December News

• Congratulations to Lisa Langsdorf who has been selected to work on a community team to take a Growing Wisconsin Readers Early Literacy Development Course and develop an early literacy project with Cesar Chavez Head Start and Almost Home Academy. Lisa's team is one of 20 selected from over 60 applications.
• The New Books Wall at SW is working! Statistics for November show an 18% increase in circulation of new books after the new book wall completion. Well done, everyone! 
• We're going to Chicago! The American Library Association Midwinter conference will be held at McCormick Place January 30-February 2. We would like as many staff to attend the exhibits as possible to view the latest library products. We're scheduling visits with vendors who specialize in self check and automated return equipment both days. Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate the different product options, witness demonstrations of the products in action, ask questions of the experts, and send me their recommendations. We're looking at two visits- one on Saturday and one on Monday. Buses and lunch will be provided.  Michelle will be sharing more information soon about how you can sign up for this fun and informative day. This is a wonderful way for all staff to get involved in a very big decision. Hope to see you there!
• We're getting ready to launch a product called Gale Analytics that will analyze where our patrons live and how they use the library. We will be able to determine if our patrons use the branch library closest to them, if the women check out DVDs more than the men, and if the children on the north side are traveling to SW for their books. One of the most important things we will learn is how many users live in the western part of our district, what type of library use we can expect from them, and how far they are traveling to the library. As the city annexes more land westward, we should keep an eye on the service needs to the west. 
• We are working with a designer at Demco to re-imagine the children's space at the Northside library. Our User Experience Team got together recently with our Youth Services staff to map out activities in three select areas. Demco will respond with furnishing and equipment ideas to support those activities.
• The Simmons Library is due for some structural work. Carlson Racine Roofing won the bid. They will begin work sometime in April.
• The KPL Foundation Public Relations Committee is spearheading a 115th Anniversary Celebration for the Simmons Library on July 18, 2015 in Library Park. More details pending.
• The City of Kenosha has a beautiful logo that we will be adopting as a city department. Common Council must approve before the logo is released. I will share it with you at that time.
• Shimon is designing KPL Kids Kards (library cards for kids) that will incorporate Where the Wild Things Are. We should have those before the end of the year.
• We are purchasing 2 mobile Sharp 70" Aquos Boards- they act as both electronic whiteboards and as projectors. We will use them to show films, conduct digital literacy training, project presentations, conduct gaming events like Wii, or use as a whiteboard for group meetings. One of these units will be at NS and the other at SW. We will be able to move them anywhere in the building. 
• Some of you have been asking for opportunities to learn how to use our catalog statistics module. We are anticipating a new release of the software shortly, then will coordinate training with Infor staff.
• Brent and Max will be relocating the large LCD screen at the circ desk at SW to the lobby in place of the programs board. The LCD will serve as an electronic version of the posters we hang there, saving paper and time. A similar project is planned for NS.
• The Senior Management Team has identified a list of "core competencies" for all staff. This list includes all the things everyone on staff should know. The next step is to develop a training program so we can all catch up on our skills and meet the requirements. Michelle will be sending more information out as that project progresses.

Thanks to all of you for making 2014 so successful! We will be scheduling staff sessions in early 2015 to present the goals for the coming year. In the meantime, I hope your holidays are merry and bright!

Barb

Here's a post you'll love

Why going to the library is one of the best things I do for my kids and the planet

Catalog Lookup in the Stacks

As we weed the collection, we are making room for look-up stations that will help both patrons and staff with their catalog searches. You will find this one at the end of the open aisle between large print books at NS. Thanks to Brent, Max, Ed, Chuck, Joe, NS Pages, Cathy J, and everyone else who participated in this project. It looks great!

As the collection is weeded at SW, we hope to add a few look-up stations in the stacks there.

Ellen Melyon Retirement

Hello, Everyone

As of yesterday, Ellen Melyon has retired from Kenosha Public Library. We thank her for her service and her friendship during her many years on staff.

WiLS will be conducting an independent evaluation of our organizational structure and processes in Collection Development. While we transition, Scott Kroes will serve as Acting Department Head and Lori Bonanno will retain her role as Supervising Clerk. Please give them your full support.

