HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_LAB_08.11.2008Minutes of the Meeting of the
Library Advisory Board
Of Georgetown, Texas
August 11, 2008
MEMBERS IN ATTENDENCE: David Ciambrone, Glenn Mautner, Shana Nichols, Linda Nix,
Sue Miller, and Gerald Sensabaugh
ABSENT: Ruth Anne Mallory
STAFF IN ATTENDENCE. Eric Lashley, Library Director; Billy Cryer, Library Assistant
OTHERS IN ATTENDENCE. Judy Johnston (CTLS Lay Representative)
MINUTES:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Linda Nix at 6:30 PM. Because there were no comments
concerning the June minutes, the minutes were approved as distributed.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Lashley reported that circulation was slightly up for the summer of 2008. He also pointed
out that the Internet usage was high; 9,603 in June and 9,235 in July Eric mentioned an article Sue
Miller had given him concerning Austin Public Library's budget cuts as well as an increase in usage
in Austin libraries due to an economic downturn. Eric noted the staff had noticed an increase in
patrons using the computers for resumes and job searches.
Eric reported that on July 23rd, bestselling author Christopher Reich spoke at the library to an
audience of approximately 45 patrons. That day Mr. Reich's book, Rules of Deception, hit the New
York Times bestseller list at number three .
Eric mentioned the Dell Foundation's gift of 44 flat -panel monitors.
It was announced that local artist, Kendall Young, currently has a display in the library and the
proceeds of the sale of any of the pieces of art will go to the library.
Eric reported that he had attended the American Library Association's Annual Conference in
Anaheim, California. He said he had gotten a lot of good information from the conference and one
idea in particular is a peer on peer staff recognition program.
The Georgetown Heritage Society photo collection is now available on the library's website.
Upcoming events. Eric will be attending a CTLS long range planning retreat in New Braunfels on
August 14 and 15. The Hill Country Book Festival will be held at the library on Saturday, October
11. Person Reflections on Desegregation in Georgetown, a panel discussion, which will include
Paulette Taylor, Birdie Shanklin, Harvey Miller, Dr. Douglas Benold, and Dr. Norman Spellman
will be held Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the hbrary.
Eric read and responded to the July patron comments.
The September Board meeting conflicts with a Writer s College meeting that Eric and Dave
Ciambrone should attend. The group agreed to move the September meeting to Wednesday,
September 10, and to test meeting at 6:00 p.m. instead of 6:30. The September agenda will include
an itemabout consideration of permanently changing the meeting hour.
CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING•
• Introduction of staff member - Billy Cryer, Library Assistant, was introduced to the
board. Billy grew -up in the Austin area. He is a fluent Spanish speaker. Billy enjoys
helping write the library's Baffle the Bookworm column. Billy helped create the Peeps
Library Tour that is currently on the library's web site. Billy is applying to the University of
Texas School of Information in hopes of getting a Master's Degree in Infoisiation Science.
■ Introduction of Board member - Sue Miller introduced herself to the board. Sue is a
long-time Texan, originally from Victoria She married her husband Clark, who had a
career in the Air Force, and lived all over the country and throughout the world. Sue and
Clark always volunteered at libraries wherever they lived. After Clark retired from the Air
Force, he worked in Austin for the State. Sue worked 12 years in the library at Austin High.
Sue and Clark lived a number of years in Goliad, where they were involved with the library
and the restoration of the historic County Courthouse. Sue has volunteered with the library
ever since she moved to Georgetown and loves libraries.
• Report on migration to Apollo automation system - Eric reported that the
library hired Alpha-G, a consulting fii ii, to extract the data from the library's current
Horizon system. The data was extracted in July and transferred to Biblionix. Biblionix is
currently placing the data in the Apollo database. Staff soon should be able to test the
library's patron and bibliographic databases in the Apollo system.
■ Update on Writer's College - David Ciambrone announced that the San Gabriel
Writers' League committee has finalized the course offerings and that the new revised
course list with dates and times will be available soon on the library's website. The cost of
the courses will be $20 for single session classes and $30 for multi -session classes. David
said the Writers' League has contacted local newspapers as well as Suddenlink to advertise
the classes.
• Information concerning the tool -lending library - Enc announced the goal is to
have a tool library established by November 1. He noted that he had gotten a number of
calls from the public when the Williamson County Sun published a second article
concerning the tool library.
Chairperson Linda Nix adjourned the meeting at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Shana Nichols, Secretary
Linda Nix, Chair