Illinois - Rural Library Sustainability Project

Re: A Single Word (about rural libraries in my state)

2007-12-11T15:32:24Z

I live on the border of New Hampshire and Vermont states. I think that there libraries are--

Welcoming

Since the 1st priority is given to the visitors that come in.

They also cover the areas in nonfiction that are related to the geographical rural location, such as outdoor museums, green farming, the local nature.

Action Plan for Kirkendall Public Library

2007-10-17T17:17:48Z

Of the library's employees, our part-time circulation staff spends the most time interacting with our patrons. Obviously, it's important that our part time staff provide competent and consistent service and information. As everyone knows, this is an ongoing challenge: technologies change, employees come and go, and staff with few hours are sometimes unwilling to invest much time and energy learning new skills. As the circulation supervisor, my action plan in relation to these issues involves:
1. Holding regular circulation staff meetings with hands-on technology-related training.
2. Soliciting information from circ. staff regarding tasks they may need further information or training on.
3. Seeking and introducing tools (websites, online courses, etc.) that will aid in technology-related skill building.

I'll post follow-ups as these get implemented.

Eric Melton
Kirkendall Public Library

Re: Action Plan for Calmar Public Library

2007-10-15T21:49:25Z

Linda-

Excellent ideas. Thanks so much for sharing. Keep us posted on your success and progress. Also, let us know if you need help along the way.

Action Plan for Calmar Public Library

2007-10-08T21:03:20Z

This is my first experience at posting topics on WebJunction and so it will be a learning experience for me and perhaps a little challenging as well. After attending the Rural Sustainability Workshop in Ames, IA, I learned many new things I would like to implement here at the library over the course of time. Formulating an action plan to address those ideas was a bit tedious, but I have finally come up with some ideas to get myself started.

Starting with "Information Literacy -- Patron Training":

Goal: Assist patrons with reference questions
Action plan: 1. Obtain as much information as possible from the patron to assist them in locating the proper resources in response to their reference questions.
2. If resources are not available at our library, refer the patron to another facility that may have the information they are seeking.
Action Plans to be carried out by library personnel, i.e., director (myself), children's librarian, and substitute staff.

Goal: Assist patrons with computer usage.
Action plan: 1. Assist patrons to set up e-mail accounts.
2. Provide training in basic computer skills.
3. Provide assistance to patrons as they use the computer when they request help.
Action Plans to be carried out by library personnel as mentioned above.

"Information Literacy -- Staff Training":

Goal: New children's librarian to be utilized as library assistant.
Action plan: 1. Provide the necessary training to new children's librarian, i.e., teaching her about the current automation system to enable her to perform the task of materials check in and check out.
2. General orientation of the operation of the library by means of communicating necessary information, providing policy manual for reference, and observation of her skills.
Action plans to be performed by library director

Goal: Visit "WebJunction" website frequently
Action plan: 1. Set aside time on a monthly basis to browse the WebJunction website for general information, on-line classes, and updates.
2. Utilize Tech Atlas to create and update Technology Plan for Calmar Public Library.
Action plan to be performed by library director.

I envision that within the next five months, the children's librarian will have the necessary skills and training to be fully functional to serve in the role of library assistant. in addition to her current responsibilities.

"Telling the Library Story"

Currently, our library has some tools in place to partner with the community and its leaders, such as occasional newsletters, local cable television to advertise library events, and full automation at the library. Our library is fortunate in that we have a supportive board of trustees, a supportive county board of supervisors, and of course the support of the state library and LSA.

Goal: 1. Provide wireless Internet service at the library.
Action plan: 1. Communicate with library's IT specialist to determine feasibility and logistics to install necessary equipment to provide wireless connection.
2. Seek funding sources for such service.
3. Perform needs assessment to determine if there is a desire or need for such service at the library.
4. Market the service.
Action plan to be initiated by library director and then collaborate with others, such as IT specialist, library board, and community in general, beginning in January 2008.

Goal: Communication of library events, etc.
Action plan: 1. Monthly newspaper articles in local newspapers.
2. Continue utilizing local cable channel to advertise library information, upcoming events, etc.
Action plan to be performed by library director and children's librarian, ongoing.

Goal: Fully restore IM (instant messaging) at the library
Action plan: 1. Inform patrons that IM will be allowed to resume on public library computers, by means of verbal and written communication.
Action plan to be performed by library director.

