Versión en español a continuación. Library Commission Meeting MONDAY, April 26, 2021, 3-4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held April 26, 2021 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, April 25 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 26, 2021 Library Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, April 25. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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 the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion Monday, April 26, 2021, 3-4:30 PM La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación Sunday, April 25 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 March, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 22 March, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, March 22, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Daniella Ramos, Courtney Rosenthal, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: None 1. Welcome and introduction of new Library Commission Member Courtney Rosenthal Commission Member Rosenthal introduced herself to the commission. 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 17, 2020 Special Called Meeting via Videoconferencing The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Vice Chair Self’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Rosenthal abstained. 3. Staff Briefings: a. FY22 Budget Process, Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries Director Weeks went over the timeline for the FY22 budget and the deadline for budget recommendations from the Commission b. COVID-19 Operations Year in Review, Dana McBee, Assistant Director Support Services Dana McBee described how Library operations changed to meet the COVID-19 related challenges of the past year. c. Student Card Initiative Update, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Emi Johnson outlined the ISDs and Charter Schools that are participating in the APL Student Card initiative Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 March, 2021 4. Old Business None 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on scheduling a Library Commission Planning Retreat The Commission will schedule a planning retreat possibly in May or June, depending on City health regulations for gatherings. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for March 2021 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks gave the update. 7. Future Agenda Items Officer Elections Recommendation in Support of the FY22 Proposed Library Budget Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FY 2021 TRENDS JAN 2021 – MAR 2021 Director’s Report P.1 Activity was impacted by Winter Storm Uri. Number of Cardholders Picking up Holds at Curbside 23,765 12,839 29,116 806,580 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 TOTAL VIRTUAL eCARDS FY 2021 Trends Virtual Resident Virtual NonResident 7,478 3,217 7,609 3,282 7,744 3,367 9,000 6,000 3,000 - 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 TOTAL CARDHOLDERS FY 2021 TRENDS purged inactive cards 683,131 684,039 JAN FEB MAR ACTIVE CARDHOLDERS FY 2021 TRENDS *some type of activity on the card in last 3 years 65,475 52,297 45,041 JAN FEB MAR JAN FEB MAR 04/08/21 Emi Johnson, Business Process Monthly System Activity Report Winter Storm Uri Impact mid-Feb LIBRARY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FY 2021 TRENDS JAN 2021 – MAR 2021 Director’s Report P.2 LIVE PROGRAMS FY 2021 TRENDS 55 30 28 JAN FEB MAR REFERENCE ASSISTANCE FY 2021 TRENDS 2,753 2,573 3,080 JAN FEB MAR 60 40 20 0 4,000 3,000 2,000 LIVE PROGRAMS MAR 2021 Live Programs Attendees 593 600 400 200 0 108 11 10 62 34 Adult/Family Teen Children WIFI CONNECTIONS FY 2021 TRENDS LIBRARY WEBSITE HITS FY 2021 TRENDS 7,953 6,785 9,345 1,533,694 1,238,634 1,446,860 JAN FEB MAR JAN FEB MAR 04/08/21 Emi Johnson, Business Process Monthly System Activity Report Winter Storm Uri Impact mid-Feb LIBRARY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FY 2021 TRENDS JAN 2021 – MAR 2021 Director’s Report P.3 PHYSICAL CIRCULATION BY ITEM TYPE JAN FEB MAR Children Book Adult Book Teen Book Adult Video Teen Video Adult Music Children Music Adult AudioBook Children AudioBook Teen AudioBook Hotspots JAN FEB MAR 75,768 64,293 69,847 54,708 47,004 48,607 7,039 5,866 6,878 13,943 11,260 11,719 541 436 392 3,945 3,139 3,476 175 119 95 1,625 1,194 1,289 468 391 343 119 83 96 50 24 89 Children Video 2,707 1,915 1,954 PHYSICAL CIRCULATION FY 2021 TRENDS 161,356 136,031 145,116 PHYSICAL CIRCULATION ADULT v. YOUTH FY 2021 TRENDS JAN FEB MAR 74,221 62,597 65,091 87,061 73,388 79,879 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Adult Items Youth Items 04/08/21 Emi Johnson, Business Process Monthly System Activity Report Winter Storm Uri Impact mid-Feb 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 5,000 3,800 2,600 1,400 200 LIBRARY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FY 2021 TRENDS JAN 2021 – MAR 2021 Director’s Report P.4 CURBSIDE HOLDS PICK-UP TRENDS The number of items picked-up at curbside libraries. FEB MAR JAN Carver Branch Central Library Milwood Branch Manchaca Road Branch North Village Branch Old Quarry Branch Ruiz Branch …
