Item 4DLibrary Board Report
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
The Southlake Library Board respectfully submits this written report in an effort to maintain
communication flow between the Board and City Council.
The Southlake Library Board held their July meeting on September 22, 2004. Below is a
summary of the issues addressed at the meeting.
Librarians Report: Library Administrator Kerry McGeath reviewed with the Board the
activity of the past Month and indicated the following:
Library checkouts were up 92% for August, giving us a 45% increase for the FY to date.
Volunteer hours were 314 vs. 74 last year (a 325% increase). Storytime traffic increased from
479 LY to 661 this year (a 38% increase). Traffic overall was up 33% from last year and is
up 37% for the year. We have had significant increases in all outputs measured for the month
and the year. Library staff are now visiting the schools and teaching classes on how to use the
Library and what we offer at the Public Library that can help augment what the schools make
available. We are developing relationships with the Librarians and Administrators at each of
the CISD schools, allowing us more complete access to the students. The exposure will begin
to pay off later this year, as students become more familiar with us. Mr. McGeath will be
doing a presentation about the Southlake Public Library at the next meeting of CISD School
Librarians.
Issues before the Board:
The Board is currently working with Mr. McGeath to develop or update the 10 Year Strategic
Plan. The Library has achieved everything on the plan to date and remains committed to
achieving the vision set forward. The changes that have been made in the Library has altered
some of the plans, because we are able to offer much more then was thought possible when
the plan was developed 3 years ago. The Board plans a further review in the November
meeting. The Collection Development allocations were shared with the Board. The
allocations detail how spending will occur to buy materials for the Library. The allocations
are related to the mix of product or materials that the Library will make available. Last year
was the first year using the current system and we hit our targets related to how the mix of
product actually played out, and clearly with a huge 45% growth in circulation we were
buying the right stuff.
If you should have any questions please contact Kerry McGeath, Library Administrator at
817.481.8378.