Things may take a little longer to get from order to shelf and your reports or statistics requests may also take a little while longer to process. Please give the Collection Development staff as much breathing room as you can as they learn their new roles and improve their processes. 

KPL is ONE team dedicated to outstanding customer service. Every staff member is valued and respected for his or her contribution. Your support will ease the strain in Collection Development during this transition period. 

In keeping with our shared values of Compassion and Respect, I also ask that you refrain from any gossip about this staff transition, and gently remind anyone who forgets that this is a kind and compassionate organization where everyone's dignity is respectfully honored. 

Thank you.

Barb

Take a table from the basement storage at Uptown, put it on the floor at NS, and say "create something," then step back and grin while the creative juices of this amazing staff start to flow. This table is the best children's display I have ever seen in a library. And that's saying a lot! Coupled with the newly upholstered chairs and the gorgeous table display at the entrance to Northside and you have the ingredients for renewed energy and a delightful user experience.

 

This is the new space we have created at SW for New Books. Our target date for launch is Tuesday morning. There is a new round laminate wood grain top to add, letters spelling NEW to add to the walls above, and, of course, lots of new books to shelve and face front and display. We have benches to position along the front for people to sit and gaze at all the pretty new books. And Jill has new nesting tables to create interesting topical displays down "Main Street."

 

Do these projects make you smile? Are you a creative person who has lots of ideas on how to get our collection into the hands of our community? The KPL Marketing Team needs you! Send me an email and tell me your big idea. This effort is going to take a lot of brains and a lot of bodies. But it may turn out to be the most fun we've had at work in years!

Barb

Internet Policy Updated

Hello, Everyone
Effective immediately, library staff will not exclude children from using the Internet or computers in the library. Parents are free to make choices for their children, but must be present to make that choice. An updated Internet Policy, approved by the Board last evening,  will be coming to your mailboxes shortly.
If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way.

New Displays at Northside

Look what Cathy Polovina pulled together for a beautiful new fall display! We have many more tables like these in the basement at Uptown. Let me know if you'd like to create something like this at your neighborhood library.

Thank You, Northside Staff!

Shawn Wolf has created a lovely Ready to Read Center for children at our Northside location, and we were all a little disappointed that the room could only be open while Shawn was in attendance because of parents who just don't supervise their children. But then Shawn spoke with Cathy who spoke with the Northside staff, and soon everyone was agreeing to pitch in and help out to keep the room open and in order. What fabulous teamwork! Thanks, everyone!

SW Lobby Opening Early October 13

Starting October 13, the lobby at SW will open at 8am. Victoria's will be open to serve coffee and light breakfast. WiFi will be available. The activities room may be reserved beginning at 8:15am.
This should make some people very happy. We're also working to accommodate a vending machine in the lobby for when Victoria's is not staffed. We'll keep you updated as that project progresses.

Southwest Powerwall Project Plan

Some of you may be wondering what's going on with the power wall project at SW. Don't worry, we have a plan. Here's a task list and timeline for those of you who may be interested.

SOUTHWEST POWERWALL PROJECT

What                                                                 Responsibility                                   By When

Children’s banner color selected	Shimon	9/18
Banner above new books designed and ordered	Shimon	9/25
New Books Signage designed and ordered	Shimon	9/25
Children’s banner painted	Maintenance	10/4
Top shelf for power wall ordered	Chuck	9/25
Plants moved from children’s doorway to SW lobby	Maintenance	10/2
Benches ordered for in front of power wall	Barb	9/30
Display units ordered	Barb	9/30
Banner above new books installed	Shimon	10/15
New books signage installed	Shimon	10/15
All shelving installed for powerwall	Maintenance	10/15
Ebook monitor attached to wall	CNS	10/16
Motif designed and ordered for children’s glass doors	Shimon	10/16
Display units installed	Maintenance	11/5
Top shelf added to power wall shelving	Chuck	11/5
Books transferred to wall	Circ	11/6

 

It Takes a Village (of library staff)

