October 13, 2004

The regular meeting of the Rapid City Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Roy Burr on October 13, 2004 at 5:15 p.m.  Present were: Eric Abrahamson, Lynda Clark, Bobbie Christenson, Ron Kroeger, Monte Loos, Greta Chapman, Terri Davis, Kim Baumberger and Jean Frankenfeld. Absent: Sonia Castleberry.

Open Forum: Nothing presented

Introduction of Staff: Staff member Jean Frankenfeld introduced herself.  Burr welcomed her to the meeting.

Minutes: Abrahamson moved, Loos seconded the approval of the minutes of the September 8, 2004 meeting.  Motion carried.

Budget Reports:  The Board reviewed the budget and bill reports.

Christenson moved, Clark seconded the payment of monthly budgetary bills for October.  Motion carried.

Announcements and Administrative Reports:

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

· Statistics: Entry count increased 14%; Reader’s Advisory questions in Reference have increased; materials added and the 42% reduction of fines is attributed to the network migration. Due to the software migration, numbers for web catalog use are unavailable. New software is forthcoming.

· Graphs: Chapman stated that program attendance is directly related to summer programming and circulation numbers are dictated by school, seasons and the reading patterns of patrons.

Director’s Report:

· ILS Update: Chapman reported that the RCPL staff experienced a full day of activities at the SDLA Conference. RCPL spoke with two ExLibris representatives and it was evident that SDLN and the state of SD are frustrated with the product. A vote was taken to seek legal counsel to discontinue the contract with ExLibris. This vote was defeated 11-12. A three month deadline was given to ExLibris in order to receive the agreed upon product specifications.

· Library Programming: Chapman also reported that RCPL is continuing to learn and evaluate the programming market. It has been determined that a thematic approach will be taken in the future. Public notification of programming events has been established within a 3 week window. Chapman requested feedback from Board members regarding public comments. The method of communication continues to be a learning process. Loos suggested collaborating with KOTA and utilizing their website to promote events and Clark suggested using PSA’s on Rapid Net.

· Monthly Calendar: Chapman stated that Teen Read Week and the Friends of the Library’s book sale is approaching. Abrahamson added that the Foundation is sponsoring “A Night with the Author”, an occasional reading series, to help create a more intimate atmosphere for participants.

Committee Reports:

Council Liaison: 2005 City and Library Budget: Kroeger reported that the City Council has held an initial discussion regarding earlier in the year meetings, with City Department Heads, to discuss future budgets. Chapman mentioned that the library will be formulating an internal 3 year budget.

Policy Committee: Board Vacancy: The Trustee Vacancy Procedure was reviewed. Information will be posted at public service desks and is ongoing at the mayor’s office. In addition, the Board requested posting vacancy information at the Journey Museum, Dahl Fine Arts, and Rushmore Bagel.

Strategic Plan Media Release: Thank You letters will be sent to the Strategic Planning Committee members.

Council Meeting 10.18: An update will be given to the City Council on the Board’s adoption of the Strategic Plan. Abrahamson suggested a brief presentation be given with the update. Abrahamson and Burr will attend the meeting.

Liaisons:

· Friends: Chapman commented that momentum and initiative were evident at the last Friends’ meeting.

· Foundation: Abrahamson stated the Foundation’s annual dinner is being planned.

Other Business: Nothing presented.

Christenson moved, Clark seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.