Otis Library Museum Meeting
Thursday, April 11, 2019 -6:30 PM
Members in attendance: Jim Adams, Kathleen Bort, Diane Dyer, Susan Ebitz, Jane Feldman, Eve Kummel, Lois Hall, and Celeste Watman
Guests: Larry Gould and Susan Brofman
The meeting was called to order by Diane Dyer, Chair at 6:30. Eve made a motion that was seconded by Susan to change the agenda order to allow Larry Gould to explain two-line items in the technology portion of the FY 2020 library budget. Larry – who was sent to represent both the Finance and Select board – suggested that the library’s computers should be serviced by John Shannon, the vendor who is responsible for all the other town computers. John
Shannon is willing to provide the service at no extra charge to the town. The Finance Board would be willing to discuss the funding of additional technology services (under $4,000) not offered by John Shannon. The Select board and Finance Board would like to see an itemized list of the services that are offered by John Charrow.
Kathy submitted staff questions and concerns with the proposed technology:
“The maintenance of the computers is not simply shutting down and locking the computers after each patron, is there an electronic censorship with that practice?(We need to acknowledge) the importance of the library as the public hub for technology and many people are not computer literate, and will need help. This could create problems.
I know that we ask for the stipend from the town to support the library, but it was my understanding that the administration of the library was separate and under the jurisdiction of the library board of trustees. Integrating and articulating our computer system with the town puts the library administration under the town. A major concern would be the administration and integration of our financial QuickBooks system. Is this a financial issue or a political issue? This is concerning since we are not town employees, and we will be turning our system, over to the town giving them the authority to run the system as the town so chooses. Balancing our relationship with the town and meeting our specific and independent needs is the board’s responsibility. We will do whatever you decide.” Several other members expressed both concerns and questions. It was decided to conduct more research into the services that both John Charrow and John Shannon provided. The board made the decision to hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 18th at 6:00 to discuss questions and concerns with John Shannon at 6:30 and John Charrow at 7:15. James made a motion that was seconded by Celeste stating that the Board of Trustees will be the ones to make the financial decision. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.
Kathleen Bort, Library Director submitted the following report:
- Attendance -Picking up
- Delivery more
- On line and phone services increasing
Acquisitions:
- Added 39 DVD’s, 28 Print items
- Museum pass renewals are being done as they come in
Special Programs
April 18 – 10:00 – Henry’s Big Kabooom – Book reading by Mary Ames Mitchell
June 26 Paintings from the Inmates
July 17 Ukulele workshop 6:30
July 25 Alien Creations by Ed the Wizard
To Be Scheduled Nut House Playhouse
July 26 – 7:00 Art done by inmates
Unfinished Business:
Otis Library Fair –
Lynn Pyenson would be willing to cook and get as much food as possible at wholesale prices, a sub-committee will decide about food (Diane, Eve, and Jane)
Susan will check in with Pat about Rec Center Activities
Celeste will coordinate a Chinese Raffle
New Business:
Jane introduced Sue Brofman to the board as a potential new member
Janes suggestion of reaching out to the Turning Leaf marijuana plant was tabled as we don’t know if the town is ready to approve it.
Jim made a motion to adjourn that was seconded by Susan. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: May 9th, 2019
Future Meetings: Please don’t schedule speakers on our regularly meeting nights
June 13, 2019
July 11, 2019
August 8, 2019
September 12, 2019
October 11, 2019
November 14, 2019
December 12, 2019