HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Library Trustees 2019-07-09 Agenda
SAN RAFAEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AGENDA
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
6:00 P.M.
San Rafael Library, 1100 E Street
CALL TO ORDER
• Roll Call
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of June 11, 2019
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations
A. Presentation on the new Board/Commission Meeting Agenda Format (S. Andrade-Wax)
3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda. Speakers are
encouraged to limit comments to 3 minutes.
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION
If necessary to assure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits
for the presentations by individual speakers.
4. Discussion of Library Daily Fines
COMMISSION REPORTS AND COMMENTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the
Commission members.
A. San Rafael Public Library Facilities Planning Study Subcommittee – J. Libresco and J.
Cortes
STAFF COMMENTS
6. Brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission
members.
A. Measure D Parcel Tax Committee
B. Friends of the San Rafael Public Library
C. San Rafael Public Library Foundation
Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Page 2 of 2 September 20, 2018
D. MARINet Board
E. NorthNet Board
F. City Librarian Update
NEXT MEETING: August 13, 2019
ADJOURNMENT
Notice
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Council less than 72 hours
before the meeting, shall be available for inspection at the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E Street, San
Rafael, CA 94901, and placed with other agenda-related materials on the table at the Commission meeting
prior to the meeting. American Sign Language interpreters and assistive listening devices may be requested
by calling (415) 485-3198 (TDD) or (415) 485-3333 (voice) at least 72 hours in advance. Copies of documents
are available in accessible formats upon request. Public transportation is available through Golden Gate
Transit, Line 20 or 23. Paratransit is available by calling Whistlestop Wheels at (415) 454 -0964. To allow
individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals
are requested to refrain from wearing scented products.
Gary O. Phillips, Mayor • John Gamblin, Vice Mayor • Maribeth Bushey, Councilmember • Kate Colin, Councilmember • Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Councilmember
Location: SRPL, Downtown Library Meeting Room
Date: 06/11/19
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Chair, Presiding: Josh Libresco
Members Present: Jaimi Cortes, Claudia Fromm, Josh Libresco, Beverly Rose,
Members Absent: Robert Ross, Catherine Sumser
Others Present: Susan Andrade-Wax, Community Services Director
Henry Bankhead, Interim Library Director
Jinder Banwait, Administrative Assistant
Jamie Poirier, Circulation Supervisor
Members of the public.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was unanimously approved on a motion by Libresco and a second by
Rose and Fromm. All were in favor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The amended May minutes were unanimously approved on a motion by Libresco
and a second by Cortes and Rose. All were in favor.
INTRODUCTIONS
None.
PRESENTATION
Poirier presented information about AMH, Automated Materials Handling and
RFID, Radio-Frequency Identification technology. This technology uses a conveyor
belt system and sorts returned items automatically by category into specific bins.
The items must be RFID chipped for this technology to work. As the items are
scanned, they are removed from the borrowers’ account. Andrade-Wax
recommended tours to see the system in action.
PUBLIC COMMENT
A few members of the public voiced their concerns about the future of the existing
library building, specifically the Carnegie Wing. Libresco explained that there is no
intention of demolishing the building and discussions for future use of the building
SRPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING SUMMARY
Gary O. Phillips, Mayor • Maribeth Bushey, Vice Mayor • Kate Colin, Councilmember • John Gamblin, Councilmember • Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Councilmember
will take place after the survey results have been presented to The City Council
along with the Noll & Tam Architect’s report.
CORRESPONDENCE
None.
REPORT FROM LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Bankhead shared information about the Summer Reading Program. The theme this
year is Universe of Stories.
Bankhead shared information about new sit/stand staff desks. All staff will be
moving downstairs for efficiency and collaboration purposes.
Bankhead also informed the Board that all libraries that had formerly been part of
the State’s North Bay Cooperative Library System must start contributing toward
unfunded pension retirement liabilities. Libresco asked what the potential annual
impact is, Bankhead replied $7K-$9K. Bankhead said a fair costing formula will be
used to calculate what libraries owe based on their budget.
Bankhead informed the Board about a recent employee departure, Gina Vaziri, who
worked in the Technical Services Office cataloging and processing new material.
Bankhead also informed the Board that the City Clerk is looking at a slightly
different format as to how boards and commissions operate throughout the City.
Andrade-Wax added that the purpose of this is to be consistent, where everything
looks identical and makes it easier for the public to understand information.
Bankhead shared that the Library was recognized as “Employee of the Quarter” for
their efforts at the Pop-Up Northgate Mall Library as part of the City’s employee
recognition program. Andrade-Wax added that departments throughout the City
nominate other departments and that this was a huge honor.
