HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/30/98 Library Board MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
OF THE
CITY OF THE COLONY
APRIL 30, 1998
A REGULAR SESSION of the Library Board of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called
to order by Vice-Chair Bullard at 6:45 p.m.
Present:
Diana Kruzich Place 2
James Althaus Place 3
Lorraine Clark Place 4
Wayne Bullard Place 6
Sue Parks Place 7
Joan L. Sveinsson Library Director
Absent:
Sandi Gehrke Place 1 (Personal business)
Jayme Skelton Place 5 (Personal Business)
1. Discussion and consideration of proposed revisions to the Circulation Policy.
Director Sveinsson had provided the members with a copy of the proposed revisions,
based on the discussion at the April 23, 1998 meeting. The proposed revisions were:
· Broaden the list of acceptable forms id I.D by changing Section I.B.l.b. to read:
"Acceptable forms of I.D. may include a valid driver's license or an identification
card issued by a driver's license agency, military or student I.D., or passport."
· Provide options for checking out library materials by changing Section II.C.2.a. to
read: "Patrons are asked to present a valid borrower's card to check out library
materials. For those who forgot their card, staff will look up their records if
identification is provided. In this case, the same standards of identification for
application will be applied. (Section I.B.l.b.).
· Allow staff discretionary judgment regarding renewals by changing Section
II.C.5.¢.3) to read: "Limit of two renewals per item; staff is authorized to apply
discretionary judgment in extending this limit for items that are not in high demand.",
and by changing Section II.C.5.c.4) to read: "No renewal will be allowed on an item
that has a waiting list (reserves pending); staff is authorized to apply discretionary
judgement in negotiating an extension of one or two days.".
· Eliminate duplication in the section re: renewals of outreach program mati~rials by
deleting "One (1) automatic renewal is allowed."
Director Sveinsson also presented proposed fee recommendations for the Board to
consider for submission to the Fees Committee. Included in the recommendations was
the elimination of overdue fines and of nonresident fees. Members of the Board
discussed the best approach to take in presenting these recommendations to the Fees
Committee.
Member AIthaus moved to approve the proposed revisions to the Circulation Policy and
the proposed fee recommendations for submission to the Fees Committee. The motion
was seconded by Member Parks and the vote was unanimous. --
2. Discussion and consideration of proposed recommendations to the Library Director re:
service guidelines.
Two of the service guidelines from the Montgomery County, Maryland, service manual
were discussed:
.· Suggestions for handling applicants who do not have any form of photo
identification:
"We have an obligation to protect the library collection which 'belongs' to all citizens,
so we require identification from all library card applicants. It's important that we
find the right balance, though, by not creating unnecessary barriers to getting a
card. The option to mail cards to those without identification is one method to
achieve the right balance. Staff are encouraged to seek other solutions. A drivers'
license is the most common form of identification, but there are many forms of ID
that will meet our requirements. Other examples include a checkbook with
preprinted address, a property lease or deed, a property tax receipt, and
postmarked mail. Anything that provides evidence of name and a current address
is acceptable - just use good judgment and common sense."
· Re: claims returned items:
"Use your judgment when clearing overdue items from borrower records, it's often
helpful to give the customer an opportunity to search for the item. If a patron insists
that they returned the item, it's usually best to clear the item immediately. It is our
assumption the customer is acting in good faith."
Discontinuation of the practice of filing charges in Municipal Court against delinquent
patrons was discussed. Director Sveinsson recommended that the ordinance not be
changed, allowing use of Court as a last resort for extremely abusive cases. Due to the
Iow dollar figures involved in the current record of recovery via court, (less than $2,000 in
items recovered via the third notice and court action combined), it was the consensus of
the Board to wait until a full fiscal year has passed before making any recommendation
regarding any other recovery process, (such as a collection agency).
Member AIthaus moved to approve the above recommendations. Member Parks
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
T hemeetingadjournedat7'25 p.m. ~ //~~
Wayr~llard, Vic"e-Chai~
~Joan L. Sveinsson, Acting Secre ary