Library Commission

Notes from Meeting: March 3, 2010

1. Commissioners attending: Stephen Cary, Timothy Moriarty, and Vera O'Connor.
2. It was reported that the roof at Mason Square Branch Library is leaking.
3. Committee Report: Mr. Moriarty said he believes stronger language is needed in the draft of the Social Media Policy and will work with Ms. Fogarty on this. The library's Facebook page is up and now has many fans.
4. Library Commission By Laws Changes: These need to be in agreement with the City Policy. Commissioners should review the additions/changes and "blue strike-throughs" in the draft. In Article VII a dollar amount must be designated. Suggestion was made that anything up to $24,999 would require only the Library Commission Chairman's signature ( with the Chairman of the Finance Committee as back-up ), and contracts for $25,000 and up would need a quorum's signatures.
5. Judy Cmero, Manager of Public Services, announced her retirement to the Library Commission. She provided the Commissioners with a copy of her "Suggested Collection Agency Fee Changes," and explained them to those present. (See attached.)
6. Chairman's Report: Mr. Cary said he would talk to Patrick Markey, recently a Springfield City Councilor and former Chairman of the Library Commission, to see if he is interested in another term on the Library Commission. Mr. Cary will also contact Mayor Sarno to request filling the open Library Commission seats. There was discussion about getting people with experience in certain areas.
7. Director's Report: Ms. Fogarty stated that she believes the Library needs a Gift Policy. Ms. Fogarty met with Ed Pikula, City Solicitor, and Steve Mollica, the City's relocation expert, about Mason Square Branch Library. Henry Thomas has submitted the inventory of items and knows that he must be out of the building by May 31, 2010.
   The Mayor's Office will be sending a press release announcing Ms. Fogarty's appointment as Library Director.
   She said the library budget hearing was "very good," with a level service budget submitted, explaining that ?our materials budget is 30% smaller than other libraries our size.?
   The placement at Central Library of the Classical High School mural "The Light of Education" (currently being restored) was discussed.
   Commissioners were given an information packet on a Library Trustee's Symposium.
   Steven Spohn, Lyrasis, will attend April's Library Commission meeting to present his report about the Library (Staff Retreat Day plus many follow-up discussions with staff), and to discuss the Strategic Planning process timeline. He will also be working with Ms. Fogarty in writing the Strategic Plan for the Library.
   Ms. O'Connor inquired about opening the Central Library on Fridays, and if the Library will do "One Book, One Springfield" this year.
8. Commissioners requested a list of library personnel to contact for various issues. They also asked about training for new Library Commissioners.
   Mr. Moriarty spoke about the Library Legislative Breakfast recently held at the Chicopee Library, also attended by Janet Stupak. He encouraged Commissioners to contact their representatives to press for funding for libraries.
9. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

The next Library Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7 in the Central Library Community Room.