Minutes, SML Board of Control August 26, 1996, Page 3 Architect Proposals: Jim Pelton reported that requests for proposals were sent out to all local architects, including some others from out-of-town that had expressed an interest or had been recommended. The deadline for return of applications for the consulting architect is September 3, and the deadline for project architects is September 16. New Business: None was reported. Discussion of 1997 Budget: Jim Pelton reported that the new budget will include a request for additional staff. He explained that additional staff will be needed due to the expansion plans. The budget is being projected for the cost of buildings and operations for 10 years, but the Board will need to examine it each year and make adjustments as needed. The director is currently working on revisions to the budget and adjustments, which will be presented to the Board in September. Also, the Finance Committee and the Personnel Committee will need to meet before the next Board meeting on September 30. Glenn O'Bryan suggested the budget presentation be given one month earlier in the future to allow the Board more time to examine the recommendations. Librarian's Report: The director reported that more pressure is being felt from the public for the Library to offer Internet services. He explained that more libraries are offering a fuller range of Internet than Shreve Memorial Library. He reported that the Library staff were discussing the addition of an Internet browser to the PAC terminals at all the branches, and at the Main Library there would be provision made for a graphical interface. Currently, the telecommunications will not allow graphical interface at the branches -- they do not have a router-based system. A Proposed Electronic Resources Access Policy had been drafted by a staff committee (see attached Policy). Some features of the policy would limit public access to obscene materials. Also, Internet email will not be made available. Comments from the Board regarding public access to Internet included: ??? Glenn O'Bryan stated that access to the Internet should be provided to all the branches because it could be used by the under-privileged children who can not afford a home computer. He suggested that downloading of programs should not be allowed because a virus could infect one of the computers. ??? Haller Jackson added that people depend on the library for information, and Shreve Memorial Library should provide this in every form possible, including Internet access. ??? Mary Bethel reported that public schools are also moving in the direction of providing Internet access for the students. ??? Haller Jackson requested information on how the Internet services would affect the budget. The director explained that there are not enough staff to provide reference materials through the Internet, so public access should be provided. To provide graphical interface Internet at the branches, the Library will need to have a Tl line and change telecommunications to a router instead of multi-plexors. In order to provide some dedicated terminals without Internet access, additional PAC accounts can be provided for a cost. As for now, he recommended adoption of the proposed Internet access policy, but with a few changes: 1) printing costs should be $.10 across the board; 2) use of filtering software to deny access to most illegal/obscene sites and information for the graphical interface Internet. ??? Jeff Salter suggested a lock or some kind of lock on the software slot to omit patrons from using their own disks and prohibit downloading. Also, he inquired whether the age limits should be the same as for other
