HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-02-16; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesMINUTES
Meeting of:
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 16, 1983
3:00 p.m.
Library Conference Room
TRUSTEES
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Schramm at
3:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present - Trustees Schramm, Falkenstein, Brunn, and Trigas
Absent - Trustee Grosse
Also present were:
Clifford Lange, Library Director
Council Liaison Claude Lewis
Laurie Boone, President, Friends of the Carlsbad
City Library
Caroline Schindler, Serra Advisory Board Member
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 19, 1983, were
approved as presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Youth
Trustee Falkenstein reported on the children's activities
and the special programs held at the Library during the
month of January, 1983, commenting especially on the
display of antique toys by a local collector and a program
where children ages 6 to 16 played Suzuki strings. January
was a record-breaking month with 20 classes and over 200
students; with special tours for the handicapped. The
February Newsletter was distributed to the Board.
OLD BUSINESS:
Building and Grounds
Director Lange reported the children's addition is going
up. The steel work is completed, but work is still about
four to six weeks behind schedule. An April 1 completion
date is anticipated — it was originally February 11. Staff
had hoped to have Open House on April 17, at the beginning
of Library Week, but that is very doubtful at this point.
It would probably be wise to plan for Open House in May.
Insurance Fee
Director Lange reported there will be a Serra Audio Visual
Committee meeting February 17, and the insurance fee is an
item on the agenda for final discussion. His goal had been
to have all the libraries institute the fee, but he doubted
that, would happen. Escondido and Oceanside are interested
in the fee and this will all be done simultaneously. This
fee is not a user fee, but is an insurance fee of 50«? per
item to insure against catastrophic damage. On the video
tapes, it is the first $20, and the insurance premium
payment picks up the rest. Those tapes cost $50 and up, so
it is safer for the user. On the films, it is the first 15
percent of the cost of the film. This is on total
damage — not normal wear and tear.
Schramm
Falkenstein
Brunn
Trigas
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 16, 1983 Page 2
TRUSTEES
Trustee Brunn questioned whether this would stand up in
court and did the user know he was responsible for damage.
Also, did the City Attorney know about this proposed
insurance fee charge. Director Lange restated that no one.
under the age of 18 is allowed to use the audio visual
material and they sign a financial liability statement that
they are responsible. Trustee Brunn asked if they had
trouble collecting, and Director Lange answered that they
had and that is the reason for the insurance. They will
have the City Attorney check over the plan before it is
instituted.
President Schramm added that if the patron doesn't pay the
insurance fee, they can't check the material out for use.
Director Lange agreed that was the planned procedure.
Director Lange said the Committee members were to go to the
Directors and discuss this and get approval and come to the
next meeting with the decision. In answer to a question
from Trustee Brunn as to whether they were all pleased with
the idea, Director Lange said they were not. Some have
strong feelings about charging fees for anything in a
library. But, libraries have always charged fees for some
things; fines, reservation fees and incidental fees; he
added that charging for use of the library would be a
different matter. The State law in California forbids
charging for library use.
South Carlsbad Library Fund
Director Lange referred to the Draft Proposal for a South
Carlsbad Library which had been distributed to the Board
prior to the meeting. This proposal shows the operating
costs and the building costs, along with the funding
source. With the CLSA funds on hand and anticipated funds,
there would be a total $137,000, which would be enough to
cover the first year's costs. The difficulty is not knowing
whether CLSA funds will continue after next year. Council
Liaison Lewis asked if CLSA funds were eliminated, could
they cover the library out of the budget, and Director Lange
answered they could not. There is not enough money in the
current budget to cover any of the costs.
There was a discussion among the Board Members concerning
the City advancing the money for the portable building
and then paying the City back with CLSA money as it is
received.
Laurie Boone asked if the CLSA funds had been a continuing
thing and Director Lange answered since 1979. She asked
what the funds had been used for, and Director Lange
answered it was used for books, microfilm, periodicals,
microfiches computer terminals ($58,000 upgrade) , etc. She
added it had not, then, been over and above the things
needed for current library programs, and would it hurt the
regular program to lose that money for two years. Director
Lange said he didn't think so, as the money they have on
hand is not: committed to anything else. He felt this was an
appropriate use for CLSA money. He felt "soft money" should
never be used for the ongoing budget, but they could use it
for the first couple of years to get the branch going and
then get out of it and use the CLSA money for up-grading
the computer. They were running out of capacity in the
computer, but by increasing the capacity, they took care of
v
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 16, 1983 Page 3 TRUSTEES
that. It is a five-year project and they will be needing
additional terminals. Also, they are replacing the card
catalog with terminals at an investment of $70,000. They
already have the software, so there would be no other costs
for a two or three year period. They would still have
enough CLSA money and that money would increase with the
increased use of the library. The library circulation was
up 15 percent last month over last year, and a placement of
a branch in south Carlsbad would attract people from the
other cities nearby and it would be a revenue-maker as far
as CLSA money.
