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Minutes 07-24-19 MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, Florida PRESENT: Deborah Hoban Craig Clark, Library Director Dr. Bethanie Gor Jeannie Taylor, Assistant Library Director George Feldman Robyn Boucard ABSENT: John Welter, Chair Dr. Hayden-Adeyemo Tracy Tebo 1. Call to Order Dr. Gorny ran the meeting due to the Chair and Vice Chair being absent. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes — May 22, 2019 & June 26, 2019 There was agreement to table the June minutes tot next meeting. There was a change tote May meeting on page three as follows: "Mr. Clark advised it would be ideal to have an unrestricted endowment for library programming. Dr. Gorny and Chair Welter thought it would be a good function for the Library Board." Motion Dr. Gorny moved to approve the May minutes as amended. Ms. Hoban seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Ill. Correspondence and Communications None. IV. Public Audience (individual Speakers Will Be Limited to 3 Minute Presentations) Meeting i Library r Boynton Beach, Florida July 24, 2019 None. V. Chair's Report None VI. Unfinished Business: Library Construction Update Mr. Clark noted there was a Boynton Beach Town Square Redevelopment update for June 2019, which he reviewed. The exterior construction was moving along. The first floor children's and teen area will have vinyl wood looking flooring and the upstairs would have carpet squares. Mr. Clark will make a presentation to the City Commission in September and wanted the Board to preview the items he would like to purchase for the new Library. He wanted to purchase an automated materials return handling return system from the same company that has the self-check system. It will be accessible outside the building near the entrance to the Children's Library. When patrons have items to return, the window will open and patrons can stack the materials at one time. The system brings and checks the materials in, and drops them into different bins based on what the Library has established. Examples of sorting abilities are the materials could be deposited into bins designated for the Children's Library or the first floor Young Adult section books, second floor fiction, or into bins for items that are on hold for other patrons. The equipment is programmable. All Library materials will have Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and the machine will recognize the tag and know where the book should be returned. A brief video about the equipment was viewed. Patron training on how to use the automatic materials return equipment, and the self-check would be needed. Mr. Clark commented the City Manager added a new Library position to the budget that Mr. Clark has wanted for the last six years and he announced having the return and the self-check systems would enable the Library to return to Friday hours. He noted patrons can pay fines with cash and credit cards and receive receipts. Patrons can download eBooks into RD Digital. Many people do not like to use equipment because they think it replaces staff. The members viewed a video regarding the self-check system. Ms. Hoban asked if there was a way to market the system as not replacing staff. Mr. Clark advised he would present it to the City Commission that way. If patrons use the systems, staff will be available to interact with them on the floor. He thought any touch point system would be welcoming. The members viewed a short video on the self-check payment options for library users, which can provide receipts. Patrons can also check out items on their phones. There is a desensitizer at the exit door. Patrons can set their items there, and because of the ILS system, the equipment will recognize the items are checked out and turn off the alarm. Mr. Clark noted the Library will be issuing new Library cards to patrons, which are needed to access the system and access the return. If someone forgets to check out or steal an item, an alarm will sound and the equipment will indicate the title of the item that was not Meeting Minutes Library Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 24, 2019 checked out. Mr. Clark emphasized that is why the Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) tags are so important. The equipment reads the tags. Mr. Clark obtained a $83,991 grant is would pay for most of equipment except fort RFID gates, tags, and seven administrative terminals. The total cost will be $105K. Mr. Clark explained the Library would like to move forward with lending laptops as opposed to having multiple fixed computer stations. He spoke about Laptops Anytime, is is a self-check kiosk for laptops. The members viewed a short video out the kiosk. Mr. Clark explained there will be one in the adult area, one in the teen area, and mostly like 18 laptops oneach floor. The system