Goal: Perform updated needs assessment for the community with reference to library services.
Action plan: 1. Create needs assessment and have it available at front desk in library for patrons to complete.
2. Compile results of needs assessment after a 2 week period to re-assess patron needs (this also meets the criteria for one of the tier standards for accreditation of the library).
Action plan to be performed by library director during late October - early November 2007.

Goal: Provide library materials, resources to local Catholic school in Calmar.
Action plan: 1. Collaborate with school principal and staff to set times for visits to the library by grades 4 - 8 from CFS Catholic school.
2. Provide quality materials to the students for recreational reading and school projects, when the need arises.
3. Children's librarian to make scheduled visits to the preschool at CFS Catholic school to read stories to them and offer books for recreational reading at home.
Action plan to be performed by library director and children's librarian. Our library currently collaborates with CFS Catholic school to offer this service to them and desires to continue this partnership in the future.

Over the next several months, it is the vision of the library and its staff to provide wireless Internet to the community, thereby expanding the services we already provide, believing this to be a valuable asset to the community.

Re: A Single Word (about rural libraries in my state)

2007-09-13T23:39:20Z

irreplaceable

Action plan for Staff at Joice Public Library

2007-09-13T00:24:44Z

As Assistant Director here at Joice, I was aware that Web Junction was out there, but didn't realize the amount of information that could be found on the Web Junction. I would like to make sure that all of our staff is also aware of these resources.

By Sept. 30th....Have all our junior staff people signed up and
registered on Web Junction.
By Nov. 30th......Have our staff familiar with Web Junction and signed
up for at least one class.
By Feb. 20th......Each staff have their class completed.

By Feb. 28th......Staff meeting to discuss what they learned and
how this did and didn't help them.

I'm hoping this will help our staff to stretch their comfort zones and learn of more places to find information for both the public and themselves, thus making their jobs easier.

Advocasy plan for "Wireless" here at Joice

2007-09-13T00:05:36Z

We have Wireless service here in Joice, but few people know of it or make use of this. I would like to let more people know that we have this service here at our Library, and how it can benefit them.

By Sept. 30th....Put together the what, where, when, why and how
information I want to promote to the public.
By Oct. 25th....This information updated and ready for Nov.
newsletter.
By Oct. 30th.....This information posted on our website.
By Nov. 30th.....Brochures designed, printed and delivered to the
Top of Iowa.
Vision.....That at least 5 people in January will ask us about the
Wireless in our library. AND USE IT.

Action Plan for the Jacksonville (TX) Public Library

2007-08-19T16:16:14Z

What area are you working on?
Public Computer Training/Computer Lab

What is happening right now?
We have been using our Loan Star Libraries monies to offer public computer classes for the past few years. We have offered a round of 7-9 classes that take the patrons from the basics of using Windows through the Internet, E-mail, and Office.

The classes have met with a good response, but we have had some complaints about scheduling. Because we have had to hold the training sessions on our public computers, we could only offer the classes in the morning before we open. We decided that a separate computer lab (preferably one that can be torn down when not in use) would help address this issue.

Action/ Who/ By When?
The library applied for and received a technology grant from the Northeast Texas Library system to purchase the components for a Thin Client-based computer lab and the services of a trainer for 3 rounds of classes. All hardware components and software licensed have been purchased, received, installed and configured. We are working on scheduling our first afternoon/evening classes within the next few weeks.

What is your vision for this area in 5 months?
We hope to be nearing completion of this project by the end of the year and working on securing funds for another round of classes in the late spring/early summer.

David Emprimo
Assistant Director
Jacksonville (TX) Public Library

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-08-19T16:07:51Z

My name is David and I am the assistant director of the Jacksonville Public Library in Jacksonville, Texas.

I am the computer guy by default and sometimes think people assume I know more about computers than I really do. But part of being a librarian is knowing where to find the answers and we can usually sort out minor problems and know when we're in over our heads when large problems arise.

Looking forward to reading other's stories, seeing what we might be able to use ourselves, and sharing what we can to help others.

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-07-06T18:30:39Z

Don't forget the [url /do/Navigation?category=11446]E-Learning Clearinghouse[/url] hosted on WebJunction where you can search for online education programs and courses for library staff and information professionals offered by ALA-accredited graduate schools (and more!!). Use the "more search options" to limit your search to those programs that are 100% Online. There are many!

