Archive for the ‘Lib. Admin. Certification’ Category

New Course on “Working with Library Boards” Will be Offered in the Spring

Friday, February 4th, 2011

“Working with Library Boards” is a new blended-learning course that will offer cutting-edge ideas on effective board function and development. It will include three online sessions with lively discussions and expertise shared from many public library viewpoints. The course will also feature guest presentations by Gina Millsap, the director of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

Students will receive a workbook, online assignments and a choice of course projects.

The ability to work with trustees is one of the most important administrative skills for a public library director. Directors must
learn how to develop a library board that has the skills and knowledge to serve the community effectively. And since library boards are always changing and libraries are always evolving, the partnership is an ongoing priority.

Registration will be limited to Kansas public library directors and capped at 25. All course requirements must be completed to earn the 30 hours of continuing education credit.

Program Description

First session: Tuesday, April 12, 10:00 – 12:00
Orientation for New Trustees
Students will gain the skills to create an effective orientation
program for new trustees at their library.

The guest presentation will be on trustee ethics as a critical part of trustee orientation.

Second session: Tuesday, April 26, 10:00 – 12:00
Developing Effective Board Meetings
Students will learn skills to make board meetings productive and enjoyable and to maintain records that will protect the library from
legal and political problems.

The guest presentation will be on creating board meetings that move the library forward.

Third session: Tuesday, May 10, 10:00 – 12:00
Evaluation
Students will learn how to partner director evaluation with board evaluation and skills for building a strong board.

The guest presentation will be on helping library trustees form a strong board.

Requirements for the Course

Participants who complete “Working with Library Boards” will receive 30 contact hours of training credit. To complete the
requirements of the program and receive credit, the student must:

- Attend all three online sessions. Because of the high level of interaction, a program may be viewed in archive only if there is an
unavoidable emergency and only with approval of the course facilitators.

- Submit the intra-webinar assignments and session evaluations to the project discussion boards in WebJunction Kansas. Students are also urged to post questions and interesting ideas to the discussion boards and to share any documents their board has found useful.

- Submit a completed project, chosen from one of the three course programs, and post it to the project documents page in WebJunction
Kansas.

The project should be one of the projects specified in the workbooks. The choices are:

- Create a plan for New Trustee Orientation that will help trustees learn their new duties, be effective in their new position and enjoy their first term as library board members.

- Create a plan for fostering more effective board meetings and keeping effective board records.

- Create an integrated library evaluation that partners a plan for evaluation of the library director with a plan for assessing the library board’s effectiveness.

REGISTRATION

Please review the course requirements before submitting your registration.

You are welcome to submit this information by email to shanroy@kslib.info.

NAME:_____________________________________________

TITLE:_____________________________________________

LIBRARY:__________________________________________

EMAIL:_____________________________________________

FULL PHONE NUMBER:________________________________

 

More Librarians Pursue Certification Through the Summer

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

In the Summer of 2010, ten librarians received their certification in the Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators, bringing the total to 282. We have been very glad to see them join the project. Their certificates are good until 2013 and can be renewed with the documentation of 45 hours of training.

Molly Biggs of Wichita Area Technical College Library
Elka Garcia of Wichita Area Technical College Library 
Careasa Griffith of Kanapolis Public Library
Ronnie Kinnamon of Wichita Area Technical College Library
Barbara Mathews of Baldwin City Library
Caleb May of Meade Public Library
Pamela Orth of Kismet Public Library
Patricia Peterson of Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library
Elizabeth Rankin of South Central Kansas Library System
Rita Sevart of Wichita Area Technical College Library

Twenty eight librarians were awarded their re-certification in the summer of 2010. All of these librarians are familiar to the State Library and the regional library systems because of their commitment to career development and lifelong learning.

