Winnefox Library System

Annual Plan 2005

Executive Summary

 

The Winnefox Library System (WLS) is mandated to submit an annual plan of service and budget to the Department of Public Instruction, Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning by October 15^th of each year.  The following plan provides compliance for this mandate as well as a blueprint for system activities.

 

WLS provides a full range of support services to member libraries including:

 

Ø     Reference referral and interlibrary loan

Ø     In-service training for member library staff

Ø     Delivery of materials routed between libraries

Ø     Professional consulting

Ø     A plan of service to users with special needs

Ø     Coordinated planning with other types of libraries

Ø     A library technology and resource sharing plan

 

In addition, WLS is mandated to keep membership agreements between individual libraries and counties up to date and to monitor compliance with statutory requirements for system membership.  The annual plan must certify compliance with these mandates.

 

The first section of the Annual Plan consists of a state supplied form on which to supply information regarding the mandates listed above as well as a general description of the needs of the system, demographics, and the planning process. 

 

The second section of the Plan consists of a list of priorities the system will address in the coming year along with the activities it will carry out in order to further system development.  This section is organized along the same lines as the program budget that is attached at the end of the Plan.  The priorities were identified through regular discussion between system staff and member library directors at each county’s Library Advisory Committee (LAC) meetings, regular meetings of directors concerning the shared automation system, workshops, and other opportunities to discuss concerns.

 

The major priorities revolve around four areas: technology, training, advocacy, and funding.  Though Winnefox supports library and information technology that is close to the cutting edge, further development of these services is essential for member libraries.  Training is needed not only to keep pace with technology, but in basic areas of library management such as budgeting and financial record keeping.  In the tough economic climate we are experiencing in the state, both the member libraries and the system itself need strong advocates for adequate funding.  In order to maintain current services and continue to facilitate the development of our member libraries, the system is being forced to look at funding in new ways in order to cope with the continued deterioration of funding from the state.

 

The Winnefox Library System

Annual Plan 2005

List of Priorities and Activities

 

The Winnefox Library System drafts a plan of service each year to satisfy statutory requirements and to provide a blueprint for system activities for the coming year.  The following is a summary of activities Winnefox will undertake in order to continuously improve services to our members.  It is arranged according to broad programs as outlined by state mandates.

 

I.  Technology, Reference and Interlibrary Loan Services

 

Priority:  Explore alternatives in an effort to continue to provide full ILL service despite greatly reduced state support for ILL.

 

Activity 1:  Maintain cooperative agreements for ILL access with public and private educational institutions in the Winnefox and Fox Valley Library Council (FVLC) areas.

 

Activity 2:  Investigate the use of OCLC interloan as a less-expensive or more efficient alternative to Wiscat-ILL

 

Activity 3:  Work with Reference & Loan and WILS staff to provide all possible ILL access to library resources in and outside of Wisconsin.

 

Activity 4:  Configure Z39.50 server for participation in Wisconsin linked system resource sharing project

 

 

            Priority:  Improve the availability of reference services at member libraries.

 

Reference service has greatly improved at member libraries over the last several years because of access to electronic information through the Internet and via databases and other online resources subscribed to or created by member libraries and Winnefox.  Several activities will be undertaken in 2005 to continue to expand the range of information available to area residents through their local libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Continue to participate in a consortium providing online reference via interactive chat over the Internet. 

 

Activity 2:  Survey member libraries and examine database usage statistics to determine if the range of databases currently offered best meets the needs of member libraries and their patrons.

 

Activity 3:  Explore collaborative application for delivery of 211 services in conjunction with Information & Referral services.

 

Activity 4:  Continue to educate member library staff on the availability of backup reference assistance from the resource library. 

 

Priority:  Improve the availability of technology services and support at member libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Continue to support the participation of new libraries in the WALS computer consortium.  By the end of 2004, 28 of 30 libraries will be connected to the WALS network and 26 libraries will be part of the shared catalog.  In 2005 we expect to bring at least one additional library into the consortium.

 

 

Priority:  Develop better communications between system librarians providing reference & adult services.

 

Activity 1:  Develop an adult services section on the staff extranet.

 

Activity 2:  Encourage the continued use of a WLS reference & adult services discussion list.

