Notes from annual meeting brainstorming sessions –
January 16, 2007
Summary of recommendations for future system services
Mandated service areas:
Resource library services (reference)
- Have centralized system reference to free up staff at
local libraries
- Consolidate reference purchases to save money
- Purchase multiple copies for book clubs, teachers, etc.
- Make it easier to contact Oshkosh PL reference. Possibly
IM?
ILL outside Winnefox
- Patron initiated ILL
- Statewide circulation system
- Control ILL for over users
CE for library staff &
trustees
- Increase options for online & distance learning to
make CE more flexible for busy library staff & trustees
- Full day workshops
- Staff need more training on technical topics
- Online resources, MS Office
- Do more board training. Maybe annual sessions at each
library
- More cooperation with neighboring systems to get better
speakers
- Encourage staff to attend WLA & WAPL conferences
- Work with & through other agencies
Delivery services
- Increase delivery to 5-day or every day the library is
open
- Modify holds system to reduce ‘churning’ of collection
Online resources
- Better promotion to public
- Better usage statistics
- Review mix of resources regularly—are we subscribing to
the right mix?
- Add more resources
- Genealogy, auto repair, used vehicle (RV, ATV, etc)
guides
Agreements with other library
systems
- Look into cooperative purchasing arrangements
- Examine cross-boundary reciprocal borrowing to ensure equitable
reimbursement
Consulting
- Administrative counseling
Services to users with special
needs
- English as a second language product (online)
- Grants to help defray costs
- Help keeping up-to-date with regulations, equipment,
services
- Help with selection & purchase of foreign language
materials
- Translation services.
- ADA compliance
Cooperation and planning with
other types of libraries
- Cooperate to compliment (not duplicate) resources
- Work more closely with schools & academic libraries
Additional service areas:
Youth services
- Help with selection, especially teen materials
- Draw on expertise from member library staff
- More financial support for Summer Reading Program
Performers
- Better ways to share programming ideas and best practices
(web or other)
Marketing/PR/printing
- Make it easier for libraries to do their own materials
when small quantities are needed or speed is essential
- Person to call and ask for help in creating PR materials
(advertising agency model)
- Marketing /educating local public officials to help with
budget
- Recruiting volunteers/friends/advocates
- Provide the “fun”
things—Chase’s Calendar events.
Automation
- Help all libraries stay abreast of current technology and
media
- Make library circulation policies more similar to reduce
patron confusion
- Yearly upgrade – computers, antivirus programs, etc
- Annual “Tech Checkup” either in person or on paper
- Facilitate and encourage self
learning—23 Steps, Live Meeting, OPAL
- Larger libraries distribute older computers to smaller
libraries
Communications
- There seems to be a general need for better communication
of system services. Member library staff don’t always know what’s
available, how to get it, and who to call.
- Have an online message board organized by topic to
exchange information, with WLS as moderator.
- Have list of successful adult programs & speakers to
share ideas.
Other
- Make comparisons with other systems nationwide to see if
we could improve.
- Book repair –cover/binder machine like FDL has
- New rotating collection: CD ROM/educational software/game
- Gaming – programs and equipment lab to loan
- System attorney
- Access to some kind of system group benefits (health,
retirement, etc)
- Help with development & funding.
- Meetings for Adult services/reference staff
- Better orientation for new directors. System staff visit
new directors but there’s no regular training after that. Have follow-up
visits after a few months.
- ‘Mentoring program’ for new directors. Pair new director
with one more experienced.