Shortgrass Annual Report 2012

Shortgrass LibrarySystem Annual Report

ResourcefulbyNature

2012

Trustees pictured (from left to right)

Back row: Brent Burton, Tom Rose, Marj James, Les Pearson, Dwight Kilpatrick, John BrocklesbyFront row: Martin Shields, Yoko Fujimoto, Kathi Herman, Petra MauerhoffNot pictured: Jennifer Coombs, Doug Henderson, Craig Widmer, Wayne Dahl, Mara Nebitt, Kevin Jones, Marjorie Moncrieff.

The Shortgrass Board of Trustees:Kathi Herman, Chair – Ministerial AppointmentDoug Henderson, Chair Finance & Personnel Committee – Cypress CountyJohn Brocklesby, Chair Programs & Services Committee – Town of Bow IslandMarjorie Moncrieff (Alternate to John Brocklesby) – Town of Bow IslandDwight Kilpatrick – Town of RedcliffCraig Widmer – County of Forty MileLes Pearson – City of Medicine HatMarj James – Medicine Hat Public Library Martin Shields – City of BrooksYoko Fujimoto – Village of RosemaryMara Nesbitt – County of Newell

Jennifer Coombs – Village of TilleyWayne Dahl – Village of DuchessKevin Jones – Town of BassanoTom Rose (Alternate to Kevin Jones) – Town of Bassano

Key happenings

To further enhance access to the Shortgrass library catalog for our patrons, we introduced apps for both Apple and Android mobile devices in late spring. The Shortgrass app has been a popular and effective way for patrons to connect to their library while on the go.

In July, to help celebrate Redcliff Public Library’s 45th anniversary, Shortgrass Library System sponsored an exciting author visit from Angie Abdou.

During the late summer, in response to many requests from our member libraries, we purchased a DVD cleaner, which has been busily making rounds cleaning movies and CDs at member libraries, as well as cleaning disks for patrons for a small fee.

After receiving a grant through the Community Initiatives Program (funded by the Alberta Lottery Fund), we were able to purchase a new passenger van and sold our older cargo van to a local charity, helping them meet their transportation needs.

We have started using “thin clients” as substitutes to workstations in our office. A thin client is a computer containing minimal hardware to allow connection to a remote server. Thin clients provide many advantages over regular workstations, including the fact that they use less power and eliminate the need for operating system licenses. They also allow for simple central management and allow access anywhere, so users are not restricted to using just one computer.

In November, we launched a new Suggest For Purchase catalog that shows up as a link, after a patron searches the regular BiblioCommons catalog and receives no results. The Suggest For Purchase catalog contains records from our library material vendors and patrons are

able to suggest the item they were looking for to be purchased by their library. This type of patron driven acquisitions process will ensure that items purchased by Shortgrass libraries are of interest to our users.

We have created a new Inventory Kit for library managers to borrow that will aid them in efficiently compiling their inventory, without having to remove items from the shelves of their library and bring them back to their desk for processing. The Inventory Kit conveniently contains, in a pelican case, a laptop, USB barcode scanner, network cable, and a laminated How-To leaflet.

In the fall, ULS sponsored its 2nd annual buying trip for Shortgrass member library managers, staff and school partners at their warehouse in Calgary. Shoppers were picked up by bus in Medicine Hat and on stops along the way to Calgary. Those attending had the opportunity to shop at the ULS warehouse, were provided a complimentary lunch and were then returned home by bus. Items purchased were shipped directly to Shortgrass Library System for processing. We are grateful to ULS for sponsoring this well-received trip and for making shopping easier and more efficient for our libraries.

Brooks Public Library is the first Shortgrass library switching their non-fiction collection over to the BISAC classification system. The Book Industry Standards and Communication classification system allows non-fiction library materials to be displayed as they would be in a bookstore, facilitating browsing for users and grouping together items of similar subjects. Shortgrass staff members have been cataloging new non-fiction materials purchased by Brooks Public Library according to BISAC classification and assisted with switching existing non-fiction materials to the new system.

I am pleased to present Shortgrass Library System’s 2012 Annual Report. We have wrapped up another successful year for our library system, during which we continued to make changes, enhance efficiencies, try new things, and provided quality services to our member libraries and school partners.

In the spring, the addition of Freading ebooks to Alberta’s libraries, through a generous grant from Alberta Municipal Affairs, greatly enhanced the number of ebooks available for borrowing and patrons were pleased to have instant access to ebooks, allowing for simultaneous downloads.

