In October of 2009, the East Dubuque District Library was awarded a LSTA Grant called, “Mini Print/Design Center”. The city of East Dubuque does not have a commercial copy center. Working with area non-profit and service organizations, the library created a mini print/design center for the residents of their district. A color copy machine, copy center supplies and layout/design software were purchased with grant monies. Also paid for with the grant were classes on the layout/design software and use of the copy machine that members of non-profits and service organizations as well as local citizens could attend. Non-profits and service organizations have used the library copy center to design and run copies of signs and flyers to publicize their services and events. An East Dubuque Lion’s Club member attended the library training on the software then came to the library and designed signs to advertise this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. The Frentress Foundation (non-profit organization established to preserve a historic site in East Dubuque) has designed an information booklet using the mini print/design center.
The color copy machine is part of the library’s computer network. Software on the color copy machine itself allows staff to scan any document a patron has and send it to the desktop the patron is working on. The result is a patron has a PDF electronic version of a previous paper only document. The patron may take this electronic format, edit it and use it on the Internet or in email. This has been a service that was highly in demand in the past, but before the grant, the library did not have the resources or technology to offer this service. This service has been used by non-profit and service groups to send their information out electronically, as well as by individual patrons updating and sending out resumes.
The response to the grant and the copy center has been overwhelmingly positive. 92% of the people who attended the layout/design classes said the classes met their needs. 100% of those surveyed viewed their public library as an educational anchor in the town. Non-profit and service organizations have contributed to this grant with monetary donations, time and donations of supplies such as paper.
The library has always worked closely with the non-profit and service organizations in town. The library will continue to work with those groups to help promote their services. The color copy machine will be sustained for at least five years required by the grant, but the library plans to keep the machine as long as it is functioning and filling patron’s needs. The library will also find ways to continue to offer computer/software training opportunities to the public. A binder and online version of the binder of non-profit and service group contact information, mission and meeting dates will be updated yearly and available for the public as well.
Casey Klein, member of the East Dubuque Lion’s Club and a Library Board Trustee said, “As a community support volunteer, our District Library’s grant opportunity for the copy machine access has been a big support to two local organizations I work with in East Dubuque. With recent computer classes, I was able to create 2 area flyers and brochures for upcoming events in our area. And with access to the copy machine at the library, it was a great help to make extra prints for the public. Both the East Dubuque Lion’s Club and the East Dubuque Business and Tourism Board wish to thank the East Dubuque District Library and its staff for being so supportive to our community endeavors.”
Chuck Splinter, member of the Frentress Homestead Foundation and small business owner in East Dubuque said, “As a self employed business person and President of the Frentress Homestead Foundation, I am so pleased with the new color copy machine and service it provides here at the district library. The quality of print far surpasses the old printers and it was so easy to learn how to use with the assistance of the library staff. Learning curves take time and this new service to district patrons is outstanding.”
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