There is no way to predict about Senate Bill 358 — the
Governor is not recommending funding for it this year. If
it were funded an additional $45,000 to $50,000 would be
received based upon $1.20 per capita.
Trustee Brunn wanted the City Council to know the Board is
committing itself to use the CLSA funds for the South
Carlsbad Library for this year and next, but not beyond
that. Other things may be needed, like books and other
expansion, and the Board should convey to the Council our
willingness to do this for two years. If the library didn't
get any money, (CLSA) they would have to go to Council for
the other things. The Board would recommend to lift this
burden from the City in the interest of assisting in the
early completion of a very worthy project.
Council Liaison Lewis stated the Council would understand
that. The Board would understand Council's priorities. If
funds come in, they are distributed. Carlsbad has a fine
tax base and it is looking for money from the State. He
stated he was certain the Council would pick up the tab,
but asking Council to pick up the tab, regardless of what
happened — that is what is not known. As far as committing
funds for two years and then having the Council pick up the
tab after that, you can't say that the Council will do
that. There are other priorities and that may not occur.
Council Liaison Lewis stated they have information that
Hughes Helicopter may move here and sell at the Airport.
This would help Carlsbad financially. Also, Chrysler is
putting in a research center. These things are coming on
and if the economy stays up and there is new industry, it
will be a realitvif not, things might get tight.
Trustee Brunn stated the Board can't look two years in the
future and determine the operating budget.
Council Liaison Lewis said you can't ask the Council of
today to guarantee something for two years hence, as the
Council of today won't be there. This Council supports this
project.
Trustee Brunn said they need the understanding this will be
a center of focus and the library will need the CLSA money
for other things eventually. Also, he commented about the
other portable building that had been considered. He was
in favor of the more expensive building. Director Lange
then explained the disadvantages of that building and the
advantages of going the cheaper way as shown on the
proposal .
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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 16, 1983 Page 4
TRUSTEES
*
Trustee Trigas commented that she saw no need to try to
anticipate what might happen in two years. There would be
a new Board and a new Council at that time, and the
financial picture would be assessed then. Director Lange
agreed that it would be reassessed in two years and Council
Liaison Lev/is agreed that it would automatically be
reassessed.
Trustee Brunn asked where the money would come from
initially and Director Lange said they may be able to borrow
from the City and repay as the CLSA funds were available.
Also, there would be money from fund-raising projects.
Director Lange explained the $129,540 for the portable
building included delivery, setup, two restrooms, carpeting,
light fixtures, air conditioning and 3,000 square feet of
space with floor reinforcement to support the weight of
books. This building could be converted into some other
use, also, where the other portable building considered
could be used only as a library. Also, the other building
was much smaller.
The Board discussed determination of the starting point on
the proposed financing, to clarify the starting time for the
two-year period.
The Board voted to commit the current CLSA money, plus the
next two fiscal years of CLSA money, toward the creation
of a library in south Carlsbad.
The Board discussed the fact that it was, in fact, a City
project and the City would contract for the building and
would be responsible for the construction. Trustee
Falkenstein wanted to be certain the Library Board would
not be liable and Council Liaison Lewis assured him that it
would be a City function and the Council would be
responsible.
Master Plan Reevaluation
The reevaluation of the Master Plan was discussed and
Director Lange asked for the reactions of the Board. The
Board wants to go through the Master Plan one more time and
pick out the appropriate portions to review and then discuss
those later and come to some agreement on issues. As a part
of that, they would like to incorporate the approach used in
the American Library Association Planning Process for Public
Libraries. It is a good program and the Board should read
the parts applicable and then discuss them one at a time.
If agreeable to the Board, Director Lange indicated they
would start work on that project.