will recognize a teen checking out an its as opposed to an adult. Each laptop will have an RFID to on it to keep track of where it is. The laptops can be checked out, but can only be used in the building. There will be 20 fixed computers for kids and 20 or 24 fixed computers for adults. The Library is moving from a passive customer service model to a proactive one. There will now be only one Librarian behind the desk as opposed to four. Mr. Clark explained new equipment will be included in an opening press release. The City is working on information kiosks which will include all the departments in the Library/City Hall. Mr. Clark did not know what it would look like, but it would have some information. Mr. Clark announced he already has the funds for the laptops and he had been identifying funds for the automated return. He had been saving the State Aid to Library fuds. Mr. Clark anticipated an increase in the State Aid to Library funding next year. This year, they of $60K. Career Online High School (COHS) Update Ms. Taylor advised there are two more near graduates, which would be the sixth and seventh students to graduate from the program. Library staff also awarded a scholarship to another student and another student was taking the prerequisite course. to hoped to present the graduates to the it Commission and present the with Certificates of Accomplishment. Ms. Taylor explained the students can take the class for up to 18 months. If the student doesn't have a valid reason for an extension, they are removed from the course. Currently Recruiting — Library Page PT, Customer Services, Youth Services Mr. Clark stated a conditional offer was made for the part-time Library Page position and staff was waiting for the background check to come back. There are two senior Librarian positions available. A question was posed if the staff at the temporary location would be adequate for the new location and if not, for at areas. Mr. Clark explained the above were two supervisor positions. Twenty applicants that are being reviewed. After the three positions are filled, the Library would be fully staffed. If the City Commission approves the additional full-time Librarian positions, they of start in the next fiscal year. One would manage the maker activities in the Library. They need more staff on Fridays and Saturday to manage the crowds. Mr. Clark thought there would be enough coverage with the new systems and the third Librarian. 3 Meeting Minutes Library i Boynton Beach, Florida July 24, 2019 LSTA Innovation Grant— Internet Hotspots Mr. Clark showed the members one of the Hotspots and advised staff was developing a policy on the use. The Hotspots will be catalogued and they have to be checked out. If lost, the borrower has to pay $100. He noted the Hotspots are for adults only and the laptops would be lightweight. LSTA Grant— Upgrade to RFID Mr. Clark announced he received confirmation the Library Services and Technology Act grant for the above was approved by the Secretary of State. Summer Reading Club Ms. Taylor explained 91 youth up to the 5t" grade signed up and 21 completed the Club. She reviewed the participation rates for the teens and noted there are teen volunteers managing the program. Mr. Clark pointed out attendance had dropped at the Library, but it was anticipated attendance would increase when the new Library is finished. VII. New Business: Library Fines Discussion Dr. Gorny noted Mr. Welter was interested in this item and there was agreement to table the item. Dr. Gorny suggested members wanting to know more about fines can go online to Slate.com which has an article called "Long Overdue: Why Libraries are Eliminating Late Fees". Another article to reference was on the Illinois Library Association Website: "Libraries say Goodbye to Overdue Charges". There will be pros and cons in each article. Dr. Gorny looked at the websites two years ago and there was not a lot out there at that time. It was noted FAU instituted the new policy. Miami/Dade County Libraries did as well and was forgoing $1 million a year. The biggest reason libraries instituted the policy was to take away roadblocks and the fines are costly to collect. Dr. Gorny thought it was worth the conversation after reviewing the information. Mr. Welter had handed out information at the last meeting. Mr. Clark indicated funds collected go into the General Fund and there was another article on American Libraries Online. There was an organization pursuing Libraries to stop collecting funds and the movement is gaining traction around the country. VIII. Library Director's Report/Statistics Monthly Report for June 2019 News/Media Coverage Mr. Feldman noted collections dropped and learned it was because the Library was closed for four weeks Meeting Minutes Library Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 24, 2019 IX Announcements Next Library Board Meeting—Sept. 25, 2019, at Intracoastal Park. August Meeting Cancelled X. Adjournment Motion Ms. Boucard moved to adjourn. Ms. Hoban seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. oat, Catherin herry Minutes Specialist 5 More libraries are going fine-free.That's good for everyone. -The Washington Post 6/26/19,4:34 PM More libraries are going fine-free. That's good for everyone. Editorial Board June 17, 2018 =gam _ i 40 ,, ..