Advisory Council of Librarians #031(16)
INDIANHEAD FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM
ADVISORY COUNCIL OF LIBRARIANS
June 6, 2016
M I N U T E S
The Advisory Council of Librarians of the Indianhead Federated Library System met on Monday, June 6, 2016 at Indianhead Federated Library System, 1538 Truax Boulevard, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Helmeci called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm.
A quorum was present and Joanne Gardner certified that the meeting had been properly noticed in compliance with the open meeting law.
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Pamela Westby (Resource Library); Katherine Elchert (Barron County); Joe Niese as proxy for Kathy Larson (Chippewa County); Ted Stark (Dunn County); Christy Rundquist (Pepin County); Christy Rundquist as proxy for Jacquie Pooler (Pierce County); Deb Hyde (Price County); Hollis Helmeci (Rusk County); Matt Hoy (Academic/Special); Stan Nesbit (School Representative).
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
Alyson Jones (Eau Claire County); James Nalen (Polk County); Karen Furo-Bonstetter (St. Croix County).
OTHERS PRESENT:
John Thompson (Director); Joanne Gardner (Administrative Assistant/Recorder).
APPROVE AGENDA:
MOTION: To approve the agenda as presented. Rundquist/Elchert
RESULT: Carried.
CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTRODUCTIONS:
There were no announcements or correspondence. Introductions were made.
NOMINATION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR:
MOTION: To nominate Stark as Chair of the Advisory Council of Librarians for 2016. Helmeci/Rundquist
RESULT: Carried.
MOTION: To nominate Hoy as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council of Librarians for 2016. Westby/Rundquist
RESULT: Carried.
MINUTES:
MOTION: To approve the Advisory Council minutes dated August 31, 2015. Helmeci/Hoy
RESULT: Carried.
The Council acknowledged receipt of the IFLS Board of Trustees minutes dated January 27, 2016 and March 23, 2016. Rundquist/Elchert
LIBRARY LEGISLATION UPDATE:
Thompson noted that several pieces of legislation were signed by the Governor. One of them contained a provision for the return of library materials. Librarians can release the patron name and contact information to retrieve overdue materials via using a collection agency or law enforcement if the value is over $50.
The Governor signed a tribal library bill which included a provision that changes online databases to resources. Services such as Freegal can now be available within a library and restrict its remote usage to their local residents.
There is a resolution in the works at one of the counties on how county funding is done. It is unclear if it will gain traction.
SRLAAW is asking for support for a WLA Lobbyist. It would cost the system about $2,000. This would offer representation at the State Capitol. A WLA Lobbyist would do a lot of good things for libraries and would offer a good pro-library view at the State Capitol. Westby is WLA President.
SYSTEMS REDESIGN UPDATE:
Gus Falkenberg is acting as a conduit for sharing information on the Systems Redesign Process. Thompson is serving as Chair of the Steering Committee. IFLS will serve as the fiscal agent for the project. The project is being funded using LSTA dollars.
The Project Manager (WiLS) is using workgroups to formulate recommendations to the Steering Committee. The work groups are just starting their conversations. The work groups will look at the current services; how other models work in other systems and states to provide services.
All the information is readily available on the website created for the project. It includes agenda, notes, and other information.
Two sessions were held at the WAPL conference about the process. The community identified a few more challenges for the process including shedding preconceived notions.
Previous reports and studies are out there and can be used for work group resources.
Through the process, the work groups will look at all the system services that we are mandated to provide by statute. A vast majority were put in place in 1971 when the State allowed systems to be created. ILS services such as MORE are not a mandated service. The goal is to make sure systems can provide services that are relevant today; not just based on statutes. Some goals may change legislation and some may change how systems are configured to provide services. Currently, services are offered differently and at different levels from system to system. The goal is to ensure every library has the same access to the same level of service. When all done, the map of Wisconsin systems and services may look different.
Westby noted that there has been some outcry to consolidate given how the systems now geographically sit. There may be some different boundary line configurations proposed.