Hello, Everyone
Welcome to Friday.
I've been weeding fiction at the Northside Library and I'm finding books that are in terrible condition. We have a very large collection, and I can't promise that we'll be able to get into the stacks and weed every section every year, so I'm going to ask for all of you to help. If you see a book returned in poor condition, please set it aside and ask one of the librarians on staff to make the call about replacing it or removing it from the collection. Dirty, smelly, stained books make their shelf neighbors dirty and smelly, and makes some people hesitant to use a library. With the buzz in the newspaper about bed bugs, we need to put our best foot forward to quell any public fears. Our professional staff has done a very impressive job collecting the best literature the world has to offer. Together we can make sure it appeals to our patrons.
Thanks!
Barb

News Update

Hello, Everyone
Here's some news for the week

• Thanks to Shawn Wolf who is already making her mark in the children's room at Northside Neighborhood Library. Shawn is beloved among the preschoolers in Kenosha and I am delighted that she has agreed to an assignment both at NS and on the bookmobile 29 hours per week. Shawn will be reinvigorating children's services at our second largest location and bringing her children's expertise to bookmobile services. 
• We are sending out an electronic survey about Children's Services at Northside Neighborhood Library to everyone who is subscribed to our electronic newsletter. The survey prompts people to tell us what they'd like to see more of and what they'd like us to add. Shimon plans to provide paper copies of the survey so we can capture feedback from drop in parents and those attending story time programs.
• Ellen is adding a large type book rental plan to our collection development plan to make sure we have lots more new large type books for our voracious readers.
• The Big Weed is going well, although not fast enough for our paging staff, I'm sure. Thanks to everyone who is participating in refreshing the collection and making browsing easier for our patrons. Big thanks to everyone who cheerfully accepts carts of books to withdraw and hauls boxes to the garage for book sales.
• Speaking of book sales, the Friends broke a record at their recent event, bringing in around $4,000 in one weekend. The next sale is scheduled for October and will again be at SW. Thanks to everyone who helped make that happen.
• The Outreach Team meets on Monday and we will first be defining what we mean by Outreach, then launch into how we can expand and improve upon a very robust and appreciated service. If you have any ideas to lend, please feel free to let me know.
• We have new meeting room software that will allow our patrons to make their own reservations and dramatically streamline our processes. The Library Board approved a new policy recently that allows people to book a room who are not Kenosha County residents.
• We're considering opening the lobby at SW Neighborhood Library one hour early M-F. Lin will be talking with Victoria's to see if we can get some type of coffee service to go along with our free wi-fi. We'll keep you posted.
• Sheri and I presented the 2015 budget proposal to our city administrator on Wednesday. This is the first in a series of meetings before committees and Common Council before the budget is finally approved. The city will determine any staff wage increases in 2015 and is unlikely to make any decisions before November. We will let you know their decision just as soon as we are notified.
• Highlights of the 2015 proposed budget include support for replacement computers, replacement chairs at NS, a dedicated budget for both youth and adult programs, more collection money, more money for ebooks, more money for staff training, and painting at both NS and SW. We will also be adding some part time support staff to help with computer training classes and drop in help for electronic gadgets.
• Most of the wood chairs in the public areas at NS will receive a facelift next month. The fabric backs will get fresh padding and beautiful new fabric.
• If you haven't seen the wood flooring at the entrance to SW, swing by and take a look. It really looks great, is much quieter than you would expect, and is a whole lot easier to clean! Next we'll finally be building a "power wall" for all our new materials for easy access and to show them off. Our maintenance crew will be designing and building.
• Brent and Max installed an Overdrive Download Station (ebook power wall) at SW. The station really simplifies the ebook download process! Please take time to get familiar with it so we can all help patrons to use it. I just downloaded about 5 titles for my Labor Day trip and I found it very friendly. We have one more license to create a replica at NS sometime soon.
• I hope you've found the transition to Google mail painless, maybe even a good experience. I am enjoying the sharing capabilities. Nearly everyone on staff has been transitioned off Outlook. I suggest you solely use your new Google accounts. All  email sent to your Outlook account is being forwarded to your Google, but no mail sent solely to your Google address will show up in Outlook. To avoid confusion, start and stick with Google. Joe will be offering classes in  Google Apps beyond mail, so stay tuned.

