LOCATION: Conference Room

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Jonen, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Mutter and Mr. Radley

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Frankel

OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Madden, Mrs. O’Brien, Mr. McCurry, Mrs. Llerandi, Mrs. Adrianopoli and Mrs. Jones

TIME MEETING BEGAN: 7:30 p.m.

Minutes. It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mr. Lucas that:

The minutes of December 15, 2003 be approved.

Motion passed unanimously.

Staff Institute Day. There was extensive discussion about the results of a survey of staff about the Staff Institute Day (see survey report). Mr. Lucas also suggested that it would be good to survey staff on what they see as the key issues facing libraries today. Mrs. Llerandi also gave some background information on the Institute Day and Mrs. Miller who attended the programs also related her experiences. About 85% of the employees were positive and there were a number of suggestions and comments.

Sculpture. Mrs. Miller reported that the next artwork project could be a Chihuly glass sculpture to go above the fireplace. Mrs. Jonen expressed her concern about how fragile a glass sculpture might be. Mrs. Miller said this will be explored further and she planned to visit the Chihuly studio when attending the Public Library Association Conference.

Web Page Use Analysis. A survey showing use of the Library’s web page was discussed. From November 2000 to the present, there have been 409,209 visitors to the Library’s web page. The ten most popular places visited on our page are:

1^st the search engine page

2^nd the kid’s page

3^rd the electronic reference products provided by the library

4^th library catalog

5^th web page search site

6^th program listings

7^th suggested links to Internet sites

8^th the ebook collection

9^th contact page for staff and library information

10^th frequently asked questions page

Popular Service Report. The Board reviewed the report submitted by the Popular Services Department. The changes in the circulation of videos and DVD’s were noted and some of the implications were discussed. The Board felt that an article in Browsing about audio-visual changes would be good. It was also felt that a written policy spelling out the reserve policies would be good to have.

NSLS Representative. Mr. Lyons reported that there was no December meeting.

Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Lucas reported that because of the change in date for this Board meeting, financial statements have not been completed for December. When finished, they will be mailed out. The Board then reviewed a report on financial projections compiled by Steve Larson and how those projections compared to the audit report for 2002-2003.

Hoffman Estates Branch Library. An independent roofing firm was hired to do an inspection of the roof at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library. Although they found a number of problems, all of these can be corrected for about $300.00. The Board felt that we should proceed with those corrections but that this information should be brought to the attention of the architect. Mrs. Adrianopoli then continued by noting some furniture and landscaping problems at the branch. It was felt that the Library’s attorney needs to be involved with the resolving of the landscaping issues.

Elk Grove Village Public Library. Representatives of the Board of the Elk Grove Village Public Library plan to attend the Board’s February meeting.

Café Lease. The café two-year lease ends next month. The vendor has requested a five-year lease.

It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:

A five-year lease be issued and that the Board President be authorized to sign the lease.

Motion passed unanimously.

Legislator’s Brunch. Mrs. Miller reported that a brunch with local legislators has been scheduled for Sunday, February 1^st at 11:30 a.m. If this date turns out to be a problem, the alternate date is February 22^nd.

Personnel Committee. Mrs. Jonen reported that the Personnel Committee would like to have an open meeting with staff in either March or April.

Leave Request for Carol Bromund. Carol Bromund has requested a four-month leave of absence. Her husband is retired and she would like to spend the winter months in Florida and then return to work in the spring. Mrs. Jonen expressed concern that granting such a leave would set a precedent and could create a number of staffing issues. Mrs. Llerandi stated that she felt that work in the Technical Services Department could be adjusted such that the leave would not present a hardship.

It was moved by Mrs. Jonen and seconded by Mr. Radley that:

The request for a leave be denied.

Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Llerandi said that then Carol Bromund’s status could be changed to “seasonal employee” and if there is adequate work, she could return as a seasonal employee.

Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act.

It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:

The Library pass a resolution establishing policy regarding the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (see Appendix A).

Motion passed unanimously.

Per Capita Letter from the State of Illinois. Mrs. Miller expressed concern about delays and even possible reductions in funding from the State of Illinois.

RFID Technology. Mrs. Miller noted that many libraries are adopting RFID technology and that this is an issue that the Board needs to examine. She has asked that several articles explaining this technology and some of the issues created by this technology to be sent to Board members.

Toastmasters.

It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mr. Lucas that:

Toastmaster be allowed to use the entire Rasmussen Room for a program on March 31^st.

Motion passed unanimously.

Door Counting Device. Mr. Madden reported that a new technology from England that counts library patrons would be installed in the Library.

NSLS Legislative Breakfast. Mr. Lyons reported that he would be attending the NSLS Legislative Breakfast on February 16^th.

Adjournment.

It was moved by Mrs. Jonen and seconded by Mr. Radley that:

The meeting adjourn.

Motion passed unanimously.

Time of Adjournment. 8:27 p.m.