February 2012

Given renewed concerns and confusion about personal privacy, the link this month is http://duckduckgo.com

In all common search engines, from Google to Yahoo, the company that provides the service also gathers data on your requests to make a profile.  Some argument is made that this helps tailor the results to meet your needs.  Critics point out that the companies are keeping large amounts of data on each user that can be sold to business interests or other groups.

One great way to “duck” this privacy concern is by using DuckDuckGo.com which vows to never gather data or keep a profile on the user.  This also means that everyone will get the same result from any inquiries made through DuckDuckGo.  If you enter a request to Google on, say, “DOGS,” your results will be based on your previous searches.

It’s up to each of us what we need for our own searching, but being part of an informed democracy means we all must be aware of what our choices mean for our privacy.

Tunbridge Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
Sunday, December 4, 2011

Present: Sue Barnaby, Catherine Freese, Barbara Kohn, Chuck Ashton, Jean, David and Ben Wolfe, Sharon Mee

The Secretary’s Report
This report was read and approved with the following edit: the Library asked the Town for $47,560.

The Treasurer’s Report
Chuck, Catherine, Sue attended the Select board’s meeting on 11/15 and the Library’s budget for 2012-13 was approved. Chuck also introduced himself to the new Treasurer, Lynn. He distributed the profit/loss statements for our review, adding the spreadsheets will have these different categories in the future. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

The Librarian’s Report
Jean reported that everyone has been working on automating the Library’s records which has been very time-consuming. She also added the stairs to the upper level have been cleared.

It was discussed whether the Minutes of the Library’s Board of Trustees should be placed on the Town or Library’s website. Everyone agreed that the Library’s website seemed the most appropriate and both drafts and approved minutes can go on the website. The agendas for meetings will be posted as well.

Joel Najman is unable to attend the Winter Evening; Sydney Lea will be speaking on that date instead.

Trustees of Public Funds
Barbara Kohn distributed the written response from the Trustees of Public Funds to the Board. It was agreed we will thank them for their letter, and ask them to prepare the document so we can study it prior to our next Board meeting. We will also ask that one Trustee of Public Funds attend our next meeting, in addition to the Friends’ President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Miscellaneous
Everyone agreed it was important to send out our fundraising letter by Christmas. David has written a draft of the letter, and Barbara offered to help with addressing and stuffing envelopes.

Jean has prepared the timeline for planning the town meeting supper (which should start in January). Sue indicated she would also check with Elaine about necessary preparations. Helen O’Donnell, Lynn Hadley and Ben were 3 individuals who graciously offered their time and energy to assist us. Mary Fisk may also agree to help out.

Dr. Michael Sporn is considering a generous gift to the Library, and this was discussed at some length. It was agreed that Catherine and Sue will meet with him to obtain more information: for instance, to identify any constraints on the donated monies; the approximate amount; and a statement of Dr. Sporn’s intent (his preference on the use of the funds). After this meeting, Catherine and Sue will meet with the Selectboard in reference to this issue. (It was agreed that this donation would not have to be sent to the Trustees of Public Funds).

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Mee
Secretary

Tunbridge Public Library’s catalog and patron list are now automated. Basically, this means they are stored and accessed using a computer. We are using open-source (free) software (Koha 3.4) and cooperating with 30 other libraries in Vermont.  Our group calls itself the Vermont Organizaton of Koha Automated Libraries, or VOKAL.

There are still lots of gaps and kinks that we will continue to work out, but the goal is to allow you to view all of the Library’s titles and resources from any internet connection.  You can even send requests (or “holds”) in to us, from the computer you are using to look at our catalog.

When you view the catalog from our home page, any search you use will call up title from any library, so make sure you select “

Tunbridge Public Library ” from the drop-down menu to see what is actually in our library. Other titles can be gotten by InterLibrary Loan, of course, whether you see them on this catalog or not.  Come on in to find out more, or call us with any questions.

If you like Neil Gaiman,

If you like Books,

If you like Libraries, or

if you just enjoy a witty and sharp interview

Consider hearing this great program from New Hampshire Public Radio!  Click HERE.

On September 1st, following the bell-ringing, and potluck at the Parish House, come enjoy dessert at the Library, and see what is in new!

Tunbridge residents can now purchase trash tickets at the library during library hours.