Plan of Service - Element 11

Goal

Activities/

Department

Evaluation

Intended Results

Central Book Aid funds  –Circulating Nonfiction materials

Goal:To improve the central library's function as major information, resource-sharing location in the system

Purchase titles for which demand in member libraries is too light to purchase with local funds

% of unique titles in the central library

Resource sharing report demonstrating the distribution of CBA purchased materials

Residents of the region have access to a wide range of nonfiction titles and information

Central Book Aid funds

Goal:  Purchase electronic resources and /or services

In 2007, the Central Library will subscribe with Central Book Aid funds to an Electronic Reader’s Advisory Product and an Automobile Repair database for a minimum of 2 years

Explore and eventually subscribe to a downloadable audio book service

Use statistics from vendors

Recommendations of the advisory committee

Feedback from patrons and member library staff

Gradually phase out the purchase of print reference materials and provide access to electronic resources such as reference databases and other electronic services, ideally with a unit cost of $.75 within 24 months of the subscription

Improve access to electronic materials that benefit the system-wide area

Provide training opportunities to member library staff

Central Library staff will conduct workshops to train member library staff on the use of Central Book Aid (CBA)  purchased electronic resources and on providing reference service

Use statistics from vendors

Workshop Attendance & Surveys

Circulation Statistics of CBA purchased print materials

E-desk use statistics

Promote use of Central Library Services.

Develop user skills of electronic resources purchased with CBA funds

Develop skills of member library staff in providing Reference service to patrons

Provide remote professional reference services via email to member library staff and patrons

Central Library will continue to be the local last resort for answering the hard to answer Reference Questions

E-desk use statistics

System Annual Survey of services

Patrons and member library staff will receive a reply from the Central Library Reference within 1 business day for questions sent to the E-desk

Use Central Library Development funds for the operating the Central Library on Sundays from Sept through May

In 2007 The Central Library will be opened Sundays 1-5, from mid September through mid-May

Annual application by the Central Library to the STLS Board

Circulation Statistics via Director’s Station specifically for Sundays

Throughout the life of this plan of service, there will be a decrease in the use of Central Library Development Aid funds for Sunday Hours