HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-17; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesApproved:ITEM #3
MINUTES
MEETING OF: LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DATE OF MEETING: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
PLACE OF MEETING: Library Learning Center - 3368 Eureka Place
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Bill Kamenjarin called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Library Board Trustees Benson, Bradley, Kamenjarin and Lignante
Absent: Library Board Trustee Swette
Also Present: Heather Pizzuto, Library Director
Dave Curtis, Deputy Library Director
Suzanne Smithson, Deputy Library Director
Carol Naegele, Principal Librarian
Cheryl Mast, Library Management Analyst
Jessica Padilla Bowen, Library Community Coordinator
Devin Castel, Library Business Systems Specialist
Marg Kealey, NSDCGS Liaison
Carolyn Taylor, League of Women Voters observer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
On motion by Trustees Kamenjarin/Bradley the minutes of the regular meeting held
May 20, 2009 were unanimously approved with one addition.
MONTHLY LIBRARY REPORTS:
Trustee Benson asked for additional information on the Hispanic Network and the
service providers involved.
Trustee Kamenjarin commented on the number of hourly employees recently
recognized for their years of service the majority of whom had worked for the Library for
more than five years.
Trustee Kamenjarin also expressed interest in the increase in circulation at all three
locations and Library Director Pizzuto responded that the Library is now seeing
circulation numbers trend up, again signifying increased usage of the Library.
Library Board of Trustees Page 2
Minutes of June 17, 2009 Meeting
BUDGET RECAP:
Library Director Pizzuto reported that the budget for FY2009-10 was adopted by the
City Council last night for the most part, explaining that the Council had decided on a 1-
year moratorium on increases in many fees, including library. She also advised that
immediately following the Board meeting last month, the City Manager and Council
were provided this Board's action and minute summary regarding the fee increase
proposals.
Management Analyst Mast then shared the City's current 10-year forecast and
explained that presently no plans had been shared to implement further reductions
during FY09-10 but that the forecast suggested a need for additional reductions in
FY10-11. The forecast is updated frequently to reflect changing economic conditions.
REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES:
Library Director Pizzuto explained that one of the Library's departmental goals for this
year was to identify possible revenue opportunities and the executive summary of that
process was attached to the agenda packet.
Deputy Library Director Curtis and Management Analyst Mast then responded to a
variety of questions from the Board relative to library core services and ideas explored
for revenue generation.
The Board also offered several suggestions for further investigation as to feasibility.
VOLUNTEER CONFERENCE:
Deputy Library Director Curtis provided a brief overview of the recent conference he
attended with the City's Volunteer Coordinator, another Library staff member and a
Library volunteer. The conference, hosted by the State Library, focused on the
recruitment and effective use of highly skilled retired individuals as volunteers.
Trustee Benson announced that he is slated to attend the National Conference on
Volunteering and Service later this month and commented that this focus was in line
with national trends in volunteer use. He shared several websites that might be helpful
to the Library on volunteer use as well as potential grants that enhance volunteer
opportunities.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR:
By proper motion (Kamenjarin/Bradley), the board voted to continue this item as well as
the next until their next meeting in hopes that they would have a full board present.
Library Board of Trustees Page 3
Minutes of June 17, 2009 Meeting
APPOINTMENT FOR CLAF LIAISON & GALLERY COMMITTEE:
See action taken on this item in combination with item above.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Principal Librarian recruitment - The 1st review of applications is underway with the
oral board tentatively scheduled for July.
Other recruitments - There have been several openings for hourly positions within the
Library and recruitments have been primarily internal to offer the opportunities to
current employees. These positions were not affected by the reduced FTE in the
budget.
Facility Improvements - The fire alarm system is being replaced at the Cole Library
beginning this week, following the discovery that it was not working during the last
Library evacuation drill.
Acoustical material is being installed in the great hall of the Dove Lane facility and in the
Gallery to reduce the noise levels.
The damaged plant material in the Children's Garden at the Dove Lane facility is being
replaced along with some additional "rabbit proofing" for the fence line.
Donations - The Library has been the recipient of several donations in the recent
weeks: $1,000 from the Carlsbad Lions Club for material for hearing and sight impaired;
$50,000 from the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation towards their Learning Center
commitment; $70,560 from the Friends of the Library in addition to a pledge of direct
support in the amount of $33,110.
Suspension of Internet privileges - For the very first time, the Library has
permanently suspended a patron's Internet privileges as the result of repeated
violations of the Library's Internet User policy.
FOUNDATION REPORT:
Trustee Benson reported that at the last meeting the Foundation received an update on
their investments and discussed the plans for the mini-golf fund-raiser, now scheduled
for November 8th, with the reception the evening prior.
