MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
ADVISORY BOARD
April 22, 2008

6:00 P.M.
Mansfield Public Library
Minutes

Present: E. BarShalom, L. Bailey, ex officio, S.Q. Clark, presiding, W. Hare, C.Rees, E. Chibeau

Absent: H. Hand, B. Katz, D. Truman

The meeting was called to order.

MINUTES:   Minutes of the January 24, 2008 meeting were accepted.

COMMUNICATIONS: None.

LIBRARIAN REPORT:

I. 2009 Budget Proposal

Ÿ Using statistics from Mansfield Public Library, the “library value use calculator” was used to determine that it costs the Town of Mansfield about $613,200 to provide $3,125, 864 worth of library services if people had to purchase the materials and services the library provides.

Ÿ 45% of the adult nonfiction books have copyrights dating back more than 15 years.  The State Library recommends weeding 10 – 15% of the collection each year.  Mansfield Public Library does not have enough staff time to implement the weeding or a budget large enough to supply current, accurate replacements.

Ÿ Books and other items are not fixed assets, but rather consumed goods:  circulating items become damaged/worn/outdated/surpassed with newer information.

II. Web Page Update

Ÿ The Board members present reviewed the changes made to the Library’s web site.  The right side of the screen now delineates what services and/or commercial databases are available only to Mansfield residents through remote access.  All databases are available to anyone who comes into the Library.

NEW BUSINESS

Ÿ The Library’s policies and mission statement are due for a review.

Ÿ The Minimum Standards for CT Principal Public Libraries should be reviewed and compared to Mansfield Public Library.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Submitted by Louise Bailey, temporary secretary