HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.04.17 LC PacketCity of Boulder
2017 Library Commission Agenda
Meeting date: Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Location: George Reynolds Branch, 3595 Table Mesa Dr.
Meeting start time: 6 p.m.
1.Approval of agenda
2.Public comment
3.Consent agenda
a.Approval of September 6, 2017 minutes (p. 2-5)
4.Master Plan project update (p. 6-16)
a.Summary of community input from first two draft goal check ins
b.Update on and discussion of plan for the Nov. 28 City Council study session
5.Finalize Library Commissioner recruitment application (p. 17-19)
6.Library Commission update (p. 20-21)
a.Items from commission
b.Boulder Library Foundation update
c.City project representative update
i.EcoDistricts
d.Responses to patron emails from the Library Commission
7.Library and Arts Director’s Report (p. 22-26)
a.Jaipur Literature Festival summary
b.Update on 2018 City Budget
c.Proposed 2018 Library Commission meeting schedule
d.Update on patron emails to staff and commission
8.Adjournment
2017 Library Commissioners
Alicia Gibb, Chair Joni Teter Tim O’Shea Juana Gomez Joel Koenig
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Library Commission Minutes
September 6, 2017
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING
MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Library Commission
Date of Meeting: September 6, 2017 at the Main Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.
Contact information preparing summary: Maureen Malone, 303-441-3106
Commission members present: Alicia Gibb, Joni Teter, Juana Gomez, Joel Koenig, Tim O’Shea
Library staff present:
David Farnan, Director of Library & Arts
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
Maureen Malone, Administrative Specialist II
Erica Segraves, Children and Youth Services Manager
Kathy Lane, Programs, Events and Outreach Coordinator
City Staff Present:
Devin Billingsley, Senior Budget Analyst
Members of the public present:
None
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to order and approval of agenda [6:01 p.m., 0:00:00 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.
Agenda Item 2: Public comment [6:02 p.m., 0:00:25 Audio min.]
None
Agenda Item 3: Consent agenda [6:02 p.m., 0:00:35 Audio min.]
Item 3A, Approval of August 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes
O’Shea moved to approve the minutes, and Gomez seconded. Vote 5-0, unanimous.
Agenda Item 4: Presentation: 2017 Summer Reading Program recap – Erica Segraves, children and youth services
manager and Kathy Lane, program, events and outreach coordinator [6:02 p.m., 0:01:00 Audio min.]
See handouts for presentation.
Agenda Item 5: Update on 2018 City Manager’s approved budget – Devin Billingsley, senior budget analyst
[6:28 p.m., 0:27:10 Audio min.]
Billingsley provided responses to the questions Teter sent ahead of the meeting (see handouts).
Commission discussion, questions, and comments included:
• Teter wondered whether Billingsley had any advice on how to use the Master Plan to make the case to get on city
staff’s internal priority list.
• Teter commented that the library’s growth has been flat in relation to overall general fund growth. Farnan
confirmed that that has been the case over the course of at least the past 5 years; the library is the only department
that has lost an FTE in the past 15 years and the library’s budget has been reduced by about 16% during that 15-
year time period, whereas most other departments have grown significantly.
• Teter remarked that there is a need to explain how much it actually costs to run a library and help people
understand what the library does, and wondered how to show the financial picture. Billingsley explained that
decisions about getting new funding trickle down from council so it is important to be loud. Teter agreed but
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Library Commission Minutes
September 6, 2017
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shared her perception that it would be helpful to educate the finance department about how libraries are different
from other programs.
• Koenig asked for clarification on funding for gender neutral restrooms. Billingsley explained that the radio
infrastructure project has been included in the new general fund capital budget for 2018, as well as the capital
improvement tax ballot; so even if the tax initiative does not pass, the radio infrastructure project will move
forward. If the capital tax passes, the funding set aside for the radio infrastructure project in the city’s general fund
capital budget will be freed up for other projects. Farnan added that the library would then have to request funding
for the restrooms through an adjustment to base.
• Farnan stated that the library’s growth relative to that of the general fund is typically running at about half, and is
significantly lagging behind the growth of the city as a whole; it’s not a matter of disputing the city’s other
priorities, but determining where the library fits in. Teter commented that it would be interesting to see in which
departments the growth has occurred because while some of it is directly tied to council initiatives, some is related
to internal city priorities.
• Gomez commented that the Library Division language in the recommended budget department overview is a bit
thin. Teter agreed and added that in addition to providing a detailed work plan, the Master Plan should also have
some language that better explains what the library does and why it matters that can be picked up and used in other
documents like the budget memos.
