02-27-2006 LIBMMinutes
Hutchinson Public Library Board
February 27, 2006
Members present: John Hassinger, Julie Jensen, Kay Johnson, Larry Ladd, John Paulsen, Kay Peterson,
Janet Vacek and Mary Henke (Ex- Officio).
Members absent: None
President Julie Jensen called the meeting to order. John Paulsen moved the minutes from the January 30,
2006 meeting be approved with Kay Peterson seconding the motion_ The motion passed.
Report on the Pioneerland Library System Board (PLS) meeting on February 16, 2006:
Mary Henke read Jack Sandberg's summary of the highlights of the meeting. The two large issues
discussed were the financial situation and a definition of PLS' identity in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Financial issues included 15% decrease in basic system support from the state in 2006, an inadequate
reserve fund, yearly maintenance of effort requirements, and personnel issues. PLS identity issues cover
policies, contracts with head librarians' union and Prairie Correctional Facility, and the entire universe of
the statewide structural revisitation.
Old Business:
1. Community forum: Mary confirmed the date of Tuesday, April 25 with Dr. Mark Seeley for
his presentation, "Minnesota Climate Trends and the Implications for the Future ". Dr.
Seeley's talk with slides will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last 40 -50 minutes. Julie will introduce
him. His fee is $250 plus mileage which is being paid for by the Friends of the Library.
2. National Library Week Author Visit: Publicizing Doug Ohman's presentation on April 4th at
7:00 p.m. is well underway. Kay Johnson will be running an article in the Leader about this
event. Kay Johnson will introduce Doug.
3. New board members: Kay Johnson and Larry Ladd will be going off the board in April.
The city will put an article in the Leader listing board positions that are open. A letter to the
editor will also be submitted, suggesting applicants send a letter of interest to the library.
4. Focus group follow -up: The three categories we are examining are partnerships with the
schools, the public image of the library, and services to non- Englisb speaking residents. Julie
began the discussion by talking about the things we're already doing. Mary listed activities
already in place and the group added to the list. In the area of partnerships with schools, the
board felt many good connections are in place with a possible gap in the middle school and
high school years. The library's public image was seen as a strength and we should keep
doing what is working well. As far as services to non - English speaking residents, we lack
information about what is needed. Mary will compile a list for these 3 categories.
New Business:
1. Computer system upgrade: The staff will be trained on the new system on Feb. 28. During
the week of March 6 through the 11, everything will be done manually so the number of
books checked out will be limited to 2.
2. Legislative Day on March 30: Julie and Mary plan on attending.
The next meeting will be Mon., March 27 at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Vacek, Co- Secretary
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