And finally, as I've been weeding the collection, I am struck by the high quality, the cleanliness of the shelves, and the perfect order of the books. While I'm on the floor, I overhear the respectful, thoughtful interactions with our visitors. Your love for your work and your profession, your respect for our libraries, and your kind attention toward the public warms my heart. I am so happy to be on your team. Thank you for living the KPL Core Values every day!
Barb

Vacation and Persons in Charge

Hello, Everybody
Lin and I are both taking Friday August 29th off, and in our place Michelle will be the Person in Charge KPL-wide. Thanks, Michelle!

New Flooring at SW

The 2014 budget provides for new flooring at the SW Neighborhood Library, and we are moving ahead by replacing carpeting at the inner library entrance area with wood plank flooring. The new flooring will extend from the circulation desk to the children's entrance. The product is quiet under the feet, easy to clean, and will incorporate a fresh look to the space.

The work will take place over 3 days, starting on Sunday, August 24th,  then continue after closing on the 25^th and 26^th.

The workers only plan to pull carpet in sections as the vinyl plank progresses. There should be no work in this area during operating hours. Our preparation will take place Saturday evening (23^rd) and will involve removing the security gates and the cabinet that separates the two doors, as well as relocating any other items within the affected space. The divider cabinets will not be replaced. The security gates will be replaced.

On Friday, August 22, the computer lab carpet will be replaced. That area will not be open to the public during installation. Lin will lead staff on roping off the room and providing signage redirecting patrons to other areas for computing purposes.

User Experience Team Shines

A few months after I arrived, I asked staff to step forward and volunteer for a team to see our programs and services and buildings through the eye of the user. That's not an easy assignment, especially when you've been working for a long time in the same building. We all tend to get used to our environment and get accustomed to "how things are."

Linda, Joe, Tom, Jill, Ellen, Donna, and Sandy met several times and celebrated the reasons they are proud of KPL, then boldly confessed to the things they wished we could change. They examined the comments collected through the Library Impact Survey and made recommendations that have improved the customer experience.  Here are some examples of UX Team innovations:

1. Patrons can now pay with debit or credit cards.

2. Patrons aren't blocked from library use until they reach $10 in fines.

3. Patrons receive an email warning that their accounts need updated, preventing our electronic users from a surprise when they are downloading ebooks.

4. Phone etiquette is more standardized.

5. Circulation staff have permission to place reserves when prompted by patrons.

6. We are doing a lot of marketing.

7. A new website will be revealed early fall.

8. We have a very popular electronic newsletter.

9. Our bandwidth increased at all branches.

10. The Big Weed is happening so we can open up space for classes, and other community interaction.

11. We have Zinio on tablets for the public to play with.

12. Our signage is being upgraded.

Our next phase of work begins with spaces. I'm inviting the team to join me at the Northside Library this coming Tuesday at 9am and walk through the building from a user perspective. Each team member will be given a persona from which to evaluate the space and services. So, Joe may be a college student, Tom a businessman and  Donna a young mother, etc. Should be fun. We'll let you know what insights we gather from this exercise.

This User Experience Team will soon be passing the torch to new participants. So far, Brandi, Dana, JeTaun, Katie, Shawn, Sean have volunteered for Team 2. That leaves room for 4 new members. If you'd like to get involved, please drop me an email telling me why you're interested. Commitment isn't huge- anyone can fit it into their schedule. I hope to hear from you.

Barb
 

 

Our Values: Our Commitment

Remember this? It's time to share it with the public.
Shimon has designed a campaign built around these staff values he's calling "Our Commitment to You."

You will begin to notice the "Our Commitment to You" theme on many of our marketing materials. You'll see it on the suggestion boxes, the "Staff Picks" bookmark, even the table tents inviting people to engage over a game of chess. Some pieces will identify the one word from our values statement most relevant to the service. For instance, the Chess Sets will be identified with "Our Commitment to You: Community." An announcement about a new Outreach activity to minorities might be labeled "Our Commitment to You : Diversity." An electronic powerwall to invite people to download ebooks might bear the emblem "Our Commitment to You: Innovation."
Shimon will be positioning posters of Our Values at each location to introduce this to the public. Please welcome him when you see him.
Thanks
Barb

Fresh Marketing

Shimon has been working hard on fresh pieces to add to our marketing efforts and replacement signage to update our buildings. Soon you will see him in your location delivering his beautiful work. Please welcome him and feel free to offer advice on placement of things like suggestion boxes and signage. Thanks!