 

II.  Delivery Service

 

Priority:  Improve efficiency of delivery service in order to shorten the turn around time from when a patron reserves an item not currently held at their home library to the time when the item may be picked up at that library from another Winnefox member. 

 

Activity 1:  Implement changes in the delivery schedule necessitated by a rapid increase in volume caused by Fond du Lac PL’s joining the system in addition to the steady increase in volume we have been experiencing in recent years.

 

Priority:  Increase administrative information available to system and member library staff and trustees by continuing to expand and enhance the “extranet” for the system and member libraries.

 

                        Activity 1:  Survey member library staff and conduct usability studies the to determine the documents and information needed on the extranet and the most useful way to organize it. 

 

Activity 2:  Continue to post documents, policies, forms, and procedures manuals for easy access by system and member library staff.

 

                        Activity 3:  Further develop trustee information resources for easier accessibility by system trustees. 

 

                        Activity 4:  Assist member libraries in developing their own extranets to improve staff communication.

 

 

III.  Continuing Education and Consulting

 

Priority:  Provide a variety of continuing education opportunities in sufficient quantity so that member library directors may complete all continuing education requirements for certification through Winnefox.

 

Activity 1:  Offer or co-sponsor at least 10 workshops or training sessions in 2005 at a variety of locations throughout the system.

 

Activity 2:  Continue to survey member library staff to determine which potential workshop topics would fill the greatest need.

 

Activity 3:  Consider the needs of staffs at different-sized libraries as well as well as those of different levels of experience when considering workshop topics.

 

Activity 4:  Continue to keep member librarians informed of continuing education activities offered by other providers.

 

Activity 5:  Explore increased cooperation with FVLC, neighboring library systems, and other agencies to provide continuing education activities more economically.

 

Activity 6:  Purchase copies of required and recommended textbooks for the courses required for certification to be loaned to directors taking those courses.

 

 

Priority:  Make sure that staff at member libraries have the technical skills necessary to connect the public to electronic information sources.  They must also have the skills necessary to make the most productive use of the Sirsi Unicorn system and the staff extranet.

 

Activity 1:  Provide small group, hands-on sessions that demonstrate new information resources and computer programs as they become available.

 

Activity 2:  WLS and WALS staff will provide small group or one-on-one training at member libraries for those who need it most.

 

Activity 3:  WLS and WALS will continue to explore low cost alternatives for training and provide online follow-up tutorials for some of the training we offer.

 

Priority:  Continue to develop a relationship between Winnefox staff and member library trustees so that Winnefox may better serve the particular needs of trustees.

 

Activity 1:  Sponsor at least one workshop for library Trustees.

 

Activity 2:  Develop an orientation program for new member library trustees. 

 

Activity 3:  Develop a series of information packets to be sent to member library boards as needed to assist them in dealing with issues such as budgeting, hiring a director, long range planning, etc. 

 

Activity 4:  Provide on site consulting to member library boards upon request.

 

Activity 5:  Continue to partner with OWLS to produce the Trustee Tales newsletter.

 

Priority:  Assist member library directors in developing the leadership skills necessary to guide the development of their local libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Assist in the development of teamwork at the county level within the local Library Advisory Committees (LACs).

 

Activity 2:  Encourage member libraries to provide adequate compensation and recruit directors with an aptitude for leadership as vacancies occur.

 

Activity 3:  Design an orientation program for new library directors using the Library Director’s Handbook, currently under development by DLTCL staff

 

IV.  Library Services to Special Users

 

Priority:  Assist local libraries in extending services to non-English speaking families moving into the Winnefox service area.

 

Activity 1:  Assist local libraries in developing and presenting programs for non-English speaking children and families in order to promote family literacy.

 

Activity 2:  Provide cultural sensitivity training to member library and system staff through workshops and improving partnerships with other groups serving emigrant groups.

 

Activity 3:  Assist member libraries in developing materials to promote library services to immigrant populations lacking a cultural background of public libraries.

 

Priority:  Assist member libraries in making electronic information more readily available to individuals with disabilities.

 

Activity 1:  Provide training to member library staff in the use of assistive devices/software.

 

Activity 2:  Use Winnefox Public Information staff to publicize the accessibility of electronic information at member libraries.  Publicity will target users with disabilities.

