10/11/2022 BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES Minutes

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topics of discussion for open meetings in order to maintain confidentiality for candidates prior to finalizing an accepted offer. The on -going challenge for Cape Cod libraries is the limited number of trained/experienced applicants who are seeking positions. Those who are applying generally want or need a full-time job to address the cost of living in the region. Options for reconfiguring staff and increasing hours for existing part-time staff continue to be a priority, though it presents complications. The current library staff are all skilled and dedicated employees who have transformed services in a very positive way, and the public regularly comments on the customer service and welcoming environment. Materials and collections continue to evolve as patron needs are adapting to shifting media and print service models triggered by the pandemic. Electronic books and resources continue to grow in popularity and increase in price. CLAMS is forming an OverDrive committee to study questions associated with this new reality and formulate recommendations. The Library Director is currently the President of the CLAMS network and will serve on this committee. Materials that are currently in "disc" format, such as Books on CD, Music CDs, and DVDs for all ages are viewed as aging formats that are expected to be phased out by the vendors or patrons, or a combination of both. The Library Director pointed out that our service population includes older adults and second home owners who prefer the disc format and do not necessarily maintain a strong Internet service to allow for streaming or downloadable materials. Going forward the challenges will include balancing competing needs of patrons, and also adapting the physical library spaces. The Library Director will be meeting with staff from the MBLC to do a building walk through and begin the process of space planning for the future. The Children's Room is a top priority for a redesign and renovation. Redesigning spaces also depends on the collections. Staff from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts Library System, and Massachusetts Library Association joined the CLAMS membership meeting in early October and discussed the recent national trend of challenges libraries are receiving. Books, materials, programs, and displays are all the focus of complaints and challenges. In the past these challenges were very rare and originated locally from an individual, but now they are developed by organizations in different states who target libraries nationally.