•(;.-Iv'tit'....,,,.''' `2.' i, I; a, 1i «n` 3 1i, z,,,,, iiIl � -. ., . ,i , 1 F ' • tAa i j S i( .., as '''' Y� (it; A - -IA'''.". a `' -v. "'ii a :2=i0=1,=.4.,,,-`, a ' L t/ . T, J t , tai j •' '-- c "d. ..',."4. ca' IN AN era when e-books and new forms of entertainment have threatened to drive down library use, public libraries are increasingly looking to modernize and innovate. Some have turned to e-books or digital literacy programs to reach more patrons. Others have opted for a different approach: They have gotten rid of the pesky late fees that drive borrowers away. Last week, the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore announced it was eliminating fines on overdue books and materials. Though borrowers are still responsible for replacement costs for lost items, the Pratt erased $186,000 in outstanding penalties for 26,000 borrowers and reinstated 13,000 users haps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/06/15/7ad6f80e-709d-11e8-afd5-778aca903bbe_story.html?utm_term=.2f2a94731739 Page 1 of 3 More libraries are going fine-free.That's good for everyone. -The Washington Post 6/26/19,4:34 PM whose cards were previously blocked due to unpaid fines. In doing so, it joined a growing number of libraries across the country that have decided to go fine-free. Eliminating these fines serves a laudable purpose: The policy can expand access to library services among groups that might otherwise struggle to return materials on time or keep up with payments, including low-income families, people with disabilities and the elderly. In some cases, as patrons return, fine-free policies can actually work to improve library circulation — and even the library's bottom line. The Pratt, for example, relies on library fines for less than a quarter of a percent of its annual budget, a figure it believes it could largely save in reduced staff time collecting and processing fines. Proponents of library fines argue that they incentivize borrowers to return books on time and teach personal responsibility. But there is little evidence that fines have any effect on the timely return of library materials. In fact, much of the existing research suggests that they do not affect overdue rates and instead deter readers from borrowing materials in the first place. Libraries have also found that fines heavily affect low-income families and children, excluding the very patrons who rely on libraries the most. Not every library can afford to follow in the Pratt's footsteps and jettison fines altogether. Many library systems depend heavily on income from fines to cover their regular expenses. Others might find it more viable to eliminate a subset of fines, such as fines on children's books. Regardless, the experiences of libraries that have successfully implemented fine-free programs offer food for thought for other networks. Perhaps the days of relentless overdue notices and droves of blocked users are coming to an end. https://www.weshingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/06/15/7ad6f80e-709d-11e8-afd5-778aca903bbe_story.html?utm_term=.2f2a94731739 Page 2 of 3 More libraries are going fine-free.That's good for everyone. -The Washington Post 6/26/19, 4:34 PM Read more: Steve Barker: A library where everybody knows your name Richard Reyes-Gavilan: How a public library set me free The Post's View: Readers win when libraries add e-books, but preserve print, as well Stephan Barker: Libraries help close the digital divide https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2018/06/15/7ad6f80e-709d-11e8-afd5-778aca903bbe_story.html?utm_term=.2f2a94731739 Page 3 of 3 Librarians are realizing that overdue fines undercut libraries'missions. 6/26/19, 4:33 PM Long Overdue Why public libraries are finally eliminating the late- return fine. Ruth Graham Feb 06, 201710:11 AM * '-'-'--- ' ik-,.:::-;.-1,4 r ;, ,� .A tC ----------- y „ ...-- - (SSU--- TO --_ _--.._. r ' '''''<-L:, ii- sif,,,,t,,,,,,,.: , :,4 -----_______________ .°l41 , , — -- t g33 x ,. 4 ;‘; 6 ,;,1::,,,,silitt,444't:41:1:7? ' ' , „t4,,,,,, t i zs.A �"1,‘, II a:.E , 4 k . 4 4y ^ 8 b A thing of the past? Photo illustration by Slate. Images via jmbatt, simo988/iStock. In 1906, a reporter for the Detroit Free Press described a scene that had become all too common at the city's public libraries. A child hands an overdue book to a stern librarian perched behind a desk, and with a "sinister expression," the librarian demands payment of a late fine. In some cases, https://slate.com/culture/2017/02/librarians-are-realizing-that-overdue-fines-undercut-libraries-missions.html Page 1 of 5 Librarians are realizing that overdue fines undercut libraries'missions. 