 

Activity 3:  Stress ease of usability for those using assistive devices/software for the visually impaired when designing Winnefox and member library web pages.

 

V.  Administration

 

Priority:  Develop a strategic planning process for Winnefox based on the needs of member libraries as articulated in library/county level plans. 

 

Activity 1:  Study and summarize long-range plans of member libraries (if they exist).  Identify areas of possible system support.

 

Activity 2:  Initiate a pilot county-level planning process in at least one county to both develop a county-wide service plan and individual library service plans.

 

Activity 3:  Hold a focus group session(s) with library directors from pilot county(ies) to identify present and future needs on which to focus of system support for member libraries. 

 

Activity 4:  Begin the process to revise each county’s long-range plan. 

 

Activity 5:  Incorporate goals in the county plans into the Winnefox Library System Long Range Plan and a strategic action plan summary.

 

Activity 6:  Consider alternatives for funding system services as state funding continues to remain static.

 

Priority:  Develop a comprehensive Winnefox service manual for member library staff to be made available in print and through the Winnefox extranet. 

 

Activity 1:  Department staff will create a written description of their services and instructions for making use of them.

 

Activity 2:  Written service descriptions will be compiled and placed on the staff extranet.

 

IV.  Collection Development

 

Priority:  Assist member libraries as they maintain current collections and develop new ones.

 

Activity 1:  Provide selection support through WCTS by making member libraries aware of new releases and purchasing opportunities.

 

Activity 2:  Continue to support development of new collections in smaller libraries by offering ‘Collection Enhancement grants’ to WCTS libraries.

 

Activity 3:  Encourage libraries to purchase their own DVDs and books on CD as system support is phased out.

           

                        Activity 4:  Support the creation of a member-supported DVD circuit to supplement the library’s collections.

 

V.  Direct Payment to County Non-Resident Users

 

Priority:  Obtain full funding for reimbursement formulas for libraries where such funding does not exist.

 

Activity 1:  Assist member libraries in providing regular reports to county boards informing them of activities and services provided to rural residents. 

 

Priority 2:  Assist member libraries to build closer relations with county board members.  Educate county boards on the value of libraries to their counties.

 

Priority:  Begin investigating ways for counties and municipalities to fund shared services that Winnefox can no longer provide due to lack of support from the State.

 

Activity 1:  Expand services funded through WCTS where appropriate.

 

VI.               Library Services to Youth

 

Priority:  Develop better communications between system librarians working with youth.

 

Activity 1:  Develop a youth services section on the staff extranet.

 

Activity 2:  Encourage the continued use of a WLS youth librarian discussion list.

 

Activity 3:  Hold at least one workshop on a youth service topic.

 

Priority:  Provide support for programs targeting children and families at member libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Encourage use of WLS marketing resources for children’s programs beyond summer reading.

 

Activity 2:  Develop contacts, in cooperation with local libraries, of community groups working with children and youth to foster greater collaboration in service provision and marketing.

 

 

Priority:  Continue to support Summer Library Reading Program (SLP) activities in member libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Coordinate all activity relating to children’s summer reading programs including support material, performers, etc. 

 

Activity 2:  Subsidize member libraries’ purchases of SLP materials.

 

Activity 3:  Continue to provide SLP performer booking services for member libraries.

 

Activity4:  Explore co-sponsorship of an end-of-summer group activity for SLP participants from all member libraries.

 

 

VII.  Public Information

 

Priority:  Re-develop a network of system “friends of libraries” (the Library Information NetworK - LINK) willing to assist with educating the public and elected officials regarding the goals and benefits of system services.

 

Activity 1:  Gain assistance from member libraries in contacting those individuals who are interested in giving voice to their support for libraries and systems.

 

Activity 2: Develop informational material regarding the needs of libraries and systems to be distributed to library friends in print and/or electronically.

 

Priority:  Assist member library directors in learning techniques necessary to communicate directly and frequently with county and municipal governments.

 

Activity1:  Develop and/or update individual aids to be used in presentations to government officials.

 

Activity 2:  Assist member library directors in becoming public speakers.

 

Activity 3:  Include government officials in discussions of service priorities within each county.