Agenda Item 6: Master Plan Project update [7:07 p.m., 1:05:42 Audio min.]
a. Commission provide final input on draft goals in preparation for September community input sessions
• Discussion on goal to expand the holds service:
o Regarding Teter’s suggestion to expand the number of holds on eBooks (see handouts), Farnan
explained that eBooks have not been a priority for other members of the consortium and Boulder
Public Library already pays a disproportionately high percentage of the budget for eBooks;
additionally, the process is different for eBooks – once you purchase the base materials, you purchase
based upon the number of holds on a book.
o Teter pointed out that this is a good example of the intricacies of running a library: staff made a smart
decision to expand patrons’ access to materials by joining the consortium, which in turn also saved
money in collection costs; however, there is also an increment of cost that comes along with that for
shelving and staffing.
o O’Shea commented that the numbers don’t seem to back up a decision to increase the holds limit. Teter
remarked that regardless of the number of holds allowed per patron, staff is seeing an increase in the
overall number of hold requests and staff is running out of space to put hold items , particularly at the
branches. Gibb suggested modifying the goal to say: increase materials handling staff and non-
personnel budget to facilitate expanding the holds service from 10 to X items at a time and deal with
the increased demand in holds (addition is underlined).
o Farnan explained that staff won’t know what increase in volume would be caused by lifting the limit on
holds until they try it, and in order to try it, they need to have the staffing support to make it work.
o Teter wondered whether shifting more of the holds into eBooks would counteract the additional cost in
books and staffing. Farnan confirmed that putting a hold on a physical book is probably 8 times the
cost of checking out an eBook, but at this point in time consumers prefer physical books.
• Programs and Services (pp.32-34 of packet):
o Teter suggested adding a goal about maintaining the current level of service.
o Under Letter I., Gomez wondered whether there is anything we can do earlier than 2019 to increase the
community’s awareness of library programs and services. Phares rep lied that more staff is needed to be
able to do outreach; staff is looking to increase the capacity of volunteers to meet some of that need.
• Facilities and Technology (pp.35-37 of packet):
o Under Commitments, Gomez suggested moving the bullet point about being responsive to community
input higher up on the list.
o Koenig questioned whether commission had agreed to contract social workers (Letter F). Phares
replied that that’s where the discussion landed during the July retreat – to increase the level of training
provided to the security officers and have some other form of support such as social workers. Farnan
suggested softening the language since there was not a consensus amongst commissioners about the
best form of support.
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September 6, 2017
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o Gomez wondered whether the goals should address the potential relocation of the Meadows branch.
Phares suggested adding to the last bullet point under Letter I. that staff also consider the location of
current facilities in the 20-year build out plan.
• Building Community and Partnerships (pp.38 -40 of packet):
o Teter commented that there is a need to define what we mean by ‘partnerships’ in the Master Plan.
Phares replied that this can be added to the section that talks about the library’s current partnerships.
o Teter wondered whether the library should have a goal focused on other underserved communities
besides Latino. Farnan replied that the Latino community is the immediate goal, but agreed that staff
should define other communities, including the homeless and senior populations.
• Organizational Readiness (pp.40-41 of packet):
o Teter suggested calling out the success of the customer service model that staff has developed.
b. Update on mission statement revision
• Phares shared an update from Public Services Manager Antonia Gaona on the mission statement work from
staff (see handouts). Commission agreed that staff should move forward with the general outline proposed.
c. Discuss plan for study session with City Council
• Commission agreed to keep the study session scheduled for Oct. 16. Staff will give commission a more
elaborate presentation of the pros and cons for the various financial sustainability scenarios that they will
present to City Council at the Nov. 28 council study session.
• Commission opted to have an additional study session on Jan. 22 to review the draft Master Plan.
Agenda Item 7: Review of annual Library Commission recruitment application [8:15 p.m., 2:13:28 Audio min.]
Commissioners will bring any suggestions for editing, adding or eliminating questions to the October meeting.
Agenda Item 8: Library Commission Update [8:28 p.m., 2:21:15 Audio min.]
a. Matters from the Commission
b. Boulder Library Foundation update
c. City project representative update
i. Central Broadway Corridor Design Framework
ii. Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
iii. Boulder’s Civic Area
iv. Canyon Complete Streets
v. EcoDistricts
d. Responses to patron emails from the Library Commission
Regarding the letter to commission from Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) requesting that certain songs be
removed from storytime (p.47 of packet), Farnan shared that the Youth Services team is looking into the songs and
their history, and he will bring back their findings to the October meeting and ask commission for input on next
steps. Phares wondered whether staff should ask the member(s) of SURJ to follow the formal process for
requesting the removal of materials from the collection to get an additional explanation. Farnan encouraged
commission members to each do some research on the group before deciding how to proceed at the October
meeting.