Janet Anderson-Story of Flint Hills Technical College Library
Janet Birk of Coffey County Library – Gridley
Richard Bookman, Jr. of Kearny County Library
Diane Bott of Bison Community Library
Muriel (Betty) Burrows of Johnston Public Library
Carolyn Chase of Plains Community Library
Kimberly Clark of Wamego Public Library
Patricia Cummins of Southwest Kansas Library System
Tammy Dickey of Kearny County Library
Terri Harley of Girard Public Library
Mary Holler of Protection Township Library
Joyce Homm of Oakley Public Library
Marjorie (Kathy) Johnston of Baldwin City Library
Jamie Kelley of Marysville Public Library
Mary Luehrs of Norton Public Library
Dora Lynch of Kearny County Library
Ruby Martin of Lane County Library 
Holly Mathes of Grant County Library
Sara McFarland of Southwest Kansas Library System
Kendra Mork of Goddard Public Library
Catherine Newland of Coffey County
Cathy Reeves of Dodge City Public Library
Eunice Schroeder of Stevens County Library
Ellen Selzer of Coldwater-Wilmore Regional Library
Leesa Shafer of Spearville Township Library
Jean Strader of Parsons Public Library
Stacey Strickland of Stevens County Library
Lori Zerr of Greeley County Library

The State Library staff offers its congratulations to these re-certified librarians.

Please remember that all librarians who were certified in 2007 need to be re-certified by the end of 2010.

Online CE Roundup – July

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

The State Library Library Development staff will continue to publish a monthly Online Roundup of coming webinars, with the much appreciated help of the Wyoming State Library. However, we may feature a special program that is a little further in the future or an archived webinar that should not be forgotten.

FEATURED PROGRAM FOR FALL 2010:

The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
September 14, 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Central Time

How do library trustees get trained? How are director and trustee roles defined to ensure a healthy library organization? How are trustee relationships cultivated both in and outside the library circle? Join us for a webinar exploring these and other questions related to library trustees that will provide you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community. This webinar is brought to you by ARSL (Association for Rural and Small Libraries) and featuring presenters: Sally Gardner Reed, Executive Director ALTAFF (Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations); Kim Armentrout, Library of Virginia; and Jim Minges, Director of the Northeast Kansas Library System.

For more information and to register, please go to:
http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=1662

PROGRAM ABSTRACTS & LOGIN INFORMATION FOR JULY PROGRAMS:

July 7, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Successful Social media Programs at Your Library (Texas State Library & Archives)

So you have launched your library into the Twitter-verse! Now what? How do you attract followers? How can you use it to publicize events? Provide new services? Join Meg Canada<http://www.linkedin.com/in/megcanada>, Senior Librarian, Social Media and Public Training Coordinator at Hennepin County Library (MN)<http://www.hclib.org/> as she takes you on a tour of successful social media experiences. Meg’s tour will cover libraries and other organizations that have been effective at using Twitter to highlight events, achievements, and services.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

July 7, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Central Time
Social Networking for Advocacy & Activism (Common Knowledge)

In this newest addition to the Common Knowledge Social Networking Series, we’ll take a close look at social networking focused advocacy programs at several leading nonprofits including Sierra Club, PETA, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Arthritis Foundation and others We’ll explain the strategy, concepts and best practices employed by each group, and highlight valuable components unique to each program.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://commonknow.com/html/webinars.php

July 8, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Social Media Tips & Secrets (TechSoup)

Social media has dramatically changed how nonprofits and libraries communicate with supporters, donors, and volunteers. Most nonprofits in the United States now use social media in their communications and development strategies, but few have been properly trained on how to best utilize sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Your library’s return on investment (ROI) in social media is directly related to whether your staff fully understands the long-term implications of social media and are knowledgeable of each sites’ unique functionality and toolset.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/?q=events

July 14, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Conducting Surveys III: Analyzing Data and Reporting Methods (Nebraska Library Commission)

Tackling the job of conducting a survey for your library can be daunting. A systematic and quality-driven approach will yield results which can provide valuable information to decision-makers and stakeholders. This three-part series of workshops on conducting surveys will demystify the survey process, from beginning to end of your project.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9638

July 14, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Central Time
Mission Inspired Gift Fundraising: Using a Fundraising Catalog to Raise Money Online (Common Knowledge)

