Memorandum:

To: Winnefox Library System Trustees

From: Mark Arend, Interim Assistant Director

Subject: Report of System Activities

Date: November 17, 2004

The following is a list of current activities. Although I will miss our next meeting feel free to give me a call or send an email if you have any questions or would like further information.

County Planning:

County plans and budgets either have been or will shortly be adopted in their respective counties. This was a good year for library funding; library funding in all five of our counties increased for 2005. The current status of county funding is as follows:

Fond du Lac County – The libraries have been slowly working towards full reimbursement of costs for serving rural residents. This year county reimbursement stood at 78%; in 2005 it increases to 80%. This may not seem like much but it represents an increase of over $32,000 or almost 4%. Libraries will receive $777,210 reimbursement in 2005. The Fond du Lac County librarians appreciate the support they continue to receive from the County Executive & Board.

This year the payment to Fond du Lac Public Library includes reimbursement for bookmobile use by county residents. This was calculated under a separate agreement in the past but FDL-PL director Ken Hall and County Executive Alan Buechel both feel that this method is better.

The LAC spent a fair amount of time this year updating the County Plan of Library Service, last updated in 2000.

Green Lake County – This year’s increase in funding was very welcome after last year’s decrease. The Finance Committee recommended, and the County Board approved, an increase of $15,000, or 6.95%. Library reimbursement and WCTS funding will total $230,938 in 2005.

Marquette County – The Finance Committee recommended, and the County Board approved, a 3% increase over 2004. Library reimbursement and WCTS funding will total $141,165 in 2005.

Waushara County – The Library Services Committee recommended a 3% increase which was approved by the Finance Committee. Library reimbursement and WCTS funding will total $345,617 in 2005.

Winnebago County –  In 2005 Winnebago County Libraries will receive $1,900,884 or a 5.25% increase over 2004.  Of that amount, $268,286 is for major facility requests and is an increase of $58,774 over 2004 due primarily to the addition of facility costs for the new Menasha Public Library to the formula.  The increase for operational reimbursements represent only a 2.26% increase over 2004. 

Gates Training Grants:

This year we received $4,500 from the Gates Foundation to be used for training for member library staff. We are holding a series of classes in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) taught by staff from Fox Valley Technical College. The classes are being held at Berlin Public Library, Caestecker Public Library in Green Lake, and the FVTC campus in Oshkosh. 46 staff from 17 libraries & Winnefox have taken advantage of these classes.

In 2005 we expect to receive $9,700 from the Gates Foundation. Our main focus will be on these areas:

• Training for directors and senior library staff in the effective use of Microsoft Outlook for email,
• Training for staff on how to better use electronic resources (online databases and ebooks) and the Internet.
• After the training is completed any remaining funds will be used to offer matching grants to libraries to upgrade PCs.

Library Legislation Day:

It isn’t too soon to start thinking about Library Legislation Day in Madison scheduled for Tuesday 8 February 2005. LLD is an excellent opportunity to talk with legislators directly and encourage their support for programs that improve library services within the state. Registration is easy; the Wisconsin Library Association arranges for appointments with legislators. We encourage anyone who can to attend. You can find more information at: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/legis/day/index.htm

Staff Developments:

WCTS clerk Deb Munroe resigned in October because of her husband’s job transfer. Deb had worked in our WCTS office since 1996, processing books and working with the rotating collections.

Administrative Specialist Liz Schallhorn resigned in November to take another job. Liz had worked in our office about 5 years.

We are in the process of hiring replacements for both positions.

Director Certification:

I am pleased to report that at the end of 2004 all our libraries have currently certified directors. Five directors renewed their certification for another 5 years and one new director received a one-year temporary certificate. Eight directors will need to renew their certification in 2005.