Agenda Item 9: Library and Arts Director’s Report [8:43 p.m., 2:36:55 Audio min.]
a. 2018 Library holiday closures
b. Q2 Library use statistics
c. Update on 2017 Capital Improvement Tax ballot item language
Farnan shared that City Council approved the ballot, which included the North Boulder branch, at last night’s
meeting. Staff and commission may not advocate for the ballot, but may only answer informational questions.
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d. Jaipur Literature Festival update
Teamwork Arts secured a major corporate sponsor this year; Zee is the third largest media company in the world
and will have a significant visible marketing presence at the festival.
Agenda Item 10: Adjournment [8:57 p.m., 2:50:33 Audio min.]
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Date, time, and location of next meeting:
The next Library Commission meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at the George Reynolds Branch,
3595 Table Mesa Dr.
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To: Library Commissioners
From: David Farnan, Library and Arts Director
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
Date: Sept. 29, 2017
Subject: Library Master Plan project update
Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) input
Members of YOAB participated in focus group meeting on Sept. 8, 2017 in the BLDG61 Makerspace.
Staff lead the teens through activities and discussion to gather their input on the programs and services
they want from the Boulder Public Library. A summary of their meeting is under Past Events at
https://boulderlibrary.org/about/library-master-plan/events/.
Staff serving on the Master Plan Technical Advisory Group have reviewed the input and think many of
the suggestions can be implemented prior to adoption of the Master Plan. The suggestion regarding the
elimination of late fees is one that the staff is considering adding to the Master Plan goals for analysis and
possible implementation. Staff would like the Library Commission provide input on this suggestion.
Community check in meetings
Three of five community check in meetings on the draft master plan goals were held on the following
dates:
Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Main Library Canyon Gallery 13 attendees
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. Main Library Canyon Gallery 31 attendees
Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wild Sage Common House 5 attendees
The meetings are an informal opportunity for the community to review and provide feedback on the draft
Master Plan goals that were developed based upon community input collected earlier in 2017.
Community members spoke with staff about the content of draft goals, their priorities for the library, new
ideas for service improvements. Some attendees chose to participate in an activity choosing their top ten
goals. A summary of the conversations, written feedback received during the meetings and the results of
this activity are in Attachment A.
A link to the draft goals and commitments presented during the open house meeting are
https://boulderlibrary.org/about/library-master-plan/events/. Patrons who cannot attend one of the
meetings were invited to provide feedback via the project’s online comment form
https://boulderlibrary.org/about/library-master-plan/master-plan-contact-form/. The feedback received via
the online comment form to date is in Attachment B.
Library staff check in meeting
Ten staff members provided feedback on the draft goals during an open house meeting held on Monday,
Sept. 25, 2017. The same information presented at the community check in open house meetings was
available for staff to review and provide feedback. A summary of staff’s feedback is Attachment C.
Next steps
Feedback from the last two community check in open house meetings will be provided for the Library
Commission’s review in the Nov. 1, 2017 Library Commission meeting packet. The schedule for the
upcoming meetings is at https://boulderlibrary.org/about/library-master-plan/events/.
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Draft presentation outline for Nov. 28 City Council study session
A draft presentation outline for the Nov. 28 City Council study session is Attachment D. Staff looks
forward to the Library Commission’s input on the outline and discussing the plan for the study session at
the Oct. 4, 2017 Library Commission meeting.
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ATTACHMENT A. Patron feedback on the draft Master Plan goals during the community check in
meetings
A. ORAL FEEDBACK
Overall participants were interested in the draft goals and seemed content with what was generated
through this process. There seemed to be a high level of trust conveyed that staff is handling this process
well and would come out with the right priorities to meet community needs.
A few patrons emphasized that more traditional library services were of interest to them (e.g. physical
collection, holds, checking out eBooks, children’s programs, helpful staff, etc.). One man shared that he
would like to see the eBook collection improved with a wider selection and more copies. Another man
who has lived in Boulder for many years and is an eBook user shared specific input about the collection
and plans to write in when he has suggestions to improve the collection.
The holds service raised by multiple participants as being valued! A couple people were surprised that we
are considering increasing the hold limit and felt that 10 was most sufficient for them. One women even
mentioned she appreciated the limit as a helpful way to restrict herself to a manageable number. One
patron suggested that staff find a way to limit the amount of holds that become available at the same time
(i.e. if one is ready for pick-up, the rest automatically go into a frozen status.)
One staff member had a conversation with two women, who were strong proponents for a civic
performance space about their questions about facilities and expansion possibilities within BPL.
One suggestion was to create a People Experiencing Homelessness advisory group to help guide what the
library does, as an avenue for promoting library and city resources to this community, and to build
positive rapport with the library.
One couple mentioned that lack of parking is a barrier to service at the NoBo Corner Library. A drive-up
bookdrop at NoBo was suggested. One patron shared his perception that NoBo staff and/or community
doesn’t like the homeless population. A NoBo Library patron and JLF volunteer shared that the NoBo
Corner Library is too small and needs to be open more hours. She lives in Boulder Meadows mobile
home community and would really like direct access to the NoBo Library and north Boulder businesses.
