Thursday, November 8, 2007
Draft CY 2008 Budget for MGPL
Librarian's Report for September 2007
The Library participated in the Village’s first Family Fest. Here it is by the numbers:
421 Youth Services visitors.
246 customers for the Book Sale.
250 Tattoos applied.
100 dollars in Book Sale revenue.
52 reference questions asked and answered.
40 circulation related questions.
35 participants in the 11:00AM sing along
33 Guitar Heroes and another 75 audience members.
16 participants at the 9:00AM story time
14 new or renewed library cards.
A large number of our people stepped up to work the event. These folks made a very positive impact on residents. Adult volunteers: Joann Brelin, Ruth Budish, Pat Morath Reference Librarians Liz Kaiz, Patti Smolin, Becky Sedam and Susan McGowan. YS staff: Ronnie Rund, Debbie Wiedeman, Nani Boyce, Robina Button, Rosetta Metz, Brenda Glenn, and Terry Carey. Circulation staff: Paul Kuk, and Kelly Hanaoka. Nancy Brothers was also on site during the day. My special thanks to Terry Carey, Susan McGowan, Nancy Brothers, Virginia Castillo and Claude Covington for their indispensable efforts in organizing their staffs and making things happen.
The Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce brown bag luncheons got started last week in the Baxter Room. The Library will host these on the first Wednesday of every month (except December) from noon until 1:30. The series has been scheduled for Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4. The initial turn out was small, but the speaker was very well received. I expect this program will grow as word gets out to the business community.
Two new policies are included for your review. Both of these will be reported out by the Policy Committee. The Public DVD Player policy allows staff to fairly manage patron use of these increasingly important but potentially disruptive tools. The Internet Instant Messaging (Chatting) Policy defines the scope and level of service for this new method of patron communications. Instant Messaging Reference is currently in test. It can be accessed from any MGPL webpage by clicking on the “Ask A Librarian” graphic.
Your packet also includes a preliminary 2008 Budget. As I discussed at the August meeting the plan is for a modest growth of 4% or less to maintain 2007 service levels with the following changes.
• Convert one part time reference position to full time.
• Retain the assistant to the Program Coordinator by moving that item to the regular budget from grants.
• Retain the part time YS librarian, again by funding the position from the budget and not from grant income.
• Increase professional development funding.
• Repair the Baxter Room roof.
• Fund merit increases for staff.
• Re-configure the Reference Collection area as a quiet reading space.
Dan Berg of Sikich Professional Services and Support will be on hand to review MGPL’s annual audit. Sikich was just recently rehired as the Village’s and the Library’s auditor. The Library has received excellent service from this firm and they have often gone out of their way to help the Administrative team understand and resolve the occasional problem.
421 Youth Services visitors.
246 customers for the Book Sale.
250 Tattoos applied.
100 dollars in Book Sale revenue.
52 reference questions asked and answered.
40 circulation related questions.
35 participants in the 11:00AM sing along
33 Guitar Heroes and another 75 audience members.
16 participants at the 9:00AM story time
14 new or renewed library cards.
A large number of our people stepped up to work the event. These folks made a very positive impact on residents. Adult volunteers: Joann Brelin, Ruth Budish, Pat Morath Reference Librarians Liz Kaiz, Patti Smolin, Becky Sedam and Susan McGowan. YS staff: Ronnie Rund, Debbie Wiedeman, Nani Boyce, Robina Button, Rosetta Metz, Brenda Glenn, and Terry Carey. Circulation staff: Paul Kuk, and Kelly Hanaoka. Nancy Brothers was also on site during the day. My special thanks to Terry Carey, Susan McGowan, Nancy Brothers, Virginia Castillo and Claude Covington for their indispensable efforts in organizing their staffs and making things happen.
The Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce brown bag luncheons got started last week in the Baxter Room. The Library will host these on the first Wednesday of every month (except December) from noon until 1:30. The series has been scheduled for Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4. The initial turn out was small, but the speaker was very well received. I expect this program will grow as word gets out to the business community.
Two new policies are included for your review. Both of these will be reported out by the Policy Committee. The Public DVD Player policy allows staff to fairly manage patron use of these increasingly important but potentially disruptive tools. The Internet Instant Messaging (Chatting) Policy defines the scope and level of service for this new method of patron communications. Instant Messaging Reference is currently in test. It can be accessed from any MGPL webpage by clicking on the “Ask A Librarian” graphic.
