Budget  - In the end the Library didn’t need the $1,000 extra to cover the personnel budget.  Vanessa managed to work the schedule enough so the funds were not needed.  The Library needs to add more funds to increase the non-professional hours in FY09.  Currently, salaried employees such as Vanessa, Richard and Sharon are working the reference desk to keep from going over budget on payroll.  Janel also has been filling in at the circulation desk.  It is not an cost effective use of their time. Electricity was above budget, although usage was not higher.  Other town departments reported the same experience.  We still have $17,955 for carpeting/flooring  the new books area; it can be carried over into FY08 because it is in the capital budget.

Carpet Choice for Browsing Area -  The Board unanimously preferred the lighter color carpet tiles, gray with large pattern.  Our choice was also the staff’s preference.

People Counter – Equipment Options:  Richard reports that ALA (American Library Association ) conference exhibits featured many kinds of counters, from $50 hand operated to $1500 version linked to computer that generates statistics. We’ll probably get one at about $300 - $400; some you have to download, others load themselves.  Richard will check with Newton and Brookline – do they use them and if so, how well do they work?  We need a clear plan for how we will use them. Having a count of patrons might help us to make a case for funding. An hourly count might show us when to have more staff working. Counters will also tell us which entrance is used the most. 

ALA - Richard reported on the ALA conference in Washington D.C., the first he had attended.  He was impressed by the size of it—28,000 people registered.  Exhibits ranged from Google and Microsoft to sellers of books and furniture.  The seminars were excellent.  He attended one on libraries transforming communities – five sessions.  We already do a lot of the things they mentioned, for instance many librarians he talked to didn’t yet have wireless connections. The seminars made him want to look at policies and avoid the temptation to just keep doing things the same way. We need to get more people in to the Library and keep the library relevant to its users.  Patrons  have changed because they have more choices and we have to make sure the library is a choice they make.  Richard will write up a report for the staff and the Trustees.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) - Chip that emits radio frequency is embedded in book, instead of a barcode. Useful for tracking and shelving books, RFID makes self check-out much easier to use.  Richard’s very interested in it, as it would free up circulation staff for other duties. We should wait until the price comes down – currently the target for each book is about $1 a piece. 

Meeting with Kim Bolan on YA/Reference Area Project -  Richard met with Kim on the Monday of ALA. He was impressed and she agreed to send us a proposal.  She can do as much or as little as we want, advice to full project.  She wants to make a site visit to see how the space is used.  This will be in either August or in September when the kids are in the library. Noreen should be part of this visit.  Kim knows a lot of the vendors, who have worked with her in the past. Kim says you want the kids to feel it’s their own space, but you don’t want it uncontrollable. 

Email Reminder Notices – Minuteman Net will implement this as of 7/17/07. Patrons will be reminded of upcoming due date two days ahead of time.

Windows in Lobby Atrium - The highest windows do not open, and the atrium gets hot.  Ray has always wanted to change them so they open. Ray received a quote of $4,000 for two windows, including installation.  The expense would be offset by savings on A/C.  Richard will check with Ray to see if the windows can be opened remotely. 

Eagle Scout Project - Sarah asked about the status of the Eagle Scout’s mural project.  Vanessa said the Scout came with helpers and measured the stairwell; since then she hasn’t heard from him. But the Scout has until his 18^th birthday, next summer, to complete the project. He will paint only the landings, which will require only small ladders.  Richard will check into liability issues. 

Minuteman Library Network Annual Agreement – We signed the agreement to abide by the rules of the Network.