One patron commented that “the farther north you go [with a full-service branch library], the less
attractive it will be for me.”
A young mother shared praise for BPL. She and her family are new to the area, and she has begun using
the Main Library. She plans to bring her daughter, who is now two, to the concerts and musical story time
in the future.
Staff spoke with a couple patrons about the BLDG61 maker space about the programs and equipment
available.
Some other ideas that were shared include:
• More comfy chairs
• More focus/money spent on the Main Library rather than the branches
• Higher check-out limit on courtesy cards/longer check-outs
• More grassy areas outside the branches for WiFi (higher WiFi speed if you have library card) or a
little free library outside library locations
• Conduct a survey of underserved community members specifically patrons who receive
homebound delivery service.
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ATTACHMENT A. Patron feedback on the draft Master Plan goals during the community check in
meetings
B. WRITTEN FEEDBACK
What do you consider the highest priority goals for the Boulder Public Library during the next 10
years?
• Continuing to be great
• Increase digital fiction book collection
• Teen community building – resources in critical issues/suicide
• Community gardens
• Bees
• Latino/a connections
• Expand north Boulder library
• Special shows, programs, events
• More outreach to the elderly
• More cultural programs and partnership with C.U. cultural and musical programs
Please share any additional ideas and input about the draft Library Master Plan goals!
• Use outdoor spaces for more practical things like edible landscapes and orchards that feed the
homeless.
• Have a system of rewards for homeless like some of the churches. For example: [if they] pick up
rubbish around the building and [they] get something [in return]
• Have more movie nights
• Focus on kids who are underserved
• Outreach to the Latin community – more activities and inclusion for this population
• Newspapers, books, and art magazines in Spanish
• More art and literacy programs for older adults
• Latin American author presentations
• More Latin board member participation
• Collaboration with Latin American museums and history
• Semi-annual tea and welcome open house for the elderly and minorities of the city
• Spanish speaking staff
C. GOAL PRIORITY EXERCISE
Participants were asked to share their top 10 priority goals by selecting from the goal statements (printed
on magnetic material) and placing on a white board. Participants were not asked to rank order their list.
Host BPL teen advisory group summit**
Conduct a patron satisfaction survey**
Increase engagement of BPL’s teen advisory groups**
Activate outdoor space at branches***
Expand maker programs**
Create a facilities restoration plan for the Carnegie Library**
Implement the Canyon Theater & Gallery rental program pilot**
Increase the collection budget****
Create a partnership strategic plan**
Conduct a facilities study of the George Reynolds Branch Library**
Conduct Main Library north building renovation feasibility study*
Create a 20-year facilities build out plan
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ATTACHMENT A. Patron feedback on the draft Master Plan goals during the community check in
meetings
Open Gunbarrel Corner Library
Improve wayfinding
Improve facilities cleaning standards
Open a branch library in north Boulder*
Upgrade patron WiFi access
Improve promotion of library programs and services*
Develop 10-year capital needs plan
Pilot civic dialogues
Improve library safety and security**
Create technology strategic plan
Launch pilot maker programs at branches
Begin to address facilities maintenance backlog
Increase culturally relevant Latino programs
Initiate outreach to Latino community
Host an annual literacy-focused program with local partners
*=comment repeated once
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ATTACHMENT B. Patron feedback on the Master Plan received via the online comment form
• Please continue to support the BLDG61 makerspace, that is a wonderful idea and my kids talk
about it constantly. I would also love to see continued support of audiobooks both in physical
CDs and especially Hoopla, the decrease to 4 titles per month was rough on my household. Thank
you.
• Providing feedback about your early literacy program providing 21st literacy. Seems like there is
a huge gap in both adult and young student population you are missing. 10 to 20% of the
population has some range of Dyslexia. Please be inclusive of this population.
• ADA compliance is not just about ramps on mobility issues. You have up to 20% of the
population that is neurologically different and struggles with reading and writing yet your audio
materials are very limited especially for children. BVKID.org is all local Boulder parent nonprofit
group that creates awareness and advocacy for kids with dyslexia. Most of the members do not
utilize the library with their children and instead pay a monthly audible subscription for the
children's ear reading.
• I notice the word "book" does not appear in the presentation. That pretty well says it all.
• I would like to know the Master Plan.
• I am strongly in favor of adding a corner library to the Gunbarrel neighborhood!
• I firmly urge the consideration of Diagonal Plaza for the new North Boulder Library location.
There are already three extremely large vacant buildings there. It would serve both north and east
communities. There is plenty of free parking. There are bus stops on both sides of the Plaza.