Your packet also includes a preliminary 2008 Budget. As I discussed at the August meeting the plan is for a modest growth of 4% or less to maintain 2007 service levels with the following changes.
• Convert one part time reference position to full time.
• Retain the assistant to the Program Coordinator by moving that item to the regular budget from grants.
• Retain the part time YS librarian, again by funding the position from the budget and not from grant income.
• Increase professional development funding.
• Repair the Baxter Room roof.
• Fund merit increases for staff.
• Re-configure the Reference Collection area as a quiet reading space.
Dan Berg of Sikich Professional Services and Support will be on hand to review MGPL’s annual audit. Sikich was just recently rehired as the Village’s and the Library’s auditor. The Library has received excellent service from this firm and they have often gone out of their way to help the Administrative team understand and resolve the occasional problem.
Librarian's Report for August 2007
The new season brings in a number of new opportunities for MGPL.
The Board is developing a Fund Development plan with our consultants and has had several productive meetings. Trustees are also actively seeking and evaluating possible locations for a new library building. Both activities hold the promise of a bright future for MGPL and demonstrate the Board’s commitment to expanding the Library’s reach in the community.
With the Village of Morton Grove having recently been named one of the ten best places to raise a family by Family Circle magazine it is only fitting that the Library be nominated for consideration in Library Journal’s ‘Best Little Library in America’ award. The award requirements are very rigorous and seek to find the public library serving a community of less that 25,000 that demonstrates exceptional services to its population. Patrons, members of Village government, the schools and the library community are participating in the creation of MGPL’s application. I think we have a very good opportunity to showcase the many programs and services offered by this library.
Closer to home the Library is participating in the Village’s first Family Fest. This whole day event will have Library staff participating with story times, sing-alongs, crafts, tattoos, games, a Guitar Hero session (for young and not so young), a book sale, on-site reference assistance and more.
Beginning October 3, the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a brown bag luncheon in the Baxter Room, on the first Wednesday of every month, (except December) from noon until 1:30. The series has been scheduled for Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4.
These luncheons are open to the public and are excellent opportunities for the Library staff to show case our ability to serve the business community. Mark Pendergrass, the new director of the Chamber, will be scheduling speakers. The Chamber of Commerce will handle registration/reservations for the brown bag luncheons.
It is, once again, budget time. The increase incorporated into last year’s budget plan allowed the library to hire much needed staff, invest in technology – PC COP- that will make the public services teams much more efficient, improve HR support, purchase Play-a-way audio books, Ask-Away 24hr reference service, improvements to Books and Beyond, new furniture, creation of a new YS Activity Room and before the year is out a new computer/training space.
The goals for this year are much more modest. While keeping restricting any increase in the levy to 3-4 percent it should be possible to do the following:
• Convert one part time reference position to full time
• Retain the assistant to the Program Coordinator by moving that item to the regular budget from grants
• Retain the part time YS librarian, again by funding the position from the budget and not from grant income.
• Increase professional development funding.
• Repair the Baxter Room roof.
• Fund merit increases for staff.
• Re-configure the Reference Collection area as a quiet reading space.
A very preliminary copy of the 2008 Budget is in your packets. Only personnel cost changes are included. Department Heads are still in the process of calculating their materials and facility requests. Since the Village collects the Library’s levy, this budget’s approval must precede the final Village Budget meeting. I expect to have a final budget for 2008 ready for Board approval by the November, if not October, meeting.
Steve Larson of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. will be discussing public finance as it applies to public libraries. Mr. Larson has worked in most areas of public finance. He serves school districts, community colleges, libraries, park districts, city and villages, county governments, and special districts. His work includes the planning and sale of various types of bond/debt issues, financial planning, demographic studies and referendum and communications assistance. This is an area where the Board has clearly expressed a need for information and guidance.
Dan Berg of Sikich Professional Services and Support will also be on hand to review MGPL’s annual audit.
Finally, it is time for the Director’s annual review.
The Board is developing a Fund Development plan with our consultants and has had several productive meetings. Trustees are also actively seeking and evaluating possible locations for a new library building. Both activities hold the promise of a bright future for MGPL and demonstrate the Board’s commitment to expanding the Library’s reach in the community.
