Library Board of Trustees Agenda and Packet 2017 11 09

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Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes—DRAFT September 14, 2017 Page 2 of 5 7) New Business A. Using Big Data: the RIPL (Research Institute for Public Libraries) Conference: July 31 -Aug. 1 (S. Johnson, Technology Librarian) Sarah explained that she had been to this Colorado regional conference. She noted that it had been a great opportunity to learn and to network with other, local technology librarians and staff. The focus of the workshops was how to: • Design outcome -based evaluation of programs and services • Assess community needs • Apply techniques for tracking public library data and using these data for planning, management, and demonstrating the library's worth • Use data and stories to document the impact of the library Sarah noted that she is beginning to use some of what she learned to evaluate data from the Summer Reading Program, which she illustrated with an infographic distributed at the meeting. An important focus of this data evaluation process will be to create outcome stories. According to Sarah, an especially valuable aspect of the conference was learning about survey design and related data analysis. The next survey project for the Library will focus on Superior residents. B. Correspondence to the Board A representative of the local chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) wrote to the Board concerning a display of books she had seen when in the Library for a DAR event during Women's History Month. The display included books about Betsy Ross, Eleanor Roosevelt, and opera singer Marian Anderson. Because Marian Anderson had not been allowed to sing at Constitution Hall in 1939, this DAR representative wondered if the display was meant to be a criticism of the DAR. (The DAR owned Constitution Hall at the time and had a strict policy that allowed only white performers.) Jeannie contacted the DAR representative and let her know that the display was put up by a Children's librarian to feature women who had played prominent roles in American history. The librarian was not aware of this history with the DAR. After discussing her concerns with Jeannie, and being assured that the Library welcomes the DAR's support and involvement, the DAR representative was satisfied, and the matter is closed. Beth noted that the Library continues to feature programs put on by the DAR including an annual display of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The organization is also involved in An American Girl Doll program scheduled in October. C. Applying to the LBOT: Letter from City Council Ashley noted that City Council is trying to improve and streamline the process to approve new Board and Commission members. Council is looking for feedback on the number and types of screening questions asked, and also about this process in general. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed that Council's plan and screening questions are a helpful and constructive approach. D. Use of Downloadables Beth briefly reviewed the charts illustrating use of downloadable resources at the Library, noting that Louisville's use of these materials has increased significantly since 2010. Beth also noted that publishers are seeing a decline in consumer purchase of these items, which may be