FY 2020-21 Fee Schedule Austin Public Library Fee Note Code Violations/Legal Penalties/Restitution Overdue Charges and Fees All Austin Public Library Overdue Charges and Fees shall be waived by the Library Director or their authorized designee in accordance with Library policy adopted by the Library Director, which shall permit fee or charge waivers only in the following circumstances: 1. Evidence, as required by Library policy, of catastrophic loss to library borrower's property caused by one of the following catastrophic natural events, and limited to those library charges and fees incurred after the date of the catastrophic event: Earthquake, Fire, Flood, Hurricane, Tornado. 2. Evidence, as required by Library policy, of loss due to theft, and limited to those library charges and fees incurred after the date of the loss. 3. Evidence, as required by Library policy, of hospitalization of library borrower, and limited to those library charges and fees incurred after the date(s) of the hospitalization. 4. Non-resident children who are currently enrolled in the Austin Independent School District and other Independent School Districts located within Austin's ETJ are exempt from the Non-Resident User Fee. Extended Use Fee "Kill A Watt" Electricity Usage Monitor Adult Materials Delinquent Account Fee Digital Hose Water Meter For accounts with outstanding balances $25.00 and above Items not returned after 28 days and presumed lost or returned damaged Cost to the library for item plus the recovery fee for the item Reserve Fee For reserves not picked up after expiration of hold period Sunlight Calculator Laptops and electronic devices Over 0 up to 1 hour overdue Over 1 up to 2 hours overdue Over 2 up to 3 hours overdue Over 3 up to 4 hours overdue Over 4 up to 5 hours overdue $0.25 $0.25 $10.00 $0.25 $1.00 $0.25 $5.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $65.00 /item/day, $10.00 maximum/item /item/day, $10.00 maximum/item /item/day, $10.00 maximum/item /item /item /item/day, $10.00 maximum/item /device /device /device /device /device, $65.00 maximum/device 2020-21 Approved Budget, Austin, TX685 FY 2020-21 Fee Schedule Austin Public Library Fee Note Devices not returned by the close of the business day borrowed and presumed lost or returned damaged Cost to the Library for device plus recovery fee for the device Recovery Fee for Each Lost or Damaged Device $150.00 $120.00 $22.00 $35.00 $30.00 /device /year /year /quarter Non-resident User Fee Non-Resident Non-Resident - Virtual Library Only Quarterly Non-Resident User Fee Facility Rentals Austin Public Libraries Central Library …
Director’s Report April 2021 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 ___________________________________________ 13 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 15 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 18 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 21 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 24 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 25 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 25 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 25 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 25 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 25 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 25 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 26 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 27 Virtual Collections Usage March ____________________________________________________________ 27 3 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Libraries Reopening to the Public May 10 Austin Public Library's (APL) timeline for reopening to the public for limited capacity in-person Express Services will begin on Monday, May 10 at 12 libraries. The libraries opening next month for Express in-person services are Central, Carver, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, Manchaca, Milwood, North Village, Old Quarry, Ruiz, Spicewood Springs, St. John, Windsor Park, and Yarborough. Digital services, along with curbside pickup, will continue. The following services will be added inside the libraries: Book and material browsing and checkout, Printing and copying, Public computers, Wi -Fi, New Library cards, Holds pickup and checkout, and Technology and reference help. The Austin History Center will continue remote reference and add limited capacity in-person service on Thursdays and Fridays beginning May 13. Starting Monday, June 28, in-person service will expand to all Austin Public Library branches (except those under renovation). APL has been running curbside collection since June 2020. APL provides crucial computer access to residents so they can take advantage of vaccination sign-ups and other social services offered by the City, State, and Federal governments. All APL libraries have implemented necessary precautions to keep customers and staff safe, such as the measures included below: • Plexiglass is installed at all circulation desks • All customers and staff are required to wear masks • APL has installed bipolar ionization equipment in the HVAC Systems system wide at all APL locations. The equipment is designed to neutralize contaminates (allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds) to ensure that conditioned purified air is recycled through the HVAC Systems • Furniture and computers are spaced a minimum of six feet apart • Libraries will close for the last 15 minutes …
