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Board Minutes
HEARTLAND LIBRARY COOPERATIVE
June 1, 2005
HLC Governing Board members present: DeSoto—-Paul Erickson, Ann Ryals, Felton Garner; Hardee—-Elinor Batey; Highlands—-Jeanne Renton, Perry Newport. Librarians present: Fred Lohrer, Elizabeth Kenney, Diane Hunt, and Mary Myers.
Paul Erickson called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. with Commissioner Felton Garner
giving the invocation and leading the pledge of allegiance. The notice of public meeting was read and there were no additions to the agenda. Jeanne moved, Ann seconded, that the board approve the agenda as printed, passed by voice vote. Ann moved, Jeanne seconded, that the board approve the minutes as printed, passed by voice vote.
Paul Erickson asked Coordinator Mary Myers about the implementation of the Smartcard in Okeechobee Public Library. Mary Myers was happy to inform that reports were very positive with the system running smoothly.
NEW BUSINESS:
Librarian Michael Pate was introduced to the board to give a demonstration of the new Heartland Web Page. He presented the current Heartland web page to the members, going through each option on the tool bar, and then presented them with some new ideas gathered at the 20th Anniversary Conference at Washington D.C. on “Computers in the Library”.
This new ideas have in mind help us make the current web page more user friendly to the patrons by using in the design the patron’s terminology, as well as, helping the patrons get a better understanding of the cooperative and its members.
Some of the new ideas included having a homepage with direct access to all libraries in the cooperative, with an option to directions and a map for each one of them.
Having a subject guide option to look by topics on the tool bar (keeping the electronic database access inside an option). Having information on how to apply for a library card accessing through a picture of the actual card. Having a calendar of events. Keeping the board and home pages updated. Having an option to e-book and ask a librarian with a state link.
The fact that not only the Heartland web page needs to be updated but that also the individual libraries’ web pages need it too, was brought up. And the options of having them look just like the Heartland page or keeping them linked but each looking its distinctive way was given.
Paul Erickson suggested that the libraries should maintain their individuality.
Fred Lohrer suggested creating a logo for the cooperative, to which Perry Newport suggested doing it through a contest, and Mary Myers suggested as another option seeking the help of a professional. A review of the budget should take place before any decision could be made.
Paul Erickson suggested the members to think about it and come back in September to the next board meeting with an agenda item and decide then what to do about getting a logo.
Fred Lohrer suggested the members to check web pages and think of their reactions to what they see bearing in mind the differences between big and small cities; so they can
bring suggestions and have a better understanding of the new design presented for the Heartland web page.
BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mary Myers presented to the members a draft budget for the fiscal year 2006 that showed no changes from the current budget if approved without the attachment for a Book Mobile and an Outreach Librarian.
She proceeded to inform the members on the cost and requirements for a bookmobile which would have an initial cost of $142,000-$342,000 total. And an ongoing cost that could eliminate completely the reserve for contingency.
The individual libraries all agreed when asked that they don’t have money to invest in the project. And at present the State Aid is under review.
So, even though the Book mobile is a wonderful idea this is not the right time for the cooperative to invest in it. Mary recommended not getting involved in any new projects at this moment.
Ann agreed there isn’t money for such an investment. Besides, the main objectives of the Cooperative are communications and technology.
Fred suggested the members to think on other possibilities for outreach, like providing a computer service at mobile parks.
Mary said that there are other ways. Other counties do books by mail, or by delivery. It all depends on the resources each one has.
Paul agreed the Book Mobile is not a project the cooperative can afford right now according to its resources. It would be a shame to invest in the Book Mobile and to be unable to operate it because of lack of resources to cover the ongoing expenses.
Mary informed the members of a project that the Sebring Library does called Deposit Collection. With an agreement through a lawyer the library provides adult living facilities with several large print new releases copies every month. Desoto an Okeechobee have the money to invest in a project like that.
Diana agreed not to be in a hurry to spend and do great things.
Gloria thought it was better to stay with the original motive for the cooperative since the actual situation is a bit unstable with the Florida Aid under review and no resources available from the individual libraries.
Gloria moved to put the Book Mobile aside indefinitely and to concentrate on the original motive for the cooperative.
Paul moved to accept the budget as propose, Ann seconded, and it passed by voice vote.
The next MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 21st, LAKE PLACID MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
Librarian Fred Lohrer commented on how essential it is to assist to professional meetings as Librarian Michael Pate did, were you will inevitably learn of new ideas and get energized to do your job even better than before.
The board was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Estela A. Patrick
Library Assistant
