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November 13 , 2007

• Agenda
• Minutes

AGENDA

Minutes of Meeting In Board of Trustees
Corporation and Administrative Agency
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A meeting of the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston as a Corporation and as an Administrative Agency was held at the Adams Street Branch Library, 690 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA at 3:00 p.m.

Present at the meeting were: Trustees Zamawa Arenas, William M. Bulger, James Carroll, Donna M. DePrisco, Berthé M. Gaines, Jeffrey B. Rudman, Angelo M. Scaccia, A. Raymond Tye, and Karyn M. Wilson. Also attending were Library President Bernard A. Margolis, Stakeholders, BPL staff and members of the public.

Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman presided.

Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman welcomed the meeting attendees to the Adams Street Branch Library. The Chairman addressed the first item on the order of business regarding Library President Bernard A. Margolis’ ten years with the Boston Public Library and the required formal notice regarding the employment contract of Bernard A. Margolis.

Chairman Rudman invited the attendees to make brief comments on the topic of the Boston Public Library and President Margolis’ ten years with the Boston Public Library.

Mr. Anthony Penna, Professor at Northeastern University, spoke in support of President Margolis’ ten years of service and the extension of the President’s existing employment contract. Professor Penna highlighted the positive transformations and accomplishments that have taken place in the last decade and read a prepared statement that is on file with the Clerk to the Trustees.

Mr. David Vieira, President of the City-Wide Friends of the BPL, noted that a copy of his prepared statement has been given to the Clerk to the Trustees which has been placed on file. Mr. Vieira addressed the recent unpleasantness involving the renewal of President Margolis’ contract which the Friends’ stated has included a process that has served to be detrimental to the reputation of the institution and its leadership.

Ms. Jeanne Steig, writer and wife of the late William Steig – renowned author, illustrator, and cartoonist – spoke in protest of the unwarranted proposed non-renewal of President Margolis’ employment contract. Ms. Steig underscored President Margolis has enriched the Library’s holdings by inspiring many well known writers and artists to leave their “life’s work,” in the form of original manuscripts, papers and drawings, to the institution.

Ms. Anne and Mr. David Bromer, owners of Bromer Booksellers in Copley Square, pled with the Board to reconsider the decision not to renew the employment contract of President Bernard A. Margolis. Mr. and Mrs. Bromer underscored that they have never seen a person with as much talent, creativity, commitment, compassion, and executive ability as Bernie Margolis as President of the Library.

Ms. Sharyn Neble, Boston Public Library Foundation Board member, read a statement on behalf of Mr. Ronald P. O’Hanley, Chairman, Boston Public Library Foundation. Ms. Neble, on behalf of the BPL Foundation, thanked President Margolis for his ten year remarkable stewardship of the BPL and extended appreciation for his many accomplishments including the successful revitalization of the Library. Ms. Neble concluded that the BPL Foundation supports the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston and its Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman as they begin a new chapter and remain committed to the Library.

Ms. Christine McDermott, member of the West Roxbury Branch Library Friends Group, noted that she was astonished to hear all the wonderful accomplishments at the Central Library which she has observed are not taking place in the branches. Ms. McDermott cited the lack of capital repairs to the branches and the need for more of the wonderful programs, special collections and events earmarked for the branch libraries.

Mr. Scott Martin-Kosofsky, President, Society of Printers and Associates of the BPL Board member, spoke in support of the extension of the President’s existing employment contract noting his outstanding leadership and achievements including the preservation of the archives of the Society of Printers held at the BPL that had lain dormant for many decades.

In his Letter to the Editor published in the Boston Globe on November 12, 2007, Mr. Martin-Kosofsky cited President Margolis’ most effective work in the branch libraries including dedicated children’s librarians at every branch, online tutoring to all students, and the creation of nationally recognized Homework Assistance and Reading Readiness programs accomplished under exemplary fiscal management.

Ms. Roni Pick, Executive Director, the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, thanked President Margolis for his thoughtful leadership and stated Mr. Margolis was the catalyst for the growing and nurturing partnership between the Map Center and the Boston Public Library.

