System Study Committee - 2004
Background
The first
goal in SWKLS’ 2004 System plan of service addressed studying system services
and funding mechanisms. In 2003, the SWKLS’ board authorized that
study. It lasted from December 2003 until October, 2004. New
executive director Dennis Wilson participated in the last two of four study
team meetings.
Study Methodology
A highly
participative study methodology was used that included a member survey, four
focus groups, non-member telephone interviews and staff SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis.
Diverse Study Team
Jennifer
Burns, Librarian,
Carolyn
Chase, Director, Plains Community Library
Denyce
Gammell, Director,
Carolyn
Guernsey, Business Operations and CE Coordinator,
Karen
Salmans, Director,
Jean
Schlegel, Director,
Dennis
Wilson, Executive Director,
SWKLS Services - Recommendations
What doesn’t change:
v
Cataloging
and Interlibrary Loan
What does change:
v
Replace
the rotating collection with collection development grants.
v
Drop
Mail-A-Book. It costs too much to serve
too few.
v
Increase
technical consulting and technical CE.
v
Facilitate
establishing special interest groups to share information about areas such as
children’s services, programming, and seniors.
v
Add
new, Value Added (fee based) services such as CE presentations in digitization
and legal issues. Also provide
consultant assistance on special projects such as weeding.
v
Maximize
centralized general consulting help via phone and computer as well as going to
a local library.
v
Increase
CE workshops per year held at SWKLS and throughout the region.
v
Explore
establishing local library discussion groups, e.g., the Grant County Library
Association.