6/26/19,4:33 PM the child grumbles and pays the penny or two. But in others—often at the city's smaller, poorer library branches—the offender cannot pay, and his borrowing privileges are revoked. "Scarcely a day passes but it does not leave its record of tears and sighs and vain regrets in little hearts," the reporter lamented. More than a century later, similar dramas are still enacted in libraries across the country every day. In some districts, up to 35 percent of patrons have had their borrowing privileges revoked because of unpaid fines. Only these days, it's librarians themselves who often lament what the Detroit reporter called "a tragedy enacted in this little court of equity." Now some libraries are deciding that the money isn't worth the hassle—not only that, but that fining patrons works against everything that public libraries ought to stand for. Library fines in most places remain quaintly low, sometimes just 10 cents per day. But one user's nominal is another's exorbitant. If a child checks out 10 picture books, the kind of haul librarians love to encourage, and then his mother's work schedule prevents her from returning them for a week past the due date, that's $7. For middle-class patrons, that may feel like a slap on the wrist, or even a feel-good donation. For low-income users, however, it can be a prohibitively expensive penalty. With unpredictable costs hovering over each checkout, too many families decide it's safer not to use the library at all. As one California mother told the New York Times last spring, "I try to explain to [my daughter], 'Don't take books out. It's so expensive: " The good news is that librarians are noticing. Since 2010, districts in northern Illinois, Massachusetts, California, and Ohio—to name a few—have eliminated some or all late fines. Others are dramatically lowering penalties for late returns; last year, San Jose, California, halved daily fines to 25 cents and slashed the maximum payment per item to $5 from $20. The American https://slate.com/culture/2017/02/librarians-are-realizing-that-overdue-fines-undercut-libraries-missions.html Page 2 of 5 Librarians are realizing that overdue fines undercut libraries'missions. 6/26/19,4:33 PM Library Association issued a policy brief on services for the poor in 2012 whose first point was a vow to promote the removal of fees and fines. Is this "the end of overdue fines?" wondered the Public Library Association as the trend continued to gather steam a few years later. In Columbus, Ohio, the library board announced in December that it would eliminate overdue fines starting on Jan. �` h 1. The move came when the board realized that fines not only weren't encouraging the timely return ofy . P materials—the little existing research on the topic suggests that small fees do not affect overdue rates—but that fines were actively working against the library's very reason for existence. "We've shut off access to the library when one of our staunchest principles is trying to provide the widest access to materials that we can," the system's CEO, Patrick Losinski, said. "We just felt fines ultimately were counter to the overall purpose and vision of our library." Instead of issuing daily fines, the library now blocks borrowing privileges for anyone with material more than 21 days late and charges replacement fees after 35 days that are refunded if the item is returned. It already offers a separate kids' card, which allows children to borrow up to three books at a time and doesn't charge overdue fines. Late fines and replacement fees can have a huge cost to the communities libraries are meant to serve. Low-income children are dramatically less likely to have access to books at home or to spend time reading with their parents. A study conducted in the 1990s found that the average child in Beverly Hills, California, had four times as many books at home as the average child in Compton, California, had in her classroom library. (The average Compton kid, meanwhile, had 2.7 books at home.) More recent https://slate.com/culture/2017/02/librarians-are-realizing-that-overdue-fines-undercut-libraries-missions.html Page 3 of 5 Librarians are realizing that overdue fines undercut libraries'missions. 