Cortes asked Bankhead how the user comments are being used in the New Library
Survey/Noll & Tam Report going to the Council. Cortes wanted to know if the
comments are being incorporated in the report going to Council. Bankhead said
additional comments cannot be added as the survey has closed. Andrade-Wax
added that new feedback will continue to come in and will be captured as the
results are presented and as the process proceeds.
Cortes asked Bankhead about Summer Reading Program prizes. Cortes was
concerned that the previous year, prizes were large sized candy. Bankhead and
Andrade-Wax replied that this year the feedback about the candy was incorporated
in the decision-making, no candy is being given out as prizes. This year, prizes are
books, coupons, badges, pool passes, and drop-in program passes at the
Community Center.
Gary O. Phillips, Mayor • Maribeth Bushey, Vice Mayor • Kate Colin, Councilmember • John Gamblin, Councilmember • Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Councilmember
REPORT FROM LIBRARY SUPPORT GROUPS AND OTHER RELATED GROUPS
Friends of the Library: The Friends would like to have their own website instead
of having a webpage through the Library’s website. Having their own website
would allow them to maintain and update their website, giving them more control.
The Friends are preparing for an upcoming Book Sale on Saturday, June 22nd.
SRPL Foundation: The Foundation has generously agreed to fund the New Library
Survey costs. The Foundation is having their annual meeting on October 10th
around 6 p.m. at the Marin Yacht Club, all Board Members are welcome.
Special Library Parcel Tax Committee: Meeting Tuesday, July 2nd.
OLD BUSINESS
Bankhead explained that due to short staffing in the City’s Facilities Department,
library staff being out on leave, and a lot of other changes taking place, nothing has
been done since the last meeting to improve the look/layout of the Library lobby.
Andrade-Wax added that there is a lot involved in decision-making, we must be
ADA compliant in placing furniture or adding any other elements to the lobby. Also,
the self-check machines cannot be permanently installed until electrical work is
completed.
Bankhead provided an update on the New Library Survey and Noll & Tam Report.
The Noll & Tam Report will go to the City Manager’s Office and once the survey
results are received, they will be incorporated in that report. Andrade-Wax added
that the report will be in draft form until it is adopted by Council. The report will
first be vetted by the City’s Sub-Committee before going to Council. Libresco asked
when the public can have access to the report, Andrade-Wax said she would get
clarification from the City Clerk’s Office as to when the report can be made public.
Andrade-Wax explained that Noll & Tam will present to the Council the location
options for the new library facilities, the results from the survey, and the estimated
cost. Council will then decide the next step, whether they put it aside for future
discussion, ask for further feedback, or provide other direction. Libresco explained
to the public members present that none of the options result in the Carnegie
building being demolished.
Libresco said that over 1,000 New Library Surveys were collected of which most
were submitted by voting residents. Majority of the surveys were completed online.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Details
Improve
Lobby
Henry Bankhead Next
Meeting
seating, aesthetics,
signage, wayfinding
Gary O. Phillips, Mayor • Maribeth Bushey, Vice Mayor • Kate Colin, Councilmember • John Gamblin, Councilmember • Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Councilmember
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Henry Bankhead
cc:
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AGENDA REPORT
July 9, 2019
Item #4
TITLE: DISCUSSION OF LIBRARY DAILY FINES
SUMMARY:
In 2015, the San Rafael Public Library eliminated daily fines for children’s materials. Then
in 2016 the Library Board of Trustees voted to eliminate all daily fines and forwarded their
recommendation to the City Council Finance Committee for their review and
consideration. Unfortunately, the request was denied.
Since then, several large Library systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area have
stopped charging all daily fines for overdue Library material. Most recently the Marin
County Free Library, which makes up 50% of the MARINet consortium which includes the
City of San Rafael, announced as of July 1, 2019 they will no longer charge daily fines.
In Fiscal Year 2019/2020, the City will be updating the 2011 Master Fee Schedule which
includes fines for Library books, audio books, magazines, music CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray
DVD’s. As part of the review, staff will be making recommendations to revise and/or
eliminate Library fees and fines.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board accept the report and provide comment.
Page 2 of 3
BACKGROUND
In 2011, the City adopted its Master Fee Schedule which included fees and fines for a
variety of City services and programs.
With the support of the Library Board of Trustees, the City Council adopted a resolution
in April 2015 to eliminate late fines for children’s materials, provide an amnesty program
for youth with accrued fines, and eliminate the replacement fee for youth Library cards.
