Concern about Proposals Being Implemented

There has been some weeding done at the library. No big deal, right? All libraries do weeding. And the books go into the used book shop/ sale and then the money the used books bring in just goes back to the library, right?

What if that's not what was happening?

There are many rumblings about Frank Novak himself doing the weeding. There is a policy in place about what criteria is used to weed books and the policy states that there should be a second opinion given before any books are discarded. There is concern that this procedure is not being followed as it was reported that Frank gave directions to throw books away without letting any staff or the Friends of the Library see. Why the secrecy? Was it because these were perfectly good books?

In the last month, representatives from businesses have been given tours of the top two floors of the Main library.

So the question many of us are asking is this: If the proposals were merely "theoretical" why the secret weeding? Why are there prospective renters looking at the second and third floors? Massive weeding and renting out the 2nd and 3rd floors are both objectives of the proposals. So many people are concerned that Frank is slinking ahead to work to get them implemented.

The Importance of Monday Night's Meeting

The committee meeting that was rescheduled for yesterday did not take place, likely because it too would have been in violation of the Open Meetings Act. (Thankfully it seems like they may start taking that seriously.) The committee meeting's agenda was posted at the East branch, but interestingly it was a new agenda that did not contain the Sullivan Center, Rock River's lease, or Sunday hours. (Hmm... something is fishy.)

If you did not see the news, the library union took a no confidence vote in director Frank Novak's leadership. From the confidential proposals to the violations of the Open Meetings Act, it is clear that the direction Novak wants to take the library does not consider the needs and wants of the community. (The Open Meetings Act violations pre-date this blog. The meetings listed an incorrect time and location on the website and agendas are still frequently not posted on the website. Thankfully, Monday's agenda is posted.)

It is important we have a strong showing at Monday's board meeting. The community needs to stand with the dedicated library staff as they address the board on why they have no confidence in Frank Novak's leadership. Please come (and bring a friend!) this Monday, March 26 at 5:30pm at the East branch library in the Community Room. Hope to see you there!

Due to Open Meetings Act Violation Meeting Today Rescheduled

Today at the Finance Committee meeting, it was brought to the committee's attention that the meeting was in violation of the Open Meetings Act, which states that meetings must be posted 48 hours prior to the meeting. It's not the first time RPL has violated the Open Meetings Act, but may be the first time they were called on it. The meeting was rescheduled for this Friday, March 23 at 12pm at the East branch library.

Thank you to board member Donald Thayer, who took the stand that since they were in violation, the meeting should not happen. He said the agenda was not too full, but someone else mentioned needing to discuss agenda items prior to Monday's board meeting. The agenda is not posted on the website, but is said to contain the following discussion items: the acquisition of the Sullivan Center, Rock River's lease, and Sunday hours.

Hope people can make it on Friday. Please mark your calendars and try to come to Monday's board meeting. When an agenda is posted, we'll get the word out on any action items of interest.

Committee Meetings this week... items of interest on the agenda!

Program Planning and Service Policy Committee meets Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 a.m., Meeting Room C, Main Library and the Financial Planning & Properties Committee meets Wednesday, March 21, 11:45 a.m., Friends Community Room, East Branch Library.  Interestingly, on the agenda for the Finance Committee is the Sullivan Center, Sunday public hours, and the Rock River lease. 

Also, the regular board meeting is a week from today-- Monday, March 26 at 5:30pm. The agenda isn't posted on the website yet (neither is the meeting notice for that matter).

If you can come to any (or all!) of the above meetings, it would be great. What is discussed in this finance committee meeting will likely end up being discussed at the meeting.

We must stay vigilant!

Should Libraries Get Out of the eBook Business?

Here's a link to an extremely interesting and worthwhile article:

http://librarianbyday.net/2012/03/07/should-libraries-get-out-of-the-ebook-business

Necessary Evil? Random House Triples Prices Of Library E-Books [TechCrunch]

Here's an interesting article about how Random House is tripling the price of e-books for libraries:

http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/02/necessary-evil-random-house-triples-prices-of-library-e-books/

Also, speaking of articles, the next print issue of American Libraries magazine will include an article about Rockford's library fiasco!

The blog posts and local news pieces on the library have slowed down, but the library is still on our radar. It's time to recharge so we're refreshed and ready to fight any more bogus proposals. Stay tuned.

Board Meeting Tomorrow (Monday, February 27)

The meeting is Monday night and we need another great turnout to send the message to the board that people still care about what happens to our public library. Please try to come and/or spread the word to everyone you know. The agenda  is posted on the website. It would also be great if all 15 speaking slots were filled. Hope to see you there!