Newsletter Series and Staff Picks

Thanks to Cathy Polovina for volunteering to write regular pieces for our electronic newsletter on books in series. Cathy tells me this is a hot topic at the reference desks, and should be a beloved feature of our newsletter.

Thanks to Southwest library staff who have begun a "Staff Picks" campaign. I have already witnessed patrons lured by the sticky notes attached to books labeled as Staff Picks, and I think this will be very popular at all locations. So, Shimon is designing bookmarks to send to all locations for EVERYONE to participate.

Here's how it will work:

1. Take a bookmark and write your name on the line to complete this phrase: "Recommended by___".
2. Place the bookmark in the item of your choice (even music counts)
3. Leave it on the shelf where you found it. Or, if there's already a display for staff picks at your locations, feel free to add your choice to the display.
4. When the item is checked out, circulation staff should remove the bookmark and return the bookmark to you so you can choose something new.

I'm looking forward to discovering your favorite titles!

Chess Sets On The Way

I have taken the liberty to purchase chess sets for Uptown, Simmons and Northside. I understand Southwest has a set already.

This is a wonderful way to invite community connections.  Shimon is making table tents to display with the sets. As soon as they are ready, we will send the sets and table tents to each location. I know there is the risk of missing pieces and noise, but again, I encourage you to create an invitation to the community to engage this way. It's symbolic of the library's role as a community gathering place. And even if people don't engage with the set, they will see it as a symbol of our connection with them.

Jill has a strong relationship with a local chess club. Perhaps we can broaden that relationship and expand chess tournaments to all branches. Wouldn't that be fun?

Watch me on the Morning Blend

Here I am on the Morning Blend (Milwaukee) August 4th talking about Using the Library from Home and other subjects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz6JJ5u0q2E

Surprising Answers on the Library Impact Survey

I was in Madison this past Wednesday on a panel with two other librarians talking about "Evaluation and Assessment of Services." My topic was two tools developed for public librarians, and although I found out at the end that there was only one of our species in the audience, there was a lot of head bobbing and note taking, which makes me think that there's something of value both in the Library Impact Survey and the Library Edge Assessment, no matter who you serve.
My favorite slides were those that revealed shocking responses. I had been working with the stereotypical image of our computer users. That image was one of a person with low income and low skills with nowhere else to turn. They're on Facebook, I told myself, checking the disappointment in my mental tone. They're on YouTube.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Of the ~650 responses we received from the public about our library technology, 92% reported they had access to computers elsewhere. Only 18% reported an income that equated with the survey's definition of "low income." They were looking for health information, applying for jobs, building resumes, and they even got jobs because of the work they did at the library! "We are changing the world!" I cried.
But why here? Why at our libraries when they have access elsewhere? The answer was the most gratifying discovery of all. Because of the 92% who reported they had access elsewhere, a full 54% responded they had received HELP with computers while at the library.
Old librarians like me have been talking about the digital divide for ages, that division between the technology haves and have-nots. We wonder how the ubiquitous smart phone is changing the playing field. These days, a person of low income is very likely to have a smart phone, and if there is only one computer-like device in the household, that's what it is- the phone. Libraries in the Cleveland area have responded by enabling downloads of ebooks directly onto smart phones at the library. Virtually every library offers a mobile app. We might conclude that since the penetration of the smart phone into the low income market, people's technology skills have improved. Probably. But you know as well as I do that the target is moving. What you know today isn't all you need to know next year.
Our lasting impact on bridging the digital divide is digital literacy training. If 54% of our computer users seek help with a PC, think about the needs to understand all the new devices flooding our world. They already have a relationship with us that tells them they can ask us for help. Ask any of our reference staff what kinds of questions they get and the majority will tell you technology ranks high. How do I use my ereader? How do I scan and fax and attach a file to an email? What's Google Drive? How do I get my pictures off my phone and into my tablet? My daughter said use something called Skype? so I can see my grandchild over the phone? And of course those pressing, life changing questions, how do I apply for a job online, how do I apply for social services online, how do I email my son's teacher so I know how he's doing in school?
If you watched Jennifer Schlie-Reed's video about her work with students in Kenosha Public Schools teaching them digital literacy skills, you were probably a little humbled. I'm sure that the average third grader can leave me in the dust when using an iPad. In this business, we have to stay on top of technology because information is our business and technology is the way information is delivered.
Our Strategic Plan calls for us to lead the community in all things digital- lead them and teach them, introduce them to what's here, help them transition where they need to or want to go.
I believe that major services don't get done if they are an add-on job responsibility. I know that allowing talented people to focus on important projects yields big results. So, Joe Davies, our Digital Services Librarian, has moved into Computer and Network Services where he will work collaboratively with Max and Brent. Joe will lead our digital initiatives by designing and delivering training for both patrons and staff on all things digital. He will coordinate a wonderful new website for the library. He will work with Max and Brent to recommend exactly how to replace our aging technology, what to retain and what to discard.
Joe's invitation to attend Google Training is important. It is critical that we teach our community the apps they need to be productive at work and at home. Before we can teach them, we need to teach ourselves. Google's innovative team is the team we want to be on. They are driving the future. I hope you will join us and shed any fear of this new tech language. Google Apps will be a learning curve for all of us, but it will teach us to think in new ways and expand the ways we can work with each other to do great things for our community.
See you at the training.
Barb