• First of all - adequate parking at all library locations. Libraries should NOT have places like
BLDG 61 that belongs in a Community Center with easy parking and access, not where it is
currently located. Libraries should stay with Media focus and not try to be all things to all people.
We have other facilities for some of these purposes.
• I use the NOBO branch to pick-up books that I reserve. Great service. But, would be great to have
the library open 7 days a week. I don't care about having a larger more elaborate library in N
Boulder. Would be fine as is if open 7 days/ week. If you do build a bigger library in NOBO, it
may very well become an expensive homeless shelter. Are you concerned about that? How will
you manage it?
• Dear Sirs, I would like to see the following services in Gunbarrel: Adult Programs, Book check-
out, Meeting spaces for Community, Other media check-out (DVD's). Thanks for redoing the
Master Plan.
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ATTACHMENT C. Staff feedback on draft Master Plan goals
10 staff members attended the session.
A. ORAL FEEDBACK
The facilitators reported that there was a lot of energy and excitement around the goal of a potential new
north Boulder library. There were questions about ongoing budget or resource needs to fund the goals and
commitments.
A few comments were “It’s enough” or “it’s good, but it’s enough” related to the goals. There was
excitement about the potential workplans, but also a little trepidation about the workload and the thought
that they would not want to see any more goals added to these.
A couple of staff members mentioned that the community input process is interesting and they suggested
creating more of an opportunity for ongoing public input (even outside of the master plan process), and
not necessarily an annual survey because that may be too formal and or not approbative way to attract in-
time and relevant public input.
One staff member shared her excitement about the draft goal ‘pilot civic dialogues.’ She suggested that
the library could invite outside facilitator/mediators (i.e. CU professors) and that dialogues may be very
topical with the Safe Space movement that is trending right now.
B. WRITTEN FEEDBACK
What do you consider the highest priority goals for the Boulder Public Library during the next 10
years?
• Increase collection budget *
• Expand maker program
• Improved and expand library safety/security
• Increase Latino outreach
• North Boulder Branch Library*
• Literacy focused festival with local authors
• 10-year capital needs plan (complete in 2018 rather than 2020)
• Corner library – Gunbarrel
• ADA compliant facilities
• Security and deal with homeless issues
• Uniform service levels and hours
• Teen engagement across the library program, volunteer roles, committees, etc.
• Outreach and partnerships with the Latino and other communities such as those with limited
economic means
*= comment repeated once
Please share any additional ideas and input about the draft Library Master Plan goals!
• Consider adding social workers to staff at Main
• Please improve facilities cleaning standards earlier!
• I would suggest “increase engagement of BPL’s teens” versus just on advisory groups. There are
many ways teens could be involved
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ATTACHMENT C. Staff feedback on draft Master Plan goals
• If we are providing uniform service levels at all branch libraries, I hope we can have more full-
time staff at the branches.
• Have feedback forms on these questions at all events.
C. GOAL PRIORITY EXERCISE
Participants were asked to share their top 10 priority goals by selecting from the goal statements (printed
on magnetic material) and placing on a white board. Participants were not asked to rank order their list.
Increase engagement of BPL’s teen advisory groups**
Initiate outreach to Latino community****
Increase number of culturally relevant Latino programs
Host an annual literacy-focused festival with local partners***
Create a partnership strategic plan*
Provide uniform hours at all facilities**
Collect community input for Gunbarrel Corner Library project***
Collect community input for a branch library in north Boulder***
Improve promotion of library programs and services**
Expand holds service
Open Gunbarrel Corner Library
Pilot civic dialogues**
Increase collection budget****
Open branch library in north Boulder*
Launch pilot maker programs at the branch libraries*
Upgrade patron WiFi access
Develop a 10-year capital needs plan*
Expand WiFi at branch libraries to adjacent low-income neighborhoods*
Audit facilities for ADA compliance and social inclusivity standards****
Improve wayfinding to clear and consistent**
Improve facilities cleaning standards*
Create a facilities restoration plan for the Carnegie Library**
Improve library safety and security**
Create a technology strategic plan
Activate outdoors spaces at branches
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ATTACHMENT C. Staff feedback on draft Master Plan goals
Begin to address the facilities maintenance backlog
Conduct patron satisfaction survey**
*=comment repeated once
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ATTACHMENT D.
DRAFT OUTLINE - Nov. 28 City Council Study Session presentation about Library Master Plan
1. Who we are [3 minutes]
Libraries as “People, Place, and Platform”
• Broadly define the library’s role as a fundamental institution of democratic society and
key community asset.
• Free and open access for all, trusted source of information, inclusivity, lifelong learning,
literacy in all its forms, great equalizer, voluntary participation – heavily used.
• Value of public space, cross-section of community.
