Minutes January 20, 2010
The Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees Executive Committee met for a called meeting at 5:00 PM on January 20, 2010, at the Administrative Office. The Board's elected officers Phyllis Oxendine-Chair, Dale Todd-Vice Chair and Margaret Tiller-Secretary participated. Administrative staff members present were Nancy Stanbery-Kellam-Executive Director, Liz Forster-Deputy Director, Jane Walters, Business Services Director, Barbara Spruill-Branch Services Director, Deb George-Materials Management Director, Sue Calbreath-Events & Outreach Director, Michelle Long-Public Relations Director, Denise Auger-Community Partnership Coordinator and Pamela Covington-Administrative Assistant. Other administrative staff members were also in attendance. Phyllis called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Nancy and Jane reported last week Georgia Public Library Service notified all Georgia Library Directors that "Libraries that participate in the federal E-rate program are prohibited from charging in any way for internet use". Like many Georgia libraries hoping to increase revenues, Gwinnett County Public Library planned to increase revenues by charging for computer use for those customers who do not have a library card. Rather than jeopardize the Library's E-rate funding the Library will change the newly revised policies that have a February 1, 2010 implementation date. Currently the Library has been approved for $217,979 in E-rate funding for fiscal year 2010. According to the Universal Service Administrative Company website, "The E-rate program or more precisely, the Schools and Libraries Universal Service (USAC) Support mechanism – provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. Discounts range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served." Gwinnett County Public Library is receiving a 60% discount in this fiscal year. "E-Rate is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and /or international telecommunications services. USAC administers the Universal Service Fund at the direction of the Federal Communications Commission; USAC's Schools and Libraries Division administers E-rate."
Two Library policies, Fees Based Services and Library Card, both having a February 1, 2010 implementation date, need to be revised based on the above information. The revised policies were included as attachments for the Board Executive Committee. Motion by Todd to revise the Library Card and the Fee Based Services Policies effective February 1, 2010, seconded by Tiller, unanimous.
The entire Board will be asked to ratify this Executive Committee decision at the March 9, 2010 meeting.
Motion by Todd to adjourn the meeting at 5:10 PM, seconded by Tiller, unanimous.
Minutes submitted by Pamela Covington for Margaret Tiller, Board Secretary.