Notes from JLSAC meeting

JLSAC Meeting – 27th February 2008

Minutes:
Discussion of external signage: Louise Gee from Ryde Council declared that a new strategy on signage for the whole of Ryde Council area was being developed, and would be decided in 3 weeks time. This was intended to have greater consistency throughout the area. This also meant that decisions re changes to Gladesville Library signage could not be made until this time, and would be determined in the light of the new strategy.
Quotes had been acquired re the proposals from FOGL from the last meeting regarding the dual branding now required according to the new joint library agreement. Again Louise declared that all these decisions will need to wait until the new strategy is decided in 3 weeks.
It was decided that in the short term some minor changes to the existing signs could be made. Louise requested that Hunters Hill Council pay for this.
Louise further referred the meeting to the JLSAC agreement on signage which states that signage would be changed when the ‘asset’ needs replacing. Other than that, if Hunters Hill wants changes it can happen, but at a cost. Ryde will come up with a proposal to modify existing signage next meeting.
Library Website: Deborah announced that the Library website will remain embedded within the main council website. As a result a separate server will not be provided for the Library. This means that signage on the website will not change. This decision has been made by Michael……..? (General Manager of Ryde Council). Objection by Richard Quinn (Hunters Hill Council) on the grounds that all of the above discussions amount to ‘back-tracking’ from agreements made last year after many hours of discussions and negotiations. Richard suggested that the General Managers of both councils need to get together and go through the JLSAC Agreement and agree on the ‘spirit’ of the agreement. Interpretations of the branding issues seem to differ markedly and this issue needs to be resolved if any progress is to be made.
Costings on extended opening hours: Discussion of the possibility of opening till 3pm on Saturdays. This could be achieved at no extra cost by closing 2 evenings per week. Looking at graphs of usage, two evenings with lowest usage could be chosen. Both councils would need to consult users and staff before a decision is made. Consultation could take place through the library and the wesite. Margaret will draft something to facilitate this.
Promotional Activities: Margaret Kelly (Hunters Hill Council) went through the planned activities for the next 6 months which will be happening in the library and around the Hunters Hill/Gladesville areas.
Statistical Reports: Graphs were tabled which showed that usage of Gladesville Library is down again. The extreme drop from 2006 could be attributed to the fact that during that year there was a lot of activity and interest in the Library during the SOL controversy. However, usage numbers are even lower than before this time. Not looking promising. More work needed.
Library Subsidy: Question as to whether this State subsidy is under threat. The outcome of the Sartor Review may not be made public. Deborah will try to find out if the State Library has heard anything. Core funding was the same this year but the grant funding was cut by $1.2 million.

Next meeting – Wednesday 25th June 5.30pm at Gladesville Library