• Growth of library as a public platform for discovery, creation, public discourse.
• Outstanding customer service!
2. What we do [5 minutes]
Broadly describe overall operations of library
• “Moving books [materials]” remains roughly 70% of what we do, including selecting, processing,
making available through the Integrated Library System (ILS), [Flatirons Library Consortium
(FLC)], moving books from shelves to homes and back again. Staff for shelving, public service,
reader’s advisory, and holds. Describe growth areas: e-books, streaming, holds system [costs
associated with each.]
• Programs, outreach and events: Inclusive of storytime, summer reading, Boulder Reads, BLDG
61, Jaipur Literature Festival, coding and STEAM classes [15%], Library Foundation funding,
Community funding
• Important role of partners and partnerships; [5%] Small Business Development Center, Farmers’
Market, Boulder Housing Partners, Intercambio, Teamwork Arts, Latino Chamber, Boulder
Historical Society and informal partners; Sparkfun, Sphero, CU Science and Discovery, CU School
of Environmental Design, Bee Chicas
• Public computing & information [5%] Public computers, WiFi, printing, online databases and
other e-resources (ex: Ancestry.com, Lynda.com, Consumer Reports, Mango language learning)-
5% {and shrinking?]
• Preserving community’s history, [5%] Carnegie Branch Library, digitization projects, Maria
Rogers Oral History Project
3. Where we’ve been [3 minutes]
• Brief accomplishments from 2007 master plan – the renovation of Main Library
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ATTACHMENT D.
• Growth in last four years. 11% increase in hours open to the public, 100+% growth in
program attendance, 20% growth in new borrowers, x% growth in visits to the libraries,
e-book circulation X%. New web interface. Reduction of full-time employee (FTE)
count. Nearly flat funding.
• How did we do it? Automation, three re-organizations/ re-purposing staff, shifting
resources, FLC legal formation, expansion and outsourcing. Increased levels of funding
from the Boulder Library Foundation, grants.
4. Where we are going [5 minutes]
What we hear from the community:
a. Master plan engagement survey: more books, great place for kids, inclusivity, public trust.
b. Library is the second highest value after open space in 2017 bi-annual community survey.
c. Highest ranked department in city organization on staff engagement in 2017.
What the master plan will describe:
a. Expansion of community library services and access; north Boulder, Gunbarrel, north building of
Main Library
b. Costs: Roughly $1 – 1.5 million increase for ongoing operations.
5. How do we pay for it? [5-10 minutes]
How does the library ensure financial sustainability for years to come?
Describe three funding scenarios, with focus on pros and cons for:
a. Increased support from the city’s General Fund
b. Regional library authority – through memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
Boulder County or other governing entity
c. Independent library district
6. City Council Q & A [30 minutes]
a. Does council have questions about specific directions the master plan is taking?
b. Does council have questions and/or direction for library staff to flesh out any of the
sustainable funding scenarios for the final Library Master Plan, due in March 2018?
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LIBRARY COMMISSION
Annual Application - 2017
The Library Commission consists of five members appointed by City Council, each to five-year terms. The Commission
was established in the City Charter in 1917 to provide consultation and make recommendations to Library staff and
Council on the management of Boulder's public libraries and information services.
Staff Liaison: Maureen Malone (303)441-3106
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM at one of the library facilities.
The City of Boulder believes that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we
provide to the public. Therefore, it is the ongoing policy and practice of the City of Boulder to strive for
equal opportunity in employment for all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against
in any term, condition or privilege of employment because of race, national origin, religion, disability,
pregnancy, age, military status, marital status, genetic characteristics or information, gender, gender
identity, gender variance or sexual orientation.
The Boulder City Charter requires representation of both genders on City Boards and Commissions.
Date
First Name *Last Name *
Best phone number where you can be reached
Home Phone (?)Mobile Phone (?)Work Phone (?)
Occupation
Do you reside within the city limits?*
Home Address *
Street Address
Address Line 2 City
State / Province / Region
Postal / Zip Code Country
E-mail Address*
Place of Employment/
Retired
Yes No 17
1. Why do you want to serve on the library commission?*
2. What qualifications, skill sets, and experiences related to advising or decision-making do you have that are
3. Describe an experience where you have worked to develop consensus in an advisory or decision-making
role.*
When did you become a resident of Boulder? *
ANSWER ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
relevant to this position? *
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4. The Boulder Public Library balances traditional definitions of library services with innovation around
informal learning, collaboration, literacy and 21st century skills. What's your vision for the future of our
5. How will you manage the public’s priorities for the library with the tradeoffs of budget, operational,
6. Provide some specific suggestions that would improve the library’s service to diverse populations.*
7. Do you foresee any conflicts of interest with the Boulder Public Library or the Library Commission?*
Pleasesee the Library Commission Job Description for more details.