Learn about a new online fundraising model that world-class nonprofits in many sectors are using to literally raise millions of dollars online.  Based on a giving catalog, the program presents supporters with mission-inspired options for giving. For example, at Operation Smile, an international health organization, their Holiday Gift Catalog allows supporters to donate $60 to purchase hospital gowns for 10 children who received surgical services from the charity; a $75 donation funds all the supplies necessary for one surgery.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://commonknow.com/html/webinars.php

July 14, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Central Time
Reader-Friendly Library Service (Texas State Library & Archives)

All libraries want to put patrons at the heart of their service but how do we make this a reality and not just an aspiration? Rachel Van Riel will talk about the reader-centered approach which Opening the Book<http://www.openingthebook.com/> has developed with libraries in the UK. Moving beyond the concept of readers’ advisory, the reader-centered approach involves active intervention to open up reading choices, to offer opportunities to share reading experiences and to raise the status of reading as a creative act. This way of thinking has energized library staff across the UK to engage with their customers in new ways. Whether you work in policy making or on the library floor, you will find inspiration and practical ideas to make your library service truly reader-friendly.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

July 20, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Central Time
Let’s Get Social: Social Bookmarking (OPAL)                                                                                       Social bookmarking lets you share your favorite websites with others, as well as giving you access from any computer. We’ll talk about how and why libraries are using various social bookmarking sites, such as delicious, digg, and StumbleUpon.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.opal-online.org/progschrono.htm

July 21, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Communication–Getting the Word Out: Does your audience hear what you mean? (Nebraska Library Commission)

The library has a lot to offer, as a provider of information and entertainment, and as a partner in the cultural, economic, and civic life of the community. But it can be difficult to compose the message and to find channels to deliver it that will make sure that the message gets through. Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator will offer some techniques for improving communications with the community.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9238

July 21, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Tech Talk with Michael Sauers (Nebraska Library Commission)

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time,<http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/mail/mail2staff.asp?Michael%20Sauers> and Michael will have your answers.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9640
July 23, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Central Time
Database of the Month: Grzimek’s Animal Life (Wyoming State Library)

This month we will explore Grzimek’s Animal Life.  It covers 4000 animal species…and the photos are gorgeous!  In addition there is detailed information about biomes and up to date news items.  Appropriate for public and academic libraries, and schools.  Adults will love it as much as kids. Come see what it is all about!

To join the webinar, go to https://www.yugma.com/viewer/viewersignup.php?SessionID=305823442 The audio portion of the webinar will be presented through LeaderPhone. Dial 1-877-278-8686 and enter the PIN 315052 to join.

July 28, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Look for a Job Using Online Sources (Texas State Library & Archives)

Are you finding yourself being a job counselor for many of your library users? How to Look for a Job Using Online Sources will provide you with relevant, practical links for assisting job seekers. Learn which sites have the best results and are easy for people to use independently. Tips will be shared on building a strong online presence in regards to job searches.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

Project to Market WebJunction Kansas Resources

Monday, June 21st, 2010

The State Library of Kansas Library Development staff is planning an ongoing marketing of the resources on WebJunction Kansas, focusing on both courses and resources.

This project will include planning, financial management, legal issues, professional values, interpersonal skills, reference, technical services and youth services.

Kansas librarians have used WebJunction Kansas very heavily, but it is a deep and complex site. This presentation of WebJunction Kansas resources may foster the discovery of exciting ideas or aid the pursuit of a specialized field.

