April 14, 2004

The regular meeting of the Rapid City Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Eric Abrahamson on April 14, 2004 at 5:15 p.m.  Present were: Eric Abrahamson, Bobbie Christenson, Lynda Clark, Monte Loos, Sonia Castleberry, Ron Kroeger, Greta Chapman, Terri Davis, Kim Baumberger, Diana Winckel, Renee Ponzio and Clare Hafferman. Absent: Roy Burr.

Open Forum: Nothing presented.

Introduction of Staff: Staff members and guests present introduced themselves.  Abrahamson welcomed staff and guests to the meeting.

National Library Week Presentation:

· All you need to know: A group of RCPL staff sang the “All You Need to Know” jingle.

· Reader’s Advisory Services: Jennifer Irwin demonstrated the “May we Suggest” webpage and discussed the patron service station at Circulation. Patrons will be able to set up appointments with staff to discuss recommended reading materials.

· Ask a Librarian: Renee Ponzio demonstrated the “Ask a Librarian” webpage which will utilize Question Point software for live chat. This service will be available to patrons during regular business hours by Reference and Youth Services.

· Wireless Lab: Greg Russ demonstrated and discussed the wireless lab. Advantages include mobility and the ability for the instructor to connect to each laptop in order to assist with any questions users may have. The “Library to Go”, with hands on information, will be promoted during National Library Week.

Minutes: Postpone approval until 5.12.04 (unable to view link).

Budget Reports:  Chapman responded to budgetary and bills questions.   

Kroeger moved, Christenson seconded the payment of monthly budgetary bills for April.  Motion carried.

Announcements and Administrative Reports:

Chapman updated, answered questions and informed the Board on the following:

· Statistics;

· Director’s Report; ExLibris Update; Director’s Evaluation Process and Annual Calendar of Library Events.

Committee Reports:

Board Policy: Board members discussed and asked questions regarding the proposed recommendations.

Serials retention policy: Kroeger moved, Loos seconded the approval of the Serials retention policy. Motion carried.

· Billing for Materials-Overdue Policy: Policy tabled for review of the City Attorney’s Letter to Patrons requesting materials be returned. Letter will be brought forward at the next Board meeting.

Finance: 2005 Proposed Budget:

· Narrative: Chapman updated and answered questions regarding the budget narrative.

· Budget Draft: Kroeger moved, Clark seconded the approval of the 2005 Library Budget. Motion carried.

Policy: Strategic Planning:

· SPC Update: Abrahamson updated Board members on the response level of the survey and the need to communicate services provided by the Library to the public. A Strategic Plan Draft is forthcoming for Board adoption and public review.

Benchmarks: Benchmarks reviewed by Abrahamson.

Liaisons:

Foundation: Closing-Foundation Dinner 4/17: Chapman requested that the Library close at 4:30 pm on April 17, 2004 for the Foundation Dinner.

Kroeger moved, Christenson seconded the approval of closing the Library at 4:30 pm on April 17, 2004. Motion carried.

Friends: Budget Requests 9/03-5/04

Other Business: Nothing presented.

Clark moved, Loos seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.