Marshall Public Library board approves new technology plan

At their meeting Tuesday evening, March 9, Marshall Public Library Board of Trustee members approved a technology plan for the library.

Library Director Amy Crump and board member John Carton formulated the plan, which must be submitted to the Missouri State Library every three years. The plan outlines actions for the library to take in the next 12 years to acquire and maintain up-to-date technological equipment.

In the first two years of the plan, the library will spend $15,000 to purchase new equipment that will replace what is obsolete. Each year after that, one-tenth of the library's equipment will be replaced, for an estimated $5,500, in order to keep everything current.

The plan "really sets the library in a good position," Crump said, noting that it is proactive rather than reactive to the technology situation.

The library board also approved another technology measure at its meeting. Crump requested, and received, permission to apply for a technology grant in order to purchase seven new laptop computers for the library.

In total, the cost would be $14,000, but the library would just pay 25 percent, or $3,500, if approved for the grant.

"It would come from our little reserve fund," Crump said.

And, the purchase of the new computers would mean the early completion of the first year of the technology plan.

"This would actually be a year's jump," Crump said.

In other action items, the board approved the switch to the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, rather than just the Missouri State Highway Patrol background check, to be used when hiring new library employees. The registry compiles data from seven different sources, including the highway patrol, and costs $10, which is paid by the employee.

Board members agreed that these measures are necessary because library staff work closely with children.

Crump presented the board with both her February and March librarian reports, because the February meeting was cancelled for inclement weather.

A total of 5,115 items were circulated in February, compared with 5,135 in January. At the end of January, the library had 8,208 cardholders, and by the end of February, there were 8,255.

"We keep continuing to grow every month," Crump said.

She also said the library has hired a new janitor, Jordan Lane.

In the staff report, Vickie Johnson noted that about 200 invitations have been sent out for the library's 20th anniversary reception, scheduled for Saturday, March 20, at 1 p.m.

In other business, the board created a new ad hoc committee to formulate a board member attendance policy. Board members Carton, Ann Aulgur and Katye Elsea will comprise the committee.

Board members Mike Davis, Arlene Borchers, Jeanne Simonton and President Anita Wright were also present at the meeting.

The board adjourned into executive session.

The next regularly scheduled library board meeting is Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net