We are starting this new initiative with resources on marketing. Library marketing is a field that has grown rapidly in the last few years and is exciting to explore as well as critically important when libraries are struggling to achieve recognition and hold resources.                                                                                                                                                             

WebJunction Kansas courses that are concerned with marketing or useful marketing skills include:

Advanced Business Communication – Effective Business Communication

Advanced Business Communication – Business Writing for Results

Competitive Factors in Strategic Marketing

Creating a Marketing Campaign

Customer Satisfaction: Analysis and Implementation

Delivering the Message

Developing Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Developing Motivating Messages

Discovering What Your Customers Want

Elements of Marketing Strategy

E-Mail as a Marketing Tool

Fundamentals of Exceptional Customer Service

Identifying Your Customers Expectations

Keep it Simple: Developing a Marketing Plan

Keeping Your Library Looking Good

Merchandising that Works

The Online Branding Environment

Principles of Marketing – Fundamentals of Marketing

Retailing Methods and Techniques in Libraries

Using Surveys to Measure Customer Satisfaction

Web 2.0 Fundamentals

Writing a Marketing Plan: Phase 1

There are a number of resources on Marketing available on the Marketing page of the Library Management tab. Please post a comment on this article if you find any of these especially useful at your library.

“Smartest Card” Campaign a Hit in North Carolina
Find out how North Carolina is utilizing the ‘Smartest Card’ campaign sponsored by the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association.

31 Flavors – Things to Do With Flickr in Libraries
How to use this photo-sharing website to connect and communicate with your patrons   

Be prepared to talk about your library (or yourself)
Practice makes perfect when you need to communicate your value to library stakeholders or prospective employers. 
 
Branding and Marketing your Library
Read about the importance of branding and marketing in the library. Topics include identifying stakeholders, understanding the target audience, and developing a marketing plan.                                                                                                                                      

Expanding Your Story, Finding Their Stories
Understand your library’s place in your community–both as a physical space and as an influence in people’s lives.   

Getting Ready to Market the Library to Culturally Diverse Communities
A step-by-step recipe for reaching out to immigrant communities and others.   
 
Harris County Public Library System Brand Manual
In recognition that a brand is an important asset, Harris County Public Library created a brand manual. The goal is to present a unified and consistent image to the public, so they are able to recognize Harris County as a library system.
   
If You Build It Will They Come? Marketing Strategies to Insure Success
Using KnowItNow.org as an example for launch and building awareness, use of virtual reference service   

Innovative Marketing Strategies
AskColorado as case study of marketing virtual reference service   
 
M&M: Maximum Marketing/Minimum Investment
Archive and associated resources for February 9, 2010, session with Janie Rutherford and Cindi Hickey as part of the Technology Essentials 2010, online conference.   
 
Market Your Library
Think you can’t get the word out about your library’s programs on a shoestring budget? These marketing resources will change your mind.   

Marketing for Dummies
This article originally appeared in the Rural Libraries Journal in 2003, and briefly touches on image and branding your library to reflect the needs of your community.   
                                                                                                                                                                    Marketing Guidelines Template
Developed for virtual reference services, this downloadable PDF file contains a set of marketing guidelines that is easily adaptable for marketing any library service.   
 
Marketing Resources for Libraries
A collection of resources created by Janie Rutherford and Cindi Hickey, presented as part of their session, M&M: Maximum Marketing/Minimum Investment, at WebJunction’s online conference, Technology Essentials, 2010.   

Marketing the Small Library 
A marketing guide for librarians in small public libraries.   

Participant Marketing Ideas: M&M: Maximum Marketing/Minimum Investment
A rich collection of marketing ideas collected in chat from February 9, 2010, session with Janie Rutherford and Cindi Hickey as part of the Technology Essentials 2010, online conference.   

Puskarich Public Library: Perfect Partnerships (January 2004)
A library in rural southeastern Ohio has developed a broad range of relationships that forms a web of mutual support and good will. 

SC Toolkit Chapter 8, Update the Community
Publicize and promote your library and its services with a newsletter. This tool will teach you how to maintain a high profile in your community.   

Telling Your Story
Once your library’s story has been crafted, it is time to start telling it.   
 
The Role of Marketing in Revitalizing Library Services in Rural Communities
The author looks at the importance that marketing can play for rural libraries. The article outlines the six clear steps that any library can take towards implementing an effective marketing plan.   

The Smartest Card
Information about the ALA’s “Smartest Card” advocacy campaign.   

The Storied Library
Your library’s most valuable asset might be its stories. Are you making the most of them?   