Thompson will be sure that all Advisory Council members are on the email list to keep abreast of the work on systems redesign; including the school and academic/special representative.
UPDATE ON SYSTEM SERVICES SATISFACTION SURVEY:
Thompson noted that 46 of IFLS’ 53 libraries completed the system services survey. Overall, IFLS did pretty well in matching our services to what people wanted. In addition, overall everyone was also pretty satisfied with the quality of service received.
Ratings for importance of services ranged from 0 to 6. Ratings for the library’s satisfaction with the service ranged from 0-2. The lowest scored IFLS received was 1.7.
Thompson noted that IFLS is already addressing leadership trends and technology with Wisconsin Valley Library System. Falkenberg of IFLS is handling the networking for the two systems, while Josh of Wisconsin Valley is handling the tech innovation and consulting piece.
Thompson noted that IFLS has done well compared to other systems. There is nothing surprising in the survey results. IFLS tries to be proactive in dealing with dissatisfaction expressed and keep an open dialog.
DISCUSSION OF IFLS SERVICES:
As IFLS moves forward with planning and the budget cycle, Thompson would like input on what IFLS should stop doing, do better, or start doing. The system will pass the budget in September and the MORE budget will be passed in July. IFLS contributes a fixed amount based on state aids towards MORE. The IFLS Board supports that notion.
When the PR and Communications Coordinator position was vacated, we did not fill the position and shifted responsibilities among staff. Thompson wants to be sure service needs of member libraries are being met.
In moving forward, Thompson would like to explore the make-up of the resource library contract as the role of the resource library has evolved over time.
As a system, we want to make sure our priorities align with librarians’ priorities as we move forward. It was noted that we don’t want to over-burden system staff or spread duties too thin where nothing gets done well.
Westby inquired if IFLS has given up anything related to services. Thompson replied that the Library Books-by-Mail program was discontinued. When a staff person leaves IFLS, we try to look at what we are doing and re-evaluate needs. When libraries have been asked where to cut back on IFLS services, they don’t want cuts. Some positions have evolved to handle workloads include Kris Schwartz shifting to virtual support and software solutions for member libraries.
Stark commented that Menomonie is real happy with the Shared Service program offered through IFLS on a cost-recovery basis.
(Stark left at 2:30 pm. Hoy took over meeting.)
ANNUAL REPORT:
System Effectiveness Statements that member libraries completed as part of their annual report were provided by the libraries with comments.
Thompson reported that there were three compliance issues at the end of the annual report cycle. Two of them resolved themselves with the change of statutes on the Same Services requirements. The remaining compliance issue is that Elmwood does not have a certified library director. Thompson did receive a letter than Elmwood is now in compliance.
Thompson is now dealing with a compliance issue with Stanley. The Library Board may not have exclusive control of library funds. There seems to be a difference of opinion on how monies are accounted for. There is also an issue of vacancies on the Library Board which is now down to two members. Thompson drafted a compliance plan to deal with the exclusive control issue. The library board composition issue came up after the compliance plan was issued.
Thompson noted that the Prescott library director is out of compliance on her director certification. Thompson provided a timeline to bring the library back into compliance.
UPDATE BY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON ACTIVITIES
IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LIBRARIES AND COUNTIES:
Council members highlighted the activities in their respective libraries and counties.
School Libraries reported by Nesbit:
· Eau Claire Schools are kicking off the summer library program next week
· Eau Claire Schools are expanding library support by offering two summer school programs in elementary schools.
· Title One is getting ready for the next session and precedes the school year by three weeks.
· Discovery sessions start next week. School libraries are open as long as there are students in the building.
· The school libraries are also offering a nice program with the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library in Eau Claire.
· Title 1 schools will allow student access every week all summer.
Chippewa County reported by Niese:
· Bloomer will kick off their summer reading program with a carnival. Bloomer will have a scenic run at the library in June, an antique appraiser; story times, exercise programs, and a 100th anniversary of the library picnic featuring Michael Perry.
