MINUTES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETING - MINOT-SLEEPER LIBRARY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2007 AT 4:00 PM

PRESENT:  Deborah Doe, Co-Chairman, Roger Nicholls, Co-Chairman, George Corrette, Shirley Yorks, Barbara Greenwood, Deborah Gilbert, Secretary/Librarian

ABSENT:  Glenn Dorr, Bill Barrett

On Monday, July 30, Deborah Gilbert officially offered her resignation as Head Librarian at the Minot-Sleeper Library due family obligations. 

Deborah Gilbert reported that after a summer of repeated family crisis and tragedy that she had not been able to perform her job to her satisfaction.  She did not feel that it was fair to continue to depend on other people to cover for her.  She does not feel that this is likely to change any time soon as her current situation has the potential to consume a great deal of her time for an indefinite period of time.

The board expressed their opinion that they did not agree with Deborah and would be willing to work with her if she should choose to stay.  Deborah Doe suggested looking at other possibilities, such as limited hours or a leave of absence.  Deborah Gilbert felt that a leave of absence would be difficult as there was no way to determine how long it should be.  She also felt that it would be very difficult to work as a supervisor who worked less than the rest of the staff. 

There was some discussion as to whether the position should continue to be part-time or if it could be the time to change it to a full-time position.  Deborah Gilbert stated that the pool of applicants would be very different for a full-time position than it would be for a part-time position.  Deborah Gilbert said that it has become apparent that the library needs an additional staff member to cover sick time, vacation and emergencies.  The board agreed that it might be more beneficial to the library to leave the head librarian position part-time and hire an additional 20 hour position.  Deborah Gilbert also stated that in light of all that the town is trying to do financially this next year that this may not be good timing for a full-time position.

Deborah Gilbert said that currently she had arranged for Eileen Gilbert to work Fridays and by adding an additional temporary page position at an average of 5 hours per week she could reduce her hours to 20 per week.  Deborah stated that she would then be willing to stay on in her current position for an indefinite period of time while the board looked for a suitable replacement if the current staff would be comfortable with this arrangement.  She suggested that she dismiss herself from the meeting and send Deborah Thouin and Cindy Westfall downstairs to talk with the board.   The board agreed and Deborah dismissed herself from the meeting.

Addendum:  Added by Roger Nicholls, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees.

                The Trustees then spoke with both Cindy and Deborah to attempt to get some insight into what      they see as immediate and long range staffing needs.  They offered comments that the staffing                 plan for the immediate future would pose not problem and that in looking for a head librarian,                the Trustees should be looking for someone well versed in public relations and capable of                 working with town officials along with having a strong skill set in library procedures.

                After Debbie Gilbert rejoined the meeting, it was agreed that George Corrette, Barbara         Greenwood and Roger Nicholls would meet with the Town Manager to discuss the next steps.