With the Village of Morton Grove having recently been named one of the ten best places to raise a family by Family Circle magazine it is only fitting that the Library be nominated for consideration in Library Journal’s ‘Best Little Library in America’ award. The award requirements are very rigorous and seek to find the public library serving a community of less that 25,000 that demonstrates exceptional services to its population. Patrons, members of Village government, the schools and the library community are participating in the creation of MGPL’s application. I think we have a very good opportunity to showcase the many programs and services offered by this library.
Closer to home the Library is participating in the Village’s first Family Fest. This whole day event will have Library staff participating with story times, sing-alongs, crafts, tattoos, games, a Guitar Hero session (for young and not so young), a book sale, on-site reference assistance and more.
Beginning October 3, the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a brown bag luncheon in the Baxter Room, on the first Wednesday of every month, (except December) from noon until 1:30. The series has been scheduled for Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4.
These luncheons are open to the public and are excellent opportunities for the Library staff to show case our ability to serve the business community. Mark Pendergrass, the new director of the Chamber, will be scheduling speakers. The Chamber of Commerce will handle registration/reservations for the brown bag luncheons.
It is, once again, budget time. The increase incorporated into last year’s budget plan allowed the library to hire much needed staff, invest in technology – PC COP- that will make the public services teams much more efficient, improve HR support, purchase Play-a-way audio books, Ask-Away 24hr reference service, improvements to Books and Beyond, new furniture, creation of a new YS Activity Room and before the year is out a new computer/training space.
The goals for this year are much more modest. While keeping restricting any increase in the levy to 3-4 percent it should be possible to do the following:
• Convert one part time reference position to full time
• Retain the assistant to the Program Coordinator by moving that item to the regular budget from grants
• Retain the part time YS librarian, again by funding the position from the budget and not from grant income.
• Increase professional development funding.
• Repair the Baxter Room roof.
• Fund merit increases for staff.
• Re-configure the Reference Collection area as a quiet reading space.
A very preliminary copy of the 2008 Budget is in your packets. Only personnel cost changes are included. Department Heads are still in the process of calculating their materials and facility requests. Since the Village collects the Library’s levy, this budget’s approval must precede the final Village Budget meeting. I expect to have a final budget for 2008 ready for Board approval by the November, if not October, meeting.
Steve Larson of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. will be discussing public finance as it applies to public libraries. Mr. Larson has worked in most areas of public finance. He serves school districts, community colleges, libraries, park districts, city and villages, county governments, and special districts. His work includes the planning and sale of various types of bond/debt issues, financial planning, demographic studies and referendum and communications assistance. This is an area where the Board has clearly expressed a need for information and guidance.
Dan Berg of Sikich Professional Services and Support will also be on hand to review MGPL’s annual audit.
Finally, it is time for the Director’s annual review.
Librarian's Report for July 2007
No summer doldrums here. When you look at the statistics for July the Library has been a busy place. Mission: Possible, MGPL’s 2007 Summer Library Challenge for Adults and Teens was a great success and certainly contributed to all the activity.
Many thanks to all of the staff who helped plan, implement and guide the 2007 Summer Library Challenge. A total of 246 people participated, including 24 staff members. Best of all, the satisfaction level has been very high with this program.
The winners of the four grand prizes are:
Caryn Sedloff
Alan Weinstein
Rachel Naumann
Annabel Jajou
The Summer Library Challenge is an expansion on last year’s reading challenge; the concept for the challenge is that patrons may choose from all of the Library’s materials (books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs) as well as programs.
One stat really stood out and deserves an explanation. The number of database searches experienced a 655% growth over June. Usually the summer months see only 2,000 to 3,000 searches. July had over 19,000! Reference Librarian Colleen Ringel looked into it and found that the numbers are correct.
According to Gale, the database vendor, searches in the GVRL (Gale Virtual Reference Library) are based on articles retrieved. In the monthly report, the titles with the most articles retrieved (double digit) were:
Arts & Humanities Through the Eras 32
Business Plans Handbook, Vol 1 97
Business Plans Handbook, Vol 2 91
Contemporary American Religion 274
Encyclopedia Judaica 13,542
Encyclopedia of Major Marketing Campaigns 12
New Catholic Encyclopedia 16
MGPL is partnering with the Morton Grove Community Relations Commission and North Shore Jewish Congregation to present a series of films and discussion titled “Unity in Our Diversity”. Nancy Brothers has met with the commission and has provided invaluable help with film and speaker suggestions, scheduling and advice on complying with license requirements for public showings. The Library is pleased and honored to be assisting with this community wide event.