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-06-28T14:56:47Z

I think there are some schools that are totally online, when you decide to start. You could get your degree while you're still working. Florida State offers an online program, and the Alabama offers one too. There are others. I Googled "MLIS Online" with success.

http://ci.fsu.edu/go/graduate/online_degrees_grad
http://www.slis.ua.edu/mlis/index.html

Re: Action Plan Roundup Community Library

2007-06-11T22:55:27Z

Hello everyone,
I'm Sandy Hummel from the Rothrock Branch of the Mifflin County Library in McVeytown, PA. We are a very small community (pop. 400), and my branch is one of 5 in Mifflin County (pop. 46,000).
I have recently been made webmaster for our libraries. Since I have never done this before, I am learning as I go! The website, though well designed, was stagnant for a long time. Because of this, many people stopped accessing the site. My action plan has to do with getting more people to access our website.
I have updated, posted new pages and generally given the website a "new look". Last month, I created calendar pages, where patrons can view all the library's upcoming events-- Summer Reading Program information, book club titles and meeting times...everything I could think of!
I then set out to try and get people to actually look at it! I am also the graphics person for the library so I started with that tool. I made sure the web address was on all our brochures, etc. Then I distributed posters that describe the web page and what is available there. Word of mouth is also an important tool, especially in a small town. Since I believe that young people are more apt to get excited about a web page than adults, I made sure to mention it to all my younger patrons too!
I have seen the results in the rise of the web counter numbers (most of which were not working when I took over the site), and hope to see even higher numbers in the months to come.

Re: Action Plan Roundup Community Library

2007-06-11T21:36:37Z

Way to go Sandy! You have the right idea. Build it and they will come - doesn't work with a web site. You have to promote it like you have done. Best of luck to you.

Re: Action Plan Roundup Community Library

2007-06-11T21:16:04Z

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-06-08T16:57:17Z

Hi Sue,
Yes, I know there's a lot going on in here! There is a spot where folks coming to [url forums/thread.jspa?threadID=6134&tstart=0]ALA are posting their introductions[/url], so that's probably the best place to focus to learn about those folks. The "single word" topic has been around since the project began, so that includes folks from all over, not necessarily those that are coming to DC.

I do see that [url /forums/message.jspa?messageID=43018#43018]Beth Reitan[/url] just posted her intro above, so have added that to the [url /forums/message.jspa?messageID=43031#43031]ALA intros[/url]...

Thanks for recognizing the need for clarification Sue!!

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-06-08T16:24:53Z

Help! I'm getting lost in here! Will I find my way out in time to get on the plane to Washington?

It seems like there are so many threads on the Rural Library Sustainability Project....and subthreads! I just found a subthread (I guess that's what you call it) asking for a single word that describes rural libraries in each person's state.

I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to remember who's from where and who I really would like to talk to without printing all the messages...but then, I have to keep up with all the messages, too, because I might miss someone!

Suggestions, please...I just hope I can find my way back to read them!
Sue in CO

Re: A Single Word (about rural libraries in my state)

2007-06-08T16:20:25Z

underfunded

Sue in CO

Re: Welcome and tell us about yourself!

2007-06-08T14:25:48Z

HI, my name is Beth Reitan, from Bottineau, ND. I am the librarian here at our library, Bottineau County Public. We employ a full time director, a full time librarian and a part time bookmobile driver that covers the county. Although I had no plans of working in a library when I was in college, I "fell into" this job, and have loved every minute of it. I hope to someday get my degree in library science, and am thrilled that I have the opportunity to attend the ALA conference in Washington DC in a few weeks! I am looking forward to learning as much as I can and meeting many new friends!

Re: A Single Word (about rural libraries in my state)

2007-06-01T22:42:05Z

This is a really tough one. One spot that has collected some strategies for getting board buy-in is the [url /do/DisplayContent?id=13464] Advocacy Brainstorms[/url]. For some good discussion about this check out the topics in the [url /forums/category.jspa?categoryID=12] Funding and Advocacy[/url] area. I've put your question in there as a [url http://webjunction.org/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=6408] new topic[/url] so we should get some good ideas from colleagues out there!

Re: A Single Word (about rural libraries in my state)

2007-06-01T21:27:08Z

What do you do to make the Town Board agree(or do they?)