 

Priority:  Raise awareness of library issues and the importance of library services in the general public and county and municipal governing bodies.

 

Activity 1:  Evaluate the effectiveness of Shhhout about Libraries newsletter within the context of the need to communicate about Winnefox and its member libraries.

 

Activity 1:  Provide member libraries with statistics, surveys, reports, and other information to be used in informing members of the public and governing bodies.

 

Activity 2:  Assist member libraries in developing educational materials for local and state government officials.

 

 

Priority:  Study printing and graphics procedures to be able to continue to offer these services to libraries at no charge in spite of reduced funding. 

 

Activity 1:  Analyze printing requests to determine if some projects can be printed by less expensive processes.

 

Activity 2:  Educate library directors and staffs on how to submit printing requests to maximize efficiency.

 

Activity 3:  Explore the development of templates of commonly used promotional materials that may be directly accessed by member library staff for printing.

 

D     Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction         Submit by October 15, 2004, to:

P      Library System Plan                                         Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

I       PI-2446 (Revised 8/01/2004)         Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning

P.O. Box 7841

Madison, WI  53707-7841

                                               

 

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

DIVISION FOR LIBRARIES, TECHNOLOGY, AND COMMUNITY LEARNING

 

ANNUAL PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM PLAN AND CERTIFICATION OF INTENT TO COMPLY

FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2005

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________Library System

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Describe demographic, economic, and other facts about your system that influenced the development of this and other system plans.

 

Winnefox provides support to libraries of widely varying size.  While the majority of our libraries are located in communities with populations less than 3,000, we also serve two large metropolitan libraries and four medium size libraries.  We are challenged to assist our small libraries in providing services normally found only in large communities while providing our larger libraries with services sufficient to keep them interested in system membership.  In order to provide the greatest good to all, Winnefox provides services that are a benefit to any size library such as printing and graphics, marketing and public relations assistance, electronic infrastructure support, and electronic resources.

 

The primary economic impact affecting this plan is the need to deal with another year of static state funding for library systems after a funding cut in 2002; because of increased costs the static funding is, in effect, a funding cut.  We have attempted to cut excess spending where we can while maintaining services but, unavoidably, services continue to be reduced. 

 

Funds to purchase new material for rotating collections and member library educational support have been reduced for the second year.  Enrichment grants which in the past have assisted member libraries to improve existing services and establish new ones were eliminated in 2004.  2005 will see a continued dialogue between member libraries, member counties, and the system to explore alternatives for funding basic services.  In a climate where counties and municipalities continue to find themselves under increasing budget pressure, this will be difficult.

 

Though the population of our member counties continues to be predominately white, all report increasing numbers of immigrants. More than 10% of the students in the Menasha public schools in Winnebago County, for example, consider English to be their second language.  The 2000 census confirmed large increases in Spanish speaking individuals in rural Marquette and Waushara counties.  In late 2004 a large number of Hmong refugees will be resettling in the Fox Valley area.  The growth of new ethnic populations is causing our membership to examine what they are doing to serve those for whom English is a second language, or for whom reading is not a traditional family activity. 

 

The Wisconsin Department of Administration estimates that the population growth for Winnebago and Waushara counties will continue to increase at or above the state average.  Many retirees are moving into the rural counties from urban areas bringing differing expectation of service. They are used to the resources available at urban libraries.  Several of our member counties have large numbers of summer residents who also expect service levels similar to those they receive in their home communities.  The fact that much of this the population growth is outside of municipalities that support libraries will have a significant impact on the direction of county funding for libraries.

 

 

 

Describe significant needs and problems that influenced the development of this and other system plans.

 

The most significant needs within Winnefox include assisting libraries as they cope with reduced funding, increasing electronic resource development, achieving 100% member library participation within Winnefox Automated Library Services (WALS), assisting member libraries in serving emerging new readers, and assisting libraries in the development of effective boards. 

 

Electronic services development has been a priority for Winnefox.  Electronic services increase the opportunity for rural libraries to offer services on a par with urban libraries.  This not only helps them meet the expectations of newcomers from urban areas, but also opens new opportunities for long time residents. At the same time, all libraries, large and small, must keep up with the demands of an increasingly sophisticated information seeking public. Hand in hand with the opportunities of electronic services are the needs for increased staff training and funding for equipment and resources.