The Foundation Board reiterated their offer to the Library Board to take the campaign
into their private homes in order to share the information on the Learning Center, and
will provide the DVD as well as a facilitator for the discussion.
Library Board of Trustees Page 4
Minutes of June 17, 2009 Meeting
Trustee Bradley asked about the proceeds from the Castles of Carlsbad tour this year
and Library Director Pizzuto responded that the Foundation realized a $20,000 profit
from the event.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT:
Library Director Pizzuto reported that the Friends' Board approved the Library's recent
request for funds and support and accepted the slate of officers for the next year. Their
annual meeting is scheduled for June 25th at which time the membership will vote on
the new officers.
NSDC GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY:
Board Liaison Marg Kealey reported on the success of the seminar which she
presented and provided the board with the schedule of upcoming programs. She
added that the dates for the next session of beginner and refresher genealogy classes
have not been determined.
LIBRARY BOARD COMMENTS:
Trustee Kamenjarin complimented Principal Librarian Carole Naegele on her remarks at
the recent Annual Learner and Tutor Celebration event and also commented on the
remarks from Lynda Jones, former Adult Learning Program coordinator.
Trustee Kamenjarin also congratulated Principal Librarian Naegele on her first place
award at the recent "On Your Own Time" competition at the Cannon Gallery and on
behalf of the entire Board thanked her for her efforts these past many months during
the construction and opening of the Learning Center.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None present.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion (Bradley/Benson), the meeting was adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
A \
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Cissie Se^aon
Administrative Secretary
ITEM #4
Monthly LIBRARY Reports
for
MAY 2009
Systemwide ...
1. All public computers at all library sites now have the Microsoft Office 2007 suite
installed. This installation occurred over a two-week period in May. Staff computers
had transitioned several months earlier so public services staff were prepared to
instruct the public on the new features now available. In addition, two volunteers
have been assisting patrons with the transition in the adult and children's public
computer areas at the Learning Center. Instructional classes have also been
revised to reflect the updated software.
2. The Library's Staff Development Committee hosted the 14th annual Hourly
Employee Recognition Party at the Senior Center on Friday evening, May 15.
Always a "themed" event, this year had a fun baseball theme, "In Celebration of
our All-Star Team!" Awards were given based on years of service as a part-time
employee. We also celebrated our first-ever 30-year award given to periodicals
clerk Nina Brower.
3. The California State Library presented a two-day Institute, "Get Involved: Powered
by Your Library," in San Francisco in early May. Carlsbad City Library was
accepted to participate by competitive application in this program which
concentrated on engaging high level volunteers in new ways to benefit both the
library and the community. A team of five staff participated: Deputy Library
Director Dave Curtis, City Volunteer Coordinator Sue Irey, Children's Librarian
Missy Shaw, Community Outreach Coordinator for Literacy Services Carrie Scott,
and Learning Center and Cole Children's volunteer Philippa Hill. This team is now
in the process of developing a work plan based on the information learned at the
Institute, (http://www.librarv.ca.gov/lds/qetinvolved.html)
4. Caroline Arnold, children's author and illustrator, was invited to Carlsbad to help
the libraries here celebrate National Children's Book Week. Ms. Arnold visited
and shared her writing experiences and her work several times over two days in
May at both the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane and the Georgina Cole
Library. School groups filled the Schulman Auditorium the morning of May 15, 20+
children and adults attended an after-school program at the Georgina Cole Library
and Ms. Arnold was also a special guest at the Science Saturday Program on May
16, which attracted 30 children and adults.
5. The Children's areas celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May
with book displays and decorations. On May 5, Culture Craft at the Georgina Cole
location focused on Japan's national holiday known as "Children's Day."
Participants listened to Japanese folktales and made origami cats and dogs. The
Dove Lane location enjoyed a visit from Carrie Higgins on May 1. Ms. Higgins'
program of songs and stories from China, India and Korea was interactive,
informative and entertaining for her audience of 17 children and adults.
Monthly Library Reports for May 2009
6. Staff at all locations are making final preparations for the Summer Reading
Program which begins June 22. Outreach visits to schools and PTA events as well
as many class visits inside the libraries to share and promote the summer activities
have been a primary focus in May.
7. Thirty-two people attended the May poetry writing workshop at the Georgina Cole
Library led by local poet and teacher Lenny Lianne.
CCL, Dove Lane...
8. Teen Services Librarian Darin Williamson hosted two Rock-the-Library Concerts in
May featuring bands that had competed in the City's Battle of the Bands contest
earlier in the year. The winning band from that competition, Tan Sister Radio,
played their self-described blend of "the Clash and Bob Dylan" before a crowd of
78 people in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium on May 1. On May 7, the
alternative rock band, One Way Flight, performed before a crowd of 8.5.