New Signage at Branches

Hi, Everybody
Shimon has been working to reduce the number of signs on our front doors and in our lobbies in an effort to freshen things up. Please provide us with feedback about the new library hours signage. We're hoping the lettering makes the hours more visible from the parking lot when people drive by on Sundays.
If you need any signage announcing holiday closings in the future, please send your requests to Shimon. He is the "keeper of the templates" so that all our signage looks professional and uniform. Thanks!

A Sense of Pride

Hello, Everyone
Laura and I were working on gardens Sunday and it occurred to me that there is a deep sense of pride among many staff in the appearance of our buildings. At the same time, there is a certain reluctance on the part of some staff to overstep what they see as clear lines of responsibilities among job descriptions. So, I thought I'd talk to you today about my philosophy that "it takes a village" to keep our grounds and buildings looking their best and in the end, to deliver a great customer experience. I learned very early on in my career that being professional meant contributing to the organization in every way you can, whether the task is included in your list of official responsibilities or not. So no matter where I've worked, I pick up trash I see on the floor or in the parking lot, I pull a weed when I see one poking out in the garden, or I ask visitors who look lost if there is a way I can help. I expect the same from every one of you. It doesn't take ten minutes or a detailed plan to bend over when you see a piece of paper on the floor. Maybe your job isn't to answer questions, but you surely know where those staff members are who do answer questions and any of you can guide a lost patron in the right direction. There's nothing more delightful than visiting a company or business where the pride of the workforce shows through, and there's nothing better than helpful, friendly staff. Let's all pitch in to make our visitors' library experiences they best they can possibly be.
Thanks!
Barb

Library Cleanup Day June 18th

Hello, Everyone

Library Cleanup Day is fast approaching, and I’m looking for one or two team leaders from each location to keep us all on task and coordinate efforts. If you are passionate about cleaning our closets and straightening work areas, please step forward. Team leaders will receive a special token of appreciation.

Here is the game plan for Wednesday:

1.       Chuck and crew are in touch with our waste management services to make sure we don’t overflow our outdoor receptacles.

2.       Chuck and crew will provide cleaning buckets with various cleaning solutions and rags.

3.       Michelle and Brandi will be around with lunch for staff at all locations that day.

4.       You may wear jeans- nice jeans- to work that day. If you’re a soccer fan, you also may wear the team jersey or team t-shirt of your choice. No t-shirts with other slogans unless it’s Kenosha PL. Plain t-shirts are fine.

5.       Shimon will be visiting to take pictures and video of the event and create a fun video of staff in action set to music.

6.       Each team leader will take before and after photos of closets, work spaces, etc that are in particular need of attention.

7.       A prize will be awarded to the most impressive transformation of any work area or location.

8.       While you’re cleaning, look for any safety issues in your work area and report them to Chuck.

9.       While you’re cleaning, consider rearranging your work area for better work flow.

 

While you’re cleaning house, you will discover items that you no longer use or do not want. If it’s still useable, here’s what to do:

1.       Mark it with a note telling us where it came from. Place it in bins or in an area designated “Red Tag” (maintenance staff will designate red tag areas.)

