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Library board approves revised Jobpod MOU, will accept donated accessible study pod
Summary
The City of Muskegon Library Board approved an updated memorandum of understanding with Jobpod to accept and install a larger, wheelchair-accessible study pod funded by Jobpod; the agreement makes the library responsible for maintenance and repairs after installation.
The City of Muskegon Library Board voted to approve a revised memorandum of understanding with Jobpod to accept and install a larger, wheelchair-accessible study pod funded by the program.
Library staff told the board the pod purchase would be funded by Jobpod and that the revised MOU shifts responsibility for ongoing maintenance and repairs to the library after installation. “They added language that said that we were responsible for the pod. So if the lights go out, we need to fix the lights,” the Library Director said during the discussion.
The director said the pod would be similar to existing pods in the building but larger and accessible, and that the company would handle delivery and assembly. The pod would include a chair, table and mounting bracket; a monitor or TV screen was a possible add-on if Jobpod funded it. The director said circulating laptops with cameras and microphones would remain available for patrons who need a computer inside the pod.
Board members asked how long Jobpod funds the installation and what happens later; the director said Jobpod pays for the pod purchase and that the library would be responsible for maintenance thereafter. The director estimated the larger pod would cost in the low five figures; earlier medium pods in the system had cost between about $10,000–$15,000 each, while the larger quoted units were in the roughly $20,000–$25,000 range depending on accessories. The director said she would confirm exact pricing and follow up by email.
Board members also asked whether the pod could be reserved and whether it could be used by school staff or volunteers conducting interviews; the director said the pod would be available to residents generally and could support workforce development activities, including job interviews and resume coaching.
A motion to approve the revised Jobpod MOU was made and the board voted in favor; the chair announced the motion passed.
The director said she would provide a follow-up with final cost figures and that staff would manage purchase and installation. She also noted the MOU includes a termination clause addressing return of property if a partner stops providing services.
Ending: Staff will finalize contract details and report back to the board with final cost figures and any additional implementation details at a future meeting.
