Library Commissioners Present:

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

Library Staff Present:

• Emily Bader, Library Director
• Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
• Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant
• Mary Frederick, IT Manager

Meeting called to order:

Mayor Ryan requested the Commission to reconsider the decision, to remove filters from all Library Computers, which was voted on at the March 1st, 2004 meeting.

Commissioner Ruggeri made a motion to review the Computer Internet Policy which was seconded by Commissioner O'Connor.

Discussion to remove filters from all library computers or to retain the existing policy (filters on all branch PC's and in the Central Library Children's Room).

Issues addressed:

• privacy of patrons
• constitutional rights of public
• removal of filters upon request
• parental monitoring and responsibilities
• cost of filtering
• encourage pro-active strategy to create policies and safe use
• limit number of computers accessible to children

Director Bader reported, that Envisionware software allows patrons to reserve computers and if used along with a content Server, it will limit minors' access to Internet pornography on designated computers

Specific costs involved are: Envisionware Software, $19,000; Proxy Server, $2,000 - $3,000; Content Server, $25,000 - $30,000.

Commissioner Denney requested to revisit policy at a later date, after some statistical record keeping of infractions has been collected.

Motion by Janet Denney and seconded by Vera O'Connor to review the Computer Internet Policy in six months passed unanimously.

Motion by Barbara Garvey to retain current status of filtering passed with 4 voting yes and 3 opposed.

Facilities Use Policy

Director Bader indicated that the current policy will need some revisions, especially since the Pine Point Branch and the Mason Square Branch no longer have public meeting spaces available.

Questions up for discussion:

• what groups are eligible to use the facilities
• should there be restrictions
• should a nominal fee be imposed
• should meetings be open to the public

A motion by Commissioner O'Connor to keep liturgical restriction and remove the words political or partisan in the first paragraph did not pass with 3 voting yes and 4 opposed. The wording will remain the same.

Helen Boyle suggested that instead of charging a fee, ask for donations.

Janet Denney expressed concern that a fee would cause a hardship for many groups.

Rudy Ruggeri asked staff to prepare a fee schedule proposal to discuss at the next meeting.

Barbara asked that further discussions be postponed until the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Approved: April 5, 2004