6/13/2017 BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES Minutes

Home Browse Search

OHentation of new Trustees Kathy Mahoney explained that the idea was that this meeting was to focus on the Trustees. Kathy is putting a binder together for each of the Trustees that will include helpful reference tools,such as Open Meeting Law guidelines;the library Strategic Plan; library budget;etc. There followed a lengthy discussion and question and answer period covering the topics of Open Meeting Law; of the role of the Library Trustees;the role of the Friends;the CLAMS material sharing network; and the services and impact of the library on the community in today's environment. Some of the highlights of the discussion included the following: Why is there a Board of Library Trustees? Kathy Mahoney said Massachusetts in the 1800's passed an Act that allowed towns to form a public library with the provision that a board of library trustees be installed to oversee the library. One reason for this was to remove libraries from the sphere of political/government influence and ensure that they remained a source of"unbiased"information for the community. Role of Trustees/Role of Friends. Trustees can fundraise, but there are restrictions that must be followed since the Trustees are elected officials. Therefore,Trustees generally oversee the library and are responsible for policy matters;and Friends handle the fundraising. CLAMS. This is a material sharing network. Currently there are 9 such networks throughout Massachusetts. Kathy Mahoney provides a monthly Library Director's report to the Trustees for their review at the regular monthly Trustee meeting. While circulation statistics are part of the monthly report, it is most important for the Trustees to look at services and programs being offered to the community; and for Trustees to be planning strategically for future needs of the community as a whole. Consider items such as more programs for all ages; meeting room usage; etc. Strategic Plan. Kathy explained that this will be updated in the next several months and that this is the final year. Kathy said the Plan has to be approved by the State;and the State has requirements for the process of the planning. Having a Strategic Plan is one of the requirements to get a grant. Capc Library Funding. Do all Cape libraries receive town funding? Kathy responded that some Cape libraries are private libraries,and may receive some funding from their towns(but not all of it)and they are not governed by the town. She said as a for instance, all Barnstable libraries are private and the town gives them some money to share amongst themselves but does not cover their operation. The funding from the town is considered a grant, and the employees are not town employees. Library Staff, Why are there position vacancies? Do Trustees advocate on issues such as staffing? Would Friends fund staffing? Kathy responded that the positions are vacant,but are funded so the positions will be filled. Kathy said when the annual budget is presented that is when a case is made for any new expenses. Town manages employees of the library since all are town employees and belong to various town unions. Kathy said the Trustees set policy regarding the library building,etc.,but do not set personnel policies. Kathy said Friends have not wanted to fund staffing, but if there was something unique they might consider to do so. Choosing Library Materials. Kathy explained the process for choosing library materials. She said the library does not"censor"per se but does look at"community standard"material. Kathy said library has a policy insofar as how we select materials. She said we must be objective. Choices are available and it is up to the individual to decide to borrow material or not. 2