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20201217-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students — original pdf
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201217-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students Seconded By: Commissioner Trieu Date: December 17, 2020 Subject: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources for Students Motioned By: Commissioner Dabbert Recommendation Give student library cards at no cost to every student in Travis County enrolled in a K-12 educational institution or home school. 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 do reside in Travis County and are enrolled in a K-12 educational institution including home schools. 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. Benefits that will be achieved by offering greater access to students far outweigh the potential loss of revenue. The revenue from non-resident youth cards, inclusive of these students was $101,002 in FY ‘17 and $135,681 in FY ’18. Currently, the Austin Public Library provides full-access library cards to all students enrolled in the Austin Independent School District and the Del Valle Independent School District regardless of their home address. As Director of Libraries Roosevelt Weeks said …
Agenda — original pdf
Special Meeting of the Library Commission WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020, 5:30 – 7 PM Library Commission meeting to be held October 28, 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 Tuesday, October 27 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 28, 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, Tuesday, October 27. 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 Tuesday, October 27, 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 Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020, 5:30 – 7 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 Tuesday, October 27 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes 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). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
proposed 2021 meeting schedule — original pdf
MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION 2021 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets monthly 6-:30-8:30 PM Terrazas Branch | 1105 E Cesar Chavez St (3) 6:30-8:30 PM Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr (7) 6:30-8:30 PM Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr (10) Monday, January 25 Monday, February 22 Monday, March 22 Monday, April 26 Monday, May 17 Monday, June 28 Monday, July 26 Monday, August 23 Monday, September 27 Monday, October 25 Monday, November 15 Monday, December 14 6:30-8:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St 6:30-8:30 PM Little Walnut Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln (4) 6:30-8:30 PM Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S 5th St (9) 6:30-8:30 PM Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd (8) 6:30-8:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St 6:30-8:30 PM Manchaca Road Branch | 5500 Manchaca Rd (5) 6:30-8:30 PM Southeast Branch | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd (2) 6:30-8:30 PM Windsor Park Branch | 5833 Westminster Dr (1) 6:30-8:30 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St _______________________________________ The purpose of the board is make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
draft minutes of the September 30, 2020 meeting — original pdf
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 30 September, 2020 REGULAR MEETING 30 September, 2020 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 via videoconferencing. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 3:06 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 June 22, 2020 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Vice Chair Self’s motion and Commission Member Pardo-Kaplan’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Williams absent. 2. Staff Briefing: Austin Public Library FY21 Budget Update Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II, presented the Austin Public Library FY21 approved budget update. Staff Briefing: Curbside Services Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library, gave the briefing. 3. Old Business None 4. New Business: None 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for September 2020 covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Director Weeks went over the Library’s phased re-opening plans, APL staff helping with emergency operations, and voting at APL locations; and he introduced APL’s new Assistant Director for Public Services, Dana Eure. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 30 September, 2020 6. Future Agenda Items Non-Resident Library Cards for Students – possible fee elimination Adjournment: Chair Hanna adjourned the meeting at 4:06, p.m. without objection.
non-resident student card data — original pdf
Thursday, October 22, 2020 As September 30, 2020, the Library has 7,099 Non-Resident Youth Cardholders. 5-Year Trend New NR Youth Cards Created Annually FY 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 11 42 84 52 62 Thursday, October 22, 2020 Thursday, October 22, 2020
October 2020 Directors Report — original pdf
October 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 _____________________________________________________________ 24 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 24 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 24 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 24 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 24 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 24 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 25 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 26 Virtual Collections Usage September ________________________________________________________ 26 HIGHLIGHTS Summer Reading Wrap-Up 3 When the Austin Public Library (APL) closed for public safety in the COVID-19 Austin Stay-at-Home order in March 2020, APL librarians quickly realized that we would have to pivot and present an entirely online virtual summer reading program. Librarians and library staff collaborated and created quests, or activities, for all age groups that would engage and entertain the public. We provided activities for all age groups such as sharing their COVID-19 story with the Austin History Center for their living-story archive, recreating book covers with found items, learning to draw a landscape, building forts, APL staff-written “Choose Your Own Adventure” interactive stories, and early learning singing time – in conjunction with guided reading activities and suggested reading lists by age group. 2020’s APL Virtual Summer Reading program, themed “Imagine Your Story” provided new virtual activities each month for the public in a way that allowed for social distancing and Austin’s Stay at Home order. Notably, the virtual format enabled APL to provide all summer reading programs and materials in both Spanish and English. APL saw a 39% increase in APL Summer Reading site views alone for the month of June 2020 (as compared to June 2019 site views), with nearly 10,000 individual views between June – August 2020. On October 15, City Council approved a $49,975 CARES (IMLS/TSLAC) grant for the Austin Public Library. The funding will be used to buy laptops and hotspots for low income students in the Austin area. In October, the City Audit department found fraud and waste in the Austin Public Library. We appreciate the work of the Auditor’s Office on this investigation and accept their findings. We take fraud, waste, and abuse seriously, and while participating in the …