 

By the middle of 2004 26 of our 30 member libraries were automated with the Winnefox Automated Library Service (WALS).  In 2004 we successfully migrated from the DRA Classic to Sirsi Unicorn system and added Fond du Lac Public Library to the consortium.  There are now only 4 small libraries unautomated or using stand-alone systems, at least one of which intends to join the consortium in 2005.  Bringing these remaining libraries online and continuing to deal with issues relating to the migration while serving the needs of existing WALS members will continue to be a challenge for Winnefox.  WALS associate members have requested greater technical support and Winnefox is attempting to serve both WALS members and other Winnefox member libraries without adding staff.  All libraries continue to add computers, expand public Internet access, and search for new ways to serve the public.

 

Our delivery service has experienced steady increases in volume over the past few years.  This is caused not only by the addition of more libraries to the WALS automated system but a general increase in items loaned between member libraries.

 

The influx of new ethnic populations coupled with the traditional role of Winnefox members of encouraging reading has focused increased attention on emerging new readers.  Continued attention will be given to establishing and strengthening services to those for whom English is a second language. 

 

The Winnefox system, as well as our member libraries, has always been blessed with caring, committed trustees. The ever-increasing competition for support among public institutions is causing Winnefox to search for new ways to increase our support to trustees.  Trustee workshops have been well attended. Trustee Tale, a quarterly newsletter produced jointly by Winnefox and OWLS has been very well received and is being distributed to some other systems.  The Director and Assistant Director are asked to provide consulting to individual boards on a frequent basis.  Meeting the needs of trustees will continue to be a major concern of Winnefox in 2005.

 

 

 

Describe the planning environment and process under which this and other system plans were developed.  (List additional system planning documents with the period covered and attach any planning documents which have not previously been provided to the division.)

 

 

Coordination of long range planning for Winnefox is primarily the responsibility of the Director and Assistant Director. Professional staff from the resource library as well as the directors of member libraries play a major role.  In 2005 we will continue to hold regular meetings of the Library Advisory Committees (LAC) in each county. 

 

The bulk of planning is carried out at Library Advisory Committee (LAC) meetings.  LACs are organized by county and are comprised of the library directors in each county.  Each LAC meets several times each year with county board representatives in each county. Meetings between member library directors and county board committees continue to be useful in building support for library services.

 

Multi-type planning is done in association with the Fox Valley Library Council (FVLC) and the Outagamie Waupaca Library System (OWLS) with the participation of many system and member library staff members.  The FVLC Five Year Plan was updated in 2001 and is attached.  Winnefox staff continues to take a leadership role in FVLC.  For 2005 one staff member is President and another chairs the Education Committee.  Winnefox provides office support for some FVLC activities.  The integral role played by Winnefox and OWLS staff insures the continuing integration of FVLC planning objectives with those of Winnefox and OWLS.

 

WLS and OWLS recognize common goals and concerns exist for the two systems. The WLS Assistant Director and the OWLS Assistant Director continue to meet to discuss mutual concerns and plan joint activities. 

 

Evaluations of continuing education workshops, system staff visits to member libraries, library generated statistics, member library responses to special surveys, and general observations are elements contributing to our planning.  System staff meets with other service providers regularly to discuss opportunities to serve users with special needs. 

 

 

 

 

The following plan and compliance document provides assurance that your public library system intends to comply with all statutory requirements for public library systems for calendar year 2005.  Indicate with a check your system's intent to comply with each system requirement and provide the requested information under each system requirement.

 

S.43.24(2) For a public library system to qualify for and maintain its eligibility for state aid under this section it shall ensure that all of the following are provided:

 

 

Membership Agreements

 

_x_      (a) Written agreements to provide, to any resident of the system area, the same library services, on the same terms, that are provided to the residents of the municipality or county that established the member library, except for the group programming preference authorized under s. 43.15 (4) (c) 4., and to provide for the interlibrary loan of materials among all participating public libraries, as evidenced by agreements with those libraries.

 

_x_      A copy of the agreement with a list of all members signing it will be provided to the division by January 15.