Colleen and Natalya set up a new reference blog, Did You Know?, for the reference staff to publish on the Webrary for the public in August.
The Reference team is also working on a draft policy for the two public DVD players. This will be presented to the Policy Committee in time for consideration at the September Board meeting.
The New Business portion of the agenda is fairly long tonight. August and September are when a number of our standing insurance policies are due for renewal. Then there are the issues that are just part of doing business. While there is a lot to cover I trust the Board will continue its discussion on the process of resolving the library building issue as well as entertain the idea of summer Sunday hours for next year.
A fourth committee report has been added – Fund Development and Planning.
Many thanks to all of the staff who helped plan, implement and guide the 2007 Summer Library Challenge. A total of 246 people participated, including 24 staff members. Best of all, the satisfaction level has been very high with this program.
The winners of the four grand prizes are:
Caryn Sedloff
Alan Weinstein
Rachel Naumann
Annabel Jajou
The Summer Library Challenge is an expansion on last year’s reading challenge; the concept for the challenge is that patrons may choose from all of the Library’s materials (books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs) as well as programs.
One stat really stood out and deserves an explanation. The number of database searches experienced a 655% growth over June. Usually the summer months see only 2,000 to 3,000 searches. July had over 19,000! Reference Librarian Colleen Ringel looked into it and found that the numbers are correct.
According to Gale, the database vendor, searches in the GVRL (Gale Virtual Reference Library) are based on articles retrieved. In the monthly report, the titles with the most articles retrieved (double digit) were:
Arts & Humanities Through the Eras 32
Business Plans Handbook, Vol 1 97
Business Plans Handbook, Vol 2 91
Contemporary American Religion 274
Encyclopedia Judaica 13,542
Encyclopedia of Major Marketing Campaigns 12
New Catholic Encyclopedia 16
MGPL is partnering with the Morton Grove Community Relations Commission and North Shore Jewish Congregation to present a series of films and discussion titled “Unity in Our Diversity”. Nancy Brothers has met with the commission and has provided invaluable help with film and speaker suggestions, scheduling and advice on complying with license requirements for public showings. The Library is pleased and honored to be assisting with this community wide event.
Colleen and Natalya set up a new reference blog, Did You Know?, for the reference staff to publish on the Webrary for the public in August.
The Reference team is also working on a draft policy for the two public DVD players. This will be presented to the Policy Committee in time for consideration at the September Board meeting.
The New Business portion of the agenda is fairly long tonight. August and September are when a number of our standing insurance policies are due for renewal. Then there are the issues that are just part of doing business. While there is a lot to cover I trust the Board will continue its discussion on the process of resolving the library building issue as well as entertain the idea of summer Sunday hours for next year.
A fourth committee report has been added – Fund Development and Planning.
Librarian's Report for June 2007
Well, we are half way through the year and the Library is doing fantastic. Total circulation counts for June was a record 27,984 items. Youth Services had a one-day record of 850 items checked out. Reference also saw increases compared to the prior year, as did just about every metric we track.
The recent issue of Family Circle Magazine lists Morton Grove as a top ten place to raise a family. Such a ranking is an indication of good strong demographic and economic trends that mean continued growth for the village. Village Hall now estimates an additional 1,600 people live in Morton Grove due to condominium s recently built south of Lincoln Ave. The impact can be seen in the steady climb in Circulation and the increasing use of Youth Services.
On July 2nd our new Young Adult Services Librarian, Liz Kaiz, started. She will be reporting to Terry Cary to continue the outreach efforts with the teens of Morton Grove. Liz will also be assisting with adult reference during after school hours to help transition teens to adult services.
Several policy changes will be recommended to the Board tonight. One deals with the Library’s Reciprocal Borrowing Program service to non-residents to place our policies more in-line with those of the North Suburban Library System, of which MGPL is a part. Another applies a benefit more fairly and one brings policy inline with practice. All of the policy recommendations will improve either the employment environment or Library operations.
Libraries are more than just collections of materials; they are both social and reflective spaces. Sometimes the chance to ponder can be improved with an unlikely venue. The Bathroom Poetry Project is an opportunity for patrons to ponder the written word is an unlikely yet private space. As you discus entering into an agreement with the Bathroom Poetry Project consider that poetry is often where you find it and not where you think it should be.
