09/20/2023 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
9/20/2023
Meeting Minutes
Call to Order:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Steve Hellman at 5:01 p.m.
Board Members Present: Steve Hellmann, Amy Watson, Melanie Loughmiller, Kelvin
Hicks, and Myers Hurt, DeEtte Cobb and Jennifer Cullum were absent. Also present
were Library Director Connie Lawman, Friends of the Library representatives Audrey
Mathieu, and Jeannie Walter, as well as Assistant City Manager Rob Vine.
Citizens Forum:
No citizens addressed the library board.
Ill. Approval:
The minutes of the August 16th, 2023 meeting were approved with the
following corrections: Melanie Loughmiller's name was corrected from "Amy Loughmiller"
in the motions concerning officer elections on IV.a.i and IV.a.ii. Paula Rater's name was
corrected from "Paula Raider" in IV.b.
With these corrections, Melanie Loughmiller moved to approve the minutes, and Kelvin
Hicks provided the second.
IV. New Business:
Staff Introduction:
Tracy Clark, Children's Librarian: Tracy Clark, the Children's Librarian, introduced
herself. She reported that she has been with the Paris Public Library for 16 and a half
years and is extremely passionate about leading the Children's Library and its programs.
Her typical duties include phone and email customer service, assisting parents,
teachers, and children in navigating the library, creating and implementing programs and
curriculum for the Children's Library, including field trips, educational flyers, and
decorations in the children's room. She also manages the space to ensure it is
decorated, tidy, and clean. Tracy shared some rewarding memories, such as former
children who now remember her as adults. She's very proud of the elimination of
children's book fines and the removal of limits on children's books. Steve Hellman
inquired about the impact of these changes, and Tracy reported increased circulation
and better access for children. She praised Connie's leadership and the support of
volunteers during busy summer months.
Updated Patron Application:
Connie Lawman reported that she streamlined the new Patron application for library
cards by removing details like a second address, age brackets, and the computer
agreement for minors, implementing a "less -is -more" approach. The new city logo is now
prominently displayed at the top right of the half -page sheet. Steve Hellman expressed
concerns about a written password on the sheet, to which Connie mentioned that they
are shifting software that might eliminate this issue later in the year (Atrium vs. Polaris).
Amy Watson moved to approve the new patron sign-up sheet, with Melanie Loughmiller
seconding.
Updated Computer Policy:
The board conducted a thorough review of a Computer Policy crafted by Connie. It was
emphasized that this computer policy differs from the acceptable use policy. Although
the use of the computer lab by unaccompanied minors is infrequent, the necessity of
having documented parental permission on fife was highlighted. Steve Vine raised city-
wide concerns, including matters related to cloud -based software and bandwidth
limitations. At present, there are no city -specific concerns regarding the library's use of
either. The discussion also touched upon content filters and brought up concerns related
to cybersecurity, more appropriate for the acceptable use policy when it is discussed.
Connie reported the acquisition of twelve new chairs for the computer lab, underlining
her commitment to making the library's computer lab the "best of the best," considering
it's the only public computer lab in Paris. During the review, the term "parent" was
modified to "guardian," and minor formatting issues were addressed. The updated policy
was motioned for approval by Amy Watson and seconded by Myers Hurt.
Children's Room Project:
Connie presented her vision for the children's section of the library, emphasizing the goal
of revitalizing the space while preserving the historical significance of the building. A key
aspect of this vision is the introduction of mobile shelves, which would be both robust for
safety and of a lower height to ensure clear visibility of children throughout the area,
enhancing safety further. These movable shelves would provide flexibility for
accommodating larger groups when needed. Additionally, the plan involves refreshing
the space with new paint, murals, artwork, blinds, updated flooring, and a selective
curation of the collection to reduce the strain on staff and enhance patron utilization.
Further enhancements include the inclusion of iPads for library catalog access and
offline educational computers from AWE. No motion for action on this discussion item
was taken.
Tour:
A tour of the library was offered, but all board members present felt that they were all
very familiar with the library and declined.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
Audrey reported that the Friends board met with Connie earlier today to discuss specific
wish list items for the remaining quarter and will discuss specific line items with the
remaining members. Jeannie reports the financials remain sound with approximately
sixteen thousand dollars in the account.
VI. Director's Remarks:
Connie plans on attending the John Biggers painting event in Abilene at the Grace
Museum. Statistics and financials reviewed, $744,593.51 was spent of the $787,205.00
budgeted. The new budget begins on October 1st. Over 100 new library card
applications were completed this month. Circulation was down 8.8% compared to
September 2022.
Motion to adjourn made by Steve Hellmann at 5:45pm, seconded by Melanie Loughmiller. The
next meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board will be held on Wednesday, October 18,
2023, beginning at 5:00 pm.
Submitted by:
Myers Hurt
Board Member