Memorandum:

To: Winnefox Library System Trustees

From: Mark Arend, Interim Assistant Director

Subject: Report of System Activities

Date: January 17, 2005

Greetings and Happy New Year! The following is an update of activities since our last meeting. I would be happy to provide further details at our meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an email in advance.

Library Legislation Day:

It being a budget year what happens in Madison over the next few months will be crucial for libraries. It is vital that the Governor and legislators hear about the importance of libraries. They need to be reminded that, far from being an “extra” service, libraries provide citizens with the information they need to find jobs, start businesses, and educate themselves on current issues.

Library Legislation Day is an excellent opportunity to make your views known. By the time we meet, advance registration will be over but you can still plan on attending. Winnefox will reimburse you for registration and travel. If you cannot attend, consider writing letters or making other personal contact with your Assembly representative and Senator. They need to hear about the value of libraries often over the next six months.

Library use in 2004: We have only begun to compile 2004 statistics but early indications are that library use increased again last year. Circulation is up 2.5% in the 26 WALS libraries. I will have more information on system & member library activities in 2004 at our next meeting.

LSTA Grants:

In 2005 we will be using our $20,515 System Technology grant to help pay for two enhancements to the SIRSI automated system: the continued purchase of additional content for the catalog records (contents notes, reviews, cover art, etc) and for implementation of Electronic Data Interface for the Acquisitions system, which should result in less time spent in the acquisitions and cataloging process.

We will be receiving up to $45,000 in Shared Automation Systems funding to be used to help pay for a portion of the automation costs for up to three libraries to join the WALS catalog/circulation system. Campbellsport Public Library is in the process of joining the WALS system and we hope that two of the remaining three non-WALS libraries will also decide to join this year.

WCTS Collection Enhancement Grants: This program was successful and popular with members in 2004. Each WCTS library (libraries in Green Lake, Marquette, and Waushara Counties) was allocated $1,500 to start a collection in a new format or expand a small collection. 307 books on CD, 393 music CDs, and 666 DVDs have been added to collections in these libraries. Libraries will have $1,000 in 2005 and $500 in 2006 for the same purpose.

Winnefox Staff Changes:

The Winnefox office has a new Administrative Specialist; Paul Mannone has replaced Liz Schallhorn, who left in November. The WCTS office has a new Clerk-Page, Nicole Overbeck, who started in December. Van driver Jerry Sitter has retired and we are in the process of hiring a new driver.

New Library Directors: Desire Bongers has been appointed director at Ripon Public Library, effective 19 January. She replaces Alan Jorgenson who has retired. Christine Carroll & Dianne Disterhaft, have been appointed co-directors of Berlin Public Library, effective 1 January. They have been serving as interim co-directors since last summer.