Special Meeting of the Library Commission MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020, 3 – 4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held June 22, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance no later than Sunday, June 21 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 22, 2020 Library Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, June 21. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov by Noon on Sunday, June 21, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live LIBRARY COMMISSION June 22, 2020 – 3 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. Section 2-1-150 of the City Code. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Catherine Hanna, Chair; Deborah Pardo-Kaplan; Daniella Ramos; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Lily Trieu; and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting 2. Staff Briefing: Reopening Phase 3 – Curbside Service, Patti Fowler, Interim Assistant Director, Public Services Staff Briefing: Update on City of Austin FY21 Budget Process, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group 3. Old Business Recommendation 4. New Business None facilities, and APL Priorities 6. Future Agenda Items 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering programming highlights, ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 April, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 27 April, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, April 27, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the February 24, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Aguilar’s motion and Commission Member Ramos’ second on an 8-0 vote. 2. Staff Briefing: FY21 Proposed Budget Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 proposed budget. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation No action taken. b. Discussion and possible action on an FY21 Library Budget Recommendation Recommendation 20200427-3b: Support for Austin Public Library FY21 Budget was approved on Commission Member Williams’ motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on an 8- 0 vote. 4. New Business: a. Election of Officers: Elections for Chair – Commission Member Dabbert nominated Chair Hanna with a second by Commission Member Williams. Having no other nominations, Catherine Hanna was elected Chair on an 8-0 vote. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27 April, 2020 Elections for Vice Chair – Chair Hanna nominated Vice Chair Self for Vice Chair with a second by Commission Member Ramos. Having no other nominations, Steven Self was elected Vice Chair on an 8-0 vote. Elections for Parliamentarian – The Parliamentarian position will be left open for now. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for April 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans. 6. Future Agenda Items Commission Retreat Update on Recycled Reads Plans Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m. without objection.
May 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 19 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 21 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 22 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 22 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 22 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 22 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 22 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 23 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 24 Virtual Collections Usage April ______________________________________________________________ 24 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Announces Plan for Service Changes Austin Public Library has provided a roadmap for future service changes as they relate to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-phase approach outlines several possible reopening scenarios, each dependent on factors such as recommendations from county, state and federal health agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and logistical and budgetary considerations. Phase 2 – BOOK DROPS OPEN will begin June 1. Phase 3 – CURBSIDE SERVICE will begin on Monday, June 8 During all phases, the following practices will be in place: • Enhanced procedures for frequent cleaning and disinfecting common areas • Use of protective gear such as masks and gloves by all staff – masks or face coverings are required, • Implementation of a teleworking policy that makes sense operationally and allows for social distancing in • Adherence to existing policies for sick leave • Frequent communication at all levels to facilitate cooperation and consistent best practices throughout gloves are not our facilities the organization The phases outlined above are subject to change as the pandemic environment evolves. For the most current information regarding Library services, please visit library.austintexas.gov . Austin Public Library Launches APL+ The newest addition to Austin Public Library’s Virtual Collection, APL+, is now available at library.austintexas.gov. APL+ provides Austin Public Library programming and information literacy in video shorts accessible via the internet. Content is searchable by target audience – Adult, Teen, or Child – and covers topics such as sing-a-longs, crafting, book talks, cooking, virtual library navigation, and digital scavenger hunts. Virtual Job Assistance Take advantage of the resources available at Austin Public Library’s Job Portal, available at library.austintexas.gov. Jump start your job search with a 30-minute, 1-on-1 job coaching session; …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Seconded By: Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to make access to library resources more equitable by eliminating late fees for the return of adult library materials and non- resident library card fees for all Austinites residing in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Rationale: The Austin Public Library has a commitment to equity, to assure that all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs. However, as the American Library Association and numerous public library systems around the country have recognized, monetary fines present an economic barrier to access of library materials and services, especially among low-income patrons. In a Resolution passed on January 27, 2019, the American Library Association urged libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them. At a time when Austinites are both facing serious economic disruption and calling on the City to invest more heavily in social services benefiting communities of color, the Austin Public Library remains a place where Austinites can seek information, services and entertainment free of charge. However, the current City policy imposes a fine on adult materials returned after their due date of $ .25 per day / per item.1 APL blocks access to library materials when a fine reaches $10. This policy imposes a significant barrier to access to the population that needs these services the most. It is an inequitable policy. 1 Since October 1, 2018, the Austin Public Library has not charged fees for late returns of children’s materials. The Austin Public Library also imposes several other late fees, as reflected on the attached chart. This recommendation does not pertain to late fees on materials other than adult materials. In addition, the Commission does not recommend a change to the APL policy relating to lost or damaged items. If an item is lost or damaged, the account is billed the amount to replace it, as determined by the Library. The Austin Public Library does not accept replacement copies for lost or damaged items. 1 of 2 Studies have shown that fines and late fees do not impact …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Seconded By: Commissioner Williams Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Motioned By: Commissioner Dwyer Recommendation Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their budgetary authority to make access to library resources more equitable by eliminating late fees for the return of adult library materials. Rationale: The Austin Public Library has a commitment to equity, to assure that all members of the Austin community have equal access to Library services and programs. However, as the American Library Association and numerous public library systems around the country have recognized, monetary fines present an economic barrier to access of library materials and services, especially among low-income patrons. In a Resolution passed on January 27, 2019, the American Library Association urged libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them. At a time when Austinites are both facing serious economic disruption and calling on the City to invest more heavily in social services benefiting communities of color, the Austin Public Library remains a place where Austinites can seek information, services and entertainment free of charge. However, the current City policy imposes a fine on adult materials returned after their due date of $ .25 per day / per item.1 APL blocks access to library materials when a fine reaches $10. This policy imposes a significant barrier to access to the population that needs these services the most. It is an inequitable policy. Studies have shown that fines and late fees do not impact rates of return and may in fact discourage the return of library materials. As the ALA Resolution recognized, “there is mounting evidence that indicates eliminating fines increases library card adoption and library usage.” 1 Since October 1, 2018, the Austin Public Library has not charged fees for late returns of children’s materials. The Austin Public Library also imposes several other late fees, as reflected on the attached chart. This recommendation does not pertain to late fees on materials other than adult materials. In addition, the Commission does not recommend a change to the APL policy relating to lost or damaged items. If an item is lost or damaged, the account is billed the amount to replace it, as …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 22 June, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:12 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Lily Trieu, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Members Aguilar and Ramos Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on an 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Reopening Phase 3 – Curbside Services Patti Fowler, Interim Assistant Director, Public Services, gave the briefing. Staff Briefing: Update on City of Austin FY21 Budget Process Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 proposed budget update. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on a Fine Free Libraries Working Group Recommendation Recommendation 20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources was approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu abstained. Commission members Aguilar and Ramos absent. 4. New Business: None Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 June, 2020 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans. Commissioner Dwyer asked if there was an update to proposed changes to youth policies. 6. Future Agenda Items Plans for Austin History Center expansion, Lee Cooke AHCA President Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:38 p.m. without objection.