9. On May 30, the Library and Cultural Arts Office partnered to offer a Family Open
Studios Plus. Families were invited to tour the current Cannon Gallery exhibition,
participate in a puppet-making activity and attend Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre's
presentation of Stellaluna. Stellaluna author Janell Cannon signed books in the
courtyard and Mysterious Galaxy sold books, with 30% of the proceeds going to
the Friends of the Library. More than 200 people attended the performances and
nearly 200 puppets were created.
10. On May 11, the Carlsbad Playreaders closed the spring season with a reading of
The Women of Manhattan, directed by New Village Arts' Kristianne Kurner.
Approximately 150 people attended the reading. The Carlsbad Playreaders fall
season begins in September.
11. The new drive up book drop island was completed. Staff continues to monitor the
volume and capacity of the drops to determine emptying schedules. This is now
the sole placement of drive up book return at the Dove Lane location.
12. In Children's, volunteers donated 18.5 hours for Homework Zone and Saturday
Stories.
13. On May 19, Teen Services Librarian Darin Williamson attended Career Day at
Diegueno Middle School. He spoke about librarianship as a career and about the
services of the Carlsbad City Library to a total of 60 students in 2 classes.
Georgina Cole ...
14. The Tuesday Evening Book Club met on May 5 to discuss Perfume by Patrick
Suskind with 14 members attending. The Thursday Afternoon Book Club met on
May 14 to discuss When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris with 6
members attending.
Monthly Library Reports for May 2009
15. Cole Reference staff have continued into their fourth month providing computer
instruction to the public at the Learning Center. Classes are regularly at or near
capacity of 8 students. Classes taught include Basic Microsoft Word, Basic
Internet, email, and Internet tips and tricks.
16. The Genealogy Division and the North San Diego County Genealogical Society
presented two major programs:
• Marge Keeley spoke to NSDCGS on May 26 about the "ABCs of School
Records." This was a wonderful program about the underused records
with 87 people in attendance.
• Gina Filibert Ortega spoke to the Computer Genealogy Group on May 12
on "Using Google" with 74 people attending.
Learning Center...
17. The All-Star Readers Club (after-school reading club for students in 1 st-5th
grades) held their last meeting of the school year. Twenty-four participants
received awards for reading a total of 281 hours.
18. The Adult Learner Leadership Institute (ALLI) graduation ceremony was held at the
Carlsbad Senior Center on May 30. Eight of the eleven graduates and their
families participated in the event. Learner facilitators Lupe Green and Nyla Henry
led the five-month program and spoke at the graduation. Additional speakers
included Principal Librarian Carol Naegele and learner Maria Wright.
Approximately 60 guests celebrated the achievements of these learners.
19. Three Literacy volunteers have been recruited as new "volunteer greeters". Two of
these are learners who are not only helping the Learning Center, but also fulfilling
their personal literacy goal of becoming a volunteer.
20. The Hispanic Network Breakfast meeting was held at the Learning Center on May
29. The group is composed of service providers who serve Hispanic youth and
their families in north San Diego County. Principal Librarian Carol Naegele and
Community Outreach Supervisor Lizeth Simonson welcomed the group of 55
participants and gave a brief summary of Learning Center services. Carol provided
a tour after the breakfast.
21. The Library once again had a team participate in the Race for Literacy in Balboa
Park on May 3. Library Technician Helen Lindner recruited and organized the
team of over 50 participants with Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Scott
volunteering as Team Captain for the 18th year.
22. Yamada Enterprises modified the shelving downstairs to provide more open space
and line-of-sight visibility to the self-checkout desk and also to provide more
shelving space for the adult fiction and nonfiction collection areas.
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
MONTHLY USAGE STATISTICS - MAY 2009
CCL Dove Lane
Reference questions
Circulation
People count
In-House Use of Materials
Cole Library
Reference questions
Circulation
People count
In-House Use of Materials
Learning Center (began Aug 2008; formerly Centro/ALP)
Reference questions
Circulation
People count
In-House Use of Materials
Library-Sponsored Programs
Adult programs
Adult program attendance
Young Adult programs
Young Adult program attendance
Children's programs
Children's program attendance
Computer Users
All Facilities
E-Mail Notification
New Users
Outbound Notices (Hold, Overdue 1 & 2)
New Users Cumulative Total (Began August 2005)
Telephone Notification
New Users
New Users Cumulative Total (Began December 2005)
Facility Meeting Room Use
Events booked
Event attendance
Events cancelled
Volunteer Hours
Total hours
May-08
12,423
71,027
32,905
10,279
7,342
31,340
15,006**
9,023
259/71
850/120
2,4157*
285/*
27
428
13
490
106
2,465
12,965
699
7,863
27,772
223
8,227
104
4,838
17
1,326.03
Apr-09
15,604
80,538
35,272
8,403
8,678
33,304
17,527**
5,914
946
1,547
4,530**
497
37
505
11
117
114
3,076
13,786
842
9,849
37,345
327
11,492
96
3,897
18
1,593.7
May-09
14,251
78,817
34,763
8,323
9,133
31,763
18,226**
6,082
953
1,186
4,477
419
37
436
11
243
99
2,353
13,963
731
10,007
47,352
443
11,935
101
4,979
27
1,460.05
* Not reported.
