APLE General Membership Meeting 21 May, 2021
Officers Present: Brooke Cox, Teresa Alvarado, Steve Nichols, David Lutz, Michelle Gasser, Sally Sherman-Weckerlin, Eisha Hearn, Carlye Seybold, John Cook
Total Meeting Attendance: 24
Meeting Called to order at 7:03 pm
Officer Reports
Chairs - Teresa said that Adult Services stuff is just getting started with Allison Fiscus. More to come on that. Could use two more members on Latino Cultural Committee.
Secretary/Treasure - $89.20 in petty cash (no change from last report). If you are interested in writing a Virtual Adventure (think Choose Your Own Adventure in Google Forms format) email Steve Nichols.
Negotiators - Sally said that Kids Virtual programs are planned for June and July. As of right now only performers are scheduled for these programs.
Trustees - Eisha noted that for June, July, and August each location will receive Activities to Go Kits for adults.
New Business
Contract Negotiations - The Library has reached out to both labor unions about negotiating in October of this year. The financial situation for the Library is much better than anticipated. TAAP has taken a look to see if this is in our best interest and how to legally reopen the contract. Negotiating in October would be good for members to get their Step Increases sooner than what is currently agreed upon between APLE and the Library.
Book Spines - Can be difficult to read or interpret, picture book series are especially difficult and confusing since the label does not indicate where it should be shelved (It might not be possible to have it indicated on the label). Many miss the colored coded stickers that indicated month and year a book was new. Confusion on “new” books that are old titles, such as The Hobbit or Percy Jackson. Many feel this part of a broader problem with accessibility of our materials and services at the Library (font sizes too small, color blindness issues, etc.). Give constructive feedback and provide examples to Tech Services. If you feel Admin is being dismissive of concerns, let Brooke and Teresa know and they will address in Labor/Management meetings.
COVID Protocols - More changes coming, Jason said labor unions will be involved in the process of making changes. Brooke and Teresa are balancing trying to keep members safe and dealing with rapid changes happening at multiple levels. You do not have to be within 6 feet of an unmasked person (Keep yo bubble!). (Note: see Jason’s comments from Town Hall Zoom on 6/1/2021 about eliminating social distancing at work)
Regional Managers - APLE asked HR again for clarification on the role of Regional Managers. Re-emphasized that staff should be comfortable reaching out to their Regional Manager. Let Brooke and Teresa know if your Manager scolds you for reaching out to your Regional Manager. The new Assistant Manager positions will be with Regional Managers and will rotate around agencies periodically.
Positions - Things are starting to fall into place organizationally and we should hopefully see some Job postings in the near future. Library is starting to use substitute librarians, but not many are left. Brooke and Teresa are going to check with HR to see how many subs are on the payroll. Three new assistant manager postings could affect where APLE positions are posted, might result in moving open APLE positions to agencies that had an assistant manager but no longer do.
Open Floor
Members noted that there are not enough department clerks at Main. In many cases, Librarians are having to do the work that the department clerks used to do.
What are Admin's expectations of computer help for patrons? Website says that anyone can go into any Library agency and receive computer instructions at any time without appointment (as opposed to sending them to Main or Kent for a computer class). This is the expectation for Adult Services Librarians going forward, but the website might be premature; staff need more communication from Admin, more training.
Dial-a-Story - Will be going live soon. Email Regina Stevenson-Healy if you are interested in recording a story and she will send you the information you need to get started. Looking for stories for all age groups.
Will we have a General Membership Meeting this summer? Brooke says we may have some meetings in regards to contract talk or any changes around COVID protocols.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 pm