Barbara Garvey, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.

Library Commissioners Present:

• Helen Boyle
• Bettye Webb
• Barbara Garvey
• Rudy Ruggeri
• Janet Edwards
• Vera O'Connor

Library Staff Present:

• Emily Bader, Library Director
• Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
• Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant

All Commissioners present introduced themselves. Members of the audience were asked to introduce themselves as well.

Chairman Garvey entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2004 meeting. Minutes were approved with one correction. The section regarding the transfer of Library staff to City, line 3 should read: ...... a presentation will be made to the Mayor, the Library Commission, and the Personnel Policy Board for approval ........

Motion by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Boyle to accept the minutes as corrected passed unanimously.

The next meeting of the Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, March 1st, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Central Library at 220 State St.

Director Bader will make arrangements to meet at a branch for the mid March meeting.

Appointment of Standing Committees - Chairman Garvey requested Commissioners' preferences; appointments will be made a the next meeting. The Development Commitee will be appointed at a later date.

Ad Hoc Policy Committee - The Library Commission will work as a committee-of-the-whole, along with Library staff, on the Computer Use Policy which is top priority The sub-committee of the Library Commission will meet on March 1st at 4 p.m. Director Bader will provide links to websites that deal with Computer Use Policies. Director Bader will also send packets of background information to all Commissioners to review prior to the March 1st meeting.

Ad Hoc Volunteer Committee - After a brief discussion, the Library Commission decided there was no need to form such a committee. Director Bader noted that Volunteer Coordinator, Sharyn Holstead will report to the Commission periodically.

Springfield Newspapers Update - Director Bader received a memo from Springfield Museums Association President, Joseph Carvalho, stating that their policy remains to allow access to students to use the materials free of charge and that the materials are the property of Springfield Museums Association. Director Bader reported that she had not yet received a response from the Association's Chair, Mike Wallace regarding the Commission's formal request to return the materials.

The public expressed their concerns regarding the difficulty they have using the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum due to shortened hours of operation.

Chairman Garvey reported that City Solicitor, Patrick Markey has been meeting with representatives from the SMA to resolve the issues regarding handicap parking; the gates; the Springfield Newspapers and Mason Square. The Mayor anticipates an agreement within the next 2-3 months.

Branch Library Advisory Committees - after a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the Library Commission was to support the organization of Branch Library Advisory Committees in all locations. Chairman Garvey reported that the Mayor wants more citizen involvement, and this will provide the means to do so.

Library Director's Report - Director Bader reported that she had met with Ron Copes from MassMutual along with Mary Ann Maloney, President, Friends of Springfield Library. The basis of this meeting was to "get acquainted". Director Bader will develop a wish list of projects, that would benefit the library, for Mr. Copes to review.

Director Bader announced the first State Aid check was received and the waiver which was applied for in the Fall had been approved.

Chairman Garvey indicated that the FY 05 budget process would begin in mid-March.

Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Ruggeri and seconded by Commissioner Edwards.

Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rudy Ruggeri

Approved as corrected March 1, 2004