Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_02.02.2021Minutes of the Meeting of the Library Advisory Board City of Georgetown February 2, 2021 The Library Advisory Board met on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. virtually using a Zoom meeting. Consistent with Governor Greg Abbott's suspension of various provisions of the Open Meetings Act, effective August 1, 2020 and until further notice, to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, all City of Georgetown Advisory Board meetings will be held virtually. MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Susan Cooper, David Garlock, Michael Kelley, Thom Sinwell, and Richard Thielmann. MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Schaffer STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Sally Miculek— Interim Library Director, Lawren Weiss -Administrative Assistant, Margaret Lange -Teen Services Librarian The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board Chair Kelley. Regular Agenda A. Discussion on how this virtual conference will be conducted to include options for oublIc comments and how the public may address the Board. — Sally Miculek, Interim Library Director. Miculek explained to the Board how the meeting would proceed if a member of the public wished to join the meeting. Chair Kelley will call roll when voting on an agenda item to allow for a clear recording of the vote. No action required. B. Citizens wishing to address the Board. — Michael Kelley, Board Chair. As of the deadline, no persons were signed up to speak on items other than what was posted on the agenda. No citizens were present to address the board. No action required. C. Consideration and possible action to approve the January 5, 2020 Library Advisory Board minutes_— Michael Kelley, Board Chair. Motion by Thielmann; second by Sinwell to approve the January 5, 2021 Library Advisory Board meeting minutes as provided. Approved 5-0 (Schaffer absent). D. IntrudutAiun of new IilJrary stall-. -Sally Miculek, Interim Library Dire(aur and Mdrgdret Lange, Teen Services Librarian. Miculek introduced Lange to the board. Lange discussed her background with the board, noting she previously worked for Temple Public Library for over five years and was excited to be joining the Georgetown staff. Lange brings an exciting energy to the staff and has already hosted successful Facebook storytimes for the kids group and virtual programs for teens. She is looking forward to hosting programs and connecting with Georgetown's teens in person once it is safe to do so following the pandemic. No action required. Consideration of the Library Director's report. - Sally Miculek, Interim Library Director. Miculek reviewed the monthly statistics as provided in the agenda packet. Discussion followed regarding access to the library's databases, including Ancestry. Chair Kelley asked Miculek to notify the board when City budget meetings are scheduled so they can participate and advocate for the library as plans for the next fiscal year are made. No action required. F. Discussion regarding library's inte rated library system IL5 Apollo. — Susan Cooper, board member. Cooper asked Miculek to provide information to the board about the library's catalog, regarding how, when, and why this system was selected over others. Cooper feels the catalog is not as user-friendly as it could be and explained that she has had difficulty helping GISD students navigate it when searching for library materials. Apollo is the system staff members use to create and maintain patron records, catalog materials, run reports and checkout items to patrons. The system also contains the outward facing catalog for patron use and the Words on Wheels collection for the bookmobile. Miculek explained the reasons Apollo was selected many years ago and continued to be used by the library. The Apollo system is built for small to medium sized libraries like Georgetown, which means they can provide more customized features at an affordable price, with more responsive customer service. System outages and malfunctions are infrequent, but typically restored in less than 5 minutes when they occur. Apollo manages their own servers, so the City's IT department does not have to maintain it. Other features of Apollo include a "Gabble" texting service where patrons can text a phone number for library service and a staff member replies on the computer with the information requested. This feature was also re -configured during COVID so staff members could utilize it for Curbside service. Cooper explained the "label" column of the catalog is confusing to students and patrons who may not be familiar with the library language and suggest adding the full names of the labels such as "fiction" for what is currently labeled a "F" and spelling out "junior nonfiction" for what is currently labeled as just "JNP. Labels are currently in abbreviated form to match the spine label of the materials on the shelves. Cooper recommended staff create a 5-10 minute video tutorial on how to search the catalog and put items on hold. She also suggested the video should be embedded in the catalog itself and not just the library's website. Miculek will follow up with library staff about making those changes to enhance the patron experience. No action required. G. Discussion re a rd i ng the retirement of Libra ry Services Director Eric Lashley and the process for f i I I i ng the director_ position. — Sally Miculek, Interim Library Director. Miculek reminded the board that they may be contacted by the City Manager's office to participate on the interview panel to assist in hiring a new library director. Kelley requested that the item remain on future agendas, under the Director's report to keep the board updated on the hiring process. No action required. H. Consideration and possible action regarding future meeting dates and times. - Michael Kelley, Board Chair. The March meeting will be held as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 6:00 pm, via Zoom. No action taken. Chair Kelley adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Kelley Richard Thielmann Chair Secretary These minutes were approved at the virtual meeting on 3/2/21.