Library Commission Community Interest Announcement Reception for Library Commission, Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association December 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Laura Polio 512-974-9624
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION December 19, 2022 – 6 p.m. Austin Central Library Special Event Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Melanie Haupt; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self; Tori Vogel and Gabriel Nwajiaku CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on November 28, 2022 Staff briefing regarding Library Marketing, Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation by The Austin History Center Association, regarding AHCA programs and services Presentation by The Library Foundation, regarding programs and services Discussion of the December Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. or Please laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Laura Polio 512-974-9624 at at
1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION November 28, 2022 – 6 p.m. Windsor Park Branch 5833 Westminster Dr. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Melanie Haupt; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self and Tori Vogel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on October 24, 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Wendy Woodland, Texas Library Association, regarding Library Legislative Issues. Presentation by The Austin History Center Association, regarding AHCA programs and services. Discussion of the November Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Engagement Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Laura Polio 512-974-9624 at at
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 October, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 24 October, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St., in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante Huerta, Commission Members Pat Dabbert, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, Steven Self and Tori Vogel Board Members Absent: Commission Members Julia Aguilar and JC Dwyer Public Communication: General Kerry McGuire, Development Manager for the Library Foundation spoke about the Mayor’s Book Club and other upcoming Library Foundation events. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from the September 26, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved with the following amendment on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Members Aguilar and Dwyer absent. The amendment was to add “The working group has concluded,” to item 8. Update from the Freedom to Read working group. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding eBook Pricing Amy Mullins, Austin Public Library Electronic Resources Librarian, gave the briefing. 3. Staff briefing regarding Training Materials for Boards available from the Texas State Library Katherine Adelberg, Manager, Consulting & Continuing Education, Texas State Library & Archives Commission, gave the briefing. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 October, 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for October covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of the Library Commission Meeting Schedule for 2023. The 2023 Meeting Schedule was approved on Commission Member Vogel’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Members Aguilar and Dwyer absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Community Engagement Working Group The update was postponed to the November meeting due to Commission Member Dwyer’s absence. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from the Community Engagement Working Group Marketing Austin History Center Association report Library Legislative Issues Adjournment: Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m. without objection.
Director’s Report November 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 4 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 4 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 11 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 11 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 11 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 11 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 12 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 12 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 13 Collections Circulation October ____________________________________________________________ 13 HIGHLIGHTS Passport Services Passport Services are expanding! In addition to Passport Services already offered at Central Library, in early 2023 we will begin offering Passport Services at Spicewood Springs, Recycled Reads and Ruiz. School Partnerships School Partnerships Librarian Jenny Stirrat will be joining the Customer Access Team on November 21. Jenny will facilitate the library’s partnerships with local schools, especially those with student card programs. Welcome to Jenny! New Assistant Director, Support Services Please join me in congratulating Dinene Brown on her selection to the Assistant Director for Library Support Services job. Dinene has worked for the City of Austin for nearly 15 years. She began her career with the City as a Human Resources Consultant in the Employee Relations Division of the Corporate Human Resources Department. Dinene served as the Acting Employee Relations Manager, while the regular Employee Relations Manager was reassigned to a special project, known today as the Municipal Civil Service (MCS) Rules. Dinene held this Acting position until