Chair Bob Adams called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Board members present were Joyce Day, Jon Littlefield, Rondi Potter, Tom Williscroft and Roger Gould. Judy Lovell and Ralph Mohr were not able to attend. Friends of the Library President Marie Benton was present. Staff member present was Carol Ventgen.

2.    MINUTES AND CIRCULATION REPORT

Joyce moved approval of the minutes for the February 19, 2004, meeting. Rondi seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. The February circulation report was accepted as mailed.

3.     TREASURER’S REPORT TThe February report was reviewed and accepted as mailed.

4.     CORRESPONDENCE

Bob said he had received an anonymous email inquiry about the library’s policy concerning donation of newsletters or other materials by members of the public for library users to pick up if they wish. The author, who Bob discovered is Fred Kirby, objected to copies of a particular publication being made available. After checking on the library’s policy, Bob emailed him back to say that materials for distribution are taken on a space available basis without regard for content other than legal considerations, and that Mr. Kirby is free to bring materials of his own, which will be made available if space permits.

5.    PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments

6.     LIBRARIAN’S REPORT

The mailed report was discussed. Copies of two Forthcoming Books Lists were also distributed. It was also reported that public posting of the Coos Bay Web page had been delayed and would make its appearance by Monday, March 22. A color copy of the page was passed around as a preview.

7.    FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT

Marie reported that the March book sale was very successful with proceeds of $2,082.20. There was a member’s presale on Saturday, which has become a successful part of the sales. A total of 31 new members have joined recently. Marie distributed copies of sale book marks and of survey results showing how sale attendees learn about the sales. The Friends conducted the survey to test their various marketing strategies. It was discovered that the book marks and word of mouth were among the top sources of information.

8.     OLD BUSINESS

a.     2004-2005 Library Budget – Carol brought the Board up to date on implementation of budget cuts approved at the last meeting. Staff members are dealing well with the changes and are pulling together as a team, though stressed by the additional work load that all must share. A campaign to encourage public donations of library materials or funds to purchase materials was presented to the Board. A tentative theme is “Plant a Book – Grow a Mind.” The Coos Bay Public Library Foundation Board recently authorized expenditure of up to $1,000 for printing and supply costs to start the campaign. Many good ideas for the campaign were discussed, including a tie-in with the Friends May plant sale. The possibility of becoming an Amazon Associate, or using a similar program with other book vendors was discussed. It was Board consensus that such a program would be fine, but limited to vendors the library uses to purchase books and audio visual materials.

b.     Telecommunications Update - Carol distributed copies of a motion passed by the Coastline Users’ Group on March 5, 2004, concerning the federal E-rate discount program. The motion was to forego the program and stated the reasons. This decision followed action by the individual public library boards. The Coos Library Board discussed this action at their meeting on March 10.
    Ironically, the library district was notified on March 8 that just half of the E-rate discount requested for 2003-2004 was approved. Also, the district Network Administrator found that if not tied to long-term Internet provider contracts, as required by the E-rate program, the district will be able to take advantage of new options and save approximately $13,000. Both of these developments make acceptance of the discount even less economically feasible than before.

9.     NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

10.    ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carol said the city budget committee hearings will begin on Thursday, April 22, 7:00 pm, in the library’s Myrtlewood Room. Rondi announced the opening of a new show at Coos Art Museum, “Fishing America: A Work of Art,” with a reception on March 19.

11.     ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:18 pm. The next meeting will be April 22, 2004, at 5:00 pm in order to conclude the meeting in time to attend the budget committee meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Ventgen, Secretary