The Storied Library: Filling In the Story
An expansion, with resources, of the “Storied Library” concept.   

Twitter and the Missouri River Regional Library
The MRRL is experimenting with an easy-to-use social networking tool to stay in touch with its community.   

WebJunction Kansas: Merchandising and Marketing 
The effective marketing of library services has become a top priority for many excellent libraries. Collection merchandising has been an exciting and fast-growing part of this field. Kansas librarians explored these topics & contributed their ideas.  approved  

 WebJunction Pathfinder: Creating Audio and Podcasts for Your Library
Start here for information on creating audio for your library website and podcasts for your library.   

What Libraries Can Learn from Bookstores
Chris Rippel of the Central Kansas Library System offers a thoughtful, sometimes provocative comparison of libraries and their retail cousins. In the spotlight are sounds, layout, staffing costs, and even smells.   

What’s Your Story?
In the second installment of his series, Walt talks to small libraries about story and brand, and figuring out what’s special about the stories they have.   

What’s Marketing Got to Do with It?
Marketing trends present librarians with promising opportunities.   

Your Community’s Stories
Tips on how to publish your library’s story.

More Librarians Pursue Certification

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

In the spring of 2010, ten librarians requested their administrator’s certification and nine librarians achieved re-certification. The latter list is expected to grow from a trickle to a flood this summer. The Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators was launched in July of 2007 and over fifty librarians still need to request their re-certification by the end of August, 2010.

 

All certified librarians should remember to check the date on their initial certificate. Their certification must be renewed by the same date three years later. The training requirement is 45 contact hours for all levels of certification.

It seems impossible that the program is three years old. It has certainly been a most eventful three years, and has included a LOT of learning for Kansas librarians.

The following librarians received their certification in the spring of 2010:

Justin Ball of Derby Public Library
Virginia Clark of Prescott City Library
Jordan Doughty of Derby Public Library
Tamara English of Derby Public Library
Vicky Jones of Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional
Adrienne Olejnik of Rossville Community Library
Carol Robison of USD 505 Chetopa – St. Paul
Joanna Runyon of Smith Center Public Library
Nancy Snyder of Derby Public Library
Julia Wilson of Centralia Community.

The following librarians won their re-certification in the spring of 2010:

Judy Bennett of Derby Public Library
Joan Cales of Winfield Public Library
Gloria Creed-Dikeogu of Ottawa University Library
Lena Dick of Mary Sommerville Library in Mound City
Rebecca Dodd of Wellsville City Library
Sandra Freidline of Caney City Library
Constance Mitchell of Eureka Public Library
Jerie Tichenor of Meriden Public Library
Tina Welch of Harper Public Library

The State Library staff members offer their congratulations to these librarians.

 

“Are You Trustee-Worthy?” is Worth Viewing in Archive

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

The regional library systems and the State Library have been co-sponsoring a very successful series on Everyday Ethics for Libraries. The sixth of ten programs was held on the evening of Tuesday, May 25th. “Are You Trustee-Worthy?” was designed to help both trustees and librarians with ethical issues for library boards. Both librarians and trustees were welcomed to the session. It was presented by Gina Millsap, Director of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

 

The archive to Gina’s session is available at:
http://ks.webjunction.org/742/-/articles/content/94881255

Those who would like to receive continuing education credit for viewing the archive should send an email that includes 1) a description of what webinar information was new to you and 2) what you will do with the information gained in the webinar at your library. Please send this email to <chickey@kslib.info> and CE certificates for the program will be emailed in return.

Trustees may use the certificate for this program to document core skill credits for Core Skill Two - Developing an Effective Board and Core Skill Four: Assessing and Adopting Policy.
 
Gina created a Trustee Ethics Checklist and several Challenge Questions for Boards to consider. This handout is available at:
http://ks.webjunction.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=94881270&name=DLFE-26510005.pdf

This handout may be used at board tutorials, with proper attribution.
 