6/26/19, 4:33 PM research has identified many poor neighborhoods as "book deserts," with dramatically fewer reading resources than wealthier areas. "We're disproportionately affecting the people we're most interested in getting to the library," said Meg DePriest, the author of a 2016 white paper recommending that Colorado libraries eliminate fines on children's materials, "the people who can't afford to buy books themselves." This is a conversation that has been percolating among librarians for several decades now. In her 2005 journal article on libraries and "socially excluded communities," librarian Annette DeFaveri described a scenario in which a mother is charged $25 for a lost children's book: If the library does not charge for the damaged book, it loses about $25.00. ... [But] it will cost the library more than $25.00 to convince this mother to return to the library. It will cost the library more than $25.00 to persuade this mother that the library is a welcoming community place willing to mount literacy programs aimed at her children, who will not benefit from regular library visits and programs. And when these children are adults, it will cost the library more than $25.00 to convince them that the library is a welcoming and supportive place for their children. Eliminating fines, of course, also eliminates a revenue stream for a public institution that is often underfunded. The Columbus library system expects to forfeit between $500,000 and $600,000 this year. But that represents less than 1 percent of its overall budget. In fact, fines rarely make up a meaningful source of income for library systems. In the summer of 2015, the 13 libraries of the High Plains Library District in northern Colorado decided to eliminate almost all their late fines. The district has now had about 18 months to assess what it means to survive only on fines from DVDs and lost-material fees. Naturally, revenue from https://slate.com/culture/2017/02/librarians-are-realizing-that-overdue-fines-undercut-libraries-missions.html Page 4 of 5 Librarians are realizing that overdue fines undercut libraries'missions. 6/26/19, 4:33 PM fines and fees dropped, from about $180,000 in 2014 to an estimated $95,000 last year. But the system also got rid of most of its expensive credit-card machines and stopped leasing a change-counting machine that it had needed to process the avalanche of dimes and quarters. Executive director Janine Reid says the overall financial impact has been neutral. Meanwhile, circulation rose, including a 16 percent rise within the children's department. Staff members are happy, because they no longer spend time locked in awkward exchanges with patrons who are angry, distraught, or indignant about their overdue fines. And the fear that fines were the only thing between civilization and chaos has proved unfounded: 95 percent of materials are returned within a week of their due date. Free public libraries are so interwoven into American life that it can be hard to appreciate their radical premise: Anyone in town can take home any book, for free. Overdue fines have always operated as a hedge on that communal trust, the nagging little stick that comes with the big, beautiful carrot. Fines imply that a library's mission is not only to encourage reading but to perform a kind of moral instruction. But does it make sense for libraries to perform both of those jobs? "We've had 150 years to try to teach customers timeliness or responsibility, and I don't know that that's our greatest success story," said Losinski, a few days after his library system abandoned late fees. Reid put it more simply when she explained the message she wanted residents of High Plains to take away: "We trust you." https://slate.com/culture/2017/02/librarians-are-realizing-that-overdue-fines-undercut-libraries-missions.html Page 5 of 5 No Shame. No Blame. No Fines. I Denver Public Library 6/26/19, 4:32 PM No Shame. No Blame. No Fines. 0 � The Denver Public Librarygoes fine free. •• We get it: sometimes it's hard to return materials to the library. Schedules change; work . . % calls; it snows. In short, life gets in the way. But being fined for late returns can be . 1 ..: . ,0 E � '� frustrating enough to make people not want to borrow again from the library. We want ,„ �; people to access our materials, so we set out to change the way we do business and we s � think you'll be pleased. Be inninren. 1 �019 th D neer Public Lib will discontinue charging (https://www.denverlibrary. rie ��lprts2Q1f /in %zutre96z0Web%2.0aph �g 'ocunlate erg m� tCustomers existing overdue balances so they can start fresh. That means that when life gets in the way and you return items a few days late,you can do so without worrying about overdue fines. Even if you have an overdue item that prevents you from checking more items out,just return the book and you will be back to borrowing! Why the change? Libraries are about providing access, and going fine free is one more way we're increasing access to our collections and services. Going fine free is a growing trend in American libraries, resulting in increased visits and circulation.That's music to a librarian's ears. The Denver Public Library believes in free and equal access for all. That includes free access to books, movies, music and everything else you can check out with your library card. Access has a dividend for Denver-we all benefit from a curious and engaged community. Increasing library use and increasing material circulation is a win-win for all. "Eliminating overdue fines is paramount to providing equitable access for all customers," says City Librarian Michelle Jeske. 