she was promoted to the Human Resources Manager job here at the Austin Public Library (APL), in August 2013. I appointed Dinene to the Interim Assistant Director for Library Support Services role in June 2022. Dinene holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Human Resource Management (from Tarleton State University), and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Marketing (from Texas State University). Additionally, in 2021, Dinene graduated from the City of Austin’s Executive Academy. Dinene holds a “Senior Certified Professional (SCP)” credential with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and a “Professional in Human Resources (PHR)” designation through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). As the Assistant Director for Library Support Services, Dinene will oversee the APL’s Human Resources Division (ACHR), Financial Services, the Security & Custodial Division (ASCS), and the Passport Services/Grants Office. Dinene will officially begin her new job on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Strategic Plan and Facility Master Plan The Strategic Planning process is nearing its final stages. There are community engagement pop-up events happening now to gather more …
1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION October 24, 2022 – 6 p.m. Central Library, 4th floor Conference Room 710 W Cesar Chavez St AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self and Tori Vogel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on September 26, 2022 STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding eBook Pricing, Amy Mullin, Electronic Resources Librarian Staff briefing regarding Training Materials for Boards available from the Texas State Library, Katherine Adelberg, Manager, Consulting and Continuing Education, Texas State Library & Archives Commission DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities Discussion and approval of the Library Commission meeting schedule for 2023 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Update from the Community Engagement Working Group ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512-974- 7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Sharon Herfurth at
Monday, January 23 Monday, February 27 Monday, March 27 Monday, April 24 Monday, May 22 Monday, June 26 Monday, July 24 Monday, August 28 Monday, September 25 Monday, October 23 Monday, November 27 Monday, December 18 MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION 2023 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission The Library Commission meets monthly 6 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch | 3101 Oak Springs Dr (3) 6 PM Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr (7) 6 PM Old Quarry Branch | 7051 Village Center Dr (10) 6 PM Manchaca Rd Branch | 5500 Menchaca Rd (5) 6 PM Little Walnut Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln (4) 6 PM Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S 5th St (9) 6 PM Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd (8) 6 PM Central Library | 710 W Cesar Chavez St 6 PM Spicewood Branch| 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd (6) 6 PM Southeast Branch | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd (2) 6 PM Carver Branch | 1161 Angelina St (1) 6 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
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 September, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 26 September, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 26, 2022 at the Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante Huerta, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Tori Vogel Board Members Absent: Commission Member Steven Self Public Communication: General None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from the July 25, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Vice Chair Infante Huerta’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Self absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the FY23 Approved Austin Public Library Budget, Wendy Harrison, 3. Staff briefing regarding Austin Completely Booked: Your Summer Experience program, Alanna Financial Manager II Wendy Harrison gave the briefing. Graves, Summer Experience Coordinator Alanna Graves gave the briefing. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for September covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 September, 2022 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Report and possible action on Austin Public Library civic engagement activities. Creation of a Community Engagement Working Group was approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commission Member Self absent. Chair Smith appointed Commission Members Dwyer, Dabbert and Vogel and Vice Chair Infante Huerta to the working group. 6. Report and possible action on Digital Inclusion town halls and initiatives. Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Chair Nehemiah Pitts gave the report. No action taken. 7. Report and possible action on Enhanced Library Cards Vice Chair Infante Huerta gave the report. No action taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Freedom to Read working group Commissioner Rosenthal gave the update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission re Board Training Marketing eBook Pricing Marketing Austin History Center Association report Freedom to Read Working Group Adjournment: Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m. without objection.