Austin History Center Association 2020-21: A year of challenges and achievements Presenter info Chad Williams ● Board Member, AHCA ● Past Chair, Library Commission ● Past Vice Chair, Charter Revision Committee ● Past Chair, Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission The challenges Navigating & surviving COVID-19 The pandemic brought unique challenges for all non-profits. For AHCA, the inability to bring folks together threatened our ability to raise membership and revenue. Without the opportunity to hold live events, we knew it would be extremely difficult to stay top-of-mind for potential donors as well as our members. The achievements Membership has grown… like we’ve never seen it grow before ● AHCA membership has increased over 800% to approximately 650 members in the last 3 years ○ June 2018 - 80 ○ June 2019 - 331 ○ June 2020 - 534 ○ June 2021 - ~650 (Greater diversity in membership) The achievements (cont.) The Eberly Luncheon proves to be an online hit! ● Our principal annual fundraiser, conducted over Zoom, has grown by 64% even in the face of a pandemic. ● This year’s Eberly Luncheon had more commercial (private business) sponsorships than ever before. ● One of the most attended AHCA events ever. The achievements (cont.) Oral history recordings continue to be a primary focus ● Since June 2019, AHCA has conducted 29 more Oral Histories to AHC. You can hear and see them on our new 54 page website: http://www.austinhistory.net. ● Almost 100 oral histories of Austinites have been placed at AHC since 2016 for posterity. The achievements (cont.) AHCA Endowments are growing ● AHCA Endowments for operations expenses have seen growth surpassing seven figures for the first time in the Association’s 42-year history ○ 1983 Endowment: >100% growth ○ 2016 Emergency Fund: 57% growth ○ 2021 AHCA Operations Endowment The achievements (cont.) A Master Plan for preserving Austin’s history ● AHCA has raised $52,000 toward a Master Plan for combining the Faulk with AHC. ● Working with APL leadership, an AHCA Strategic Planning Committee has been formed, chaired by former Mayor Ron Mullen, to test the community for a Capital Campaign, in the $40-50M range, to reimagine a Archival, Research and Exhibition History Campus of 144,000 sq ft for all Austinites. For your consideration AHCA seeks to formalize its partnership with COA similar to what ACF, the Long Center, and Austin Parks Foundation currently have. AHCA has taken steps to …
A STATE-OF-THE-ART ARCHIVAL HISTORY CENTER FOR AUSTIN! Progress and planning update, April 2021 Conceptual rendering by Evan Taniguchi, Taniguchi Architects, Board of Directors & Past President of AHCA The Austin History Center (AHC), part of the Austin Public Library (APL) system, is a rapidly growing asset for Austin’s future. For 41 years, the Austin History Center Association (AHCA) has advocated to develop this destination-venue for ALL of Austin. The visionary passage of bonds by Austin voters in 2012 and 2018 is enabling critical infrastructure updates and repairs to the Faulk Library and the Austin History Center. AHCA shares an update about our aggressive pursuit of a critical path of planning activities: 1. In 2018, AHCA leaders and staff partnered with AHC staff and community stakeholders in a dynamic visioning process commissioned by APL and led by Gensler. Gensler’s report, Re- imagining the Faulk; Vision Project; Report on the Future of the Faulk Library Building - January 2019, strongly re-affirmed that archival use was the most desired outcome for the Faulk Building. 2. In 2019, AHCA committed to raise funds for a Master Plan to guide redeveloping and repurposing the 1978 Faulk Library building, the adjacent 1933 Library building, and the flex- space in between. To date, AHCA has raised $53,050 toward this goal. A Master Plan will support and facilitate our visioning process for programming and civic use that is compelling, engaging, attractive, accessible, and pertinent to the diverse history of ALL of Austin and its visitors. 3. In 2019, AHCA received a $12,000 donor grant to hire three graduate students at Texas State University’s School of Public History for Fall 2020-Spring 2021. These outstanding interns are tasked with researching master planning and programming at similar large American history centers, including the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Atlanta History Center and San Diego History Center. They have also focused on the use of emergent technologies for history centers and archives to engage the public and provide dynamic and appealing exhibit ideas for the AHC Master Plan. Following the interns’ research, incoming AHCA President Kent Collins toured/ visited with Executive Staff of the Atlanta History Center this April! AHCA Executive Director Jeff Cohen also plans a July 2021 visit to the Atlanta History Center. 4. Ongoing tireless efforts to grow the profile and footprint of the AHCA in the Austin community have resulted in nearly 700 annual members for our organization. Our …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210426-5b: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Seconded By: Chair Dabbert Date: April 26, 2021 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Motioned By: Commissioner Hanna Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget of $60,190,266 for FY2022, an increase of 2.25% or $1,321,890 from FY21, including an increase to the materials budget by 3.5% or $206,368. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress During an unprecedented year, including COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns and a city-wide weeklong freeze, APL continued to serve the citizens of Austin by providing online access to digital materials and by providing access to conventional format books and materials by providing curbside service at 11 of its 20 branches. APL also continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, April 2020 – March 2021, APL hosted 1325 virtual programs with 37,430 attendees. 