** Door counter not working properly.
ITEM # 6
CARLSBAD
CITY LIBRARY
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
In 2008, in accordance with the Library's Strategic Direction to "Diversify fiscal support sources", staff
embarked upon a project to explore revenue generation within the context of the Library's roles and
mission, and bring forward viable opportunities to bolster fiscal support. Simultaneously, the economic
climate was deteriorating. The City's interest in exploring ideas and approaches to strengthen the City's
revenue stream gained momentum. The Library continued its analysis of various revenue options and
opportunities and weighed them against our mission and vision, and our role in the community.
FEE PHILOSOPHY
Library staff researched the library's ability to expand or introduce services that could add value and be
sustainable when resources are limited, ramifications of raising fines and fees, and what services should
be fee-based. It was determined that the Library needed to establish criteria against which to assess
when a fine, fee or cost recovery is appropriate and in alignment with the Library's purpose, its goals
and the City service context.
The Library Director determined focal direction to keep basic library services free and charge for
convenience and value-added services. Thereupon, based on research, exploration of what other
libraries are doing and the laws that apply to library service, a distinction was determined between core
and non-core programs and services.
The Library's philosophy is that core services should be delivered free of charges. Core services are
those services and deliverables supporting the notion that the Library is to provide for and support
reading, information, learning and culture. To fit within the category of "core", the service or product is
to be available to, usable by, and benefit an overwhelming majority. Providing a core service or material
can be considered a public good. Examples include circulating books, offering adult and children's'
programs and events, and providing computer access.
Non-core services are certain items or services provided by libraries that are available to, and utilized by,
few individuals. Non-core items and services could be defined as convenience-based deliverables. Fees
are assigned because the use of the item benefits the individual or group, or because the item is not
considered essential to those primary roles of the library. Examples include offering meeting rooms,
loaning equipment, and printing.
IDEAS EXPLORED
Readily Actionable
Fee increases to balance
increased costs of providing
service
Fees for new services based
on Library's philosophy
Maximize
partnerships/donations
Research Necessary
Notarization services
Postal delivery of materials
Vend machines
Food & beverage vendors
Further Determination Necessary
Website link to donations
Expanded room rentals: study
rooms, gallery, garden
REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page two
IDEAS RECOMMENDED
Fee increases:
After consideration of many options, staff focused on those services where costs were significantly
higher than existing fees. There was also focus on offsetting costs of providing the convenience of a
debit/credit payment option.
After market comparison of fees charged by other libraries, costs of delivering services, and
consideration of Carlsbad City Library's experiences and constituency, the Library Director accepted
three recommendations for fee increases:
• Interlibrary Loan increase from $2 to $5
• Reserve Non-Pickup Fee (per item) from $.50 to $1
• Audio Visual Insurance Fee (per item) from $.75 to $1 (including new video game collection)
Maximize partnerships/donations:
Many libraries currently use this model as a revenue-generation method. Several programs and services
are already heavily supported by the Friends and the Foundation. It is recommended to continue to
foster and facilitate these organizations to underwrite Library programs and services.
Food and beverage vendors:
As part of our efforts to make the Library comfortable and inviting, the Library now allows food and
beverages. Access to these items is a frequently requested convenience that staff has looked into
extensively. After consulting with libraries that provide a food service, too broad a range of service
models and perspectives existed to easily pinpoint how the Carlsbad City Library might successfully
provide a food service. Further, data on resulting revenue was inconclusive. The most successful
models emanate from dedicated space that was part of the original design of a library.
Staff has contacted several local vendors, but none has shown an interest in providing food and
beverage service at this time.
The Library Director connected with the City's Economic Director and Planning Director about this topic
and found there is potential in providing a license for limited concessions to a vendor at the Dove
Library. This concept is currently being explored with La Costa Coffee.
RESEARCH OR FURTHER DETERMINATION
Other ideas are still pending, and require more extensive research/analysis. While they are not currently
a priority, they are still potential initiatives in order to diversify fiscal support of the Library.