eBook & Audiobook Pricing Amy Mullin Electronic Resources Librarian Monday, October 24, 2022 Source: “Hold On, eBooks Cost HOW Much? The Inconvenient Truth About Library eCollections” blog post by Jennie Rothschild, collection development librarian. Sep 6, 2020 Book Lovers by Emily Henry • Kindle price: $9.99 • eBook price: $55.00 • Difference: $45.01 • Terms: 24 months • Publisher: Penguin / Berkley • Hardcover List price: $27.00 • Ingram price: $13.99 The Lyrics by Paul McCartney • Kindle price: $52.44 • eBook price: $200.00 • Difference: $147.56 • Terms: 52 checkouts or 24 months • Publisher: Norton / Liveright • Hardcover List price: $100.00 • Ingram price: $51.80 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling • Kindle price: $9.99 • eBook price: $25.00 • Difference: $15.01 • Terms: 52 checkouts or 24 months • Publisher: Scholastic / Pottermore • Hardcover List price: $26.99 • Ingram price: $13.98 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas • Kindle price: $6.65 • eBook price: $49.00 • Difference: $42.35 • Terms: One copy / One user • Publisher: Bloomsbury • Hardcover List price: $28.00 • Ingram price: $14.50 Atomic Habits by James Clear • Audible price: $28.00 • eAudiobook price: $57.00 • Difference: $29.00 • Terms: One copy / One user • Publisher: Books on Tape • Audio CD List price: $14.99 • Ingram price: $8.24 The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley • Audible price: $31.93 • eAudiobook price: $72.07 • Difference: $40.14 • Terms: One copy / One user • Publisher: HarperCollins • Not available in Audio CD format Impact on APL Collection & Customers • Print hold ratio is 4:1 • OverDrive hold ratio is 5:1 • Generous with new titles and customer suggestions • Ruthless with weeding: “popularity contest” • Over time, collection lacks breadth and depth Sources and Further Reading • eBooks: Inside the Industry (Fairfax County (VA) Public Library) • Hold On, eBooks Cost HOW Much? The Inconvenient Truth About Library eCollections (Blog post: content warning) • The Surprisingly Big Business of Library E-books (New Yorker) • In Final Order, Court Declares Maryland's Library E-book Law Unconstitutional (Publishers Weekly) • Publishers Worry as Ebooks Fly off Libraries' Virtual Shelves (Wired) • Update: Authors Guild Statement on AAP’s Win in Maryland E-book Licensing Case (The Authors Guild) Q&A
State Library resources for board members Katherine Adelberg Manager, Continuing Education and Consulting Texas State Library and Archives Commission Questions What comes easily for you in terms of advocacy? What do you see as your biggest advocacy challenge? What is United for Libraries? • Division of the American Library Association for board members and library advocates • TSLAC subscribes so you can use for free • Access via American Library Association eLearning website Getting to United for Libraries State access – https://www.ala.org/united/trustee-training Navigating United for Libraries Navigating United for Libraries United for Libraries on-demand webinars • A Conversation About Library Advocacy with Author Simon Sinek • Advocacy and Equity: How Library Boards Can Create Lasting Impact through Compelling Cases and Outreach • Advocacy for Your Library During a Crisis Other resources • Wyoming State Library webinar – Building Relationships That Matter https://bit.ly/3TqiuIY • WebJunction webinar – Proactive Advocacy and Communication for Library Trustees and Staff https://bit.ly/3Td6tqS • Urban Libraries Council brief – Leadership Roles for Library Trustees https://bit.ly/3CzDhTO • Texas Library Association group – Library Friends, Trustees, and Advocates Round Table (LiFTA) https://bit.ly/3eDPjnf Thank you! Contact TSLAC any time at LD@tsl.texas.gov Katherine Adelberg Manager, Continuing Education and Consulting LD@tsl.texas.gov 512-463-5465
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1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION September 26, 2022 – 6 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self and Tori Vogel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on July 25, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding the FY23 Approved Austin Public Library Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II Staff briefing regarding Austin Completely Booked: Your Summer Experience program, Alanna Graves, Summer Experience Coordinator DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of the September Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Report and possible action Austin Public Library civic engagement activities Report and possible action on Digital Inclusion town halls and initiatives Report and possible action on Enhanced Library Cards 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512-974- 7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Sharon Herfurth at
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 July, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 25 July, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 25, 2022 at the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante, Commission Members Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Commission Member Julia Aguilar Public Communication: General Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from the June 18, 2022 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. 2. Approval of Minutes from the June 29, 2022 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro, gave the presentation 4. Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Susan Kent, David Schnee, Jill Eyres, and Grace Tillman gave the presentation 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 July, 2022 Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget Recommendation 20220725-6: Support for the Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 was passed on Vice Chair Infante’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. 