 

 

Resource Library Agreement

 

_x_      (b)  Backup reference, information and interlibrary loan services from the system resource library, including the development of and access to specialized collections, as evi­denced by a written agreement with that library.

 

_x_      A signed copy of the resource library agreement will be provided to the division by January 15.

 

 

Reference referral and interlibrary loan

 

_x_            S.43.24(2)(d) Referral or routing of reference and interlibrary loan requests from libraries within the system to libraries within and outside the system

 

List ongoing activities related to this requirement:

 

§         Explore alternatives in an effort to continue to provide full ILL service despite greatly reduced state support for ILL.

§         Provide clearinghouse function for member ILL requests

§         Maintain a shared database of member library bibliographic records and holdings

§         Maintain an information & referral service and database of human service programs and clubs & organizations in the Winnefox area

§         Provide support, training and assistance at development of library web pages for web access to library information, electronic information resources, and community information.

§         Participate in a collaborative venture with Oshkosh Public Library to maintain a community web page for Oshkosh to provide a single source for web-based information.

§         Use WISCAT and WISCAT-ILL at the clearinghouse to promote interlibrary loan.

§         Continue free sharing of ILL materials with other OCLC libraries.

§         Continue to support the creation of locally produced online genealogical and local history databases.

 

New or priority activities relating to this requirement for the plan year:

 

 

See “Summary, Section 1: Technology”

 

 

 

 

 

In-service training

 

_x_            S.43.24(2)(e) In–service training for participating public library personnel and trustees.

 

 

List ongoing activities related to this requirement:

 

 

1.      Provide regular workshops at varied locations around the system.

2.      Provide one-on-one and small group training to directors and other member library staff as needed.

3.      Survey member libraries regarding their training needs annually.

4.      Provide information to member libraries regarding training/education activities available from other providers as this information becomes available.

 

 

 

 

New or priority activities relating to this requirement for the plan year:

 

 

See “Summary, Section III, Continuing Education and Consulting”

 

 

 

Delivery and communication

 

_x_      S. 43.24 (2)(fm) Electronic delivery of information and physical delivery of library materials to participating libraries.

 

 

List ongoing activities related to this requirement:

 

 

§         Provide three or five day per-week delivery to all member libraries.

§         Use fax, e-mail, and interactive chat (AskWisconsinLibrarians) to answer information requests.

§         Continue 5-day per-week participation in the statewide delivery service.

§         Continue to accept receipt of ILL requests via Email, WISCAT-ILL , OCLC, fax, phone or U.S. mail.

§         Continue publication of the Ides our monthly electronic newsmagazine aimed at training library staff in Internet use.

§         Continue development of the Winnefox online Extranet as a means of delivering timely information and support to member libraries.

 

 

New or priority activities relating to this requirement for the plan year:

 

 

See “Summary, Section II, Delivery Service”

 

Service agreements

 

_x_            S.43.24(2)(g)  Service agreements with all adjacent library systems.

 

_x_      A copy of the agreement with adjacent systems with a list of all systems signing the agreement will be provided to the division by January 15.

 

 

Professional consultation

 

_x_      S. 43.24(2)(h) Professional consultant services to participating public libraries.

 

List ongoing activities related to this requirement:

 

 

§         System staff visits new directors individually to provide a one-on-one orientation to system services.

§         System staff visits member library directors and trustees (primarily of smaller libraries) to provide consulting regarding budgeting, building expansion, long range planning, personnel issues or other professional concerns whenever requested.

§         System staff answers questions by telephone and e-mail as they are received.  Staff will consult with outside sources, such as DLTCL or colleagues around the state, whenever necessary.

§         System staff promotes consulting services within the Winnefox Handbook for Directors and Trustees and at meetings and workshops.

§         The System Assistant Director attends each county Library Advisory Committee (LAC) meeting with other staff attending as needed.

§         WALS staff and resource library staff visits member libraries and provide training in the use of the automated system as needed.

§         Provide professional marketing consulting services to member libraries.

 

 

 

New or priority activities relating to this requirement for the plan year:

 

 

 

See “Summary, Section III, Continuing Education and Consulting”

 

 

 

Service to users with special needs

 

_x_      S.43.24(2)(k)  Promotion and facilitation of library service to users with special needs.