Ms. Pick reiterated that there is no doubt that the recent $10 million endowment to the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library would not have happened without President Margolis’ commitment to the project. Ms. Pick underscored the Map Center’s future commitment to the program toward preserving the Boston Public Library’s incredible map and atlas collection, in concert with creating educational curriculum materials, lectures and exhibits, while continuing to making them freely accessible to the public.

The Honorable Angelo M. Scaccia noted that the Honorable Mayor Thomas M. Menino honored him eight years ago to serve as a Trustee of the Boston Public Library which has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in his thirty-five years of public life.

Trustee Angelo M. Scaccia noted that libraries are more than the depository of books and artifacts and are the foundation of any society that aspires to uphold the democratic ideals of freedom and equality. Trustee Scaccia reiterated that without libraries those individuals and groups who would use misinformation and falsehoods to advance their own causes would flourish in today’s world.

Trustee Scaccia underscored that learning became a personal lifelong goal, and in this respect, noted that President Bernard A. Margolis has always viewed the pursuit of knowledge as the central tenet of the Boston Public Library. During President Margolis’ stewardship, thousands of the best and brightest students from all social divides in Boston and the surrounding communities have made use of the Library to learn and advance their careers.

The Honorable Angelo M. Scaccia noted that he also has been witness to President Margolis’ insistence on pushing the frontiers of research and service as well as redefining the level of excellence in public service and advice that people can expect from the BPL. President Margolis has been most successful in increasing the number of individuals and corporations who have created lasting legacies at the BPL through planned gifts and participation.

Trustee Scaccia reported that during President Margolis’ ten years at the helm of the BPL more than $22 million has been given to the Library by individuals and corporations to maintain and enhance the operating expenses of this cherished institution and millions more have been realized in restricted funds. Further, during Mr. Margolis’ tenure, operating revenues from federal, state, and private resources grew by 22% which now represent over 42% of the BPL’s annual budget.

Additionally, Trustee Scaccia underscored that the BPL has realized a 16% increase in readership during his leadership coupled with the establishment of new tutorial, homework assistance and reading readiness programs for children during a time when the Library underwent a one-fifth reduction of its full-time positions.

Trustee Scaccia highlighted additional significant accomplishments of President Margolis during his tenure which have resulted in the revitalization and renaissance of the Boston Public Library that is recognized today as a national treasure and as a model for an educated and informed populace.

Therefore, the Honorable Angelo M. Scaccia reiterated strongly that the decision not to renew the existing employment contract of President Margolis would be both ill advised and counter productive to the history of this great and sacred institution.

Trustee Berthé M. Gaines thanked everyone who spoke so highly of President Margolis and underscored his wonderful accomplishments particularly with technology. Trustee Gaines noted, however, that many of the programs and services highlighted today began prior to President Margolis’ tenure. Trustee Gaines also noted that the BPL has always been regarded as a world class Library in which there are only four premier libraries in the country.

Trustee Berthé M. Gaines further noted that it has been mentioned that the Trustees might be tools of a political body and stated that anyone who has known her as a Trustee for twenty-four years knows that she is nobody’s tool.

Trustee Gaines thanked President Margolis for all his accomplishments as reflected in the testimonies of those who spoke on his behalf and reiterated that the Boston Public Library is more than the Central Library and stressed the need for the promotion of the whole Boston Public Library system including the branch libraries.

Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman addressed the item on the order of business pertaining to the required formal notice regarding the employment contract of Bernard A. Margolis and the non-extension of the contract beyond the existing employment period ending on June 30, 2008.

Following discussion, on a motion duly made and seconded, Trustee Zamawa Arenas, Trustee James Carroll, Trustee Donna M. DePrisco, Trustee Berthé M. Gaines, Trustee Jeffrey B. Rudman, Trustee A. Raymond Tye, and Trustee Karyn M. Wilson

“VOTED: that in accordance with the terms of the employment contract by and between The Board of Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston and Bernard A. Margolis, the contract is not extended beyond the existing Employment Period ending on June 30, 2008.”

Trustee William M. Bulger and Trustee Angelo M. Scaccia voted against the resolution.

President Bernard A. Margolis read the following statement:

With great respect I thank you for the confidence and support you have shown for me. I have appreciated your praise, your smiles at our many accomplishments and I particularly thank Chairman Rudman for his complimentary words today.