· Cadott will feature Ninja training for kids, elementary school summer library programming, weekly story times, and the village board is discussing a community building with a library.
· Chippewa Falls is kicking off their summer reading program today. It will feature a singer/songwriter this evening, amazing activities for children every day this week. Chippewa Falls is working with CFF Bank to provide a movie in the park (Zootopia) during Pure Water Days. Chippewa Falls is collaborating with Friends of the Library on the fall author program and a book sale as well.
· Stanley has received from nice donation prizes from local businesses to use for the summer reading program. United Way is also sending volunteers to assist. Stanley holds an adult book club on the third Wednesday of the month.
Rusk County reported by Helmeci:
· Bruce is busy with its Lego club which meets once a month which includes a summer display with Legos. Summer library program starts June 13th and runs for two weeks. There is an adult coloring station when the library is open.
· Hawkins completed their preschool story time. Hawkins offers a host of activities including: Hooks and Needles Craft Club, family reading night with Flambeau Schools, game night with kids, Swedish weaving, a children’s reading challenge, quilting classes, and computer classes. The summer reading program is June 9 through July 28 and features include: a pintsize polka, Professor Marvel Magic, craft Olympics, Josie Creek Archers, and Winter Olympics celebrating winter in July.
· Ladysmith renewed their board book and preschool area and adding new shelving. The steps are now gone. A flannel, magnet, and mirror board have been added. Donation money has been used for the renovations. Other projects at Ladysmith include: a baby changing table in the children’s bathroom, adding an oversized book shelving unit, blinds for windows, storage added in the lower level, the sidewalk and street are being redone; memory screenings for Alzheimer’s, and the summer reading program starts and includes snakes, obstacle courses, scavenger hunt, and a dance party. Beginning July 18, the library will hold an August reading program which gives the kids an opportunity to keep up on their reading skills throughout the summer.
Pepin County reported by Rundquist:
· Durand is celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a combine library in July. It will include special book bag giveaways. Durand has added a new employee and will have a summer reading program.
· Pepin will host Mark Moran, hold a summer reading program, and host a Brian Gabriel, host of a two-part event based on “Floating Through History on the Chippewa Rivers” based on Durand, WI and Read’s landing, MN. Gabriel is based out of Menomonie and has ties to the Meridean area. Pepin hired a new employee who started in December. The employee is a junior in high school and wanted to job shadow in the library.
Price County reported by Hyde:
· Phillips, Ogema and Park Falls are all starting the summer library programming next week. Phillips theme will be Go Outdoors.
· Park Falls will hold an adult reading program that goes along with the state program and includes a visit by Terry Fisk, author of “Live to 100.” Park Falls is continuing their movie series which they do in conjunction with the movie theatre in town. Gary Olson is retiring as Director in July.
Resource Library reported by Westby:
· Eau Claire is ready to launch the start of the Book Bike. It is a team of 8 staff that will take the bike and cart to the Farmer’s Market, Sounds Like Summer concert series, neighborhood block parties, etc. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Staff can show how to download digital materials onto devices, ability to check out books, and sign up for a library card. The goal is to see the relevance of libraries and see the library in unexpected places. When the opportunity arises, this could be brought indoors as well.
· Eau Claire is working on providing Maker Space and is weeding their reference collection.
· The Confluence Center is scheduled for 2018 and the plan is to close Eau Claire Street and create a plaza.
· Eau Claire will partake in the annual book festival this fall.
· Eau Claire has officially added Blu-ray discs.
Barron County reported by Elchert:
· This is Elchert’s first meeting as the council member for Barron County. Elchert noted that three out of six libraries have new library directors.
· Barron is hosting a series in the community dealing with the Somalian population.
· Rice Lake and Barron are holding story times at the Farmers Markets.
· Cameron did a neat Wisconsin Supper Club program which had a lot of outreach.
· Cumberland is working with the Boys & Girls Club and providing lunch for kids. Rice Lake has been do that as well.
· Rice Lake will be renovating the basement level of the library.