Several goals are on tap for the Bradford Area Public Library this year — everything from a reconfigured, more efficient circulation desk to a comprehensive patron survey.
The library board of trustees unveiled the annual action plan during a meeting Monday afternoon at the library.
“The biggest goal for the board of trustees is to provide the guidance and support to (executive director) Lacey Love and her staff to maintain a community space where people come to connect with one another — whether it is children and parents, senior citizens, or teens,” library board of trustee chairwoman Chris Minich said. “It is accomplished by providing programs and resources for others to interact and grow their intellect and passions while remaining compliant with state requirements and fiscally responsible to the organization.”
The 2015 action plan includes many hopes for the new year: In February, officials want to have a quarterly newsletter and/or monthly e-newsletter in place, and by March a comprehensive patron survey could be conducted. In July, the library’s circulation desk could be reconfigured, for improved efficiency.
The library board also desires to combine the interlibrary loan and book processing duties into one position by May. The move will mean no layoffs, Minich said.
Along with the library collection, plans call for alternatives to be determined for Destiny, a management software platform for managing library resources, and propose them to the McKean County library partners, all by May.
Also part of the board’s plans, the library’s fundraiser, known as the Annual Ask, will be named in honor of Madeline Miles, who had served on the library board of trustees. The name of the campaign will be revealed at the Derby Gala later this year.
In addition, one of the goals in the action plan revolves around infrastructure, including creating a life-cycle replacement for computers, office equipment and the security system at the library. The due date is February.
“The importance is to have an adequate plan to fund the replacement of equipment when they have expired,” Minich said. “Our equipment is not in a bad state — but we want to develop a plan for cycling in new equipment while remaining fiscally responsible and working within the means of our budget. Our equipment needs to be functional and reliable to our patrons who have various needs to explore the Internet or utilize copy and fax equipment.”
Also, the action plan includes incorporating existing committees into three groups and states that effort is “a stronger representation of trustees and committee members to meet the proposed goals of our executive director.”
The first group is the internal affairs committee, led by trustee Lisa Zumstein, with trustees Chris Minich, Becky Jenson and Mike Luciano and committee members Lacey Love, Heather Carlson, Steve Cottillion, Matthew Mangold, Russ Safran, Ryan Baxter, Ed Pecht, Dick McDowell and consultant Pete Buchheit. The committee focuses on finance and investments, technology and building and grounds.
Trustee Bob Esch heads the external affairs committee, with trustees Chris Minich, Steve Hardin and Marjory Knox and committee members Lacey Love, Heather Carlson, Madeline Miles, Ron Orris, Theresa Funk, Pat Cercone, Marietta Frank and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford intern Kayta Friedman. That group concentrates on community relations, resource development and Friends of the Library.
The governance committee, led by trustee Tina Martin, includes trustees Chris Minich and Kristen Tim and committee members Lacey Love, Heather Carlson, Lee Doynow, legal consultant Stacy Wallace and consultant Bruce Gallagher. The committee focus is on governance, human resources and nominating.
This year appears to be a continued adjustment for library officials. Last year saw a high turnover rate at the facility. Love became the new executive director, replacing Guy Bennett, and Judy Carr succeeded Stephanie Lynn Parsons as the community outreach and programming coordinator. Heather Carlson was hired as the library’s office manager after Elaina Lucco stepped down as acting office manager. The number of members on the board of trustees has also been decreased.
The next meeting of the board of trustees starts at 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at the library on West Washington Street.