'Too often, fines penalize the most vulnerable families and individuals who can least afford them; we want to reverse this trend and get community members back into our buildings to use materials and enhance their quality of life and education." So how do materials get returned? Customers should make a habit of always returning items on or before the due date. It's not just the right thing to do, it's how libraries work.To give an extra push, customer accounts are blocked from further checkout when one or more items reach 14 days overdue. There is still a consequence for not returning an item on time, but it will not be in the form of overdue fines. Your account will be unblocked if you just get those overdue items back ASAP. Read below if you'd like more information on going fine free. Otherwise, we can't wait to see some smiling faces we haven't seen in a while! https://www.denverlibrary.org/fine-free Page 1 of 3 No Shame. No Blame. No Fines. I Denver Public Library 6/26/19, 4:32 PM Fine Free Q&A What's the difference between fines and fees? Fines are a daily penalty assessed for late return of library items. It's telling you you're naughty, after the fact.That isn't useful and we aren't doing it anymore. Fees are replacement charges assessed for true material loss for unreturned or damaged items and may include fees resulting from collection referral. Fees are still included as part of our return policy. You say that many customers have had their fines forgiven.Am l included? Overdue fines for late returns have been eliminated; however, customers who have lost or damaged materials or collection fees may need to settle their account to reinstate borrowing privileges.The easiest way to find out if you have a remaining balance is to login to your library card account at denverlibrary.org (http://denverlibrary.org) or stop into your local branch and talk with a staff member. Please be sure to bring your photo ID or library card. What happens if I don't return my items by the due date? You'll be blocked from checking out more items on the 14th day overdue. Will l be charged anything? You won't be charged overdue fines for late returns. Keep in mind though that items are considered Lost on the 28th day overdue and you will be billed replacement fees for those items at that point. I didn't really lose these items, can I still bring them back? Yes! Please do so ASAP. Those replacement fees will automatically drop off your account and you'll be back to borrowing. So, no matter how late I return items, I'll never be charged a fee? Well, no. If you wait too long, your account may be referred to a collection agency. We want our stuff back so other customers can use them, too! Accounts are referred to collections on the 56th day overdue. At that point, a non-negotiable $10 fee is assessed to cover costs we incur pursuing collection action. Borrowing privileges may be curtailed for customers who are habitually late returning library items. How much money did the library make from late fees? In 2018, fine revenue accounted for$110,339 in citywide revenue. However,fine revenue is returned directly to the city's general fund; it is not returned to the library. Library fine revenue accounts for less than 0.2 percent of all fines collected by the city. https://www.denverlibrary.org/fine-free Page 2 of 3 No Shame. No Blame. No Fines. I Denver Public Library 6/26/19,4:32 PM How was the decision made to go fine free? The Denver Public Library has never charged late fees for seniors. In 2008, we stopped collecting fines for kids materials and in 2014, for young adult materials.These actions helped remove barriers to library use and positively impacted borrowing for many customers. In 2016, we began auto-renewals for many materials, further helping customers avoid fees. In 2018, the library formally asked the Denver Public Library Commission for approval to end overdue fine collection, an item that was approved by the Commission in October 2018. The City of Denver approved the change as part of the 2019 budget process Categories: Library News (/category/blog-categories/library-news) Tags: fine free (/category/free-tagging/fine-free) • late returns (/category/free- tagging/late-returns) • library goes fine free (/category/free-tagging/library-goes- fine-free) • DPL fine free (/category/free-tagging/dpl-fine-free) • overdue books (/category/free-tagging/overdue-books) • fees (/category/free-tagging/fees) Written by ChrisH(/users/chrish)on December 5, 2018 https://www.denverlibrary.org/fine-free Page 3 of 3