I have been on the job at the Boston Public Library every week for the past ten and a half years. Whether here physically or not I have eaten, breathed, slept, and dreamed Boston Public Library. For me the only difference between “job” and “joy” has been a single letter.

This institution is filled with people like me who love the library and are committed to its bright future. They will help you continue to move it to the next level of outstanding performance.

I wish you the best as you nurture and guide this great institution of learning. The gathering, organizing, preserving and sharing of the record of humankind is no less important today as the Library is about to enter its 160th year.

The Library is not a “quality of life” service it is a “life” service. We educate our children because they must know how to safeguard liberty and freedom. We have the evidence that educated people create safer communities, healthier families and greater prosperity for everyone.

Thanksgiving will be here soon. I will give thanks.

I will give thanks for the opportunity and honor of serving as Library President.

I will give thanks for all the Trustees I have worked with, now and in the past.

I will give thanks for my great staff and encourage them to aim high.

I will give thanks for all the remarkable supporters—I have been overwhelmed by everyone—even people I don’t know have sent messages. Cards, emails, letters, calls, flowers, have come every day. I have been stopped by strangers in the street.

I will give thanks to our patrons—the 10,000 people who everyday pass through our doors. Yes—10,000 a day—every day of the year. And of course that doesn’t count those who use us virtually. I love those we serve. They bring vitality, enthusiasm, curiosity and a quest for enrichment that strengthens all of us.

I will give thanks to my colleagues in libraries everywhere. I will thank them for describing me as a “Librarian’s Librarian”.

I will give thanks for my wife Amanda. I love her dearly and will thank her for her support and wisdom.

And lastly—because humor is a necessary Thanksgiving spice—I will thank the man who has been BPL’s most persistent critic. These were his words to me last week:

“It will be difficult getting somebody as good as yourself – able as well to keep the library up to date with advances in technology while balancing the issues of information policies.”

“Please keep involved with our Massachusetts’ libraries!”
-- from Don Saklad

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for this opportunity to serve.

Bernard A. Margolis
President

Following a standing ovation for President Margolis, Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman remarked that whomever the Board finds as the next President they will not find someone as eloquent, articulate and fluent as President Margolis.

Trustee Angelo M. Scaccia proposed the motion that the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston, in consideration for and in recognition of the accomplishments of Bernard A. Margolis as President since 1997, award him effective at the termination of his employment on June 30, 2008 the following:

a). The title of President Emeritus of the Boston Public Library during his lifetime; b). Use of office space at the Central Library; and c). payment of all earned vacation, sick and personal time as he deems fit until it is exhausted. Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman reported that the request would be considered in Executive Session.

Ms. Katie Brown, Branch Librarian, Adams Street Branch Library, welcomed everyone, introduced the staff, and provided an overview on the resources and services of the neighborhood branch library which is the busiest branch in Dorchester out of five branches and the tenth busiest of the twenty seven branches of the BPL.

Ms. Brown noted that the Adams Street Branch Library opened in 1951 with 14,000 books and currently has over 40,000 books and materials. The circulation of materials has been up forty-three of the past fifty-eight months and has increased significantly in 2007 due primarily to an improved streamlined book selection process.

Additionally, Ms. Brown reported that the Adams Street Branch serves a well diversified community including a significant Vietnamese population and noted the concern of the difficulty of access to books in Vietnamese language. Further, the Branch Librarian noted that the furniture is original and she has been creatively exploring grant funding to upgrade both the branch furnishings and multi-media collection displays.

Chairman William O. Taylor, Trustees’ Collections Committee, reported that the Collections Committee met on October 30, 2007 and viewed a representative sampling on display of The Michael McCurdy Archives Collection which contains approximately 739 original scratchboard drawings; 269 hand-colored Xeroxes of the scratchboard drawings; over 400 original woodblocks; over 400 original wood engravings, including McCurdy’s earliest wood engraving; over 137 pen-and-ink drawings; over 600 sketches, preliminary drawings and original drawings on mock-ups and proofs; approximately 157 pencil drawings, and the original correspondence between the Massachusetts illustrator and the publisher. Chairman William O. Taylor further reported that the Trustees’ Collections Committee unanimously approved the recommendation to the full Board of Trustees to authorize Library President to enter into negotiations to acquire the Michael McCurdy Archives Collection as follows:

“PROPOSED: to authorize Library President Bernard A. Margolis, or his designee, to enter into negotiations to acquire the Michael McCurdy Archives Collection representing the work of the famed Massachusetts illustrator including 739 original scratchboard drawings and over 400 original wood engravings at a cost not to exceed $90,000.00.”

