MINUTES OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES OF THE PALATINE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD AT THE PALATINE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 700 N. NORTH COURT, PALATINE, IN SAID DISTRICT AT 10:00 A.M. ON MAY 22, 2007

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, Trustees Barnes and Heggem and Interim Director Isom were physically present. Also physically present were Marcia Getty, Asst. Director of Support Services & Technical Services; Carol Haggerty, Manager of Circulation/AV/Switchboard; and Diane Comen, Manager of Information Services.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

There were no visitors.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Interim Director Isom distributed copies of a letter sent to the Board of Trustees by Randy Thompson, Pastor at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights. Pastor Thompson has requested that the library remove its requirement to have a library card to access the internet.

Interim Director Isom reported the following:

· Neal Kelly stated that the Illinois State Library has not issued rules and regulations for issuing cards to the homeless. The State Library admits that this difficult situation needs to be addressed.

· Carol Haggerty contacted the superintendent’s offices for the local public school districts in Palatine. Homeless children are admitted to schools as long as they have their inoculations up to date.

· Arlington Heights Public Library offers a Computer-Use Only card. A description of how the card is issued was provided.

· PPLD conducted a FAST FACTS on this issue. The survey had been distributed to committee members electronically. Very few libraries are issuing cards to the homeless.

DISCUSSION OF INTERNET AND LIBRARY CARD POLICIES

Committee members discussed issuing cards for computer use only.

The following points were discussed:

· The card would be limited to computer use only.  It could not be used for checking out materials.

· The card could be used only at Palatine PLD.

· The initial application process would be easy.  Minimal information would be collected.  ID would not initially be required, but patron would be informed that ID would be needed for renewal of card. 

· A photo of the individual would be taken and kept in the library’s database.

· Minors would be issued such card only if accompanied by an adult.

· The card would be issued for 3 months.  It may be renewed if proper ID is presented.

· The card would look different from the library’s normal cards and contain a barcode so that patrons could use the PC Reservation system.  It would be inexpensive – perhaps on card stock.  

· Patrons using these cards would be expected to observe the library’s Computer Use rules and regulations.

Assistant Director Getty and Interim Director Isom will draft a policy for the Committee to review.

The Committee discussed offering these cards immediately on a trial basis.  Interim Director Isom will contact Trustees to see if they have any objections.

NEXT POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

The next meeting of the Policy Committee will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 14, 2007 in the Director’s Office.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Nancy J. Heggem Carol L. Barnes