WebJunction

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.