DEARBORN DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
LIBRARY COMMISSION RETREAT MEETING
1.
ATTENDANCE:
In attendance were: MRS. NANCY ZAKAR, Chairperson; MR.
MARCEL PULTORAK, Vice-Chairperson; MR. ROBERT TAUB, MR. RONALD WATTERS,
MR. DAVE SCHLAFF, MRS. SYLVIA PRESSMAN, MRS.CANDYCE
ABBATT, Commissioners; DR. PATRICK COADY, Library Director,
MRS. MARYANNE BARTLES, Deputy Library Director,
MS. TARA GNAU and MRS. JULIE SCHAEFER, Administrative
Librarians;
Excused: MRS. LILA AMEN, Commissioner, Absent: DR.
ALEX SHAMI,
Secretary-Treasurer
2. DISCUSSION
OF THE DRAFT VISION, VALUE AND LONGER RANGE GOAL STATEMENTS:
Mrs. Zakar stated that the
Commission goal for this retreat meeting is to draft a vision statement, look
at the value statements and review the current library mission statement so
that it is in line with the vision and value statements. Mrs. Zakar suggested they start with
reviewing the mission statement to get a sense of where we are now. The mission statement should explain why the
library exists and what it hopes to achieve in the future. It should explain what the library is all
about to customers, employees and the community. The Commission discussed the libraries
current mission statement. The feeling
among the Commission is that the current statement is too long. The more concise the mission statement is the
easier it is to publicize it and for people to become familiar with it. The
Commission discussed the staff suggestion that Dr. Coady received regarding the
mission statement. Mr. Watters asked where the mission statement would be
used. Dr. Coady stated it would be used
in the annual report and on the web page. Once the full strategic planning
package is completed it will be used more than in the past. Mr. Pultorak
suggested modifying the current mission statement. The Commission discussed various wording and
decided on:
“The Dearborn Public Library provides a broad
range of effective, courteous, quality services and a balanced collection of
materials for the educational, informational and recreational needs of the
community”.
Mrs. Abbatt stated the
proposed changes to the mission statement should be sent to staff for review
and we can finalize it at the next meeting.
Mrs. Zakar discussed what a
vision statement should be. It should be
clear and concise. It should state where
we are going and how we are getting there.
The Commission discussed the vision statements proposed by Mrs. Pressman
and
”The Dearborn Public Library fosters the
spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all
ages and cultures starting with the very young”.
The Commissioners discussed
the proposed value statements. The value statements should be representative of
what the library stands for. Mrs. Abbatt
felt there should be some type of introductory statement before the list of
values. The Commission decided on the
following value statements:
In order to provide
effective management with ethical standards, we will
1. Respond
to community needs
2. Be good stewards
of community resources
3. Protect
privacy rights of patrons and staff
4. Promote
teamwork
5. Encourage
use by all
6. Collaborate
with community groups
7. Provide
a user friendly environment
The Commission discussed
the list of long term goals. They
discussed strategic planning and the time frame for that. It was decided that a three year strategic
plan with an annual review was a good time frame. Some goals discussed were the foundation
startup and expansion of the volunteer program and response to budgetary issues.
The Commission felt that some of the goals listed could be combined and that
some had been completed. Mrs. Zakar
stated that the longer term goals need to be in line with the mission, vision
and value statements. Mr. Schlaff stated that you do not need a list of long
term goals if you have a strategic plan. The list of longer term goals can be
used as an outline to developing a strategic plan. The Commissioners felt that
a separate meeting should be held to develop the strategic plan.
3.
FOUNDATION DISCUSSION:
Mrs. Abbatt stated that the
list of potential library foundation trustees still needs to go to the Mayor
for approval. Mrs. Abbatt made a copy of
the list compiled. The list was gone
over by the Commission at the last meeting.
We will submit the list to the Mayor on Monday. The Mayor may have some suggestions for
additional names to be considered for trustee.
Mr. Schlaff stated he is
concerned that Ann Knoop is only available through the fall. He is concerned that this is not going to
work out. If we don’t move faster we are
going to run out of time with her. Mrs.
Abbatt stated that after meeting with Ms. Knoop the last time the next step was
to set up a meeting so that she could meet Dr. Coady and the other Library
Commissioners but that has not worked out.
Mr. Schlaff stated that this is why he is concerned. He feels that once things getting moving she
will be gone and we do not have anyone in place to pick up the pieces. Dr. Coady stated he hears Mr. Schlaff’s
concerns and we should have a succession plan in place. Mrs. Zakar stated that what we really need is
to identify a co-chair to work with Ms. Knoop.
Mr. Schlaff stated that we only have one more meeting before our summer
break. This is a high priority issue for
us and it has taken us a long time to get to the point we are at. One of the problems that we are going to run
into is that when we approach potential trustees we will have to give them at
least 30 days to make up their mind. It is a very slow process. Mr. Schalff asked how many potential
trustees’ names we had on the list. Mrs.
Abbatt stated that we have fourteen or fifteen names. We are looking for 3 to 5 people for the
foundation board. We also need to invite
Ms. Knoop to a Commission meeting so that she can meet the rest of the
Commissioners. Mr. Schlaff stated that
he would like to see the Mayor recognize Ms. Knoop and thank her for taking on
this responsibility. It will have more
impact if it comes from him. Mrs. Abbatt stated that Ms. Knoop may not be
available to attend the next meeting as she has a child graduating. Mr. Pultorak stated if she is not available
get a few dates that work for her and we could set up a separate meeting to get
acquainted with her.
The meeting was adjourned
at