2020’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program saw a 39% increase in APL Summer Reading site views with nearly 10,000 individual views between June – August. Recently, in an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL coordinated a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. Through individual donations, funding from commissions and boards, the CARES Act and operational funds, APL loaned laptops and hotspots to the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Foundation Communities, South Asian’s International Volunteer Association of Austin (SAIVA), and City Departments to support families, individuals, and especially older adults who are isolated and lack access to online information and resources. This effort was driven by a clear need observed in the community, further amplified by COVID-19. In addition, APL staff recently made 209 calls to customers over the age of 65 who haven’t visited the library since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. APL wanted to let customers 1 of 2 know that the library is open for curbside and answer questions about connecting to the virtual collection. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 April, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 26 April, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Courtney Rosenthal, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Member Daniella Ramos Citizen Communication: None 1. Welcome and introduction of new Library Commission Member Lynda Infante Commission Member Infante introduced herself to the commission. 2. Approval of Minutes from the March 22, 2021 Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Ramos absent. a. Austin History Center Association Update, Chad Williams, AHCA Board Member Chad Williams gave an update on AHCA plans to support the Austin History Center 3. Presentations: 4. Old Business None 5. New Business: a. Election of officers Elections for Chair – Vice Chair Self nominated Commission Member Dwyer who declined the nomination. Commission Member Dabbert nominated Commission Member Aguilar who declined the nomination. Chair Hanna nominated Commission Member Trieu who declined the nomination. Chair Hanna nominated Commission Member Dabbert with a second by Vice Chair Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 April, 2021 Self. Having no other nominations, Patricia Dabbert was elected Chair on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Ramos absent. Elections for Vice Chair – Vice Chair Self nominated himself for Vice Chair with a second by Chair Dabbert. Having no other nominations, Vice Chair Self was elected Vice Chair on an 8-0 vote. Commission member Ramos absent. b. Discussion and possible action on an FY22 Library Budget Recommendation Library Commission Recommendation 20210426-5b: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 was approved on Commission Member Hanna’s motion and Chair Dabbert’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Ramos absent. c. Discussion and possible action on Library Commission support for the adoption of The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan Gregory Montes, Program Manager, PARD Planning, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Dept and Terry Smith, Architect, presented the plan. A motion that the Library Commission recommend adoption of the plan was approved on Commission Member Hanna’s motion and Commission Member Rosenthal’s second on an 8-0 …
Versión en español a continuación. Library Commission Meeting MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021, 3-4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held March 22, 2021 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, March 21 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 22, 2021 Library Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, March 21. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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 the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion Monday, March 22, 2021, 3-4:30 PM La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación Sunday, March 21 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 17 December, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 17 December, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, December 17, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer; and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Members Deborah Pardo-Kaplan and Daniella Ramos Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the October 28, Special Called Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Vice Chair Self’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Members Pardo-Kaplan and Ramos absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Update on Student Library Card Initiative, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Sr., presented the Student Library Card Initiative update. 3. Old Business a. Discussion and possible action on eliminating non-resident fees. Recommendation 20201217-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students was approved a 6-0 vote. Commission Members Pardo-Kaplan and Ramos absent. 4. New Business: None 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for September 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Questions were asked about increasing holds for youth and adding more curbside locations and/or hours. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 17 December, 2020 6. Future Agenda Items None Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 3:59 p.m. without objection.
