1999-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PARIS PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1999 MINUTES The Paris Public Library Advisory Board met in regular session Wednesday, October 20, 1999, at 4:05 PM in the Gallery with Chairman Jackie Alsobrook presiding and these members present: Sarah Gambil, John Howison, Bill Strathern, and Rogene Patterson. Friends President Jimmye Hancock and Library Director Beverly Lewis were also present. Absent were Curtis Fendley, Virginia Gibbs, Nancee Salzman and Walter Williams. The September 22, 1999, Minutes were approved as distributed. The Statistical Report was distributed and it was noted that in September there was a .9% increase in circulation and 26,822 items were checked out. Also, in September, 794 items were added to the collection. During the past fiscal year (10/01/98 - 09/30/99), 315,745 items circulated which was a 6.8% increase over the past fiscal year which demonstrates the library is satisfying more patrons. The breakdown in residency circulation was 45.2% to patrons living within the City; 44.3% to those living outside the City limits: 2.9% to paid patrons who live outside Lamar County; and the remainder which circulated to staff, Board members and volunteers. The breakdown in format was 61.5% print items, 31.4% videos; and the remainder in audio books and music cassettes. It was noted there were fewer reference questions and fewer reference books had to be purchased because of electronic resources. Also, there were 1,100 electronic reference assists for the first partial year of tracking electronic reference assistance. The library added 2,500 new card holders to bring the total to 18,411. During the next year the data base will be weeded of card holders who have not used the library in three years. Children's services included 44 programs with an attendance of 1,055. A story time was held at Wal Mart and a Harry Potter Read Aloud series of afternoon programs is in progress. Senior outreach has increased to 14 locations with the addition of the Deport Nursing Home and 8 homebound patrons. Over 1,000 printed materials were circulated, over 300 videos, and over 300 audios . 31 paperbacks were picked up and taken to the jail. A NETLS report was given by John Howison. It was noted that the recent NETLS meeting was well attended. It is important for us all to communicate with our political leaders to help our libraries. Also, the issue of bilingual materials will be addressed more frequently because of our growing Mexican American population.