 www.hclib.org |
Library Board Athenaeum Subcommittee September 29, 2008 Meeting Summary |
Library Board Members Patricia Izek, President Therese VanBlarcom, Vice President John Pacheco, Secretary John Gibbs Holly Guncheon Roger Hale Jill Joseph Claudia Kelly Kathleen Lamb David Pratt Cynthia Steinke Interim Library Director Lois Langer Thompson |
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Members present: Library
Board members Chair David Pratt, Cynthia Steinke, Kathleen Lamb; Athenaeum
Board members Pierce McNally, Sue Mackert; Interim Library Director Lois Langer
Thompson Library staff: Sharon
Charles and Marilyn Zastrow Welcome and Update – Committee Chair David Pratt Mr. Pratt
welcomed attendees and provided an update. He described the Athenaeum lease
which has expired. The Athenaeum and Hennepin County Library (HCL) would like
to explore collaborations with open communication and continue to build a
relationship that benefits both organizations. “Ideas for Hennepin County
Library and Athenaeum Relationship” dated Sept. 2008 was the meeting agenda. Enhanced Access and Outreach The
committee addressed the Athenaeum vault which is 80% full and options for
greater access. Mr. Pratt expressed concern for the collection and suggested
security cameras. Sue Mackert said
volunteers take responsibility for securing the collection when stakeholders
want access to it; people are respectful of the collection. She would like to
establish a policy and procedure for securing the collection when books are
brought out of the library for public viewing or display. Ms. Mackert praised
security staff and noted the Athenaeum is in a locked area. The Athenaeum collection is presently insured
under the blanket of HCL. Increased Visibility and Marketing Pierce
McNally asked how the Athenaeum fits into HCL’s mission and what strategies the
library plans to use to promote the Athenaeum; the plan needs to provide
experiences for people to see a collection of 6000 books. He also expressed a need for a detailed
proposal that includes overhead and all related costs. He clarified the Athenaeum
is responsible for book preservation and exhibition as a 501(c) 3 organization
and feels these issues need to be spelled out clearly. Mr. Pratt said the
Library Foundation of Hennepin County and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public
Library are in the process of merging by the end of the year with Stu Wilson as
the new Executive Director. This brings the best of both organizations together
and could positively impact the visibility and marketing of the Athenaeum. The
display and/or sale of prints in the bookstore would also promote the
Athenaeum. Programming and Exhibits Ms. Thompson
noted the Athenaeum is considered a jewel that makes the Library special. HCL
is looking at staffing concerns regarding the Athenaeum as HCL faces budget
concerns. Ms. Mackert said the Athenaeum may extend hours for exhibitions
within library hours and be staffed with volunteers; library volunteers would
be welcome. Management/Overhead Mr. McNally
reiterated his major concerns for the Athenaeum in relation to HCL, they are: 1)
Long-term mission - strategy for Athenaeum within HCL; 2) Financial consideration;
and 3) Authority of Athenaeum over collection - accessibility/jurisdiction. Ms.
Mackert and Mr. McNally said the Athenaeum’s focus is “plan A” with HCL. They
will pursue “plan B” if there is no fit, going their separate way to explore other
options. The Athenaeum has a tremendous future and raised $1 million for the
capital campaign for their future with Minneapolis Public Library. They want a
visible future. Mr. McNally said specifics for the mission are: staff (librarian),
space, insurance, goals, accessible for public, create excitement, exhibitions,
financial component. Having provided the major concerns from the Athenaeum, Mr.
Pratt said HCL would also identify their concerns. Next steps A draft memo of understanding will be developed
by Ms. Thompson, Sharon Charles and Mr. Pratt within approximately three weeks and
they will meet Oct. 22, |