Questions Regarding Applications:
Boulder City Council
Attention: City Council Support
cityclerkstaff@bouldercolorado.gov
303-441-3019
library? *
technological and physical constraints? *
19
Commission Memo
Meeting Date: October 4, 2017 – Canyon Room
Upcoming Special meetings:
LibCom Master Plan Study Session: Monday, October 16, 6pm - Canyon
Meeting Room
Open Houses:
Oct 5th @ 6pm, BOULDER RURAL FIRE RESCUE
Citywide Open House: October 11, 5:30-8:30
University of Colorado’s Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building, 3415
Colorado Ave. This is located near the corner of Foothills and Colorado. There
are nearby transit stops and plenty of bike parking. Parking for vehicles is free
after 5 p.m.
CAL-CON conference October 11-14, 2017
Interesting Upcoming Dates ( ALA Website):
Teen Read Week - October
A national literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association that is aimed at
teens, their parents, librarians, educators, booksellers and other concerned adults. Teen Read
Week was started in 1998. The continuing message of the Teen Read Week initiative is to
encourage 12-18 year olds to "Read For The Fun Of It". Each year an annual theme allows
YALSA to focus on timely topics and teen interests. Teen Read Week is celebrated the third full
week in October every year. Contact ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA, a
division of ALA) with questions.
National Friends of Libraries Week - October
Friends of Libraries groups now have their very own national week of celebration, courtesy of
United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (a
division of ALA). National Friends of Libraries Week offers a two-fold opportunity to celebrate
Friends – promoting the group in the community, raising awareness and increasing membership
and also giving libraries and boards of trustees the opportunity to recognize the Friends for their
help and support of the library. See press release dated October 12, 2015, United for Libraries to
coordinate National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 18-24, which reveals:
Friends of the Library groups and libraries across the country will be celebrating the 10th annual
National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 18-24, 2015.
Friends groups, library trustees and library staff can access a variety of online resources to help
them celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week. Materials available at National Friends of
Libraries Week include promotional ideas, editable publicity materials, camera-ready
bookmarks, ideas from past celebrations and much more.
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In conjunction with National Friends of Libraries Week, two awards of $250 will be given to
Friends of the Library groups for activities held during the celebration. Application materials are
available at National Friends of Libraries Week Awards. Entries are due by Dec. 2.
Contact ALA's United for Libraries with questions.
International Games Week (formerly International Games Day) - October 29 - November 4, 2017
ALA's National Gaming Day, first celebrated in 2008, focuses on the social and recreational side
of gaming. Gaming at the library encourages patrons of all ages to interact with diverse peers,
share their expertise and develop new strategies for gaming and learning. At the library, kids can
socialize with their friends and play board and video games while surrounded by books,
librarians and a real world of knowledge. In 2017, the celebration was changed from a day to an
entire week.
Picture Book Month - November
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) will celebrate the picture book during the
month of November as a partner of the third annual Picture Book Month. Founded by author and
storyteller Dianne de Las Casas, Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that
celebrates the print picture book in an increasingly digital age. Contact Picture Book Month with
questions.
ALA Midwinter Meeting, Denver, CO: February 9-13, 2018
1. Items from Commission
2. BLF Update
3. Updates from Commissioners Representing the Commission
in other Venues (verbal)
A. BVCP
B. Civic Area
C. Canyon Complete Streets
D. EcoDistricts
E. Central Broadway Corridor Design Framework.
4. Update on Emails & Phone Calls to Library Commission
None
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LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT OCTOBER 2017
Jaipur Literature Festival 2017
The Jaipur Literature Festival completed its third year at the Main Library, held Sept. 15-17. As in the
previous two years, it was a great event with lively discussions around important topics combined with
quality cultural events. The library was beautifully decorated and jumping with activity for three full
days. Three library staff-coordinated events were a big draw this year: the Tibetan Buddhist monks
making a sand mandala in the Canyon Gallery, as well as the puppet show and local dance troupe
performances gained a lot of publicity for the festival and were big attractions.
We will not have final reports from our Indian partners, Teamwork Arts, until sometime in early
November. Anecdotally, staff and visitors reported that they felt the event this year was better attended
than in previous years. My observation is that the numbers were slightly up from last year. For clarity,
there is not one single report that will verify a concrete number. Each year, we use a combination of
number of registrations, the library door count, and headcounts at each venue compiled by volunteers to
come up with a soft number. What we do know about the 2017 festival:
•There were fewer authors and venues
•Online registrations were down. However, we did not require registration and the registration
software was sometimes off-line in peak registration periods, as well as somewhat confusing.
AND, folks working the Library Foundation table said that nearly half the people coming in the
building picked up a program brochure and did not register.
