Southeast Library System Plan 2006-2007

(Revised at August 2006 SELS Board Planning Retreat)

Service Role 1: Training and Consulting: to provide continuing education opportunities and technology training, and to coordinate efforts and activities with Nebraska Library Commission.

Goal 1: To offer continuing education and training opportunities for members.

Objectives:

1. SELS training and workshops will include:

· Library Trustee training; utilize materials developed from the NLA Adhoc Committee on Trustee issues

· Summer Reading Plus program training

· Youth Services Retreat (in cooperation with Eastern Library System) SELS will evaluate participation, through the CE Committee survey that discusses date and scheduling of retreat, cost in attending, and ability to attend an overnight workshop. SELS staff and board will evaluate cost of workshop, attendance and do price comparisons with other possible formats, such as combining with Summer Reading. Since this is a long-term partnership project with Eastern Library System, evaluation and results will be discussed with Kathy Tooker.

· NEMA/SELS Training While this has been a collaborative effort we want to continue, we need to investigate methods to encourage greater attendance and participation.

· NLA Pre-conference program (in cooperation with the regional library systems)

· Universal Service Fund discounts/e-rate participation training

· CASTL training

· Training Extravaganza, a daylong regional conference, addressing multiple continuing education concerns with a variety of sessions, including a technology track.

2. SELS will continue to work with Nebraska Community Colleges, Nebraska Regional Library Systems, Nebraska Library Commission and other higher education organizations in development and promotion of library coursework on an Associate and Masters level in library and information management.

3. SELS will work with NLC in approaching training needs through regular meetings and discussion as outlined in the System contract.

4. A list of SELS journal subscriptions will be provided for SELS members, and a monthly routing list maintained on each. An annual announcement in SoLiS, September/October issue, and on the SELS listserv will be provided to support awareness of this service. The system will investigate collaboration with other regional library systems for journal routing.

5. Promote and coordinate attendance of a group of librarians at conferences outside the region, so transportation and travel costs can be shared.

6. The SELS Board Continuing Education Committee will assist with follow-up and evaluation of training programs with an electronic survey to members developed by SELS staff and signed by SELS CE Committee. Committee will also investigate the possibility of a workshop on how to do surveys.

7. Organize a training session for libraries in recruiting volunteers and outlining library procedures for substitute staff, perhaps at the Training Extravaganza, that focuses on making volunteering attractive and use of youth volunteers.

Goal 2: To provide consultation with members through onsite visits, telephone, mail and e-mail by SELS staff.

Objectives:

1. Requests by members for assistance and/or information will be responded to promptly in the format most appropriate. (mail, phone, in-person, e-mail, fax)

2. Visits with librarians will be scheduled as specific onsite needs arise, such as, a new library director, library board education, and additional in-house projects.

3. SELS Board and CASTL meetings and continuing education opportunities will be scheduled throughout the southeast region, as well as Lincoln sites, to promote accessibility to SELS services and staff.

4. Bibliostat (online statistical report for public libraries) consultation and support.

5. Maintain a toll-free number for consultation with SELS members.

6. Categorize Consultation Data to be used as basis for planning continuing education and responding to member needs.

Goal 3: To build networks among system members, facilitating the sharing of guidance and expertise.

Objectives:

1. Provide a personal invitation to small libraries when a CASTL meeting is in their area using letterhead or letterhead postcards. Encourage library buddy system or mentor roles. SELS staff will send out an e-mail every time, and encourage the library director in region hosting to also make a special effort in inviting small libraries in the region. During the CASTL meeting where locations and dates are planned for the year, get a map and highlight libraries in the region to contact. Include special and institutional libraries in invitations to CASTL meetings.

2. Utilize the SELS electronic mail lists, and SoLiS as avenues for discussion on library-related issues.

3. Keep on the look out for funding opportunities and grants to share with library staff, boards and library friends and supporters.

4. Seek input from members for feedback concerning the Revised Public Library Accreditation Guidelines and share with Nebraska Library Commission. It is a good time for a review since the revised guidelines are now in implementation, and it has been defined as a living document in order to make it responsive.

Service Role 2: Consortia Building and Cooperative Approaches to Providing Library Services: To explore more efficient and effective ways to provide system-wide services, and to continue dialogue with NLC in regard to development goals. To encourage local libraries to share resources, to support effective approaches to resource sharing, to familiarize librarians with available resources, and to ensure that all member libraries have access to resources beyond their own collections in order to provide quality library service.

Goal 1: County/area wide cooperation among multitype library members is encouraged.

Objectives:

1. Information Power Guideline revisions will be presented at ALA Midwinter in Seattle, so SELS will follow-up on those changes in order to promote and assist in their use by multi-type libraries in providing service and instruction for customers and staff.

2. Plan a joint CASTL and media specialists/ youth services meeting once a year.

3. Plan a joint library trustees and CASTL meeting once a year.

4. Plan a joint CASTL and library friends meeting once a year.

5. Explore with Nebraska Association of Institutional Librarians (NAIL) opportunities and methods for outside support and collaboration. One example might be a wish list put out annually by SELS via the newsletter or e-mail list.

Goal 2: Investigate a system for sharing of resources to enhance library collections and services among system members.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the Share Library Programs & Staff idea with the CASTL group for specific ideas on potential staff and/or programs, handouts, computer assistance, list of resources, and/or problems & solutions that might be adapt to sharing in person or online.

2. SELS Staff & Board will be alert for opportunities that could be well served by sharing of materials and resources, or that would offer advantages through group purchase.