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Agenda — original pdf
Special Meeting of the Library Commission WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, 3 – 4:30 PM Library Commission meeting to be held September 30, 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 Tuesday, September 29 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 30, 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, Tuesday, September 29. 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 Tuesday, September 29, 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 Reunión del Library Commission FECHA de la reunion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 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 Tuesday, September 29 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes 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). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
Budget Briefing Handout — original pdf
Austin Public Library Fiscal Year 2020-21 Approved Budget The Operating Budget for Austin Public Library in the General Fund (1000) includes an increase of $4,182,715 or 7.6%. The increase in Materials budget, including books and subscriptions, is $168,653, or 3.6% for inflation. FY 2019 Budget FY 2020 Budget FY 2021 Budget Expenditures Revenues Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs): Materials Budget: $52,168,472 $776,845 443.55 $4,477,635 $54,685,661 $577,258 443.55 $5,232,169 $58,868,376 $239,815 445.55 $5,400,823 Highlights of FY 2021 Operating Budget – General Fund Requirements FTEs CITY-WIDE Personnel Wage increase of 2.0% for eligible employees and adjustments $ 1,343,938 .00 for accrued payroll, insurance & market adjustments Vacancy savings adjustment Internal Support Services allocation changes Administrative Support Communications & Technology Management (CTM) Capital Projects Management Fund (CPMF) Fleet Maintenance & fuel DEPARTMENT-WIDE ($ 102,383) $ 94,057 $ 2,675,356 ($ 83,886) $ 14,644 Facility Services Representative positions added to change from contract $ 128,362 2.00 to employees for parking attendant services at Central Library Reimbursement for Facilities Service Representative positions from ($ 128,362) parking revenue in Special Revenue Fund Materials Budget (Books and Subscriptions): 3.5% increase for materials, due to inflation & population growth 5.0% increase for subscriptions/databases to fund rising costs $ 147,845 $ 20,808 Cataloging/Processing – increase based on cost of Materials $ 29,569 IT software – increase for hardware & software licenses and contracts $ 301,100 Vacancy savings funded expenditures – Contingent upon vacancy rate Materials Budget (Books and Subscriptions) Programs Cataloging/Processing Security Cameras Internships - temporary employees Furniture Training $ 584,000 $ 275,384 $ 116,000 $ 100,000 $ 99,900 $ 183,300 $ 30,000 Austin Public Library Fiscal Year 2020-21 Approved Budget FY 2021 Operating Budget - Library Facilities Maintenance and Improvements Fund The Operating Budget in the new Library Facilities Maintenance and Improvements Fund (7LIB) is $911,422 in expenditures. This includes $411,422 in operating costs for the Central Library gift shop, facility rentals, and parking garage, as well as facilities maintenance that were previously reported in unbudgeted Special Revenue Funds. Consultant fees of $500,000 are appropriated to update the strategic plan for the Library system and facilities. Revenues from Central Library operations including gift shop, facility rentals, parking garage fees, and café rental are budgeted at $667,556, plus a one-time transfer of $2,142,934 from the unbudgeted Special Revenue Funds for these operations. FY 2021 Operating Budget – Historic Preservation Fund The Operating Budget in …
draft minutes of the June 22, 2020 regular meeting — original pdf
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.
September Director's Report — original pdf
September 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 _________________________________________________________ 16 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 18 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 20 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 21 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 21 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 21 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 21 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 21 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 22 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 23 Virtual Collections Usage August ____________________________________________________________ 23 HIGHLIGHTS 3 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 agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and logistical and budgetary considerations. Phase 2 – BOOK DROPS OPEN began on Monday, June 1. Phase 3 – CURBSIDE SERVICE began on Monday, June 8 at select locations, beginning with Central, Manchaca, Ruiz, Carver, Windsor Park, University Hills, North Village, Spicewood Springs and Milwood. The Hampton Branch at Oak Hill began curbside service on July 27. Old Quarry began curbside service on August 10. This will bring the total curbside locations to eleven. Additional locations will be added as health and safety precautions allow. The Austin History Center began remote reference and e-document service on June 1. Library cards are now issued Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM outside at the Austin Public Library locations providing curbside service. On Monday, September 14, all locations providing curbside service extended hours to 8 PM on alternating evenings. Extending curbside hours gives customers more flexibility in retrieving reserves. 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 …
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Agenda — original pdf
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 …
draft minutes of the April 27, 2020 regular meeting — original pdf
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 Director's Report — original pdf
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; …
draft recommendation: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources — original pdf
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 …
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20200622-3a: Support for Equitable Access to Austin Public Library Resources — original pdf
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 …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
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.