Manager of Library Operations Meeting Minutes for April 2005

Date: April 20, 2005

Location:  Bethany Library

Attending: Denyvetta Davis(PSA/LO), Kay Bauman (PSA/LO), Barbara Beasley (BE), Priscilla Doss (BI), Debbie Robertus (BI), Phil Tolbert (CH), Rosemary Czarski (CT), Katrina Prince (DC), Deb Spindle (DN), Karen Bays (ED), Ann Aliotta (ED), Deborah Willis (MC), Susie Beasley (RE), Randy Wayland (SO), Jack Kinzie (SO), Mary Patton (WA)
Guests: Teresa Goggins (PLA), Stacy Schrank (PLA), Elaine Rikli (Cellular Savers)

1. Greetings
1. Open Discussion
• Summer Reading— Denyvetta inquired about the feedback received from staff concerning summer reading training. Mary at Warr Acres stated that the staff appreciated the training they had received. Other managers indicated that training was scheduled at their agency within the next two weeks. Denyvetta informed the managers that the number of entries for the drawings could be up to five entries.
• Meeting Room Usage – A group, Parmen & Easterday, requested use of the library meeting room at the Edmond Library. They are sending out bulk mailings promoting their business and there is some concern that the meeting is not just an information sessions as previously indicated. When talking to ―paying for room‖ groups do a through interview to determine if the group is promoting/marketing business. If in doubt, do not book the room. Managers agreed to email other libraries with information about problems with similar groups.
• Budget –A flat budget is expected. Kay and Denyvetta will meet next week with Donna and Lloyd to review and discuss PSA/LO budgets.
2. Sharing
• Denyvetta shared article from the 15th Street news highlighting pre-teen activities at Del City Library and program flyers from the Village Library. Denyvetta also gave kudos to Deborah Willis for her presentation ―Boomers and Xers and Echoes! Oh my...‖ at OLA.
• Debra Spindle stated that there is a Special exhibit located at the Downtown Library from the Holocaust Museum.
• Priscilla Doss discussed the book ―The ABC’s of Effective Leadership.‖ She shared a handout and stated that the book provided insights and practical tools that work for improving performance.
3. OLA Highlights
• Debbie Robertus reported on the session ―Marketing Toolkit‖ and the OLA ―Just So You Know‖ promotion.
• Karen Bays reported on business ethics session; ―Every Single Decision You Make is an Ethical Decision.‖
• Mary Patton reported on two author sessions she attended.
• Denyvetta reported on the pre-conference ―Serving the Mentally Ill.‖
• Ann Aliotta reported on reader’s advisor session held by Nancy Pearl.
• Deb Willis reported on enjoying Rita Askew’s keynote address at the opening session and how she tied in ―The things she wished she learned in school‖ with how important libraries are in helping people learn.
4. Pickles & Partnerships
1.  Barbara Beasley stated that Bethany has a shortage of pages for the next few weeks, so she is especially appreciative of the pages who are working overtime.
• Katrina Prince gave a pickle to the Del City Police Chief who needed police training books rushed by interlibrary loan.
• Karen Bays reported that Edmond now has a ―Pickle‖ jar thanks to Ann Aliotta.
• Several managers shared information about the success and helpfulness received from AARP with tax assistance.
• Phil shared stories from CH’s pickle jar.
5. Cellular Savers – Elaine Rikli
• Elaine Rikli expressed appreciation for the help libraries gave in collecting cell phones.
• They were able to distribute more than four hundred 911 phones to people in need. She hopes to renew the partnership later after the furor over another company dies down. She asked the library give referrals (phone numbers) to anyone wanting to donate phones. The number is 405-752-9722 or 405-752-0139.
6. Webmaster
• Teresa Goggins asked for feedback on the new MLS Intranet. Many complimented the new ―Look and Search‖ features. Karen Bays suggested indexing forms by their common name. Teresa invited everyone to send their comments and concerns to her via email.
7. Training & Development
• Stacy discussed and showed a new video being offered to staff from the Planning Lending Library. Produced by the Colorado State Library, Bridging the Digital Divide in the Spanish Speaking Community features several Colorado libraries and their staff discussing the ways in which they've reached out to the Spanish speaking community and made the library a destination of choice for that community. This program gives practical suggestions and proven techniques for ensuring that Spanish speakers receive excellent library services. More information on the tape can be located athttp://www.cde.state.co.us/index_home.htm
• Stacy also distributed a short survey where he asked the managers to rank the desired order in which the new leadership development classes (conducted by Metro University & Tom Massey) should be offered. In response to Stacy's recent library visits, the potential benefits and past experience with 'staff exchanges' among managers and library staff was also discussed.
8. Announcements
• Denyvetta announced that Ralph Ellison was this year’s recipient of the Friends Public Art in the Library grant.

Next meeting – May 25, 1:30 – Southern Oaks