In 1965, Illinois pioneered a model of multi-type library cooperation and resource sharing with the creation of regional library systems. The 18 regional systems created by the state statute supported library development, collections, interlibrary loans and reference services. Training and consulting were key services provided to help libraries develop and meet the needs of their individual communities.
Over the past 45 years, those regional library systems have merged and evolved. Shared catalogs that allow instant access to the holdings of multiple libraries became the primary means of resource sharing, replacing the traditional interlibrary loan with a more efficient process. Delivery of items among libraries grew into the backbone of resource sharing as the regional library systems supported it with the means to physically move items from one library to another. Other states looked to Illinois as the leader in library resource sharing and cooperation, the standard by which other states measured their success.
Today, the 10 remaining regional library systems will become three by June 30, 2011. With the State of Illinois more than eight months behind in payments to the regional library systems, each regional library system slashed services according to the Illinois State Library's top three priorities: shared catalog, delivery and the talking book centers that support the federal Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The five northern systems and four southern systems took the radical step to begin merging earlier this year. The Chicago Public Library acts as its own regional library system and is not involved in the merger process.
For librarians, the next evolution of the regional library systems brings an opportunity to continue Illinois' leadership in library resource sharing. What will the new model look like? What services are the most vital to library development and resource sharing? How can we meet the needs of residents as efficiently as possible and within the limited means of the State of Illinois? The challenge before us is daunting. But we begin from a position of strength, with a strong tradition of responsive service that meets the needs of our unique communities through cooperation and sharing.
Showing posts with label Illinois Library Association. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois Library Association. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Apologies for neglecting you!
With finalizing roofing project specifications, the Illinois Library Association conference, staff In-Service Day, and the audit all occurring within the last 10 days, I did make it back to update you on what's going on. Suffice to say: A LOT!
The Illinois Library Association conference was held in beautiful downtown Peoria. I learned something new at every session I attended. Two of our Trustees attended the Trustee Day for training. Board President Sharon Kinley had a list of question for me before lunch that day! :-) Quite a few of our fabulous staff participated on panels, at Talk Tables and made presentations. Lousie Svehla presented our Text-a-Librarian service. Michelle Roubal moderated a panel, and Kara Kohn participated on that panel, about revitalizing adult reading programs. I think I'm missing at least one more, so staff will have to harass me later about my lack of memory. Staff also did the best they could to economize, since we had so many attending. We carpooled, shared rooms, and took advantage of vendor-sponsored meal events to keep costs down.
The Library's auditors are here an wrapping up the in-house portion of the annual audit. With a temporary person from May through July and a new Accountant coming in, it's a little more complex than past years. Everything is there, it's just under someone else's filing system so each piece takes just a bit longer to find.
Staff enjoyed an In-Service training day on Columbus Day. The Library does two In-Service training days per year: Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Day. These are mandatory for staff and can cover anything from how to use a the MyMediaMall downloadable collection to reviewing policies.
The bid opening for the roof replacement project is this afternoon. Representatives from roofing companies interested in bidding have been all over the roof for the past 10 days. Keep your fingers crossed that the bids are lower than expected!
The Illinois Library Association conference was held in beautiful downtown Peoria. I learned something new at every session I attended. Two of our Trustees attended the Trustee Day for training. Board President Sharon Kinley had a list of question for me before lunch that day! :-) Quite a few of our fabulous staff participated on panels, at Talk Tables and made presentations. Lousie Svehla presented our Text-a-Librarian service. Michelle Roubal moderated a panel, and Kara Kohn participated on that panel, about revitalizing adult reading programs. I think I'm missing at least one more, so staff will have to harass me later about my lack of memory. Staff also did the best they could to economize, since we had so many attending. We carpooled, shared rooms, and took advantage of vendor-sponsored meal events to keep costs down.
The Library's auditors are here an wrapping up the in-house portion of the annual audit. With a temporary person from May through July and a new Accountant coming in, it's a little more complex than past years. Everything is there, it's just under someone else's filing system so each piece takes just a bit longer to find.
Staff enjoyed an In-Service training day on Columbus Day. The Library does two In-Service training days per year: Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Day. These are mandatory for staff and can cover anything from how to use a the MyMediaMall downloadable collection to reviewing policies.
The bid opening for the roof replacement project is this afternoon. Representatives from roofing companies interested in bidding have been all over the roof for the past 10 days. Keep your fingers crossed that the bids are lower than expected!
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