After the City eliminated late fines for children’s related Library materials, the response
from the community was universally positive. Many parents and caregivers comment to
Library staff that they are happily checking out more items now that they aren’t afraid of
accruing high late fines on stacks of picture books for their children. Numerous staff have
reported patrons expressing joy when told they don’t owe money for late fines on their
children’s items anymore. The impact of removing overdue fines on youth materials has
been positive without question and without any of the possible negative repercussions
that had been speculated about.
Since then, several large Library systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area have
stopped charging all daily fines for overdue Library material. Most recently the Marin
County Free Library, which makes up 50% of the MARINet consortium which includes the
City of San Rafael, announced as of July 1, 2019 they will no longer charge daily fines.
DISCUSSION
In Fiscal Year 2019/2020, the City will be updating the 2011 Master Fee Schedule which
includes fines for Library books, audio books, magazines, music CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray
DVD’s. As part of the review, staff will be making recommendations to revise and/or
eliminate Library fees and fines.
These changes to fines and fees will eliminate barriers and improve equity of access for
all San Rafael residents. Additionally, the national trend of eliminating overdue fines has
been found to not adversely affect the return of Library materials, but instead to increase
the use of the Library and its resources. This trend has been reinforced by San Rafael
Public Library’s own experiences and data over the past four years after eliminating youth
overdue fines.
As with its youth materials, the San Rafael Library will still require that all adult materials
are returned to the Library. The Library will still send out notices to residents when an
item is due in three days, and again once the item is overdue. If materials are not returned,
the Library user will immediately reach the $10 maximum on fines/fees after which their
account is frozen and are prevented from future use until items are returned or paid for.
Therefore, the Library does not anticipate any loss of materials due to the elimination of
fines.
SUMMARY
Fines unnecessarily put the Library in an adversarial position with the public. Staff has
already been approached by multiple patrons who are surprised that the City is still
charging fines, assuming that the change by MCFL also applied to all the libraries in the
Page 3 of 3
consortium. It simply makes sense to be in alignment with the libraries in the greater Bay
Area and especially with the largest library in the consortium, Marin County Free Library
(MCFL). A large percentage of San Rafael residents use the Marin County Free Library
Civic Center branch as well as San Rafael Libraries. Being consistent with MCFL policy
in this area will eliminate confusion in communicating to patrons about this issue.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Any other action as determined by the Board.
Submitted by:
Henry Bankhead
Interim Library Director
Attachment:
1. “Marin library system eliminating lates fines to promote equity”, Marin
Independent Article (6-23-19)
7/3/2019 Marin library system eliminating late fines to boost equity
https://www.marinij.com/2019/06/23/marin-library-system-eliminating-late-fines-to-promote-equity/1/3
By By RICHARD HALSTEADRICHARD HALSTEAD | | rhalstead@marinij.comrhalstead@marinij.com | Marin Independent | Marin Independent
JournalJournal
PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: June 23, 2019 at 10:09 amJune 23, 2019 at 10:09 am | UPDATED: | UPDATED: June 23, 2019 at 10:10 amJune 23, 2019 at 10:10 am
Starting July 1, the Marin County Free Library will no longer fine people forStarting July 1, the Marin County Free Library will no longer fine people for
returning their books or other library materials after the due dates.returning their books or other library materials after the due dates.
“We’re very excited about this because we believe it is an equity move in line with“We’re very excited about this because we believe it is an equity move in line with
the county’s equity goals and also with library equity goals,” Bonny White, thethe county’s equity goals and also with library equity goals,” Bonny White, the
library system’s deputy director, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday before itlibrary system’s deputy director, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday before it
voted unanimously to approve the move.voted unanimously to approve the move.
The library consists of 10 branches in the county and a mobile branch. In 2016-The library consists of 10 branches in the county and a mobile branch. In 2016-
2017 it served more than 1.1 million visitors and its visitors checked out more than2017 it served more than 1.1 million visitors and its visitors checked out more than
1.7 million books, audiobooks and DVDs.1.7 million books, audiobooks and DVDs.
“We noticed that across the county about 7% of our patrons are blocked from“We noticed that across the county about 7% of our patrons are blocked from
using their library card; at $10 you can’t check out any more,” White said.using their library card; at $10 you can’t check out any more,” White said.
She said in less affluent sections of Marin the percentage of blocked patrons wasShe said in less affluent sections of Marin the percentage of blocked patrons was
about 10 percent.about 10 percent.
“We know that these charges are just not equitable across the board,” White said.“We know that these charges are just not equitable across the board,” White said.
“For some people it is easy to pay overdue fees and for others it is very difficult.”“For some people it is easy to pay overdue fees and for others it is very difficult.”
Supervisor Katie Rice said, “There is also an emotional piece to this. There is anSupervisor Katie Rice said, “There is also an emotional piece to this. There is an
element of shame.”element of shame.”
NEWSNEWSLOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWS
Marin library system eliminatingMarin library system eliminating
late fines to promote equitylate fines to promote equity
7/3/2019 Marin library system eliminating late fines to boost equity
https://www.marinij.com/2019/06/23/marin-library-system-eliminating-late-fines-to-promote-equity/2/3
Overdue fees, typically charged for every day a book was overdue, were createdOverdue fees, typically charged for every day a book was overdue, were created
to make sure materials were returned promptly so other people could gain accessto make sure materials were returned promptly so other people could gain access
to them.to them.
Research has shown that overdue fees do not incentivize the timely return ofResearch has shown that overdue fees do not incentivize the timely return of
materials, White said. She said the fees cause people to avoid libraries instead.materials, White said. She said the fees cause people to avoid libraries instead.
“Just to clarify we’re not talking about materials that are lost or damaged,” White“Just to clarify we’re not talking about materials that are lost or damaged,” White
said. “People will still be responsible for replacing items.”said. “People will still be responsible for replacing items.”
Following the meeting, Sara Jones, director of the county library system, said toFollowing the meeting, Sara Jones, director of the county library system, said to
ensure that borrowers don’t hold onto books and other materials indefinitely theensure that borrowers don’t hold onto books and other materials indefinitely the
library will use the “Blockbuster Video” approach of charging them for the cost oflibrary will use the “Blockbuster Video” approach of charging them for the cost of
replacing an item if they keep it past a certain due date.replacing an item if they keep it past a certain due date.
Jones said the library eliminated late fees for children’s books several years agoJones said the library eliminated late fees for children’s books several years ago
and has experienced no problem with people holding onto books for an inordinateand has experienced no problem with people holding onto books for an inordinate
amount of time.amount of time.
White said that while accounting for less than half of 1% of library revenues,White said that while accounting for less than half of 1% of library revenues,
overdue fines take an inordinate amount of library staff time to collect and accountoverdue fines take an inordinate amount of library staff time to collect and account
for.for.
“We want our staff to do more creative community-minded work,” she said.“We want our staff to do more creative community-minded work,” she said.
Chantel Walker, assistant director of library services, said the move will cost aboutChantel Walker, assistant director of library services, said the move will cost about
$88,000 annually. Walker said a team of library administrators has already come$88,000 annually. Walker said a team of library administrators has already come
up with a list of spending cuts to compensate for the lost revenue.up with a list of spending cuts to compensate for the lost revenue.
“We came up with a path forward that is sustainable for us and will not negatively“We came up with a path forward that is sustainable for us and will not negatively
impact public services,” Walker said.impact public services,” Walker said.
She noted that last week Marin supervisors approved reducing entrance fees toShe noted that last week Marin supervisors approved reducing entrance fees to
three regional parks in Marin and eliminating an admission fee for a swimmingthree regional parks in Marin and eliminating an admission fee for a swimming
pool at one of the parks in an effort to make facilities more accessible to ethnicallypool at one of the parks in an effort to make facilities more accessible to ethnically
diverse, low-income residents.diverse, low-income residents.
Supervisor Kate Sears said, “It is a significant amount of money. I really appreciateSupervisor Kate Sears said, “It is a significant amount of money. I really appreciate
the thought that went into making it work. I think this is going to make all of us whothe thought that went into making it work. I think this is going to make all of us who
are slow readers feel a lot more confident.”are slow readers feel a lot more confident.”
The elimination of late fines is becoming a national trend. In the Bay Area alone,The elimination of late fines is becoming a national trend. In the Bay Area alone,
libraries in San Francisco, Berkeley, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa havelibraries in San Francisco, Berkeley, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa have
dropped late fees. Walker said the hope is that other libraries in Marin will followdropped late fees. Walker said the hope is that other libraries in Marin will follow
suit.suit.
7/3/2019 Marin library system eliminating late fines to boost equity
https://www.marinij.com/2019/06/23/marin-library-system-eliminating-late-fines-to-promote-equity/3/3
Henry Bankhead, interim director of the San Rafael Public Library, said, “We’reHenry Bankhead, interim director of the San Rafael Public Library, said, “We’re
considering our options.”considering our options.”
Bankhead said the San Rafael library eliminated late fees on children’s books inBankhead said the San Rafael library eliminated late fees on children’s books in
2015.2015.
Richard HalsteadRichard Halstead
Richard Halstead is a news reporter covering Marin CountyRichard Halstead is a news reporter covering Marin County
news, politics, health care, social services, Fairfax and Sannews, politics, health care, social services, Fairfax and San
Anselmo.Anselmo.
Follow Richard Halstead Follow Richard Halstead @HalsteadRichard@HalsteadRichard
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