The fundraising study with ESC is underway. Several Trustees have already participated in the interviews. Thank you. To successfully complete the study phase of the project two Trustees are needed to help constitute the Library’s portion of the project committee. The time demands are small, but the benefit to the Library will be significant.
The need to address the shortcomings of the library building is apparent. The Board studied this issue in detail last year and I will gladly review the lessons learned if asked. Taking the broad prospective the Board needs to address one question before all others. Are the Trustees in agreement that the existing building is inadequate to meet community needs for the foreseeable future? If the answer is yes then there are at least four replacement options to be considered.
Remodel the existing building to address current shortcomings.
Build new library in present location by demolishing the building.
Acquire an existing building and reconfigure it to meet library needs for as far into the future as the Board thinks appropriate.
Acquire vacant land and build to suit.
All options must be considered in the light of cost, length of time to acquire and develop, current and future needs of the community, impact on delivery of library services during construction, availability of parking, and accessibility of location, to name a few considerations.
With a growing population for the first time in several decades, a Library Board, Village Board and Administration that recognize the power of a library to benefit the whole community, now is the best moment for Morton Grove to build its new Library. This Board has the expertise, experience and will to successfully recreate MGPL.
The recent issue of Family Circle Magazine lists Morton Grove as a top ten place to raise a family. Such a ranking is an indication of good strong demographic and economic trends that mean continued growth for the village. Village Hall now estimates an additional 1,600 people live in Morton Grove due to condominium s recently built south of Lincoln Ave. The impact can be seen in the steady climb in Circulation and the increasing use of Youth Services.
On July 2nd our new Young Adult Services Librarian, Liz Kaiz, started. She will be reporting to Terry Cary to continue the outreach efforts with the teens of Morton Grove. Liz will also be assisting with adult reference during after school hours to help transition teens to adult services.
Several policy changes will be recommended to the Board tonight. One deals with the Library’s Reciprocal Borrowing Program service to non-residents to place our policies more in-line with those of the North Suburban Library System, of which MGPL is a part. Another applies a benefit more fairly and one brings policy inline with practice. All of the policy recommendations will improve either the employment environment or Library operations.
Libraries are more than just collections of materials; they are both social and reflective spaces. Sometimes the chance to ponder can be improved with an unlikely venue. The Bathroom Poetry Project is an opportunity for patrons to ponder the written word is an unlikely yet private space. As you discus entering into an agreement with the Bathroom Poetry Project consider that poetry is often where you find it and not where you think it should be.
The fundraising study with ESC is underway. Several Trustees have already participated in the interviews. Thank you. To successfully complete the study phase of the project two Trustees are needed to help constitute the Library’s portion of the project committee. The time demands are small, but the benefit to the Library will be significant.
The need to address the shortcomings of the library building is apparent. The Board studied this issue in detail last year and I will gladly review the lessons learned if asked. Taking the broad prospective the Board needs to address one question before all others. Are the Trustees in agreement that the existing building is inadequate to meet community needs for the foreseeable future? If the answer is yes then there are at least four replacement options to be considered.
Remodel the existing building to address current shortcomings.
Build new library in present location by demolishing the building.
Acquire an existing building and reconfigure it to meet library needs for as far into the future as the Board thinks appropriate.
Acquire vacant land and build to suit.
All options must be considered in the light of cost, length of time to acquire and develop, current and future needs of the community, impact on delivery of library services during construction, availability of parking, and accessibility of location, to name a few considerations.
With a growing population for the first time in several decades, a Library Board, Village Board and Administration that recognize the power of a library to benefit the whole community, now is the best moment for Morton Grove to build its new Library. This Board has the expertise, experience and will to successfully recreate MGPL.
Librarian's Report for May 2007
Summer is off to a great start at the Library. School is out, the weather is hot and the Library is full of people. That’s how it has been since early June.
“Mission Possible,” the Summer Library Challenge, is under way to a very strong start. Youth Services registered 169 readers last Saturday, the first day. Currently there are 152 adults and 379 children enrolled.
Elizabeth Kaiz will begin as Young Adult Services Librarian on Monday, July 2, reporting to the Head of Youth Services. Her experience includes three years as a social studies teacher at Prairie Hills Junior High School, teaching assistant at Old Orchard Junior High School and library associate at Pleasant Ridge School in Glenview.