In June, Shortgrass Library System became the first Alberta chapter of the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program. Aimed at children, this valuable literacy program reduces the risk of law offending behaviour, by encouraging reading through the provision of incentives. We formed partnerships in our community with local first responders who mentor and encourage literacy. Law enforcement officers visit schools, libraries and patrol local areas, handing out prizes to kids ‘caught’ reading, with the ultimate goal of creating a pattern of positive interactions between youth and first responders in mind, as well as

encouraging the habit of reading.

Shortgrass was the site for a meeting of technology consultants from all regional library systems in Alberta this year. It was an honour to host colleagues from other regions and facilitate the opportunity to share ideas and expertise. We hope this meeting will become a regular occurrence in future years.

We are proud to have enhanced our partnership with Medicine Hat College and Medicine Hat Public Library. Together, our three organizations developed a shared Intern Librarian position, and hired Intern Librarian, Kris Samraj, who divides his time between our offices, while having the opportunity to learn about libraries from three varying points of view: academic, public and regional.

We also used the strong relationship we have with Medicine Hat College Library Services to develop the One Community One Card initiative for our region. Patrons from Shortgrass member libraries can now use their public library card to access library services at Medicine Hat College, at both Medicine Hat and Brooks Campus locations. In return, Medicine

Key happenings

To further enhance access to the Shortgrass library catalog for our patrons, we introduced apps for both Apple and Android mobile devices in late spring. The Shortgrass app has been a popular and effective way for patrons to connect to their library while on the go.

In July, to help celebrate Redcliff Public Library’s 45th anniversary, Shortgrass Library System sponsored an exciting author visit from Angie Abdou.

During the late summer, in response to many requests from our member libraries, we purchased a DVD cleaner, which has been busily making rounds cleaning movies and CDs at member libraries, as well as cleaning disks for patrons for a small fee.

After receiving a grant through the Community Initiatives Program (funded by the Alberta Lottery Fund), we were able to purchase a new passenger van and sold our older cargo van to a local charity, helping them meet their transportation needs.

We have started using “thin clients” as substitutes to workstations in our office. A thin client is a computer containing minimal hardware to allow connection to a remote server. Thin clients provide many advantages over regular workstations, including the fact that they use less power and eliminate the need for operating system licenses. They also allow for simple central management and allow access anywhere, so users are not restricted to using just one computer.

In November, we launched a new Suggest For Purchase catalog that shows up as a link, after a patron searches the regular BiblioCommons catalog and receives no results. The Suggest For Purchase catalog contains records from our library material vendors and patrons are

able to suggest the item they were looking for to be purchased by their library. This type of patron driven acquisitions process will ensure that items purchased by Shortgrass libraries are of interest to our users.

We have created a new Inventory Kit for library managers to borrow that will aid them in efficiently compiling their inventory, without having to remove items from the shelves of their library and bring them back to their desk for processing. The Inventory Kit conveniently contains, in a pelican case, a laptop, USB barcode scanner, network cable, and a laminated How-To leaflet.

In the fall, ULS sponsored its 2nd annual buying trip for Shortgrass member library managers, staff and school partners at their warehouse in Calgary. Shoppers were picked up by bus in Medicine Hat and on stops along the way to Calgary. Those attending had the opportunity to shop at the ULS warehouse, were provided a complimentary lunch and were then returned home by bus. Items purchased were shipped directly to Shortgrass Library System for processing. We are grateful to ULS for sponsoring this well-received trip and for making shopping easier and more efficient for our libraries.

Brooks Public Library is the first Shortgrass library switching their non-fiction collection over to the BISAC classification system. The Book Industry Standards and Communication classification system allows non-fiction library materials to be displayed as they would be in a bookstore, facilitating browsing for users and grouping together items of similar subjects. Shortgrass staff members have been cataloging new non-fiction materials purchased by Brooks Public Library according to BISAC classification and assisted with switching existing non-fiction materials to the new system.

I am pleased to present Shortgrass Library System’s 2012 Annual Report. We have wrapped up another successful year for our library system, during which we continued to make changes, enhance efficiencies, try new things, and provided quality services to our member libraries and school partners.

In the spring, the addition of Freading ebooks to Alberta’s libraries, through a generous grant from Alberta Municipal Affairs, greatly enhanced the number of ebooks available for borrowing and patrons were pleased to have instant access to ebooks, allowing for simultaneous downloads.

