He also asked what had happened with his suggestion to staff that the checkout lines be placed in a northerly rather than southerly direction in the lobby. In addition, he stated that there were no maps of the library posted anywhere, and asked that the library post a map on the wall, so that library users could find their way around without having to ask for help at the reference desk. Chairperson Yuhfen Diana Wu asked Librarian Wallace to respond to Mr. Weaver at this time. Librarian Wallace stated that staff had discussed his proposal at some length, but had concluded that it came down to issues of public safety, security, and liability, and that the library was not prepared to be open without staff present. In addition, whatever the intent might be the demand for service is there as soon as the library doors open.
Staff needs to work with the public and to monitor the collection.
Having the building open with little or no staff on duty is neither feasible, nor safe. County Librarian Susan Fuller agreed that this is an issue that needs to be decided by staff, who has the ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of both the library users and the collection. Commissioners want to discuss this as an agenda item later in the meeting. In the interests of maintaining close ties with both the Friends and the Foundation, the commission will invite representatives from these library support groups to attend occasional commission meetings. Pat was invited to speak about the foundation.