Memorandum:

To: Winnefox Library System Trustees

From: Mark Arend

Subject: Report of the Interim Assistant Director

Date: March 23, 2003

There is a lot of activity around the system this spring. I would be happy to provide further details at our next meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an email.

WALS System Migration:

WALS staff & staff at member libraries have been very busy implementing the migration from our old DRA Classic software system to the new Sirsi Unicorn system. In January & February staff from most of the WALS libraries attended 2 days of training in Oshkosh to learn how to use the new system. Thanks to lots of preparation and hard work the migration was a relatively smooth process. With the dust not even settled from the migration we’re beginning the process for bringing Fond du Lac PL on to WALS.

Annual reports:

As of my writing this not all annual reports are done yet; two of our libraries have experienced delays. I hope that they will all be done by the time we meet. Many libraries reported substantial increases in use over 2002. I will be preparing a summary of these reports for our May meeting.

The system annual report and the Plan evaluation and certification of compliance are in your packet. I have also prepared a report of system activity that gives a better picture of activities than the state report.

Library news:

Since our last meeting two libraries—Fond du Lac and Menasha—have held celebrations to dedicate their newly expanded and remodeled buildings. Hancock Public Library will be holding the grand opening of their new Local History Center on Saturday 29 May.

Library programs:

Once again Culvers Restaurants is generously sponsoring a coloring contest program for National Library Week: 18-24 April. Participating libraries will be receiving prizes and coupons for all children participating.