In June, Shortgrass Library System became the first Alberta chapter of the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program. Aimed at children, this valuable literacy program reduces the risk of law offending behaviour, by encouraging reading through the provision of incentives. We formed partnerships in our community with local first responders who mentor and encourage literacy. Law enforcement officers visit schools, libraries and patrol local areas, handing out prizes to kids ‘caught’ reading, with the ultimate goal of creating a pattern of positive interactions between youth and first responders in mind, as well as

encouraging the habit of reading.

Shortgrass was the site for a meeting of technology consultants from all regional library systems in Alberta this year. It was an honour to host colleagues from other regions and facilitate the opportunity to share ideas and expertise. We hope this meeting will become a regular occurrence in future years.

We are proud to have enhanced our partnership with Medicine Hat College and Medicine Hat Public Library. Together, our three organizations developed a shared Intern Librarian position, and hired Intern Librarian, Kris Samraj, who divides his time between our offices, while having the opportunity to learn about libraries from three varying points of view: academic, public and regional.

We also used the strong relationship we have with Medicine Hat College Library Services to develop the One Community One Card initiative for our region. Patrons from Shortgrass member libraries can now use their public library card to access library services at Medicine Hat College, at both Medicine Hat and Brooks Campus locations. In return, Medicine

Hat College faculty, staff and students can use their College library card as a public library card at any of the Shortgrass member libraries. This one card seamless access model is a great example of the enhanced services libraries can provide for their patrons when they work together.

Throughout the summer, we welcomed back two returning summer students, Megan Grimm and Kaleigh Jensen, and also added a third student, Iradele Plante, for the first time.

The front yard around our building received a much needed facelift this summer, as board members, staff and volunteers pitched in to help transform two plots into a modern, easy-to-care-for and consistent look, containing native prairie grasses and shrubs.

One of our biggest achievements this year was the re-design of our website. We contracted a local web-design company to help us achieve the modern look and functionality that our member libraries, trustees and partners need, in order to easily find information about our organization. At the same time, they also designed new webpages for each of our member libraries, helping them to present a

functional and inviting look to their patrons. We hope that their new websites will go a long way in helping them promote their services and resources to the public.

In conclusion, 2012 was a productive and eventful year and we are now gearing up for our 25th anniversary in 2013. We hope you enjoy this summary of our accomplishments for the year and look forward to sharing our accomplishments in the future.

Kathi HermanChair, SLS Board of Trustees

Shortgrass Library System staff:

Petra Mauerhoff, CEODyan Bryksa, Executive AssistantAnton Chuppin, Manager of Library Technology ServicesLevi Millington, System Administrator

Staff pictured (from left to right)

Back row: Larry Dye, Jackie Hope-Hammel, Valerie Ogden, Norman Stewart, Levi Millington, Chris MassiniFront row: Anton Chuppin, Dyan Bryksa, Keltie McGregor, Phyllis Worrall, Peggy Curthoys, Petra MauerhoffNot pictured: Blaine Heglund, Rod Thurlow, John Barry, Jerry Smith, Kris Samraj, Liz Alexander, Peter Albano.

Phyllis Worrall, Manager of Bibliographic ServicesPeggy Curthouys, Acquisitions OfficerNorman Stewart, CatalogerBlaine Heglund, CatalogerPeter Albano, Maternity Leave replacement for Blaine HeglundJackie Hope-Hammel, Bibliographic Services AssistantVal Ogden, School CatalogerLiz Alexander, Cataloging AssistantLarry Dye, DriverRod Thurlow, DriverChris Massini, DriverJerry Smith, DriverKaileigh Jensen, Summer StudentMegan Grimm, Summer StudentIradele Plante, Summer Student

Hat College faculty, staff and students can use their College library card as a public library card at any of the Shortgrass member libraries. This one card seamless access model is a great example of the enhanced services libraries can provide for their patrons when they work together.

Throughout the summer, we welcomed back two returning summer students, Megan Grimm and Kaleigh Jensen, and also added a third student, Iradele Plante, for the first time.

The front yard around our building received a much needed facelift this summer, as board members, staff and volunteers pitched in to help transform two plots into a modern, easy-to-care-for and consistent look, containing native prairie grasses and shrubs.

