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Southeast Library System Plan 2011-2012
(Revised at July 2011 SELS Board Planning Meeting)

Service Role 1: Training and Consulting

To increase awareness of and provide access to continuing education opportunities and technology training, coordinating efforts and activities with Nebraska Library Commission (NLC), Nebraska Educational Media Association (NEMA) and the Nebraska Library Association (NLA) and others when possible.

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

Objectives :

1. Develop an annual training schedule by July 1, 2012 for all members of our system, including but not limited to:

A. TRUSTEES

• Library Trustee training – Minimum of 2 events per year
• Provide trustee support and training locally in communities.
• Monthly e-mail prompts for library board discussions and continuing education hours.

B. CHILDREN'S LIBRARIANS/SCHOOL LIBRARIANS

• Summer Reading “Plus” program training
• Youth Services Retreat in cooperation with Eastern Library System.
• NEMA/SELS Training - this has been a collaborative effort we want to continue and investigate methods to encourage attendance and participation.
• Golden Sower CASTL Meeting

C. GENERAL INTEREST

• NLA Pre-conference program (in cooperation with the regional library systems)
• Training Extravaganza, a daylong regional conference, addressing multiple continuing education concerns with a variety of sessions that includes a technology track.
• “Top 10 Tech Tools” – perhaps in cooperation with Eastern Library System (ELS).
• Colloquiums for library professionals, students and others desiring scholarly and philosophical discussion and networking. Done in partnership with Eastern Library System (ELS).

D. PUBLIC LIBRARIANS

• Universal Service Fund discounts/e-rate one-on-one support.
• CASTL training - 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.
• •  Plan a joint CASTL and school librarians/ youth services meeting once a year.
• Plan a joint library trustees and CASTL meeting once a year.
• Plan a joint CASTL and library friends/foundation meeting once a year.
• Basic Skills Participation

2. Promote independent learning and development.

A. Provide information on online resources available at no-cost or cost, such as Podcasts, Vlogs, Webinars and eJournal links.

B. Investigate how best to share current journal subscriptions and professional literature.

3. Solicit input on CE needs and evaluation of training programs.

• Provide evaluation opportunities for input from members at training sessions, in the newsletter and through the website.
• The SELS Board and Continuing Education Committee will assist with follow-up and evaluation of training programs with an electronic survey and needs assessment and experiment with follow-up phone surveys to participating system members.

Goal 2 : To create a network of support to individuals, programs and agencies.

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. Bibliostat (online statistical report for public libraries) consultation and support will be available.
4. A toll-free number for communication with SELS staff is maintained.
5. Consultation data will be categorized to be used as basis for planning continuing education and responding to member needs.
6. The SELS electronic mail lists and SoLiS will be utilized as avenues for discussion on library-related issues. Explore wikis, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs as new communication tools for sharing information, as well as set up and use of mailing lists on new website host: www.selsne.org .
7. Take steps to implement a mentor program for new librarians, where they are matched up with a “veteran.”
8. Develop the “Share Library Programs & Staff Exchange” idea for specific ideas on potential staff and/or programs, handouts, computer assistance, list of resources, and/or problems & solutions that might be adaptable to sharing in person or online.

Goal 3 : To promote CE events beyond those offered by SELS.

Objectives :

1. Seek out funding opportunities and grants to share with library staff, boards and library friends and supporters.
2. Promote formal educational programs and financial assistance for an Associate, under grad, and Master's level in library and information management.
3. Promote and coordinate attendance at conferences outside the region, so transportation and travel costs may be shared as well as pursue virtual conferences as another option for conference participation.
4. Solicit and promote information about CE events sponsored by libraries, agencies or other groups that are open to all.
5. Share and post regional CE events on SELS calendar in newsletter and online.

Service Role 2: Promotion

To assist all types of libraries to become more hospitable and vibrant “community” centers staffed with well-informed professionals. Libraries are the front porch of their “communities” where residents come to connect with each other and the world.

Goal 1 : To encourage expansion of library influence and support within communities, regions and the state through librarian involvement in library and non-library groups.

Objectives :

1. SELS will act as an information clearinghouse for conferences, meetings, activities and events and post on a system-wide calendar and invite system members to contribute.

• Participate in Nebraska legislative activities by attending hearings and activities concerning library services and/or legislation. Subscribe to publications such as the Nebraska Municipal Review and Unicameral Update in an effort to keep informed.
• Cultivate contacts with senators concerning the role of librarians in Nebraska. Invite senators representing southeast Nebraska to a meet and greet with SELS board, staff and members prior to the start of the 2011 Legislative session.
• 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.

2.    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 aligned with library issues.

3. Contact with local, state, and federal elected officials will be encouraged and news of legislative activities and issues that affect librarians and libraries will be shared through appropriate communication channels, such as webpage, e-mail lists, SoLiS, RSS feeds, etc.

4. Maintain a relationship with the Nebraska Library Commissioners.

A. A SELS board member or members will volunteer to attend Nebraska Library Commissioners meetings in order to share local or regional library activities and to participate in statewide library conversations.

B. Invite the commissioner from the southeast area of the state to each SELS Board meeting.

C. Include highlights from the meetings of the library commissioners in the SoLiS and/or on the SELS webpage.

Goal 2 : Provide member libraries with access to resources beyond what can be provided locally to enhance knowledge, presentations, programs, and more – incorporating check out of materials online through the Apollo catalog.