Director’s Report March 2021 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 7 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 9 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 15 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 17 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 20 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 23 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 26 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 27 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 27 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 27 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 27 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 27 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 28 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 28 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 29 Virtual Collections Usage February __________________________________________________________ 29 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Bridging the Digital Divide: Austin Public Library Donates Devices to Community Partners In an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the Austin Public Library (APL) coordinated a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. Through individual donations, funding from commissions and boards, the CARES Art, and operational funds, APL loaned laptops and hotspots to the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Foundation Communities, South Asian’s International Volunteer Association of Austin (SAIVA), and City Departments to support families, individuals, and especially older adults who are isolated and lack access to online information and resources. This effort was driven by a clear need observed in the community, further amplified by COVID-19. Emi Johnson, Director of Innovation and Improvement at APL, described the digital access needs of Austin’s vulnerable populations, which became more critical under the pandemic. The Library found ways to leverage existing funding to provide the access to those in need through technology devices and services. To Catherine Crago, Head of Strategic Initiatives and Resource Development at HACA, this loan represents an innovative means of helping HACA residents gradually develop digital literacy skills. As the loans are long-term, recipients of devices will have the opportunity to take digital literacy courses and eventually adopt those digital tools at their own pace. Beyond the devices themselves, APL also offers support to assist and introduce recipients to virtual materials and resources, The Library’s effort is to remove barriers in as many ways possible. Through community outreach, individuals may Book a Librarian and receive 1:1 assistance and instruction, or receive assistance by phone or live chat. Crago said, “This program liberates library resources so that they can be accessed by residents …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 March, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 22 March, 2021 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, March 22, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Catherine Hanna; Vice Chair, Steven Self; Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Daniella Ramos, Courtney Rosenthal, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: None 1. Welcome and introduction of new Library Commission Member Courtney Rosenthal Commission Member Rosenthal introduced herself to the commission. 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 17, 2020 Special Called Meeting via Videoconferencing The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Vice Chair Self’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Rosenthal abstained. 3. Staff Briefings: a. FY22 Budget Process, Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries Director Weeks went over the timeline for the FY22 budget and the deadline for budget recommendations from the Commission b. COVID-19 Operations Year in Review, Dana McBee, Assistant Director Support Services Dana McBee described how Library operations changed to meet the COVID-19 related challenges of the past year. c. Student Card Initiative Update, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Emi Johnson outlined the ISDs and Charter Schools that are participating in the APL Student Card initiative Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 March, 2021 4. Old Business None 5. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on scheduling a Library Commission Planning Retreat The Commission will schedule a planning retreat possibly in May or June, depending on City health regulations for gatherings. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for March 2021 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks gave the update. 7. Future Agenda Items Officer Elections Recommendation in Support of the FY22 Proposed Library Budget Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. without objection.