Service Role 3: Promotion: Of librarians, libraries and systems and the vital service they provide to Nebraska citizens.

Goal 1: A variety of media resources are utilized in sharing information and activities of SELS and member libraries.

Objectives:

1. SoLiS will be published 6 times a year as a source for information and discussion among librarians.

2. The SELS webpage will be updated at least bimonthly with current information regarding system and other library related activities. Email will be sent via electronic mailing lists to inform members of webpage updates.

3. An annual report will be printed for distribution to the board, librarians, and others outside the library profession as information and/or an introduction to system and library activities. A basic template of information to be included will be followed.

4. The SELS e-mail groups, webpage and electronic mailing lists will continue to be used to inform participants of emerging issues and concerns that might prompt discussion and advocacy.

5. The SELS Consortia and Promotion (CP) Committee will develop SELS Board Member and SELS Member packets to include information on System activities, as well as information on board and member library roles. The NLA trustee job description will be used as a tool in developing a SELS board member job description. Information and procedures will also be included on resources available for borrowing from the SELS office.

6. SELS works cooperatively with the Nebraska Regional Library Systems, Nebraska Library Commission and Nebraska Library Association in promoting librarians, libraries and the services they provide.

Goal 2: SELS will encourage expansion of library influence within communities, regions and the state through librarian involvement in library and non-library groups.

Objectives:

1. SELS will be an information clearinghouse in regard to dates of meetings, conferences and activities that are of benefit to librarians and the communities they serve.

2. SELS will provide information or contacts for various groups throughout the region and/or state to assist librarians in networking with groups that are directly or indirectly alligned with library issues.

3. News of legislative activities and issues that affect librarians and libraries will be made available and contact with elected officials on both the local and state level will be encouraged.

4. SELS will appoint a SELS board member to attend Nebraska Library Commissioners meetings in order to share local or regional library activities and to participate in statewide library conversations. Check with Nebraska Library Commission to receive a notice of agendas and dates at the System office.

Goal 3: SELS staff and board members will encourage (participate in activities on a regional and statewide level that affect the standard of living afforded Nebraska citizens, and) promote the role librarians and the information profession can play in achieving quality of life for all Nebraskans, and thus gain the necessary local and state support that libraries need.

Objectives:

1. SELS staff will stay informed of Southeast Nebraska Development District activities, as a point of reference for regional issues, resources and training opportunities.

2. SELS will subscribe to the Nebraska Municipal Review and the Unicameral Update to keep informed of issues and meetings that are of concern for librarians.

3. SELS will participate in Nebraska legislative activities by attending hearings and activities concerning library services and/or legislation and cultivate contacts with senators concerning the role of librarians in Nebraska.

4. SELS will encourage member libraries to be involved with advocacy activities on a grassroots level. That information will be included in SELS visits to small libraries and in an annual SoLiS article, as well as a toolkit to help jumpstart stated advocacy issues.

5. SELS will work with the Nebraska Regional Library Systems, Nebraska Library Commission and Nebraska Library Association in activities that advance library issues and their role in healthy communities.

Service Role 4: Management of SELS Resources: To carry out the duties and goals of a regional library system, serving SELS members efficiently and effectively.

Goal 1: SELS staff will work within the budget provided to SELS.

Objectives:

1. SELS staff will work with the executive committee in developing a line item budget in support of system services and activities, providing a budget report at each SELS board meeting.

2. Funding from NLC is provided on a biennual basis and funds for those respective years will be used within that time-frame with minimal encumbrances with requests for NLC funding to be made in a timely manner

3. Investigate alternative sources for funds and special projects that contribute to the goals of SELS.

Goal 2: SELS staff and board members will work within the guidelines required of 501c3 organizations.

Objectives:

1. SELS Bylaws, personnel and other policies will be reviewed and updated biennially by the executive committee. Bylaws will be reviewed by September of years ending in even numbers, and policies by September of years ending in an odd number.

2. Appropriate tax forms will be filed on-time with the Internal Revenue Service and the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

3. Appropriate financial records will be retained at the SELS office with the assistance of the system accountant and auditor.

Goal 3: The SELS Board will investigate the possibility (done, change the words) of establishing a Friends Group for the system.

Objectives:

1. A committee will be organized to investigate Friends Group opportunities for the system and the procedures for establishing such a group.

2. A SELS Friends group is established.

Goal 4: SELS staff will organize office materials and resources.

Objectives:

1. A filing system will be developed and maintained for organization of information and financial materials, to promote accessibility.

2. The SELS library will be weeded and made ready for cataloging for availability to members online, with possible hosts through Nebraska Library Commission or Seward Memorial Library.

3. The systems collection of journals will be maintained with back issues on file for a minimum of 1 year.

4. A permanent file containing back issues of SoLiS will be maintained. Other potential archival materials will be sent to the NLC for consideration.

5. NLC will be consulted on guidelines for electronic archival.

Goal 5: Office equipment, including the SELS vehicle, will be updated and maintained to ensure productive use of staff time and system materials.

Objectives:

1. A service agreement will be maintained on the System-owned copier and printer.

2. Computers, printers, fax and software will be evaluated for upgrade at least every 2 years.

3. The System vehicle will be taken in for regular maintenance according to mileage and maintenance recommendations from the owners manual.

4. Insurance coverage on system equipment will be maintained, and reviewed annually.

5. A list of property owned by the system will be kept on file at the SELS office and a remote location.

6. Check-out procedures for SELS equipment and materials will be written and maintained with statistics retained for evaluation and use.