•The library door count was slightly down this year. This may reflect a combination of
things. Staff reported that there was virtually no “normal” library business. As you are aware, the
library is open for business throughout the festival. We have seen a gradual decline in “normal”
library activity each year as our regular patrons become used to what the festival brings, and how
their more typical library use might be affected (parking impact, public computers at Main
Library not available).
•Anecdotally, the venues appeared to be “more full.” While this represents true growth in Canyon
Theater and the Mt. Sanitas meeting room, it is worth noting that there were approximately 100
fewer seats in the Skyscapes venue.
Many staff and volunteers were instrumental in making the festival work smoothly this year, most
notably, Kathy Lane and Kate Kelsch. Kathy, library program and events coordinator, managed logistics
from the library side for months prior and throughout the festival. Kate, our library volunteer coordinator,
recruited over 125 volunteers and orchestrated them throughout the festival.
We are scheduled to meet with Teamwork Arts in November. We will review the festival reports, discuss
future funding, and make a decision at that time as to whether we plan to continue the festival in 2018.
Update on 2018 City of Boulder budget
An oral update on the City of Boulder 2018 budget will be presented during the meeting.
Proposed 2018 Library Commission meeting schedule
Staff would like the Library Commission’s input on the proposed 2018 Library Commission meeting
schedule which is Attachment A.
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Update on patron emails to staff and commission
Included in the packet is an email exchange with patron Michael Jacobs regarding his request to place a
public piano in the library (Attachment B.). Mr. Jacobs has been invited to speak during public comment
at the October meeting.
The Youth Services team is still researching the history of the songs that Showing up for Racial Justice
(SURJ) has requested be removed from storytime.
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ATTACHMENT A.
Library Commission
Proposed 2018 Meeting Schedule
Date Type Location
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Regular Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline Rd.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Regular Carnegie Branch Library, 1125 Pine Street
*Wednesday, July 4, 2018 Canceled
*Saturday, July 14, 2018 Retreat TBD
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Regular George Reynolds Branch, 3595 Table Mesa Dr.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 Regular Main Library, Canyon Meeting Room
*The regular July meeting will be replaced by the annual retreat (date listed is tentative).
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ATTACHMENT B.
From: Farnan, David
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 1:18 PM
To: Michael Jacobs <majacobs1@icloud.com>; Morzel, Lisa <MorzelL@bouldercolorado.gov>
Cc: Chasansky, Matthew <ChasanskyM@boulderlibrary.org>; Council <council@bouldercolorado.gov>;
Farnan, David <FarnanD@boulderlibrary.org>; Phares, Jennifer <PharesJ@boulderlibrary.org>; Bray,
Jennifer <BrayJ@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: Re: Piano (and little library) in north boulder
Dear Mr. Jacobs,
Councilperson Morzell and Arts + Culture Manager Chasansky have both brought the idea of a public
piano to my attention. I am in agreement with them that this is best resolved as a private venture and
not necessarily best suited to being a responsibility of the city or library. In that vein I have asked Matt
Chasansky to support you in any way he can.
What may have been unclear to me from your earlier emails is that you would like us to consider putting
a public piano IN the library. I certainly appreciate your enthusism for the idea. But I am sure you can
can also appreciate that having a public piano is in no way central to the library mission, let alone
consideration of the costs associated with housing and maintaining it. I am also obliged to point out
that it may in fact be a source of complaints given that many of our library patrons still value the library
as a place with at least a modicum of quiet.
I do want to assure you that I have discussed the idea with several staff members and will inform the
Library Commission at their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at the George Reynolds
Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive. If you would like to formally request that the Library Commission
consider the idea, you are welcome to do so. Public comment begins at approximately 6:05 pm.
David
David Farnan
Library & Arts Director
City of Boulder
Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S® 6.
-------- Original message --------
From: Michael Jacobs <majacobs1@icloud.com>
Date: 9/26/17 12:23 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: "Morzel, Lisa" <MorzelL@bouldercolorado.gov>
Cc: "Chasansky, Matthew" <ChasanskyM@boulderlibrary.org>, Council <council@bouldercolorado.gov>,
"Farnan, David" <FarnanD@boulderlibrary.org>
Subject: Re: Piano (and little library) in north boulder
Hey!
Has any progress been made with speaking with the library about getting a piano in there?
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ATTACHMENT B.
Michael Jacobs
Maj21@me.com
(760) 936-2548
On Sep 18, 2017, at 11:06 AM, Morzel, Lisa <MorzelL@bouldercolorado.gov> wrote:
To All
Here's a public library funded privately in the court yard up by Lucky's. People of all persuasions use it
often. Note the little library on right!
Lisa
<IMG_4771.JPG>
<IMG_4772.JPG>
Lisa
Lisa Morzel
Member, Boulder City Council
303-815-6723 c
303-938-8520 h
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