HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_07.12.2010Minutes of the Meeting of the
Library Advisory Board
Of Georgetown, Texas
July 12, 2010
MEMBERS IN ATTENDENCE. Betty Ann Sensabaugh, Glenn Mautner, Marisue Miller,
Shana Nichols, David Ciambrone, and Kathryn Morehouse.
ABSENT: Anjeanette Courtin
STAFF IN ATTENDENCE. Eric Lashley, Library Director
OTHERS IN ATTENDENCE: Linda Nix (CTLS Lay Representative)
MINUTES:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Betty Ann Sensabaugh at 6:30 PM David
Ciambrone made the motion to accept the minutes of the June 2010 Library Advisory
Board Meeting and Shana Nichols seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Lashley reported that circulation was up by about 4,000 items in June and
visitations also were up.
Eric announced attendance for the teen summer reading programs had doubled this
summer.
Eric reported he attended the City Manager's workshop on the budget and the library's
budget would be the same as last year's budget with one frozen position.
The patron comments were read aloud. The majority of the comments were very
positive.
Director Lashley announced that the Library and the Friends of the Library would
participate in a Book Fair at Sun City in August to promote library services and the
Friends organization.
Eric read portions of an article written by Marilyn Johnson that appeared in the Austin
American Statesman on July 9. The article pertained to the importance of libraries
during times of economic crisis and suggested that communities that invest in libraries
will come out of the economic crisis with a competitive advantage.
CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING:
® Overdrive downloadable audiobooks - Eric Lashley• Eric announced the
library has entered into an agreement to start a consortium with six other libraries
to purchase and circulate downloadable audiobooks. Georgetown will pay
$6,000 to join the consortium and will be allowed to choose $4,000 worth of
materials. Patrons from Georgetown will be allowed to check out any of the
materials purchased by all libraries in the consortium.
• Bookmobile — Eric Lashley: Director Lashley announced Stan Hohman,
Director of Vehicle Services, had informed him that Ford Motor Company would
be producing in the future a 450 engine that runs on propane. The City is
researching converting some of its fleet to propane vehicles.
■ Social networking and library website — Eric Lashley: Eric demonstrated the
City's Twitter and Facebook pages for the board. Eric said a number of residents
now prefer to receive information via Twitter and Facebook and do not use the
City's webpage. Eric announced the library plans to use this technology more to
promote our programs and services. There is no cost to use these services and
library staff already produce the content that will be posted on Facebook and
Twitter. He also announced patrons can now receive messages concerning the
availability of their reserves via text messages on their cellular phones.
• Art in the Library — Eric Lashley: Director Lashley reported the current policy
of the library was to have the Arts and Culture Board accept works of art donated
to the City and library. However, the library also has a policy that complaints
about removing library materials, displays and artwork would come to the Library
Advisory Board. After discussion, the board wanted to see a more formal
process in regards to accepting donated pieces of art for the library. Eric said he
thought it was important the Library Advisory Board should be made aware of
future donations of art work to the library. David Ciambrone made the motion to
recommend the Arts and Culture Board accepts the donation of the sculpture,
"The Book" by Gary Yarrington and Marisue Miller seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
• Future Library Board meeting schedule - Betty Ann Sensabaugh and David
Ciambrone will be unable to attend the regularly scheduled board meeting in
October. The board did not make a decision to cancel the October meeting, but
would like to see this item on future agendas to give the board the option to
cancel a meeting if necessary.
Chair Betty Ann Sensabaugh adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Anjeanette Courtin, Secretary
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Betty Ann Sensabaugh, Chair