Meeting Notes

Citizen¡¯s Library Advisory Ad Hoc Committee

February 28, 2008

Guanajuato Room, Ashland Public Library

4:00-6:00 pm

Attendance:

Ashworth, Churchman, Vavra, Burkholder, Seltzer (city staff liaison), Blossom (library staff liaison)

Absent:

Brown, Batistella, Keil, Gibb

Guests:

Jim Olney, Jackson County Friends of the Library and Ruthie Painter, SOU writing professor

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm.

Citizen Issues:

None

Due to lack of quorum, the minutes from February 14 were not approved.

The committee members reviewed the minutes from February 14 and Burkholder asked why the change in the public forum schedule.  Churchman, Ashworth and Seltzer gave a brief update on the discussion.  The group agreed that delaying the public forums on library services and library governance until later in year would give library users a longer period of time to experience the current services before commenting.  The group agreed to focus their energy on developing a comprehensive open house and public input/hearing on extending the levy.

The group then discussed locations in the library best suited for the ¡°open house¡± to be held from 10:00 a.m. şu 6:00 p.m. on April 23.  That same evening, the committee will hold a formal public hearing in the council chambers from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. or longer if necessary. 

Discussion moved to library services and the best way to evaluate services in addition to using ALA standards.  Vavra suggested inviting LSSI to an upcoming meeting and make a presentation on how they evaluate services.  Vavra reminded the group that Ruth Metz had previously provided information on evaluating library services.  The CLAC wants to develop the criteria for evaluating Ashland library services prior to conducting the public forums.  Vavra asked people to review the list of resources and identify who should be invited to attend future meetings to further the CLAC understanding and desire to develop criteria.

Vavra shared with the group her recent conversation with Kathleen Davis re: Jackson County Library Advisory Committee proposed literacy program.  The program is aimed at adult literacy and its importance to regional economic development.  Oregon Solutions will conduct a feasibility study for a literacy campaign to be completed by the end of March.  Olney mentioned the Jackson County Library Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 and will be able to apply for grants to fund a marketing campaign, the Foundation has committed $10,000 and LSSI has indicated they would contribute $10,000.  The purpose of the marketing campaign is to give people a clear understanding of the value of their library.  Olson also mentioned Walmart has committed $25,000 for a summer reading program.

Vavra asked Davis how CLAC can help.  Davis suggested getting the other communities that are subsidizing library services to also form a CLAC so that they can all coordinate more effectively.

It was also suggested that CLAC draw attention to the bigger picture (countywide library effort) by including statement about the economic benefits of a strong library.  It was suggested that Vavra request time on an upcoming Chamber of Commerce Board meeting to speak to the issue and ask for a statement of support.  It was also suggested that OSF be contacted for a similar statement of support.  Discussion on additional ways to get the word out: insert in Chamber newsletter, Friends newsletter, etc.

The group discussed the need to prepare educational materials prior to the ¡°open hours¡± and public hearing so that participants are ¡°up to speed¡± on the actions of the CLAC to date and as an opportunity to explain why the levy needs to be extended.  Vavra illustrated that City levy funds will expire a year in advance of the county funds leaving a funding gap for enhanced services in Ashland and once the county funds expire at the end of year FY 2010, no funds will be available for library services.  The intent of the CLAC with the levy is to get ¡°in sync¡± with county funding timeline.

Next meeting is Thursday, March 13.

The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.