Board of Trustees River Forest Public Library River Forest, Illinois Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting October 17, 2006 7:20 PM—8:39pm. Call to Order Ms. Horstman called the meeting to order at 7:20pm. Ms. Fischer substituted as secretary for Mrs. Daly and so called the roll. Present were Mr. Soffer, Ms. Ryan, Ms. Horstman and Ms. Fischer. Excused were Ms. Daly, Mr. Coe and Mrs. Cusack. Audience to Visitors, Trustee and Staff Comments There were no visitor’s comments. Blaire Valentine, Administrative Assistant/PR presented an overview of her work on media and community relations postings, quarterly bookplate and special promotions. She presented results of the recent library survey: 10% homes have responded (400+ to date). Ms. Valentine also fielded questions about her work. Consent Agenda Ms. Ryan made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda, which included the Minutes of Regular Meeting September 19, 2006, the Warrant List and the September Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Soffer. Ms. Fischer called the roll: Mr. Soffer, aye; Ms. Ryan, aye; Ms. Horstman, aye; Ms. Fischer, aye. The motion passed 4-0. There were no donations to consider this month. Communications from Mrs. Bussey Announcements: Mrs. Bussey has developed a format for a monthly article about the Library in the Forest Leaves; Metropolitan Library System (MLS) alerted the Library to a change way in the way communities must word their ballot requests for increasing taxes via referendum. Forest Park is the only library in IL on the ballot this year. The trustees briefly discussed the status of RF Home Rule and its implications for RFPL. The Director and Board intend to stay abreast of any procedures relating to executing a referendum request of voters. In other news, the Library received thanks from Clear Sky Committee; it gave away old monitors; it welcomed a delegation of Librarians from Russia. Patron Suggestions: the Trustees discussed 2 suggestions: (1) The shelf location of two books were challenged, the 2nd and 3rd challenges in two months. Trustee Soffer expressed concern over the challenges. Mrs. Bussey responded that when reviewed, staff considered it more appropriate to re-shelve the book within the adult collection. She also noted an important difference in the type of challenges to books. This was not a request to remove the book, but to place it in the section of the Library that is intended for adult readers. Trustee Soffer indicated that he hopes the forthcoming policy on reconsideration of materials places the burden for challenging material on the patron, not on the library, and that the acceptable reasons for challenges, whether to re-shelve or remove an item, be extremely limited, such as for pornographic content. (2) An Oak Park Library card holder’s comment requesting certain computer use reciprocity was discussed. Mrs. Bussey noted that with the time management system in place, she would now be able to study RF usage and determine whether it might be possible to create a fee-based system for use by non-residents. She expects to watch the statistics for at least one year. She noted that our “Internet Express” terminals are open to anyone for 15 minutes as a courtesy. Director’s Report Mrs. Bussey presented her Statistical, Written and Departmental reports in advance of the meeting. Trustees had no follow-up questions. Old Business Mrs. Bussey reported on Capital Improvements progress including installation of self checkout; a contract secured for architectural services of Holabird and Root; appointment of the steering committee to direct the facilities review (to be chaired by Ms. Fischer). Ms. Fischer gave an overview of the next steps anticipated in relation to the project. . Collection Development Policy and Reconsideration of Materials Policy Mrs. Bussey presented a Collection Development Policy developed by her staff and provided a draft of a “Reconsideration of Materials” policy. Ms. Horstman made a motion to approve. Mr. Soffer second but after some discussion, Ms. Horstman withdrew her motion for two reasons: a change was suggested that would address Mr. Soffer’s concerns regarding challenges. It was discussed and generally agreed upon. In light of the significance of the matter at hand, it was decided to wait until a greater number of trustees could participate in the vote on the policy. New Business DVD/Video Loan Rule Mrs. Bussey proposed that the Library rely on the Library Card Agreement to allow children to check out any dvd within the Library rather than only those housed in the children’s section. Sam Cresswell, Head of Circulation, presented comparable AV loan rules from local libraries. After discussion, Mrs. Bussey was asked to find out if there are legal implications for materials rated by the Motion Picture Industry. Discussion was tabled in order to investigate. Levy Resolution: Ms. Ryan moved that the Library adopt the levy resolution, which calls for the Library to levy the maximum amount allowed by law. Mr. Soffer seconded. Ms. Fischer called the roll. Soffer, Ryan, Horstman and Fischer voted aye. The motion passed 4-0. Committee of The Whole Meeting-October 24, 2006: Trustees scheduled a discussion of lists of priorities for the 07-08 budget. It was agreed that this agenda item should move to “Old Business”. Executive Session. None requested. Adjournment Ms. Ryan made a move to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Soffer seconded. Ms. Horstman adjourned the meeting at 8:39pm. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Gearen Fischer