A graduate of Illinois State University, Normal with a library degree from Dominican University, Elizabeth lives in Chicago with her husband. She will begin at Morton Grove Public Library after a week’s vacation in Italy. Elizabeth brings enthusiasm, a love of young adult literature and technical knowledge that will continue to grow our service to our young adult patrons.
HR 1727, the bill concerning mandatory Internet filtering which we discussed last month, is in the Senate Rules committee as it has been since May 3, 2007.
Planning for our 70th Anniversary has begun. Nancy Brothers will present the preliminary outline for the celebration and expected costs during New Business. At this time, while planning is in the early stages, the Board needs to consider whether this is a suitable milestone to observe.
Susan McGowan, Kevin Justie and I traveled to Riverside Public Library to observe PC Cop in action. PC Cop is an Internet PC management system that allows patrons to access public Internet computers without having to reserve one with a Reference Librarian. The system also supports printing for patrons using our Wi-Fi connection. Besides freeing staff from the reservation and monitoring tasks the system allows all printing fees to be handled via a coin vend station or automatic debits from the patron’s SIRSI account. The increase in print revenue from improved service and reduced loses could pay for the system in three years. The price for the system, configured to meet MGPL needs, is anticipated to be about $9,000 to $10,000.
The SIRSI system was recently updated to the current release. For patrons the most noticeable improvement is the ability to see how many times they have renewed an item in their My Account area of iBistro. Several patrons have asked for this function so they can better manage their reading lists. The next public improvement, subject to testing, will permit patrons to register for library cards from the MGPL webpage.
The remaining unused typing room (ex-reference staff office) is being repainted and equipped to serve as a temporary computer training room for one-on-one tutorials and coaching. Reference staff will resume conducting introductory tutorials for patrons, but now they won’t have to tie up a public internet PC. Carolyn Lawrence, a volunteer with computer training experience, will also be available for coaching patrons with more specific questions.
“Mission Possible,” the Summer Library Challenge, is under way to a very strong start. Youth Services registered 169 readers last Saturday, the first day. Currently there are 152 adults and 379 children enrolled.
Elizabeth Kaiz will begin as Young Adult Services Librarian on Monday, July 2, reporting to the Head of Youth Services. Her experience includes three years as a social studies teacher at Prairie Hills Junior High School, teaching assistant at Old Orchard Junior High School and library associate at Pleasant Ridge School in Glenview.
A graduate of Illinois State University, Normal with a library degree from Dominican University, Elizabeth lives in Chicago with her husband. She will begin at Morton Grove Public Library after a week’s vacation in Italy. Elizabeth brings enthusiasm, a love of young adult literature and technical knowledge that will continue to grow our service to our young adult patrons.
HR 1727, the bill concerning mandatory Internet filtering which we discussed last month, is in the Senate Rules committee as it has been since May 3, 2007.
Planning for our 70th Anniversary has begun. Nancy Brothers will present the preliminary outline for the celebration and expected costs during New Business. At this time, while planning is in the early stages, the Board needs to consider whether this is a suitable milestone to observe.
Susan McGowan, Kevin Justie and I traveled to Riverside Public Library to observe PC Cop in action. PC Cop is an Internet PC management system that allows patrons to access public Internet computers without having to reserve one with a Reference Librarian. The system also supports printing for patrons using our Wi-Fi connection. Besides freeing staff from the reservation and monitoring tasks the system allows all printing fees to be handled via a coin vend station or automatic debits from the patron’s SIRSI account. The increase in print revenue from improved service and reduced loses could pay for the system in three years. The price for the system, configured to meet MGPL needs, is anticipated to be about $9,000 to $10,000.
The SIRSI system was recently updated to the current release. For patrons the most noticeable improvement is the ability to see how many times they have renewed an item in their My Account area of iBistro. Several patrons have asked for this function so they can better manage their reading lists. The next public improvement, subject to testing, will permit patrons to register for library cards from the MGPL webpage.
The remaining unused typing room (ex-reference staff office) is being repainted and equipped to serve as a temporary computer training room for one-on-one tutorials and coaching. Reference staff will resume conducting introductory tutorials for patrons, but now they won’t have to tie up a public internet PC. Carolyn Lawrence, a volunteer with computer training experience, will also be available for coaching patrons with more specific questions.