Trustee Berthé M. Gaines inquired whether the Library would have appropriate space to house this collection while the Library has other collections in which the Library lacks the space to be properly cared for and displayed. Chairman Taylor reported that the Collections Committee has been addressing those issues and that space has been found to house this very unique and comprehensive collection which would not require any preservation measures.

Following further discussion, Chairman Jeffrey B. Rudman requested that a representative sampling of the Michael McCurdy Archives Collection be placed on display at the Central Library for the Trustees to view and that a telephone vote would be taken to consider the Collections Committee recommendation to proceed with negotiations to acquire the collection.

The Honorable Angelo M. Scaccia, Chairman, Trustees Capital Projects Committee, reported on the highlights of the Committee which met on November 7, 2007. Chairman Scaccia shared with the Board and provided an overview of the Boston Public Library: 7 year Capital Projects Summary Report (FY01 – FY07) and the Capital Budget Critical Repair Fund Report reflecting the projects that Critical Repair funding has provided over eight years of its existence in which 82% of the projects have been earmarked to the neighborhood branch libraries.

Trustee Zamawa Arenas, Chair, Trustees’ Technology Task Force, reported on the technology initiatives ongoing at the Boston Public Library. Chair Arenas reported that the Boston Public Library has received approval for $2 million of funding earmarked for telecommunications infrastructure enhancements that will allow users to access content at faster speed.

Chair Zamawa Arenas also reported that the Open Content Alliance Book-Scanning facility, which opened at the BPL on September 20, 2007, is fully staffed by the Internet Archives. The Center is digitizing books from all nineteen libraries of the Boston Library Consortium including five hundred books from the BPL collections.

Meanwhile, Chair Arenas noted that the digitization of special collections is proceeding and includes books being scanned from the Jordan Collection of Historic Children’s Literature. Further, the Chair reported that the BPL Web strategy and planning process is ongoing in light of the goal to complete the process for developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) by early February 2008 for a new BPL Website.

President Bernard A. Margolis, in his report to the Trustees, provided an update on the status of the Charlestown Service Building and the Boston Heritage Center project. On the Charlestown Service Building front, Acting Chief Financial Officer Edward D. Maheigan reported that additional security measures have been added to the facility, including the provision of outside lighting and motion detectors, and cameras are in the process of being installed.

President Margolis noted that the Library had made a request to the City’s Budget Office at the suggestion of Trustee James Carroll to support 24-hour guard surveillance at the Charlestown Service building which was not approved. Trustee Carroll noted that although he is disappointed with the process he acknowledged the President’s due diligence in the provision of securing the facility.

Meanwhile, Mr. Maheigan reported that in collaboration with the City’s Office of Budget Management the early release of funding has been approved to allow for the beginning of the cleaning and movement of materials from the Charlestown Service building.

Mr. Henry Bernasconi, Acting Chief Technology Officer, and Ms. Maura Marx, Digital Services Manager, provided an overview of the Technology Plan for the Boston Public Library/Metro Boston Library Network, July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2011. The Technology Plan is required for the BPL to apply and receive federal e-rate support and the BPL is the second largest library recipient of e-rate funding in the country.

This technology plan describes the Library’s broad goals for the three-year period and outlines planned services, infrastructure updates, and strategies for meeting the increased demand for library services. The aim is to ensure that the Library will have comprehensive technology planning and support in the upcoming years while allowing for innovation in and expansion of Library technology initiatives. Following further review and discussion, on a motion duly made and seconded, it was

“VOTED: to approve the Technology Plan for the Boston Public Library/Metro Boston Library Network, July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2011.”

There being no other business, the meeting of the Corporation and Administrative Agency adjourned at 4:45 p.m. for a meeting in Executive Session.

Respectfully submitted,

Clerk to the Trustees