Her session slides may be viewed in PDF format at:
http://ks.webjunction.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=94881270&name=DLFE-26510006.pdf

If you have questions or concerns about this program please call Shannon Roy at 785-296-2148 or send email to shanroy@kslib.info

 

More Librarians Request Certification and Re-Certification

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

While the State Library moved to temporary quarters, while the KLOW Network was hacked and the SLK News Blog was permanently damaged, while the weather was, to put it mildly, impossible – Kansas librarians continued to request certification and achieve re-certification. Under any circumstances, the State Library staff is delighted to see the development of the Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators and to work with these remarkable librarians.

 

The following librarians requested certification in the last part of 2009:

Robin Betts of Savonburg Public
Jennifer King of Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee
Kathy Leon of Buckley Public
Gloria Mueller of Pratt Community College
Christine Waddell of Linn County at LaCygne
Anna Whiteman of Grainfield City

The following librarians achieved re-certification in the last part of 2009:

Rhonda Corwin of Ruth Dole Memorial in Burrton
Judith Cremer of Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee
Maribeth Turner, now of Central Kansas System
Paula Ware of Oskaloosa Public
Connie Weber of Richmond

The following librarians requested certification in early 2010:

Ginger Kraft of Coffey County
Kathleen McConney of Norton Public
Stephanie Sharpe of Coffey County
Janet Stafford of Thayer City

The following librarians achieved re-certification in early 2010:

Stephanie Arbuckle of Weir
Brenda Curtis of Blue Mound
GeeGee Helm of Kingman
Mary Meckley of Neodesha

We congratulate these librarians on their commitment and accomplishments and would gladly celebrate the coming spring by welcoming other Kansas administrators into this program.

 

 

Kansas Library Administrators Need to Re-Certify by Three Year Deadline

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators now has 262 certified librarians, which is wonderful. But the real point of this program is to document and market the skill development and career management of Kansas librarians. It is the re-certification of certified librarians that meets this objective.

 

The Certification Program was launched in July of 2007 and the first librarians were certified in the summer of 2007. These librarians will need to re-certify in the summer of 2010.

The initial certificate is good from the date listed on the certificate until the same date three years later. All certified librarians need to re-certify by their three year date by sending documentation for 45 contact hours of training to the State Library of Kansas. The dates of certification for certified administrators may be checked at:

http://www.kslib.info/ce/lib_admin_certification_list.html

Documentation for the 45 hour training requirement will be accepted if it confirms attendance at the events, whether face-to-face, online or desktop. If a system is keeping records for member librarians, those database records will be accepted also.

A new level of certification may also be documented and requested if a degree or credential has been completed since the initial certification. 

Requests for re-certification should be sent to:

Certification Program
State Library of Kansas
Room 169 West, State Capitol
300 SW Tenth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1593

If a librarian cannot complete the training requirement because of unexpected major illness, unexpected personal misfortune or major disaster in the workplace, they may apply to the State Library staff for an extension. Otherwise, a failure to meet the three year deadline will require a new enrollment in the program and will start the three year clock running with only those hours accrued in the new certification period counting toward re-certification.

Most Kansas librarians are very serious about their professional development. The Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators is an excellent way to document these accomplishments for both advocacy and for evaluation. The State Library staff is very proud of all the participants in the program and encourages more enrollments, especially of library directors. Remember that enrollments are welcome at any time, from all types of Kansas librarians.

If there are any questions about the program, please call Shannon Roy, Continuing Education Coordinator, at 785-296-2148 or send email to shanroy@kslib.info 

Kansas Librarians Post Projects on Policies to WebJunction Kansas

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Good Library Policies are a very important part of an effective public library, but it is hard for a busy library staff to give them the continuous attention that they need. The participants in the the 2009 Learning 2 Action Package on Policies had no difficulty locating policies that needed their creative attention. They expressed their appreciation for the programs taught by Bonnie McKewon, Sharon Moreland and Cathy Newland. At the end of the year, they posted their projects to the Library Policies page on WebJunction Kansas Continuing Education and received 15 contact hours of re-certification credit in the Certification Program for Kansas Library Administrators.