Objectives :

1. M aintain and purchase library of dies for loaning to local libraries in support of the summer reading theme each year .
2. Maintain book bags in support of One Book One Nebraska, One Book for Nebraska Kids, One Book for Nebraska Teens, young adult reading groups and more for lending to member libraries .
3. Promote resources available from member libraries to other members throughout SELS .
4. Explore purchase and loan of new technologies and equipment.
5. Explore opportunities and methods for outside support and collaboration with Nebraska Association of Institutional Librarians (NAIL). One example might be a wish list put out annually by SELS via the newsletter or e-mail list.

Goal 3 : Encourages member libraries' efforts to enhance their presence in the community as a welcome place for all.

Objectives :

1. Offer visits by SELS staff, board members, or member libraries to evaluate the appearance of the local facility.

• “Fine front porch” – less formal entry with an emphasis on hospitality
• Welcome, Stranger: Public Libraries Build the Global Village Tool Kit published by the Urban Libraries Council is an example of a tool that can be used to assist efforts, as well as Future Search tool kit resources as they become available.

2. Collect and publicize program and promotion ideas from member libraries. Future Search brainstorming ideas included:

• Grandparents reading to kids
• Singing
• Serve seasonal beverages
• Read around the posies
• Rock-a-thon
• Kool-aid stand
• Spooning
• Birdhouses
• Ice cream socials
• Bluegrass
• Shoebox social
• Gaming bees – “Wii-Bee”
• Film festival – outdoors; make community films
• Chautauqua
• Greeters
• Local art displays
• Historical reenactment
• Make your own video
• Open microphone events
• Outreach to determine what is done (especially diverse populations)
• Curbside service on roller skates
• Drinks and books
• Facebook and whatever is next
• Posters where our neighbors are (bars, churches, exercise/sports facilities )
• Have an annual promotion of the library as a welcome place sponsored by the SELS board.

Goal 4 : Utilize a variety of media resources to promote information about and activities of SELS and member libraries.

Objectives :

1. SoLiS newsletter published electronically 12 times a year as a source for information and discussion among librarians.

• Events at local libraries are a regular feature
• Calendar includes upcoming non-library events
• Spotlights on individual libraries and/or staff or board members are considered.
• Include an SELS Friends column/page.

2. The SELS' web presence contains 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. Statistical information, as well as geographic references, and activities will be included as a part of a basic overview.

Service Role 3: Management of SELS Resources

To carry out the duties and goals of a regional library system while serving SELS members efficiently, effectively, and in an environmentally conscious manner.

Goal 1 : Work within the budget provided to SELS from the Nebraska Library Commission while looking for additional funds from other sources.

Objectives :

1. SELS staff will work with the executive committee prior to the Annual Meeting in developing a line item budget in support of system services and activities to be adopted and approved at the Annual Meeting.
2. A budget report reflecting biennial dates and funding as well as percentage of budget line expenditures year to date will be provided at each SELS board meeting.
3. Funding from NLC is provided on a biennial 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.
4. Investigate alternative sources for funds and special projects that contribute to the goals of SELS.
5. Collaborate with SELS Friends, now established with their own board and bylaws to operate as a separate entity in supporting SELS financially, as well as providing promotional support of system activities and roles within southeast Nebraska.
6. A certified accountant will perform an annual review of SELS financial situation and also compile monthly payroll taxes.

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

Objectives:

1. Review and update SELS Bylaws, personnel, and other policies will be done 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. File appropriate tax forms on-time with the Internal Revenue Service and the Nebraska Department of Revenue. SELS procedures will reflect necessary forms as well as dates due to help assure compliance.
3. Retain financial records at the SELS office with the assistance of the system accountant and auditor.
4. Investigate the system's current procedures in bonding to include evaluation of the amount, staff covered, and requirements for a 501c3.
5. Biannual review by the SELS Executive Committee of the Articles of Incorporation with Bylaws.

Goal 3 : SELS staff will organize office materials and resources.

Objectives:

1. Develop and maintain a filing system for organization of information and financial materials to promote accessibility.
2. Input the SELS collection into the Apollo automation system, including books, equipment, dies and journals.
3. SELS catalog in Apollo will also provide access to catalogs for all Nebraska libraries using Apollo. That access may help in facilitating interlibrary loans between libraries, which we will explore.
4. Maintain the system's collection of journals with back issues on file for a minimum of one year.
5. Maintain a permanent file containing back issues of SoLiS. Other potential archival materials may be sent to the NLC for consideration.
6. NLC may be consulted on guidelines for electronic archival.
7. Recycle as appropriate discarded materials.

Goal 4 : To update and maintain o ffice equipment to ensure productive use of staff time and system materials.

Objectives:

1. Maintain a service agreement on the System-owned copier/printer.
2. Evaluate computers, printers, fax and software for upgrade at least every 2 years. Energy star ratings will be considered when purchasing to gain information on environmentally friendly products and equipment.
3. Maintain the System vehicle according to mileage and maintenance recommendations from the owner's manual. Every 5 years purchase of a new vehicle will be pursued.
4. Maintain insurance coverage on system equipment and reviewed annually.
5. Keep a list of property owned by the system on file at the SELS office and at a remote location.
6. Write and maintain check-out procedures for SELS equipment and materials with statistics retained for evaluation and use.
7. Establish a computer back-up procedure for system files and records.

This Website was supported in part by the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act and/or state funding appropriated by the Nebraska legislature, granted and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.