MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1999, AT 5:30 PM NOVI PUBLIC LIBRARY-45245 W. TEN MILE ROAD

Mayor McLallen called the meeting to order at 5:35PM.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION - None

PURPOSE OF JOINT MEETING: Library Board Update

Member Evenhuis discussed the use of Internet services within the confines of the library setting. Member Evenhuis mentioned the library is using the policy approved by the city attorney and based on a model developed by the American Library Association.

Member Evenhuis mentioned that in June of 1998 the first complaint was received in regards to the use of the Internet in the library. Member Evenhuis said action was taken with city attorney, Mr. Dennis Watson to resolve the situation. The AD HOC committee was formed to resolve concerns and issues relating to Internet services.

Member Evenhuis commented some procedures were implemented to try to resolve some of the issues. One of these alternatives used was the commercial blocking software but that proved to be ineffective. The alternative found was to move the terminals for the sole purpose for the youth. Member Evenhuis stated computers were stationed in a location with pre-selected search mechanisms already installed. Member Evenhuis commented no complaints have been made since October 1998.

Brenda Evans gave a summary of the services available to the public such as the audiovisual collection, the print collection, computer workstations, meetings and programming. Ms. Evans mentioned there is a high demand for audiovisual materials such as videos, books on tape, CD’s and children’s media kits. She commented the children’s services are very strong under the direction of Jane Brown. Ms. Evans commented the children’s materials circulate at a higher level than comparable libraries and the Summer Reading Program had over 1,200 participants.

Chairman Chambers gave a review of the meeting room which is used for story hours, staff meetings, adult book discussions, other children’s programming, Library Board meetings and community sponsored programs.

Chairman Chambers mentioned the shelf space is near capacity throughout the library, existing shelving and seating must be eliminated to add more workstations where space is at a premium. Chairman Chambers commented the library goal is to have 202,500 books in the collection by the year 2020. The current building capacity is almost meet.

Chairman Chambers commented renovation and replacement alternatives have been reviewed. Renovation would cost $18.4 million and replacement would cost $19.4 million. Chairman Chambers mentioned a site plan option would be the Fuerst property located on the corner of Ten Mile and Taft Road. Chairman Chambers said the existing building could be used to house the Park & Recreation Department and Community Education. Council Member Schmid mentioned the library might want to consider a location on Main Street.

Mayor McLallen commented on the issues raised and thanked the members for concerns and comments.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

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Kathleen S. McLallen Tonni L. Bartholomew

Transcribed by:

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Name: Melissa H. Place