Versión en español a continuación. Library Commission Special Called Meeting THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020, 3-4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held December 17, 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 Wednesday, December 16 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the December 17, 2020 Library Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Wednesday, December 16. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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 the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion Thursday, December 17, 2020, 3-4:30 PM La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación Wednesday, December 16 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar …
Director’s Report November 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 6 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 6 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 8 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 13 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 15 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 19 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 22 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 23 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 23 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 23 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 24 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 24 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 24 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 24 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 25 Virtual Collections Usage October ___________________________________________________________ 25 HIGHLIGHTS Digital Inclusion 3 One of the many things that has become apparent during the pandemic is the still large digital divide that exists in communities across the country – and Austin is no different. The digital divide is the gap between those who have reliable access to the internet, devices to access the internet, and the knowledge to use the devices and information on the internet – and those who don’t. The Austin Public Library has an important role to play in closing the digital divide and staff around the organization have been working diligently to affect change in Austin. Some of those projects include: • Hotspots and laptops/Chromebooks for Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and Foundation Communities are being deployed to five different sites in early December so that residents can access the internet for school, job opportunities and more. • A CARES Act Grant is providing funding for hotspots for students. The Outreach team is working with Del Valle ISD and charter schools to distribute these hotspots in the coming weeks to students who • A team of staff are developing a digital inclusion strategy for the Library which includes a flexible curriculum for digital literacy training for customers, a bank of resources for instructors, and an need reliable internet access. evaluation plan. • And, hotspots are still available for checkout to APL card holders through our curbside service. COVID-19 Update – Library Book Drops Open & Curbside Service Enhancements Austin Public Library is providing 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 …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 28 October, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 5:30 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 Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Commission Member Chad Williams Citizen Communication: None 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 30, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Vice Chair Self’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Williams absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library Investigative Audit Report Roosevelt, Weeks, Director of Libraries, gave the briefing. 3. Old Business None 4. New Business: a. Discussion and possible action on meeting schedule for 2021 The 2021 schedule was approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Dwyer’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Williams absent. b. Discussion and possible action on eliminating non-resident fees for student library cards. A geographic area to be included will be determined, and a draft recommendation from the existing working group will be presented at a future meeting. c. Discussion and possible action on canceling the November 16, 2020 meeting. No action taken. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Library Commission Meeting Minutes 28 October, 2020 Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans and talked about APL locations that will be voting sites for the November 2020 election. 6. Future Agenda Items Continuation of discussion on eliminating non-resident fees for student cards Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201217-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students Seconded By: Date: December 17, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students Motioned By: Recommendation Give student library cards to every student in districts with Austin addresses. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council do away with non-resident library card fees for students who do not reside in the City of Austin, but who are enrolled in school districts that have some part of their district in the City of Austin. This would include students who live in Lago Vista Independent School District, Lake Travis Independent School District, Manor Independent School District, Pflugerville Independent School District, and Round Rock Independent School District, as well as Harmony Charter Schools. The number of students affected is approximately 52,883. 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, the American Library Association and numerous public library systems around the country have recognized the challenge that economic barriers to access of library materials and services pose. This barrier is especially true for students. 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. On June 22, 2020, this Commission unanimously passed a recommendation that City Council eliminate these late fees. Since October 1, 2018, the Austin Public Library has not charged fees for late returns of children’s materials. While the elimination of late fees on children’s materials is a good step in the right direction, many students in Austin and surrounding areas face another economic barrier to access in the form of the non- resident card fee of $120 annually. Currently, only Austinites living in Austin’s “full purpose” jurisdiction are entitled to receive a library card free of charge. This non-resident fee affects students of families who live in Austin’s extra-territorial jurisdiction as well as those who work in Austin but live in the surrounding areas. The revenue the non-resident cards provides is relatively insignificant. In FY ‘17, the revenue was $101,002 and in FY ’18, it was $135,681. As of September 30, 2020, the Library has 7,099 Non-Resident Youth Cardholders. 1 of 2 Currently, the Austin Public Library provides …
School Partnerships Student Cards December 2020 Library Commission SCHOOL YEAR 2018 2019 2020 CARDS 80,000 10,000 2,000 2021 Efforts Travis County 4 school districts within Travis County are outside of COA’s legal service area Staffed Public Library 1. Pflugerville ISD (26,000) 2. Lake Travis ISD (11,000) 3. Lago Vista ISD (1,500) Council Action ≈ 48,000 students (x $120 NR fee) Manor ISD $1.14M revenue ≈ $5.76M revenue Volunteer-run Library 4. Manor ISD (9,500) Amend fee schedule to allow students enrolled in a school district within Travis County to be exempt from the Non-Resident User Fee.