Librarian's Report for April 2007
April has lived up to its tradition of being a slow month for MGPL. The Statistical Analysis gives the fuller story. We have also come full circle from removing the fee on Feature Film materials and the slowing growth in circulation reflects that. This is also a month where a greater than usual number of library cards expire and are not made up by new cardholders. We will have to see if May produces its usual turn around.
Welcome to both the new and returning Trustees! The newly elected Trustees have set a record for Morton Grove Library Board elections finishing 1st, 3rd and 4th compared to all candidates running in the Village. Such a strong turn out for a Library election is a good indicator that the citizens of Morton Grove value their Library.
The Board, once vacancies are filled, will consist almost equally of new and experienced members. This is an opportunity to tackle the challenges of the next few years with a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.
The Morton Grove Public Library has several important challenges I feel the Board must deal with during this term. None of them are insurmountable and all have been considered and debated and studied by the Board before.
1. Improve public engagement with the Library. Over the past 18 months every statistic that represents patron use of this Library has gone up except one. The percentage of population with a Library Card has remained almost exactly the same. There has been steady turnover, but the number of people departing (not renewing their cards) and the number of new cardholders have matched over the long term.
2. What to do about the Library building. There has been a long period of study and discussion on this issue. Last year the Village offered the possibility of an alternative location. While that did not pan out, the public debate on the Library, its needs and the TIF district did much to educate the public on the limitations of the current building. The public workshop on the TIF placed a new library building as a tie for first place with senior housing.
3. Fund raising for capital and special projects. The Library has never engaged in a program to develop donors or giving in support of special projects. Public art, a speaker’s series, laptops for training and circulation, remodeling of the auditorium are all projects with visible results that can tie residents more closely to their library.
4. Development of a Friends Group. The creation and nurturing of a group of civic minded, library loving people who can assist the Board and staff in promoting this institution will have a positive long term effect on our connection to the community.
I think you will agree that each of the above items is tied into each other. A new building has been a priority for several years. The achievement of that goal requires strong ties to a public who are users of their library and understand its unique and important role as a public institution. Cultivation of that relationship can only be helped by an active Friends Groups and by opportunities for the public to contribute directly to Library improvements and services that address their needs and desires.
An involved, energetic group of Trustees is the only way to master these challenges. The staff of the Library is willing and capable of assisting in any way possible. This is going to be an interesting Spring and Summer.
Welcome to both the new and returning Trustees! The newly elected Trustees have set a record for Morton Grove Library Board elections finishing 1st, 3rd and 4th compared to all candidates running in the Village. Such a strong turn out for a Library election is a good indicator that the citizens of Morton Grove value their Library.
The Board, once vacancies are filled, will consist almost equally of new and experienced members. This is an opportunity to tackle the challenges of the next few years with a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.
The Morton Grove Public Library has several important challenges I feel the Board must deal with during this term. None of them are insurmountable and all have been considered and debated and studied by the Board before.
1. Improve public engagement with the Library. Over the past 18 months every statistic that represents patron use of this Library has gone up except one. The percentage of population with a Library Card has remained almost exactly the same. There has been steady turnover, but the number of people departing (not renewing their cards) and the number of new cardholders have matched over the long term.
2. What to do about the Library building. There has been a long period of study and discussion on this issue. Last year the Village offered the possibility of an alternative location. While that did not pan out, the public debate on the Library, its needs and the TIF district did much to educate the public on the limitations of the current building. The public workshop on the TIF placed a new library building as a tie for first place with senior housing.
3. Fund raising for capital and special projects. The Library has never engaged in a program to develop donors or giving in support of special projects. Public art, a speaker’s series, laptops for training and circulation, remodeling of the auditorium are all projects with visible results that can tie residents more closely to their library.
4. Development of a Friends Group. The creation and nurturing of a group of civic minded, library loving people who can assist the Board and staff in promoting this institution will have a positive long term effect on our connection to the community.
I think you will agree that each of the above items is tied into each other. A new building has been a priority for several years. The achievement of that goal requires strong ties to a public who are users of their library and understand its unique and important role as a public institution. Cultivation of that relationship can only be helped by an active Friends Groups and by opportunities for the public to contribute directly to Library improvements and services that address their needs and desires.
An involved, energetic group of Trustees is the only way to master these challenges. The staff of the Library is willing and capable of assisting in any way possible. This is going to be an interesting Spring and Summer.
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