Library Board of Trustees Agenda and Packet 2013 03 14

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Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes—DRAFT JANUARY 10, 2013 Page 3 of 4 X. Director’s Report A. Public Services Manager Recruitment Beth noted that there were 37 applicants from a national recruitment. All four interviewees were from Colorado. Beth also noted that interviews were held on January 8, and the panel comprised an HR representative, the Library’s Circulation Supervisor Lisa Merly, and representatives from the Adult, Children’s, and Teen divisions. The Human Resources Department is currently working with the panel’s first choice, and Beth estimates that it will be approximately 30 days before the new hire will start. B. State of eBooks in libraries: public awareness and advocacy Included in the meeting packet were articles related to this subject. Beth reinforced the importance of this issue and asked the Board to have a discussion about it and how to include this in the Board’s role as library advocates. Beth also discussed the pricing models and the availability of e-books to libraries and distributed a regular report that Douglas County Library District prepares. Douglas County is a national leader on many library issues. C. iHelp Leslie and Jeannie both noted that interest at both Vic’s and the Rec Center has been low overall. A proposal to have iHelp sessions in the Library could help establish some interest and increase attendance at outreach locations in the future. A need for improved and easily portable marketing materials was discussed and will be addressed by Karen and Sean. As noted previously, the public is also largely unaware of the issues between libraries and publishers with respect to e-book availability and pricing. The Library’s iHelp sessions offer a good opportunity to provide some basic education. The Douglas County Library District report on e-book pricing and availability will be added to the iHelp marketing materials. Beth noted that Kim Turner of the Colorado Hometown News has expressed an interest in doing a story on iHelp. Since the program has been losing volunteers, this could be a great recruitment tool. Other avenues for volunteer recruitment were also discussed and included the Youth Advisory Board. D. Statistics Beth noted that the circulation for 2012 was up 4% over 2011, which was another record-setting year. A few year-end statistics remain to be compiled but should be finalized by the end of the week. E. Upcoming Events Of significance, Beth noted that the Children’s Services division is adding two book clubs, one for children in grades 1 & 2, and the other for grades 3 & 4. Beth also mentioned that as part of the Library’s emphasis on early literacy, interactive playscapes and pre-literacy kits have been purchased and will soon be in use. The Library Foundation provided the funds for these items.