Jasper Contractual Library Board meeting – Jan 5

The Dubois County Contractual Public Library and Jasper Public Library Boards met Jan. 5 for the first time in 2012.

The Contractual board re-elected officers. President Kathy Tretter, Vice-President Gerald Terwiske, and Treasurer Deb Stemle will continue in their appointed positions; however Steve Scott replaced Mary Ellen Backer as Secretary due to the possibility she would not be reappointed as a board member.

Library Director Rita Douthitt announced the year end stats for the Dubois, Ferdinand, and Jasper Library.

While Dubois and Ferdinand branches increased in 2011, Jasper Public Library statistics fell overall or remained stagnant. The two new library branches may have contributed to the lower numbers in Jasper as populations shifted to the new branches. Douthitt also expressed that the limited capacity of the Jasper library in regards to events held there contributed to the static numbers of attendance in those events.

In contrast the Jasper Library’s in-house usage was up 260%. In-house usage includes computer use, tests proctored, magazine/newspaper usage, as well as other services the library offers.

The Contractual Board scheduled meetings for 2012, eight at Jasper, two at Ferdinand, and two at Dubois.

The board voted to continue with its membership with E-rate. The program provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international telecommunications services.

“E-rate reduces our internet cost by 60%.”  Doughitt explained.