Hiring freeze lifted, still no job posting

Job Posting (0.00 / 0)

Holly, I am also sorry to see that the job position hasn't been posted. As a matter of fact, I even inquired about it tonight at the library. I was told that the director is out this week. Too bad it wasn't taken care of prior to her absence. The continue shortage has an effect on everyone. For something so important, it is a shame that the postion is still vacant.

She is probably too busy revamping her job description so she can raise her salary. I guess making over $80,000 isn't enough. I don't have the exact figure of her salary but I believe that it is in that range. There is a website that has the salaries listed of all the library directors. It is worth checking out. Just google it.

If this is a concern for you or anybody else then attending the next trustee meeting would be to your advantage. If you have never attended a meeting, now is the time to start. I plan to be there and I hope that many others will attend also.

Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 06:23:18 AM UTC

Fun With Numbers (0.00 / 0)

If you take a look at this site over at the Mass Library Commissioners place, you'll find all the numbers you need to know. Of particular interest are the sections delineating salaries and the section on rankings.

http://mblc.state.ma.us/adviso...

Dedham falls at the upper end of the range for libraries within it's ranking group (which is done by town population). This means that when you compare Dedham production statistics as well as salary statistics, you have to realize that you are comparing a library for a town of approx. 22,000 to libraries serving towns of 15,000 or less. If you add a few thousand residents to put Dedham into the next higher population group, suddenly things don't look so rosy.

Our Library Director currently makes at the very upper end of comparative pay scales. Yet, careful comparison of rankings, factoring in population versus services, tells us that other libraries with lower pay scales are doing equal to or better than Dedham.

BTW... Our Library Director said that she was on the committee that created these ranking and reporting systems, so I have no doubt that she knows all the details down to the book page.

Admittedly I am not a hard numbers kind of guy. Someone who lives and breathes statistics should be able to make some interesting comments once the material is reviewed.

"I'ld rather read a good book, than write a poor one." Christopher Morley

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by: GaryRoberts @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:56:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

2007 Rankings Report (0.00 / 0)

If you want to skip to the front of the line, this is the rankings report for 2007:

http://mblc.state.ma.us/adviso...

"I'ld rather read a good book, than write a poor one." Christopher Morley

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by: GaryRoberts @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 13:08:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

More fun with numbers (0.00 / 0)

As a response to Gary and the numbers that he posted, if you compare towns with similar population, the director does get paid a reasonable amount. I compared Dedham to Burlington, a difference of about 1000 when it comes to population, our director gets paid about $10,000 more a year but their collection is about twice the size of ours and is open about twice as much as we are (although I don't know how many branches they have when figuring those hours). There are so many different aspects to look at when trying to determine whether she is getting paid a "fair" salary.  

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by: Holly @ Sat May 17, 2008 at 18:41:21 PM UTC

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Re: Salaries (0.00 / 0)

Directors work hard and deserve a good salary. That's a given. But it gets very frustrating to know that the position hasn't even been posted, never mind the fact that it isn't even filled.

I am sure that there is a valid reason for this. We can probably find out at the upcoming Trustee meeting. See you there.

Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 15:01:51 PM UTC

The Measurement of Compensation (0.00 / 0)

I agree that library directors, as public servants, deserve compensation commensurate with the expanse and quality of the work expected of them. Part of determining compensation is evaluating the rankings of a given library against libraries of like population and breadth of services. That is part of the reason the Mass Library Commissioners provide these documents to the public (is someone at Town Hall checking out this example of good public communications?).  

"I'ld rather read a good book, than write a poor one." Christopher Morley

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by: GaryRoberts @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 15:48:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

On the other hand... (2.00 / 1)

Apparently it doesn't occur to you that maybe the need wasn't so critical? Are you really so anxious to spend the taxpayer's money? This is the difference between government work and the Dreaded Private Sector: in the real world of business, the object is to do the necessary work with the fewest possible personnel; in government work, the object is to pile on as many workers as possible. After all, the money grows on trees, right?  

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by: MarkB @ Thu May 15, 2008 at 16:40:35 PM UTC

Not my point... (0.00 / 0)

My point in this diary wasn't to argue the fact that the library is working under staffed, it was to question the director and some of the things she says and does. That being said, i do believe that the library is under staffed and filling this position would allow the staff to take the vacations that they deserve and not leave the remaining staff spread so thin.

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by: Holly @ Sat May 17, 2008 at 18:39:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

missing objects (4.00 / 1)

Such ideological skew cannot go unremarked: the public sector has a virtually unlimited number of interests pulling on it with limited funding available. Hard to strike a balance of those interests when some - like you - believe there is no need for additional staffing while other make the case that there is additional work to be done.