NEW BUSINESS
Revised Council Goals and Objectives FY 82-83
The Revised Goals and Objectives were reviewed by the
Council on February 8, 1983, as shown on the sheet marked
5-a. The only change was deletion of E-2-1 and the new
wording reads:
"City Council subcommittee is reviewing
alternatives for temporary facility in
southern Carlsbad."
Schramra
Falkenstein
Brunn
Trigas }
}
}
3
12
ji
MINUTES
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 16, 1983 Page 5
TRUSTEES
' •
Director Lange had looked at a potential library site in
La Costa shopping center, but it was eliminated because
it was located under high tension wires. A structure must
be at least 35 feet away from the wires.
The other site is the Leucadia County Water District
property next to their portable building. The Mayor wrote
a letter February 15 inquiring about the availability of
this site. Director Lange said they were looking at five
years, and if they agree, the City could seek a contract to
use it.
1983-84 Budget
A letter from James Elliott was attached explaining the
budget process and the calendar.
Children's Film Programs
The Friday afternoon films for children had a policy
established by Mrs. Cole of only showing G-rated material.
Director Lange had looked into this and there was no
written policy and he recommended a written policy be
established that children's film programs sponored by the
library will only show G-rated material. The reason is
that is the only policy that is manageable by the library.
G is the general rating, and next is PG, which is parental
guidance. There could be material in those films which
would be objectionable to some parents. It covers a wide
spectrum — semi-nudity, swearing, violence, etc. The
difficulty with that is who will make the judgments.
Library staff doesn't want to take over the role of the
parents. Directors of all the Serra libraries feel the
same way. There will be a policy drafted for the next
meeting.
Director Lange stated he would also bring a selection
policy on audio visual material.
All policies are being reviewed to see if they are relevant
and to update them.
Trustee Trigas asked about reviewing special situations and
Director Lange said the Library did not want to get into
that. That would involve a decision each time.
OTHER:
President Schramm read a letter addressed to the Mayor and
the City Council, which all Members of the Library Board
are to sign, thanking the Council for the buffet prior to
the joint meeting, which set the tone for the meeting, and
thanking them for such an excellent workshop.
President Schramm read a list of the meetings she will be
attending.
MINUTES
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 16, 1983 Page 6 TRUSTEES
i
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Lange showed "Strategies for Service" California
Libraries in the 1980 's and said it was an interesting and
useful document for library development throughout the
State.
Director Lange mentioned the agreement for use of the
Cultural Arts Center, between the City and the
school district. It is a fine facility and a good
potential for programs for the library. When a larger room
is needed, the library could look to that facility without
paying a fee.
Director Lange stated he had a memo from Elizabeth
Fairchild, who writes the City Newsletter. They want to
do an article on the Library Board. Director Lange said he
wanted Pat Hanson to call the Members and talk with them
about the article.
Friends of the Library
Laurie Boone, President of Friends of the Library,
distributed copies of the Newsletter "Spirit of Love".
Friends are continuing the effort to sell copies of the
"Seekers of the Spring", as they have not yet recovered
the cost of publishing the book.
Mrs. Boone talked about the fund-raising projects and
commented they have not done too much on the south Carlsbad
library branch as yet. President Schramm commented that
about 40 people had indicated an interest in joining the
Friends of the Library on the SANDAG survey. Those names
were given to the membership committee.
Caroline Schindler asked for books for the Book Fair.
Thousands of books have been marked at this time.
Council Liaison Lewis said they were inquiring about the
Leucadia Water District land for the library as of today.
The Council will hold a budget briefing workshop March 22.
The Board would know what money is expected and would be
aware of what the Council is trying to do.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/dtMttjZ y^^f^
Harriett Babbitt, Minutes Clerk
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
STATISTICS
January 1983
Circulation Statistics
Materials checked out through computer
Film and video tapes
Audio Visual equipment
Total circulation
Current
Year
40,023
2,998
106
43,127
Previous
Year
3^,790
2,1 42
112
37,044
Increase
(Decrease)
5,233
856
( 6)
6,083
Reference Questions Answered
Adult Section
ChiIdren1s Section
AV information
Bookmobile
Total reference questions answered
4,142
803
1,143
325
^4T3
4,486
830
NA *
150
5,1*66
( 344)
( 27)
1,143
175
Materials added to collection
Books
AV materials
153
32
424
62
271)
30)
Attendance at Programs
Adult
ChiIdren's
Bookmobile
( 4)
(16)
( 4)
260
954
199
Included in adult statistics