Minutes of Library Commission Meeting
April 1, 2004

An anonymous member of the public discussed the Board of Supervisors Rules Committee meeting.
Mr. Peter Warfield commented on the Rules Committee meeting, and his Library RSI injuries reports request.
Ms. Deetje Boler spoke about book collection loss replacement, and RFID costs

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 2004
An anonymous member of the public described the Minutes as an "April Fool's" joke.
Mr. Peter Warfield commented on the Minutes lack of detail of comments and discussion.

COMMISSION discussion of AGENDA ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 2004
MOTION: by Commissioner Chin, 2nd Commissioner Streets for approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting of March 4, 2004.

Approved by the following vote:
ACTION: 4-0 AYE (Chin, Coulter, Higueras, and Streets)

Presentation on and discussion of use of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system in the Library in order to reduce workplace injuries and enhance Library operations, and possible action to approve acquisition of RFID-based technology to replace existing barcode based circulation and magnetic security systems, subject to adoption of suitable criteria and policies to protect user privacy.
(Presentations were made by Kathy Lawhun, Chief of the Main Library, and San Francisco Department of Public Health Occupational Health and Safety experts Karen Peckman and Nancy Terranova and by Deputy City Librarian Paul Underwood (copies attached). Materials for these presentations were prepared with the assistance of the Library's RFID Task Force - Kathy Lawhun, Donna Corbeil, David Dodd, David Dale, and Terry Gwiazdowski)

Kathy Lawhun, Chief of the Main Library provided the Library Commissioners with detailed information staff had gathered in response to Commissioner’s questions and requests for additional information raised during the Commission’s March 4th RFID Forum. Ms. Lawhun presented a bibliography of articles and reports concerning RFID related issues, a brief outline of the most significant facts concerning RFID, and discussed how implementation of RFID could address RSI related staff injuries concerns. San Francisco Department of Public Health specialists Karen Peckman and Nancy Terranova then addressed the staff related health concerns and issues with the safety of RFID raised by members of the public. Deputy City Librarian Paul Underwood then presented a plan of action for RFID implementation and discussed proposed Privacy Policy designed to respond to concerns about potential risks to library users’ privacy.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 RFID RECOMMENDATION
Anonymous member of the public suggested that gift funded portions of the RFID budget could derive from industry sources.
Mr. Peter Warfield opposed to RFID implementation, and found the documentation and policies inadequate.
Ms. Ann Brick, ACLU, opposed implementation and termed an independent review crucial.
Mr. David Molnar clarified his March 4th presentation on RFID.
Mr. Lee Tien, EFF, opposed to RFID implementation, citing potential problems with new technologies.
Ms. Deetje Boler opposed to RFID implementation, and urged consideration of the Precautionary Principle.
Mr. Eric Epson found concerns with RFID privacy risk unrealistic, thinking database security more important.

Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #4 RFID RECOMMENDATION
The consensus of the Commission was that staff should prepare additional background materials addressing: various aspects of how RFID would to be implemented by the San Francisco Public Library including consideration of ongoing costs of RSI injuries and loss of collection materials; and policies regarding its use that would need clarification prior to implementation. The City Librarian proposed to provide additional information and bring this item back for Commission action at its May 6th meeting.

A recess was called at 5:34pm
The Public Library Commission returned to session at 5:44pm

President Higueras left the meeting during the recess.

(Library Finance Director George Nichols presented an update report on the overall City and state budget and revenue situation and discussed various contingency budget reduction plans as changes resulting in revenue losses or increased costs to the Library that have or will occur).

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 2004/05 LIBRARY BUDGET
An anonymous member of the public noted that terms used in the report hampered understanding. Mr. Peter Warfield expressed concerned with priorities for cuts, recommending that the book budget be last to cut.

Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #4 2004/05 LIBRARY BUDGET
The Commissioners voiced concern that ongoing preventative building maintenance be continued when possible and raised questions concerning the long-term impact of increasing personnel costs on future budgets.

The City Librarian reported on the following subjects: a hearing about creation of Board appointed library advisory committee at the Board of Supervisor’s Rules Committee; Dr. Stars retirement as State Librarian; reduction in the available funds for Prop 14 (State Library Bond) Cycle 3 grants from $90 to $77 million; a report on PBS History Detectives filming in the San Francisco History center, and programs and exhibits.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 CITY LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
An anonymous member of the public commented on Prop 14, and Dr. Stars retirement.

Martín Gómez, Executive Director of the Friends of the Library reported on: the 8th Annual Library Laureates Dinner on April 30; concerning their approval of a $42, 500 grant to fund the Library's 125th Anniversary activities; and consideration of $900,000 in grant requests submitted by library staff for 2004/05.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #6 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REPORT
(None offered)

(No report offered)

(No items were proposed).

MOTION: by Commissioner Bautista, 2nd Commissioner Chin that the meeting be adjourned.
Approved by the following vote: 4-0 AYE (Bautista, Chin, Coulter, and Streets)

There being no further business, at the hour of 7:17pm the Public Library Commission adjourned.

The Public Comment Summary Statements included in these Minutes are authorized by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16.

These summary statements are provided by the speaker. Their contents are neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San Francisco Public Library Commission.

The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting. 1