Your piling on is an insult to every person who does a good job in the public sector. Hack government jobs are a fact of life, as are private sector criminals like Ken Delay. Those exceptions do not make a rule.

So, Mark B, get off your duff, get on the Fin Comm and start rooting out those unneeded jods. After all, if you're not part of the solution . . .  :-)

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by: kei-o-lei @ Mon May 19, 2008 at 01:08:12 AM UTC

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Reply to "On The Other Hand" (0.00 / 0)

Mark B have you ever gone to any of the trustee meetings or talk to the director or the staff or even visited the library?

If you said yes to even one of these questions then you would be aware of the fact that there is a staff shortage and has been one for the longest time. It is not an excuse to spend money.

Why do you think that Endicott got closed on Sat. or that there was talk of reducing the library hours? These are facts and not just fabrications.

Just because the staff is professional and always serves us with a smile on their face doesn't mean that they aren't working on "overload".

When you do find that money tree that you were talking about please let us know then the town can get their new school, fire & police station, senior center and perhaps a bigger library to staff all those people that you think we already have working there. Oh yes, let us not forget that dog park that people think is so critical. If I forgot anything, I am sure that you will let me know.

You need to rething the fact that the library isn't working short handed.

Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Fri May 16, 2008 at 04:00:25 AM UTC

37 years in the Dedham library - how about you? (0.00 / 0)

I've been in the library many times - most every week since about 2000. Before that, I go back to 1971 in this town.  Most often, I have the pleasure of listing to three women employees talk about their weekend, their family trip, the latest movie, etc. No work getting done, just chat time. I guarantee I could go in there and cut hours at the desk. They'd b
It doesn't bother me in the least that Endicott is closed on Saturdays. I can drive another five minutes if I really need to.
As to "serves us with a smile".... Please spare me. I've asked for the Sunday New York Times magazine section on Monday, only to get shrugged shoulders from three people. I have no doubt the magazine was sitting on someone's desk, instead of being available for the residents. The employees treat the collection like their own personal library, and we get the periodicals when they're through with them. This has been going of for years now. Service with a smile is not what I think of when I think of the Dedham library.  

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by: MarkB @ Sun May 18, 2008 at 20:32:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Attend a Trustee Meeting to be Heard (0.00 / 0)

Hello MarkB.  It is clear that you have strong feelings about the library and the service you receive.  The best way for you to convey those feelings so that service is improved is to write to the Director and to attend a Trustee meeting.

You can submit complaints, comments, and praise to Patricia Lambert, Director, Dedham Public Library 43 Church St. Dedham Ma 02026.  She takes every piece of correspondence seriously and deals with them on a case by case basis.

One of the most important goals for the library is providing great service to its patrons.  As a former employee, a resident, a patron, and a Trustee I've seen the library from a variety of perspectives.  I am pleased with the service at the library but there is always, no matter how good anything is, room for improvement.

Additionally, attending a Trustee meeting provides residents the chance to interact with the Trustees and Director, we're all here to serve the public, during the Public Input section of every meeting.

Our next meeting is Tuesday May 20th 7:30pm at the Main Library.  Please come to the meeting and make yourself heard.  We're here to help.

Thank you
Jonathan J. Reinhart

Jonathan J. Reinhart

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by: jonathan @ Sun May 18, 2008 at 21:49:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Response to More Fun W/Numbers (0.00 / 0)

I agree that our director gets a very good salary esp; when you add the additional money that I believe she gets for her daily commute. I also have compared her salary to the salaries of other directors in towns that is similiar to ours. If the data that I came across is correct then our director makes out quite well.

As long as she earns her keep that should be fine. The question is does she earn her keep and does the public have a right to say yes or no on the matter? Isn't that part of the trustee's job? Or does everyone feel differently? What are your thoughts?

At the moment, I am on the fence about our director. She has been inconsistent in many major things. Yet she has also done many postive things for our library. The question is what out weighs what? The pros or cons?

I would feel better if our director supported the idea that a new library is needed in Dedham's future. Presently, it doesn't meet all our needs, never mind the fact that our town is constantly growing. Preparing now for the years to come to me is a wise decision. As far as I know, our director wants no part of a new library. This bothers me greatly.

Lately, I have found her more agreable. How long this will last I do not know. Or if this has come about because her contract is up. I still do not know.

What I do know is that we have a fine board of trustees and we must have faith that when it comes to the library and its staff that they will do what is best for the library and therefore the town.

However everyone feels the place to voice your thoughts is at the trustees's meeting this week. Hope to see you there.

Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Sun May 18, 2008 at 07:11:40 AM UTC

Why a new library? (0.00 / 0)

Does Dedham really need a new library? Typically a new and bigger library is needed when the collection can no longer fit into the current one, or if the repairs on the old library are so great that it would cost less to build a new one. What needs do you think our current libraries don't meet? i know technology has been an issue before, but that can be added or updated without a new building. Yes the town is growing but is it really growing at such a rate that we need a new library? why not just expand on the Endicott building? But, at a time when the economy is so bad and the town has other needs to fulfill, senior center or a new Avery school, i think a new library is the last thing that the town needs right now.

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by: Holly @ Sun May 18, 2008 at 15:26:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

On Salaries and Buildings (0.00 / 0)

Briefly, on the subject of the Library Director, let me just say that I have nothing personal going here. If any public employee does their job and earns their salary, than all is good (speaking as a past civil service employee of ten years). What has been conspicuously lacking has been a set of goals by which to gauge work quality. It's nearly impossible to determine attainment of agreed upon goals if you don't create a yearly review that competently covers what all involved have agreed upon. Set the parameters for judging success and stick to them. My only comment on salaries is, if an employee is receiving a salary that is on the level of high ranking libraries, I would expect the quality and scope of work to be equal to or better than. Prove this is so, and you rightfully earn your salary.

On the topic of buildings, in my eyes the problems have to do with aging buildings that will require considerable renovations just in order to remain functiona. Building a new library is a costly undertaking. Determining if new construction is warranted versus renovations should be a topic for the Board and the Directory. There has been considerable discussion of late in our Town of the problems of using reactive government to manage things. I'ld like the Board and the Director to initiate a comprehensive review of the structural integrity of the Library buildings, of their handicap accessibility and the alternatives for current, 5 year and 10 year plans.

I doubt that money will be any more readily available in the forseeable future... isn't that enough of a reason to be proactive now instead of reactive when the problems arise?  

"I'ld rather read a good book, than write a poor one." Christopher Morley

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by: GaryRoberts @ Mon May 19, 2008 at 02:08:23 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

New Library (0.00 / 0)

There are many reasons why I think we need a new library. First, I want to thank you for asking Holly. It is a topic that is dear to my heart and one that I feel should  be discussed.

Presently, the main library is only handicap friendly upstairs. What about downstairs? Soon the Friends of the DPL will have another wonderful book sale yet if you are in a wheelchair how can you reach it? Why should a person be penalized for being in a wheelchair yet that is what happens?

The parking or should I say lack of parking is another reason. Finding a spot at the main library is a chore in the good weather never mind the bad. And if you do find a parking spot with the larger size of today's vehicles, one's vehicle becomes tightly packed among the others. On the bright side, we get to know how a can of sardines feel.

Most libraries have a community room. Where is ours? I am planning an event in the Fall, the director has been kind enough to offer to close the library for the event. If we had our own community room, closing the library wouldn't be necessary. It shouldn't be necessary.

Check our fellow libraries and see the many wonderful events that are held. They can do this because they have a place designated for them. Don't we deserve the same? Most of those events are free. Wouldn't it be nice to attend something without a price tag attached? Not everyone has an expandable wallet.

Talking about a new library would be for the future. It is not something that we can or should do now. There are other priorities. The footwork for a new library I believe needs to start now. It can not happen overnight.

As far as expanding the Endicott branch. Your suggestion of doing that was a great one Holly. Not only would that be a problem solver but it would be a money saver.

If there are any other reasons or benefits to expanding Endicott or to build a new library, I welcome hearing about them.

These are my thoughts and feelings alone. Thanks.


Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Sun May 18, 2008 at 17:31:27 PM UTC

Expanding Endicott Library (0.00 / 0)

I think it would be fantastic to expand the Endicott branch or even make it the primary library.  But from what I understand, the Endicott estate has denied requests to allow for more parking. Increased parking would be a necessary consideration for expansion.

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by: Easting @ Mon May 19, 2008 at 02:49:05 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Endicott Library (0.00 / 0)

The Endicott Estate just installed an 82 car parking lot and in the original plan the town was going to add more parking to the branch lot, I have been told that the town ran out of monies and had to stop the project right behind the barn once again leaving the Library out of the loop.For everyones information the Endicott Estate property is now controled by the Town Adminastrator.Town meeting years ago turned down a request to build a Senior Center because it would have taken a whole section next to the Library and interfered with the operation of the Estate.The Trustees have been advised from experts in the field that the branch should be added to and then make the branch the Main Library for the town. Seems like the thing to do but no one is advocating for it.

