Winnefox had a busy year in 2002. The overall increase in use that libraries have seen means more demand for Winnefox services.
Our WALS staff accomplished a great deal in 2002. Three libraries—Endeavor, Leon-Saxeville, and Redgranite—began circulating items on the shared computer system and three more—Brandon, Kingston, and Neshkoro—joined the T-1 network. They did numerous upgrades to our thirteen computer servers, compiled several local databases, and began planning for our migration to the new Sirsi system. All this was on top of their regular full load of managing the DRA system, maintaining the network, and providing hardware and software support to our member libraries.
As more libraries join WALS we’ve seen an increase in intra-library loan—loaning materials between WALS libraries. In 2002, member libraries shared 137,674 items, an increase of 26,098 over 2001 – up 19%.
Interlibrary loan—materials being loaned between WALS and non-WALS libraries—declined slightly but continues to be well used (“non-WALS libraries” includes both Winnefox member libraries who are not part of the WALS network and libraries outside of Winnefox). In 2002 we received a total of 8,534 interlibrary loan requests from Winnefox libraries, about 800 less than in 2001. At the same time Winnefox libraries filled 9,410 requests from libraries outside of Winnefox.
With this many items traveling between libraries, the delivery service is the lifeblood of Winnefox. Our three drivers drove the two vans 65,903 miles in 2002 to make 6,007 stops delivering material to member libraries, day care centers, and the Redgranite Correctional facility. A total of 29,226 boxes were transported, almost 2000 more than in 2001.
Continuing education is important for our librarians. Not only is it necessary to keep informed about current developments but library directors are required to participate in continuing education activities to remain certified. In 2002 Winnefox sponsored 18 workshops or training sessions for librarians. Total attendance at these sessions was 267 and included staff from Winnefox member libraries, staff from public libraries in other systems, and staff from school, academic, and special libraries. In addition to the workshops for librarians we held a workshop for Trustees on legal issues. 33 people attended the two sessions we held.
Printing & graphics continues to be a popular service. The printing service made 922,414 impressions in 2002. Winnefox provides member libraries with coordinated Summer Reading Program support including bookmarks, flyers, custom reading records, and prizes. Member libraries again voted to create their own theme “Imagination Destination” with a Harry Potter tie-in. Guest artists are scheduled and partially paid for by Winnefox.
Winnefox publishes two newsletters. Five separate editions of Shhhout! About Libraries, one for each County, are printed and distributed six times a year. As it is sent to all county board members & state legislators in our service area it is a good PR vehicle for member libraries. In cooperation with the Outagamie Waupaca Library System we publish Trustee Tales. Eastern Shores & Mid-Wisconsin Library Systems are purchasing Trustee Tales to distribute to trustees in their systems.
Three libraries took advantage of library makeover consultations from Renee Miller & Carla Basiliere. The installation of new signage, furniture rearrangements and in some cases, new shelving provided a refreshing change.
In 2002 Winnefox Cooperative Technical Services cataloged & processed 15,228 items for member libraries. Another service of WCTS is coordinating rotations of Audiobook & DVD circuits to member libraries and providing collections of large print books from the WCTS central collection. In 2002 they circulated 9,000 large print books.