspection was completed in May.
• A leak around the north windows in the Youth Services area appeared again during last week’s heavy rains.  Public Works staff will seal the caulking in this area.
• A cracked mirror in women’s restroom will be replaced with two individual mirrors rather than a single piece. 
• Drip problems with the public water fountains continue; Public Works staff is seeking a solution.
• Acid wash of the outside precast is to be completed prior to Green Days.

Programs:

• Approximately 450 6th graders enjoyed the ‘Visions of the Universe’ field trip to the Library.  A grant from the “Iowa Space Grant Consortium” subsidized the cost of the portable planetarium.
• ‘Visions of the Universe’ programming continues; the next major program will be May 26 when the Library hosts an astronomy career night followed by stargazing of the night sky.
• 101 participants enjoyed the ‘Johnston Bicycle Roundup’ on May 15.  The event was co-sponsored by the Library, Johnston Police and Public Works departments, Johnston Community Education and the Partnership for a Healthy Community.
• Youth Services staff is preparing for the Summer Reading Program with school visits beginning on May 21.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The Johnston Library website has been converted so all editing is now immediate rather than waiting for a scheduled batch process.
• This year’s Symantec virus protection software was purchased at a reduced rate allowing those budget dollars to be redirected to materials purchasing.

Staff & Training Update:

• Several staff members participated in classes and forums sponsored by CILSA.
• Rita Samuelson attended an interlibrary loan conference.  Maurine attended a SIRSI User’s Group meeting and will also attend the OCLC User’s Group.
• Planning is underway for the next computer lab opportunity which is scheduled for late June/early July.

Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:

• A staff contingent from Cedar Rapids Public Library visited May 7 to look at the building and gather ideas for their new building.
• Willona and Maurine met May 11 with the Urbandale Library Director and Assistant Director for a quarterly meeting to discuss items of mutual interest.
• Library staff continues monthly meetings with the Johnston Police Dept. and Johnston Community Education to work on cooperative marketing and programming options.
• Willona attended a reception honoring Sarah Wessling, 2010 National Teacher of the Year.
• Preparations for Green Days are underway.  The Library will be the central focal site for many activities:  Police Dept Kid Pix, Lions Club Vision Check, Movie Night at the Library, Crafts, Magician, Art show, 5K run and Walk for Sight both start and end here.

Foundation Report

• Willona and Maurine attended the May Lions Club meeting and expressed the Library’s appreciation for the generous donation from the Lions Book Sale.
• The Library Friends are assisting with craft preparation for Green Days and will also help staff the Green Days ‘craft tables on Saturday June 19.

Other Business

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be Monday June 21 at 5:30 pm in the Library’s East Meeting room.

Adjournment

There being no further Trustee Comments or Other Business, Ellen Jessen moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:17 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last update: June 22, 2010