7. Discussion and possible action on creating working groups for Library Commission training and development, Community Engagement, and Enhanced Library Cards. No action taken. 8. Report and possible action on a recommendation about Enhanced Library Cards Recommendation 20220725-8: Enhanced Library Cards was passed on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Self’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Dabbert abstained. Commission Member Aguilar absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Freedom to Read working group Commissioner Rosenthal gave the update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation from the Texas State Library …
Proposal for Community Engagement Working Group formation Library Commission Meeting, 8/22/22 JC Dwyer, District 8 Commissioner At our June 18th planning retreat, Commissioners expressed an interest in forming a working group to make recommendations concerning the future role of Austin Public Library and the Austin Library Commission in strengthening community engagement around library issues, and city issues broadly. This interest is in alignment with City Council’s Strategic Direction 2023 outcome “A Government That Works for All,” particularly Indicator Category E, “Stakeholder Engagement and Participation.” As proposed here, this working group would primarily discuss the following three charges and report back to the Commission with recommendations and if relevant, a plan for future action. 1. Examine ways in which APL can enhance its role as “social infrastructure,” better leveraging its equity-focused mission, accessible physical spaces and strong community brand in otherwise divisive times to: a. Build Austin’s community & shared values; b. Strengthen engagement in basic civic processes (such as elections); c. Convene productive community conversations around issues of public interest; d. Serve as an ongoing conduit of public opinion for City departments and decision-makers; and e. Expand its partnerships with community-focused organizations. 2. Examine ways in which the Library Commission could better encourage and transmit community input on issues under its purview, serving as ambassadors for public sentiment for other City commissions & and potentially documenting its successes as a model departments. Specific ideas to discuss might include: a. Conducting community input sessions on specific library issues, or conducting outreach on these issues through existing community meetings / groups; b. Reinstituting a version of Commissioner open houses / “office hours” at their home branch libraries; c. Defining a process for identifying cross-commission priorities, as well as coordinating d. and building reciprocal relationships with other commissions; and Increasing the role of public comment at our normally scheduled commission meetings. 3. Make specific recommendations to apply the group’s findings in 1 & 2 to the annual City budget-making process, with a goal of increasing community input and support for APL’s FY24 budget needs. b. a. Recommend processes for gathering the input of community members and other City commissions, then converting that energy into coordinated advocacy in support of any resulting budget requests in alignment with the annual budget calendar. Investigate any opportunities to strengthen the Commission’s relationship with the Library Foundation and its donors to facilitate grasstops support for APL budget requests. …
1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION August 22, 2022 – 6 p.m. Central Library, 4th floor Conference Room 710 W Cesar Chavez St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; and Steven Self CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on July 25, 2022. Staff briefing regarding eBook Pricing, Amy Mullin, Electronic Resources Librarian Staff briefing regarding Austin Completely Booked: Your Summer Experience program, Alanna Graves, Summer Experience Coordinator STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of the July Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Report and possible action Austin Public Library civic engagement activities Report and possible action on Digital Inclusion town halls and initiatives Report and possible action on Enhanced Library Cards 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. at 512-974-7420 or Please sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512-974- 7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Sharon Herfurth at
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 July, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 25 July, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 25, 2022 at the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante, Commission Members Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Commission Member Julia Aguilar Public Communication: General Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of Minutes from the June 18, 2022 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Dabbert’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. 2. Approval of Minutes from the June 29, 2022 Special Called Meeting The minutes of the special called meeting were approved on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro, gave the presentation 4. Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Susan Kent, David Schnee, Jill Eyres, and Grace Tillman gave the presentation 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Library Commission Meeting Minutes 25 July, 2022 Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget Recommendation 20220725-6: Support for the Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 was passed on Vice Chair Infante’s motion and Commission Member Masters’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Aguilar absent. 7. Discussion and possible action on creating working groups for Library Commission training and development, Community Engagement, and Enhanced Library Cards. No action taken. 8. Report and possible action on a recommendation about Enhanced Library Cards Recommendation 20220725-8: Enhanced Library Cards was passed on Commission Member Dwyer’s motion and Commission Member Self’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Dabbert abstained. Commission Member Aguilar absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Freedom to Read working group Commissioner Rosenthal gave the update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation from the Texas State Library …
Proposal for Community Engagement Working Group formation Library Commission Meeting, 8/22/22 JC Dwyer, District 8 Commissioner At our June 18th planning retreat, Commissioners expressed an interest in forming a working group to make recommendations concerning the future role of Austin Public Library and the Austin Library Commission in strengthening community engagement around library issues, and city issues broadly. This interest is in alignment with City Council’s Strategic Direction 2023 outcome “A Government That Works for All,” particularly Indicator Category E, “Stakeholder Engagement and Participation.” As proposed here, this working group would primarily discuss the following three charges and report back to the Commission with recommendations and if relevant, a plan for future action. 1. Examine ways in which APL can enhance its role as “social infrastructure,” better leveraging its equity-focused mission, accessible physical spaces and strong community brand in otherwise divisive times to: a. Build Austin’s community & shared values; b. Strengthen engagement in basic civic processes (such as elections); c. Convene productive community conversations around issues of public interest; d. Serve as an ongoing conduit of public opinion for City departments and decision-makers; and e. Expand its partnerships with community-focused organizations. 2. Examine ways in which the Library Commission could better encourage and transmit community input on issues under its purview, serving as ambassadors for public sentiment for other City commissions & and potentially documenting its successes as a model departments. Specific ideas to discuss might include: a. Conducting community input sessions on specific library issues, or conducting outreach on these issues through existing community meetings / groups; b. Reinstituting a version of Commissioner open houses / “office hours” at their home branch libraries; c. Defining a process for identifying cross-commission priorities, as well as coordinating d. and building reciprocal relationships with other commissions; and Increasing the role of public comment at our normally scheduled commission meetings. 3. Make specific recommendations to apply the group’s findings in 1 & 2 to the annual City budget-making process, with a goal of increasing community input and support for APL’s FY24 budget needs. b. a. Recommend processes for gathering the input of community members and other City commissions, then converting that energy into coordinated advocacy in support of any resulting budget requests in alignment with the annual budget calendar. Investigate any opportunities to strengthen the Commission’s relationship with the Library Foundation and its donors to facilitate grasstops support for APL budget requests. …
Top Policy Violations – All Locations May harass, threaten vandalize, damage abusive, indecent vulgar language sleeping disrupting services, property criminal act 13 13 17 9 18 6 June 17 24 21 12 24 12 July 12 10 15 27 18 4 Top Policy Violations May June July 13 17 12 13 10 24 21 17 15 9 12 27 24 18 18 HARASS, THREATEN VANDALIZE, DAMAGE ABUSIVE, INDECENT VULGAR LANGUAGE SLEEPING DISRUPTING SERVICES, PROPERTY 6 12 4 CRIMINAL ACT Top 6 Libraries Most Incidents May 1. Central 2. Terrazas 3. Ruiz 4. Little Walnut 5. Pleasant Hill 6. Manchaca June 49 11 19 22 6 10 July 53 16 14 14 12 8 Top 6 Libraries with Most Incidents May June July 53 49 41 9 11 16 13 19 14 11 22 14 3 6 12 8 10 8 CENTRAL TERRAZAS RUIZ LITTLE WALNUT PLEASANT HILL MANCHACA 41 9 13 11 3 8 Friday, July 29, 2022 Incident Reporting May – July 2022 P. 1 Violations at Top Libraries 1. Central 2. Terrazas 3. Ruiz 4. Little Walnut May June July Disrupting (7) Abusive, indecent (6) Vandalize, damage (6) Criminal act (3) _________________________ Sleeping (3) Cart (1) Food (1) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (16) CTN Enforcement (3) Disrupting (2) Abusive, indecent (3) Vandalize, damage (1) Criminal act (1) _________________________ Sleeping (0) Cart (0) Food (1) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (3) Disrupting (3) Abusive, indecent (1) Vandalize, damage (2) _________________________ Sleeping (1) Cart (0) Food (0) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (2) Disrupting (7) Harass, threaten (7) Vandalize, damage (12) Criminal act (5) ____________________ Sleeping (3) Cart (2) Food (1) Animals (2) Other ________________ Medical Emergencies (7) CTN Enforcement (6) Community Service Coordinator (1) Disrupting (1) Abusive, indecent (0) Vandalize, damage (1) Criminal act (1) _________________________ Sleeping (1) Cart (0) Food (0) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (2) CTN Enforcement (1) Disrupting (3) Abusive, indecent (2) Vandalize, damage (2) _________________________ Sleeping (0) Cart (0) Food (1) Animals (0) Other __________________ Disrupting (2) Abusive, indecent (2) Vandalize, damage (1) ________________ Sleeping (2) Cart (0) Food (0) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (1) CTN Enforcement (1) Disrupting (1) Abusive, indecent (0) Vandalize, damage (3) __________________ Sleeping (3) Cart (0) Food (0) Animals (0) Other __________________ Medical Emergencies (2) Disrupting (7) Harass, threaten (7) Vandalize, damage (2) Criminal act (1) ______________________ Sleeping (7) Cart (7) Food …
KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.1 Cardholders TOTAL CARDHOLDERS ACTIVE CARDHOLDERS 445,871 283,997 314,570 439,781 441,981 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 242,381 May-22 NEW CARDHOLDERS 2,791 3,274 3,460 Virtual Library e -Cards Resident v NonResident Virtual Resident Virtual NonResident 8,518 4,987 8,586 5,153 8,496 4,848 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 M ay- 2 2 Ju n - 2 2 Ju l - 2 2 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.2 Visitors Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.3 Circulation PHYSICAL CIRCULATION VIRTUAL CIRCULATION CIRCULAT ION 233,345 222,702 230,011 184,818 248,123 211,236 M A Y - 2 2 J U N - 2 2 J U L - 2 2 TO P E - M AT ER I A LS May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 127,720 129,774 139,421 89,886 91,119 95,804 CIRC_EBOOK CIRC_EAUDIO Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.4 Express & Holds Check-Outs Desk v Express Past 3 Months EXPRESS DESK CENTRAL LIBRARY DESK V EXPRESS CHECK-OUTS EXPRESS DESK 155,222 186,524 177,564 29,596 36,178 33,672 21,460 30,541 29,406 1,640 1,967 1,850 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 N U M B E R O F H O L D S P L A C E D BY N U M B E R O F C A R D H O L D E R S Cardholders Placing Holds Holds Requested 63,452 68,560 69,613 23,014 24,408 22,294 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.5 Technology WEBSITE HITS 1,891,718 1,942,863 1,819,793 18,258 19,530 System Computer Sessions 21,625 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 WIFI CONNECTIONS 28,952 29,256 27,102 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 5,962 Tech Devices Checked-Out 183 95 41 Hotspots 561 554 511 Laptops May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Central Library Computer Sessions 6,748 7,560 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Branch Computer Sessions 14,065 12,296 12,782 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JULY2022 P.6 Programs Adult/Family 133 97 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 27 9 31 20 46 19 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 PROGRAMS Teen Children 256 205 Total Programs 264 199 42 Community Services Outreach 12 7 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement 8/12/2022 s …
Director’s Report August 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary __________________________________________________________ 10 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 11 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Digital Inclusion & STEM ____________________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 14 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 14 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 14 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 14 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 15 Collections Circulation July _______________________________________________________________ 15 HIGHLIGHTS Disruption in service expected from August 30 - September 1 Our library card system will experience disruptions from August 30 – September 1. Here is what you need to know: • August 30 (morning) - There will be 1-2 hours of complete downtime where you won’t be able to: • Log into your account • Use Virtual Library • Get a new library card or renew one • Reset your pin • Receive notices from customer service • *Additionally, there will be delays with holds that have been placed. • Get a new library card or renew one • Reset your pin • Receive notices from customer service • *Additionally, there will be delays with holds that have been placed. September 2: Services will return to normal. August 30 – September 1 - We will experience some disruption of the above services, and you may not be able to: Sunday Hours Returning to Austin Public Library Locations Starting Sept. 11 Six Austin Public Library locations will be opening and offering services on Sundays, beginning September 11, 2022. The Central Library, four branch libraries, and the Austin History Center will be open to the public from 12 - 5 p.m. on Sundays for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are thrilled that we will be able to return to providing library services to the Austin community seven days a week,” stated Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “We know that many in the community appreciated the convenience of being able to access their libraries on Sundays, and I am pleased that we have the capacity to bring back this service.” . Austin Public Library has been gradually expanding hours and services since closing in-person services in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, several locations did offer Sunday hours, but when Austin Public Library expanded service hours in March 2022, Sunday hours could not be restored …