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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-04 Library Commission SummaryK enai Advisory Library Commission K enai Community Library Activity Room Oct 4, 1994; 7:30 PM AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OFSEPTEMBER 6,1994 5. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 7. OLD BUSINESS A. CENSORSHIP WORKSHOP B. LIBRARY POLICY REVIEW C. OTHER 8. NEW BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION B. NEXT MEETING DATE C. OTHER 9. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS/QUESTIONS I O. ADJOURNMENT KENAI ADVISORY LIBRARY COMMISSION Kenai Community Library Activity Room October 4, 1994 - 7:30 p.m. ***Agenda*** lw CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL Members present' Janice Redes, Bob Peters, Vince O'Reilly, Carol Brenkle, Kathy Heus Members absent: Jerry Hanson (excused), Janet Brown Also present' Emily DeForest, Loretta Harvey ,. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Carol Brenkle moved approval of agenda as presented. There were no objections from the Commission. Agenda approved as presented. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 6, 1994 Vince O'Reilly moved approval of minutes as presented. Carol Brenkle seconded. Minutes approved as presented. Sm PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 1 DIRECTOR'S REPORT Emily DeForest reported the Friends of the Library purchased a C-D tower to go with the computer and video displayer that was purchased last year with the ARCO Grant. Chris Monfor presented money to the library which had been donated in memory of Betty Leonard for a tree in memorial park. After purchasing a tree, there was money left which was donated with the suggestion a replacement globe be purchased in Betty's memory. The Commission agreed this would be a good idea. Emily will be attending a leadership training in Wasilla the end of October. Last month the library added 144 new adult patrons. Library Commission October 4, 1994 Page 1 g OLD BUSINESS a. Intellectual Freedom Workshop Kathy Heus asked those who had attended their feelings about the workshop. Bob Peters felt it was very informative. He did not realize how big an issue this had become and he felt the library should update their policies and procedures due to the information he attained at the workshop. Vince O'Reilly agreed that the workshop was an eye opening experience regarding legal and community situations that might arise. He also felt that a procedure should be developed and incorporated before citizen's complaints occur. If a policy is not followed, any action or inaction the Commission or Library Staff takes could put them in a position of censorship. The main concerns O'Reilly would like the Commission to address in light of the workshop were: 1) review status of Commission in light of Council; 2) put the policies in effect to address items of concern; 3) establish whether the commission is in a position of final authority and if so, what are the legal ramifications to the commission members. Kathy Heus responded to O'Reilly's comments by stating that the commission was advisory only, according to the Kenai Municipal Code (KMC). The commission could have input into decisions that would effect the library, but the City Council would have the final decision. Bob Peters said the Goals and Objectives should include establishing policies and procedures for complaints, including a provision for appeal of any decision to Council. Vince O'Reilly agreed and felt the procedures should be established when concerns are raised to object to what and what is not in the library. The policies and procedures should follow the provisions of the Freedom to Read Act. Carol Brenckle agreed that policies should be established in writing for complaint hearings. The Library Bill of Rights should also be considered when drafting these policies. Kathy Heus said the policies and procedures should cover all aspects of the library. But having a written policy, where specific steps are spelled out and followed for every incident to avoid problems should be a priority. A committee had been formed at a previous meeting consisting Vince O'Reilly and Janet ~r~ to draft a policy and procedure statement for the Emily and the Commission to review. Library Commission October 4, 1994 Page 2 b. Library Policy Review Covered under previous discussion. c. Other Kathy Heus asked if there were other items for discussion. There were none. . NEW BUSINESS a. Review of Council Work Session Emily DeForest reported that the Council had held this session because there had been some problems regarding city boards, commissions, etc. The Library Commission was not specifically discussed. However, due to a high rate of absences on other commissions, etc., the Council will institute the provision of three absences and members will be excused from their position. b. Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be November 1st at 7:30 p.m. c. Other Kathy Heus asked if there were other items for discussion. There were none. . COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Kathy Heus reported the Friends of the Library are planning their annual tea for January. This change is so the Friend's memberships would run from January to December. Janice Rodes felt that censorship would be an important issue in the future and the commission may wish to explore the implications censorship may have on the local library. Vince O'Reilly noted it was a good meeting and there was a lot of tangible work ahead of the commission. Library Commission October 4, 1994 Page 3 Carol Brenkle noted an address change and said she had not received a packet or agenda. She suggested the people who work on the draft policy and procedures take into consideration due process. 10. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 6~, ~~ Assistant Library Commission October 4, 1994 Page 4