 

Hollis Helmeci, director of the Bradford Memorial Library in El Dorado, is in the middle of a major project that will take substantial time in 2010. She is working with other agencies in Butler County to create a community-wide disaster plan. More community organizations are joining the museums and colleges that joined the public library to begin planning for the community disaster plan. Hollis has promised to keep us posted on this exciting project.

Julie Hildebrand, the director of the Independence Public Library, is working with her staff on a comprehensive review of the library’s Policy Manual and Emergency Manual. The staff will make recommendations to the board for needed changes in library policies. The project will last about four months.

Mildred Dearden, at the Scott County Library, undertook a complete re-working and expansion of the Scott County Library’s Computer/Internet Use Policy. This is a very good sample policy that shows how these issues are handled at a small public library.

Alice Jones, at the Frankfort City Library, also did some work with technology and Internet policy, clarifying some of the patron behavior that is not acceptable to the library.

Both Rochelle Westerhaus of the Pratt Public Library and Mary Luehrs of Norton did comprehensive updates of their personnel policies. Rochelle admitted that it was past time for a major consideration of personnel policies. Mary actually called her project “You’re so Vague” and lost no time in developing specific policies that will help her library staff members know their rights and responsibilities.

Jenifer Trimble and the staff at the Coffey County Library decided that they were losing far too many materials from their branches. They adressed this problem with more careful policies for checkout, renewal, registration, overdues and lost materials. If these new policies are approved by the board in February, the library staff looks forward to cutting Coffey County’s loss rate by 50%.

Karen Gillihan decided that Goodland’s Collection Development Policy needed expansion since it did not effectively address all the formats that have become available and are being requested by the patrons. She also reviewed the policies for gifts and challenged materials.

We really enjoyed working with these Kansas librarians on the Learning 2 Action Package on Library Policies.

Learning 2 Action Package on Policies is Going Well

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

The fall Learning 2 Action Administrative Training Package is on Library Policies. The project runs from October 2 to December 15. To get 15 contact hours of training for the program, a classmate had to sign up to attend a video training workshop, attend one of two Wimba webinars and post a project to the Policies Web Page on WebJunction Kansas.

The two Wimba webinars are free to all without pre-registation and very worthwhile. 

The Program began with a half-day training session on October 2. The presenter was Bonnie McKewon, Administrator of the Northwest Iowa Library Services, a regional network that serves 114 Iowa libraries.

Bonnie based her presentation on the PLA’s Creating Policies for Results, a publication she had often used successfully with her own libraries.

Bonnie taught that a good policy has four parts:

-  It is shaped by the library’s “Philosophy” of customer service.
-  The “Regulations” answer “what” must be done to support the library service or program involved.
-  The policy is supported by the “Procedures,” which explain how staff will implement the policy.
-  The “Guidelines” help staff to determine the most effective ways to implement the policy.

Library policies should always conform with current law, be reasonable, apply equally to everyone, and be readily enforceable. Policy must be flexible, understood, and able to change as the library evolves.

Bonnie and the classmates discussed some policy areas often neglected by public libraries, including reference, staff development, disaster preparedness and social networking.

While Bonnie McKewon commented on the critical importance of involving staff in policy issues, that topic was more deeply developed at the first Wimba session on October 20. Sharon Moreland, Technology Consultant at the Northeast Kansas Library System, talked about various ways to involve staff in new employee orientation, development of new policies, and review of existing policies. Sharon also led a lively discussion on the best ways to organize, track, and locate policies.

The second Wimba webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 17, from 2:00 to 3:00. Cathy Newland, former director at Morrill Library in Hiawatha, will present “Essential Support: Good Procedures for Good Policies.” That should also stimulate some lively discussion, since policies don’t function well without good procedures to help the library staff do their best work.

The projects for the Learning 2 Action Package on Library Policies will be posted to WebJunction Kansas toward the end of 2009. We look forward to seeing them. The Policies web page may be found at http://ks.webjunction.org/ks_policies.

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