One of our biggest achievements this year was the re-design of our website. We contracted a local web-design company to help us achieve the modern look and functionality that our member libraries, trustees and partners need, in order to easily find information about our organization. At the same time, they also designed new webpages for each of our member libraries, helping them to present a

functional and inviting look to their patrons. We hope that their new websites will go a long way in helping them promote their services and resources to the public.

In conclusion, 2012 was a productive and eventful year and we are now gearing up for our 25th anniversary in 2013. We hope you enjoy this summary of our accomplishments for the year and look forward to sharing our accomplishments in the future.

Kathi HermanChair, SLS Board of Trustees

Shortgrass Library System staff:

Petra Mauerhoff, CEODyan Bryksa, Executive AssistantAnton Chuppin, Manager of Library Technology ServicesLevi Millington, System Administrator

Staff pictured (from left to right)

Back row: Larry Dye, Jackie Hope-Hammel, Valerie Ogden, Norman Stewart, Levi Millington, Chris MassiniFront row: Anton Chuppin, Dyan Bryksa, Keltie McGregor, Phyllis Worrall, Peggy Curthoys, Petra MauerhoffNot pictured: Blaine Heglund, Rod Thurlow, John Barry, Jerry Smith, Kris Samraj, Liz Alexander, Peter Albano.

Phyllis Worrall, Manager of Bibliographic ServicesPeggy Curthouys, Acquisitions OfficerNorman Stewart, CatalogerBlaine Heglund, CatalogerPeter Albano, Maternity Leave replacement for Blaine HeglundJackie Hope-Hammel, Bibliographic Services AssistantVal Ogden, School CatalogerLiz Alexander, Cataloging AssistantLarry Dye, DriverRod Thurlow, DriverChris Massini, DriverJerry Smith, DriverKaileigh Jensen, Summer StudentMegan Grimm, Summer StudentIradele Plante, Summer Student

In June 2012 Shortgrass Library System became the first Alberta chapter of the Adopt a Library Literacy Program. The mission of the program is to encourage and enable community partners to prevent criminal behavior through the promotion of literacy among young people via libraries and schools. In other words, we are “fighting crime one book at a time”.

As we slowly introduce this program in southeastern Alberta, we are grateful for the support from the following sponsors:United Library ServicesCVS Midwest Tapeabc Country RestaurantSunrise Rotary Club of Medicine Hat

Adopt a Library Literacy Program

Bassano Memorial LibraryBow Island Municipal LibraryBrooks Public LibraryDuchess & District Public LibraryForemost Municipal LibraryMedicine Hat Public LibraryAlcoma Community Library (Rainier)

Graham Community Library (Ralston)Redcliff Public LibraryRolling Hills Public LibraryRosemary Community LibraryTilley & District Public Library

53%

3%6%

9%

29%

Revenue

Municipal Contributions$957,600 Contact Services

$108,599

Other$51,070

Province of Alberta$521,470

Grants$153,410

Expenses

Staffing$782,526

Equipment & Supplies$84,250

Materials$488,852

Deliveres$73,383

Travel, Meetings, PD$35,040

Reserves$135,364

ILS & Technology$108,271

Building$58,977

Promotions$25,281

44%

27%

8%

6%5%

4%3% 2% 1%

53%

3%6%

9%

29%

Revenue

Municipal Contributions$957,600 Contact Services

$108,599

Other$51,070

Province of Alberta$521,470

Grants$153,410

Expenses

Staffing$782,526

Equipment & Supplies$84,250

Materials$488,852

Deliveres$73,383

Travel, Meetings, PD$35,040

Reserves$135,364

ILS & Technology$108,271

Building$58,977

Promotions$25,281

44%

27%

8%

6%5%

4%3% 2% 1%

Saved in 2012 over 2011 in our continued paperless initiative.

Shortgrass by the Numbers

$200753504585148

Library items purchased per capita.

Circulation per capita.

Items in SLS collection.

Disks cleaned with the new DVD cleaner.

SLS items checked out at Medicine Hat College Library.

Increased internet speed from 15 mbps to 35 mbps

A special thank you to the Medicine Hat College Visual Communication students who provided their expertise in helping us design this year’s annual report.

Shortgrass.caShortgrass Library System2375 10th Ave SWMedicine Hat, ABT1A 8G2Phone: 403-529-0550 or 1-866-529-0550Email: [email protected]

Shortgrass Annual Report 2012

Documents

Transcript of Shortgrass Annual Report 2012