HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_09.19.2017Minutes of the Meeting of the
Library Advisory Board
City of Georgetown
September 19, 2017
The Library Advisory Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the second floor Small
Conference Room, Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Baldwin, Michael Barnes, Lindsay Cooper, John Hudson, Linda
Schaffer, and Pete Rose.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Thom Sinwell
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Eric Lashley - Library Director.
The meeting was called to order by Rose at 6:00 P.M.
Regular Agenda
A. Citizens wishing to address the Board. As of the deadline, no persons were signed Lip to
speak on items other than what was posted on the agenda.
B. Introduction of new member Thom Sinwell._ Pete Rose, Board Chair. — Sinwell was unable to
attend the meeting, so an introduction will take place at the September board meeting.
C. Review of minutes from the August 15, 2017 Library Advisory Board meeting. — Pete Rose,
Board Chair. Motion by Barnes; second by Hudson to approve the August 15, 2017
minutes. Approved 6-0 (Sinwell absent).
D. Consideration of Library Director's report. — Eric Lashley, Library Director. Lashley reported
that he had spoken at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting September 19, explaining
to the audience that libraries are not about books; they're about people. The presentation was
well received and a number of audience members gave testimonials on how the library had
helped them.
Lashley reviewed the monthly statistics and patron comments. The board discussed solutions
to decrease the loss rate of the library's DVD collection. Lashley will place an item on the
October agenda to discuss this topic further.
E. Review of the Community Resources Coordinator's rgprt — Eric Lashley, Library Director.
Lashley reviewed the monthly CRC report with the board (attached). The report indicated that
Community Resources Coordinator Patrick Lloyd is seeing a wide variety of patrons in need,
yet there are still very limited services available in Georgetown. However, the percentage of
patrons he was able to refer in Georgetown has increased. Lloyd has begun working with the
City's new Affordable Housing Coordinator, Susan Watkins.
F. Review of the WOWlmobile report. — Eric Lashley, Lib, ary Director. Lashley explained that
Community Outreach Assistant Kalena Powell will be attending the Association of Bookmobile
out Outreach Services conference in Pittsburg October 24-27. Powell has been working with
Community Outreach Librarian Toni Nietfeld on a number of projects. Nietfeld has accepted
the vacant Cataloging Librarian position, so the Community Outreach Librarian position will be
posted soon.
G. Review of Library Strategic Plan process. Eric Lashley, Library Director. Lashley reviewed a
draft list of strategies for the new Strategic Plan. The board reviewed the community survey
and after a brief discussion it was decided to leave in the question regarding race. The survey
will be launched the first week in October and will be available to the public until Friday,
November 3.
H. Review of the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal application draft. - Eric
Lashley, Library Director. Lashley discussed the IMLS application, noting that the library had
received letters of support from Georgetown Health Foundation, Congregation Havurah
Shalom, Courageous Conversations, and the Friends of the Library. Quotes from library users
were also incorporated. Lashley will provide a copy of the application to the board once
completed. The application due date is Monday, October 2, 2017.
Consideration and possible action regarding future meeting dates. - Pete Rose, Board Chair. -
Lashley requested the Board consider moving the monthly meeting because it's difficult for him
to attend both the Arts & Culture Board meeting and Library Board meeting back-to-back in the
evenings. After much discussion, motion made by Baldwin; second by Schaffer to
temporarily move the board meeting to the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Approved
6-0 (Sinwell absent).
Chair Rose adjourned the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Baldwin
Secretary
Pete Rose
Chair
GPL Community Resources Monthly Report: August 2017
This month library staff conducted 12 interviews with patrons in need.
Patron needs August 2017
6
4
2
o
Finergency Fin, Assistance Benefil: (Mental Health Physical Health Legal
Housing Assistance
F_ducation Other
In August, 9 interviews were conducted with women; 2 interviews were conducted with men. In 2017, 62.8% of
interviews have been conducted with women.
One patron reported a history of domestic violence. In 2017, 19.1% of interviews have revealed histories of domestic
violence.
We were able to refer patrons to a resource within Georgetown in 83.3% of interviews this month. In 2017, 62.8% of
patrons are able to be referred within Georgetown.
No veterans were interviewed this month. Two individual veterans have been interviewed a total of 3 times in 2017.
Below are notes captured on referrals in August:
• Referred to Bluebonnet Trails
• Referred to Foundation Communities (Austin) and Christi Center
• Minor child fleeing abuse; contacted Mobile Outreach Team to meet with patron
• Referred to Goodwill and Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties
• Referred to Any Baby Can, TX Rio Grande LA (both Austin)
• Referred to Salvation Army, Saint Vincent de Paul, Lonestar Circle of Care
• Referred to Christi Center
• School supplies; referred to GISD and Caring place
• Referred to TX Rio Grande Legal Aid (Austin)
0 Referred to Opportunities for Wilco and Burnet Counties, Caring Place, Salvation Army