Arnolds Park Library Board
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
5:30 p.m.
The Arnolds Park Library Board met Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in the Arnolds Park Library.
Present were Mary Dreier, Barb Woodley, Mitch Brown, Robb Keizer and library director Kara Rice. Absent was Diana Jensen.
Mike Sewell of Access Systems was here to present information on the libraries copier needs. The library currently has a large copier/printer which only the librarian has access to, and a smaller printer for the library patrons. Sewell compared the printing costs the library is currently paying and the savings they would obtain with the purchase of a bigger copier. He presented lease options on two different Sharp models showing the cost per month for 60 months with the maintenance and supplies costs that were included. Sewell commented on the pros and cons of owning over leasing. He asked about a trial period before deciding to purchase a machine. Sewell said if the library was 95% sure they want to purchase, they would allow a couple of days to try it out. They would set up the copier and train all the staff on its use. He said they also have a recycling program for the old copiers.
The staff and board will study the proposal and discuss at next month’s meeting. Rice will check the budget to see how much is available for copier/printer needs.
The minutes of August 9, 2017 were read. Keizer moved to accept the minutes as written. Dreier seconded. All aye.
Update on the computer filters/IT help: The library had considered changing their IT help to Steve Currell, the Computer Guy. The city offices were staying with the Computer Zone. Currell told Rice he knows nothing about the filter that was installed by Computer Zone. Rice spoke with Mike at Computer Zone and told him again the filter was not working and he needs to either fix it or remove it. Mike said the box he installed is not working and he will remove it. There have been two Mac devices that have broken through the library’s filter system. Mike will research the problem. In the meantime, Microsoft is working with the library while this is sorted out.
Recap of summer reading program: Rice reported they had 206 children participating. She had asked on the signup sheet which town the children were from. The results showed Milford – 101, Arnolds Park -9, Okoboji -6, Spirit Lake -28, and other -9. Rice also presented a copy of the library circulation statistics for 2006-2017.
Refinish floors: Rice reported the library has to pay for refinishing the floor in the hallway. They had put down stickers on the floor during summer reading program and when removed, some of the floor finish was damaged. This will come out of the library budget at some point.
Apollo Software – cost, transition, and training: Rice presented a copy of the Biblionix quote for our subscription to Apollo Automation Service which will allow patrons to view and access all the library’s catalog items online. Cost of the service is $1400.00, and cost to receive and import all data into the Apollo software is $800.00. Optional items were quoted at additional cost. Rice said they will ask the Library Foundation to pay the $800 but they can’t pay until the end of December.
Rice said they want to update their patron records and eliminate those that are no longer active, those that have passed away, etc. They will then issue new Versa cards to currently active patrons and as new patrons are added.
Library Board continuing education: The Board members had received a copy of Chapter 2: Five Primary Roles of Public Library Boards to study and review.
Bills were presented as of September 13, 2017 in the amount of $4,523.63. It was larger this month because it included the Apollo Software subscription and fees. Following discussion, Keizer moved to approve the bills as presented. Brown seconded. All aye.
The next meeting will be October 11, 2017.
Barbara Woodley
Secretary