 

 

List ongoing activities related to this requirement:

 

 

§         Continue to promote electronic information delivery from member libraries as a means to extend traditional library service to the homebound and those with special needs. 

§         Continue to provide workshops and individual consulting to member libraries on topics related to services to users with special needs. 

§         Continue to network with others throughout the state exchanging ideas and information regarding services to those with special needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New or priority activities relating to this requirement for the plan year:

 

 

 

 

See “Summary, Section IV, Library Services to Special Users”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other types of libraries

 

_x_      S.43.24(2)(L) Cooperation and continuous planning with other types of libraries in the system area which results in agreements with those libraries for the appropriate sharing of library resources to benefit the clientele of all libraries in the sys­tem area.

 

_x_      The system will have agreements with other types of libraries, or if the system participates in a cooperation agreement with a multitype organization to meet the purposes of this goal, there is established a clear link between the system and the individual members of the multitype organization.  A copy of the agreement with a list of all signing libraries will be provided to the division by January 15.

 

_x_      Other types of libraries in the system area have had an opportunity to review and comment on the plan.

 

 

 

Library Technology and Resource Sharing Plan

 

_x_            S.43.24(2)(m)  Planning with the division and with participating public libraries and other types of libraries in the area in regard to library technology and the sharing of resources.  By January 1, 2000, and every 5^th January 1 thereafter, the public library system shall submit to the division a written plan for library technology and the sharing of resources.

 

_x_            Member public libraries and other types of libraries in the system area have had an opportunity to review and comment on the plan.

 

_x_      A copy of the written plan, including any revisions and amendments, for library technology and resource sharing is attached to this document.  (Systems are reminded that a new Library Technology and Resource Sharing Plan will be due January 1, 2005.)

 

 

Other service programs

 

            S.43.24(2(i)  Any other service programs designed to meet the needs of participating public libraries and the residents of the system area, as determined by the public library system board after consultation with participating public libraries.

 

            List each “other” service programs individually with ongoing activities and new or priority activities for the plan year under each program.  For instance, if the system provides a bookmobile service program, list ongoing activities and new or priority activities for the bookmobile program.  (Do not lump miscellaneous activities under a single “other” program.)

 

 

Winnefox Cooperative Technical Services (WCTS)

 

      Ongoing Activities: 

 

                  Because WCTS funding is provided on behalf of the libraries directly from Green Lake, Waushara, and Marquette Counties, WCTS primarily serves libraries in those counties.  Winnefox member libraries outside of these counties may contract for services from WCTS at cost.

 

            WCTS provides cooperative book selection and processing for member libraries. WCTS staff provides “work days” consisting of on-site help and consultation for special projects such as weeding.  WCTS contributes towards a computer support position in WALS in order to obtain more frequent on-site technology assistance.  WCTS contributions to WALS also helps subsidize annual WALS fees for WCTS libraries.

 

            In 2003/2004 WCTS initiated a program of short workshops, held in conjunction with the bi-monthly selection meetings, highlighting selection of materials in specific genre or subject areas.  These have proven popular with member library staff and will be continued.

 

           

      Priorities for Printing and Graphics and Public Relations and Marketing are contained in “Summary, Section VII, Public Information”

 

 

 

 

 

Administration

 

_x_      The system will not expend more than 20 percent of the state aid projected to be received in the plan year for administration.

 

_x_      The 2004 system audit will be submitted to the division no later than October 15, 2005.

 

Budget

 

_x_      A copy of your public library system budget by service program category and fund source for the plan year (see attached guidelines) is attached.

 

 

Certification

 

We, the undersigned, hereby certify that to the best of our knowledge the information provided in this document and any attachments is true and correct, and that the system will be in full compliance with s. 43.24 (2)(a) through s. 43.24(2)(m) of the Wisconsin Statutes for the year 2005.

 

 

_________________________________________      _________________

System Director                  Date

 

_________________________________________      __________________

System Board President            Date

 

 

FOR DPI USE - LIBRARY SYSTEM PLAN APPROVAL
Pursuant to Wis. Statutes, the plan contained herein is: __ Approved. __ Provisionally Approved.  See Comments. __ Disapproved.  See Comments.	______________________________________________ Signature - Asst. Superintendent, DLCL	_________________ Date
Comments