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by: robert @ Mon May 19, 2008 at 20:26:51 PM UTC

Endicott (0.00 / 0)

The Estate was not given to the town for the purpose of building or paving. It was given to use as open space. The last thing needed up there is construction of a new or expansion of the existing library. The new parking lot is bad enough, how much green space did we lose with that. I will seriously object to any further expansion or parking at the Estate.

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by: setheman @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 14:56:06 PM UTC

Library (0.00 / 0)

I think expanding the Endicott branch is a good idea. It should deinitely be cheaper than building a new library.Though if we had to go that route I would advocate for one.

Would adding another level to Endicott be an option? Or would we have to add on to the present building?

As far as parking goes, does anybody know how much additional space would be needed to make parking decent? I feel like the amount would be a small one which would still leave a lot of green space left.

Has a study on this ever been done? If so, is the info considered public knowledge and how do we attain it?

I think a new library or an expanded one should be brought to the table. If we start checking into it now, it can be a project for down the line. But the footwork needs to happen now.

These are my thoughts and feelings alone.

Gloria

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by: cavolg @ Tue May 20, 2008 at 15:45:33 PM UTC

Library building (0.00 / 0)

I was library director from 2000-2003. One of the items in the works when I left was a strategic plan. A consultant had completed 2/3 of the plan and extensive research and documentation had been done. Has anything ever resulted from this? Several surveys dating back to the 1950's have said that the current main branch is inadequate to the town's needs. Have the trustees ever considered any of these surveys in planning? Is there a 5 year plan?
It is interesting reading from these blogs that the incumbent "didn't sign on" for a building program; shouldn't this have been a top item to include as well as the completion of the strategic plan. The State requires that an approved startegic plan be on file with the MBLC in order to receive any grants, building funds etc. Did the trustees take this into consideration? Bob Desmond worked uphill to move the board along to a community-focused attitude, I respect his work and efforts. When my team began work in 2000 there were no public policies, a massive roof project unstarted, outdated computers and a heating plant that was leaking steam through the walls.
In two years most of these projects were accomplished: new roof, gutter system, heating plant, 32 new computers, category 6 cabling, new furnishings and special budget allotment for Endicott.
What needs is a planning process for a replacement for the main branch. Dedham is built-out. A building swap/rehab with another town agency is a more cost-effective way to serve the East Dedham service area. But first the intent must be established, a plan that documents the needs, and a board that will lead the work. One or two board members cannot do it alone.Endicott is needed as open space, another suitable location/structure is needed. Teamwork and planning are needed as well as leadership.

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by: the_sheriff @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 18:12:40 PM UTC

Accountability? (0.00 / 0)

Quoted from the web page for the Board of Trustees:

"The Trustees of the Dedham Public Library are Dedham residents elected to serve as the link between the Library and the community; they are indirectly responsible for the goals, governing, and administration of the Library and staff.

The Board has indirect responsibility for administration through employment of the director; adopts policies, plans, and budgets; acts as a liaison with the community by soliciting information and using the library; approves goals and objectives for the library, including, but not limited to, the mission of library service. ...

The Director reports directly to this Board.  Together they create and implement all Library policy, plans and community outreach. The Board acts as the liaison to the community where and when applicable. Goals, objectives, budgets and a general overview of all Library personnel are the purview of this Board."

I was curious as to whom the Board answers and under what supervisor strictures they operate. Apparently, just barely the Selectmen. There are no reporting requirements other than a yearly report to the Selectmen of what has transpired during the year. There is no oversight other than the Selectmens responsibility to respond to a question or complaint issued by a member of the public.

True, a great many advancements have been accomplished under the new Director and the Board. That is not the issue. Planning is central to the development and progress of any public entity. Where's the Planning (with apologies to that tired old advertising soundbite "Where's the Beef?")?

"I'ld rather read a good book, than write a poor one." Christopher Morley

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by: GaryRoberts @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 21:10:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

limits of main branch (0.00 / 0)

I saw posted some comments on the limits of the main branch. These are legitimate issues. The "meeting room" has no chance of handicapped access or escape.An elevator would be an expensive addition (this to a building with serious parking access). Endicott is an old structure with issues of insulation, parking and the obvious issue of open space. It has been taken as far as it can be.What other town-owned structures are there availble for re-hab? Do any other agencies/ organizations have buildings avaible for swap?

Planning is the key. A committee including other groups,educators, seniors and focus groups should be formed after the strategic plan is accepted. Then, if a new facility is seen to be a need the process can continue with the proper amount of public support.

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by: the_sheriff @ Wed May 21, 2008 at 21:23:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]