HomeMy WebLinkAboutLIB 1999-09-16 Minutes
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
September 16, 1999
BOARD PRESENT:
Polly Brinkley, Janet Ball, Mary Shilcutt, Carol Benoit, Avis Crisp,
Lynn Waller, Eva Pereira (Absent: William Merrill)
Steve Brown, Library Director
Brenda Lewis, Administrative Secretary
Chairman Lynn Waller at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes of May 20, 1999 were approved as written.
STAFF PRESENT:
CALLED TO ORDER:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Brown introduced new board members Janet Ball (Place 2) and Eva Pereira (Place 7).
REPORT OF LIBRARY DIRECTOR: Steve Brown
The summer statistics at NRHPL were down in comparison to last summer. Surrounding area libraries
experienced a drop in stats this summer as well.
The children's department had an excellent summer reading club program, with a high level of participation -
1,259 adults and children registered.
Most city department telephone numbers will change in early fall. A new telephone system will be installed in
all city complexes.
Assistant Library Director Betty Russell has accepted the position of director of the Decatur Public Library.
She will be leaving at the end of the month. Her library expertise will be much missed.
Malicious mischief was the cause of extensive flooding in the children's area this week. Maintenance staff is
working to dry out the areas.
Overview of FY1999/2000 Budget: The upcoming fiscal budget includes a $25,000 increase in the materials
budget, a part-time children's librarian to assist in covering the hours open and increase children's programs
and story times, $15,000 maintenance expense for the new automation system, and staff increases in
accordance with the city's master pay plan. Mr. Brown reviewed the budget allocations for library materials
that includes standing orders, microforms, electronic reference sources, adult and children's books, and
audiovisual.
Automation Update: August 11 inaugurated the first day of patron checkouts on the new Innovative
Millennium system. The new electronic catalog has been very well received by library users. Several new
services are now available to patrons: access catalog from home, check library card status online, place
material requests online, and renew books over telephone or online. Staff is currently training on the serials
module with cataloging training scheduled later. The self-check equipment will be ordered in the fall. Mr.
Brown demonstrated some of these features on the computer.
Planning for New Library: Following the city council decision to include a new library in the new Town
Center project, Mr. Brown will begin the process of writing a building program. The City is exploring financing
for this project. Preliminary plans include a $91/2 million budget for a building of 60,000 SF on 2 floors,
finishing out 45,000 SF and reserving 15,000 SF on second floor as unfinished for future expansion. The City
also wants to keep library service available on the south side of Loop 820. In the upcoming months, many
decisions will need to be made following council guidelines. Mr. Brown will look to the board for assistance in
planning the new library.
Representative to the North Texas Regional Library System: Following discussion, Avis Crisp moved,
Mary Shilcutt seconded, and motion carried to elect Eva Pereira as the representative to the North Texas
Regional Library System, replacing former board member Kay Schmidt.
Next meeting was scheduled for October 19, 1999. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Brenda Lewis
Approved:
Date: 1-0 -/ q- 99
Board Chair:
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