U City Library Board Minutes 10-12-2011

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The Friends met on October 11, 2011, and sent out membership renewal letters There is an upcoming program with author Gerald Early Scott Phillips has been invited to speak about The Adjustment and Susan Elliott to speak about Across the Divide University City Historical Society wants to partner with the Friends on two programs, one on the Civil War and the other on the University City School District. There is an interest in downloadable media presentations Jessica Freidlander would like a plaque to be hung in the library for Muriel Helfman for her Tapestries. Council Liaison The City Council has been dealing with the new fire station, including funding and dealing with the obsolete station. The new budget has been an ongoing discussion. There is an open position for Director of Public Works. The conversation of the pension plan has not been an agenda item but has been discussed. It has been found to be very difficult for cities to alter pension plans but the City may be going in that direction. Kathleen Gallagher with Make a Difference Committee for University City would like help on alley clean-up. The particular alley has not been determined. There is a form for anyone interested. Circulation is down 5% for September and down 4% for the fiscal year. New shelving units were purchased from Borders and new displays are planned Each month a list of the most demanded books and DVDs go out by email to those patrons who have requested the information. Patrons may reserve books and DVDs via email. E-book circulation has been up considerably. Downloads are on a steady upswing. Guttenberg e-books had 945 downloads for the month. For a newly released book, the cost of an e-book is comparable to full retail price, older books cost the equivalent of a paperback and classics are inexpensive. ked further. The Historical Society had its annual meeting. Dr. John _Wright spoke to approximately 30 people. The Historical Society donated $1500 to the library. The quilt show is going on at present. There has been a donation of artwork, presently on loan to the library. There will be 2 more blood drives which will be coordinated with the blood drives at City Hall. Tech Electronics is looking onto Citrix system used for reports to the City. There is an ongoing payroll analysis regarding part-time employees and continued exploration into getting the work completed with fewer part-time employees.