2.       Staff at each location will have a chance to look through all red tag items before the maintenance staff hauls it away.

3.       All unclaimed red tag items will be brought to a central location (Civic Center Garage.) Staff will be invited to shop the central location for things they may need at their location.

4.       Chuck and I will look over anything remaining and decide its fate.

Happy cleaning!

Barb

News Update

Hello, Everyone
I hope you're enjoying our beautiful spring weather!
Here are some news items to keep you up to date on our Strategic Plan projects:

• I hope you have all had a chance to meet Shimon Croxton, our new Communications Assistant. Shimon has been busy writing press releases and creating publicity for our full summer schedule of activities. He'll be taking over publication of our weekly NewsNotes electronic newsletter next week. If you're a regular contributor to the newsletter, please begin to send your articles to him. Shimon is also taking a look at our signage. While at Stevens Point, he participated in a complete redesign of directional and informational signage for the university library. He's pledged to do the same for us, helping us make the user experience more friendly, one of the goals of our Strategic Plan. You'll see him in all our buildings replacing worn out signage with fresh information, combining multiple signs into shorter, easier bits of information, and strategically placing directional signage to help people find their way. If you haven't already met Shimon, please introduce yourself.
• Robin Potente is retiring to spend time with her two little grandchildren. We will miss her terribly, but she promises to bring the twins to story times! If you are considering applying for the Administrative Secretary position vacated by Robin, please do so quickly. We'll close applications on June 3rd. This is an internal search. I know we have the perfect talent on staff willing to carry on Robin's legacy of excellent service to the community.
• You've heard me talk about "Power Walls" and "Digital Power Walls" and maybe you're wondering what happened to that idea? We're moving forward. Reference staff at SW are planning the perfect relocation for the public copiers and Shimon is weeding the public information wall to make room for Chuck and his crew to add shelving along the curved wall which will house new books front and center to catch our visitors' eyes. We'll also be adding a touch screen computer to entice interaction with our Overdrive digital collections. These projects are meant to drive increased interest in our collections and therefore more use! Look for activity soon.
• Big news! KPL was selected as one of a handful of Wisconsin libraries to participate in the Library Edge Initiative. This is an assessment tool to gauge our support of community digital learning and achievement. The Edge assessment was created through a partnership between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Urban Libraries Council. The assessment takes the data we submit and compares it to benchmarks for libraries our size, then returns a report indicating where we are doing well and where we can do better. It also provides for staff training, skills assessments, and materials to help us promote our value to our local governments and influence support for improvements. Participation is quite an honor, costs us nothing but hard work, and it's just what we need to present our case to our Common Council for capital funds to support technology improvements. These tools will go a long way toward meeting the technology goals of our Strategic Plan.
• Looks like the roll-out date for debit and credit card payments has been postponed due to our Chase representative's time away from the office. Hopefully we'll see our equipment in another week. I know many of you are anxious to say "Yes!" when asked if patrons can pay with a credit card. At least we can say "soon." I'll let you know the minute all the paperwork is signed.
• I'm back in school, taking the LEAN Certification program through GTC. LEAN is the Toyota program introduced in the 1980s and still very active today in industry. In a nutshell, it's a model process with the aim of  reducing waste to improve efficiency. I liked what my instructor said the first day of class, and I want to be sure to share it with all of you, because it's common knowledge that every company and every library using the LEAN approach faces an initial hurdle when announcing adoption of LEAN principles. That common hurdle is staff fear. People hear LEAN and think "I'm going to lose my job. They're going to cut staff." Here's what my instructor said yesterday, and you are going to hear this over and over again from me:

LEAN IS NOT "LESS EMPLOYEES ARE NEEDED."

Take a look at KPL's strategic plan. Look at all the work we have to do. We are a service organization. We need people to do the work, and chances are good we aren't going to get a lot more money to do it, so if we can use the resources we have as efficiently as we can, we can shift some of our resources to new areas of service. Think public programs, outreach, classes, all those things that improve lives in our community. Circulation won't go away. We'll still need people to put books on the shelf, order materials, move them to and from buildings, fix the air conditioning and mow the grass. There is a place for the gregarious person and the shy person in this library now and in the future. So don't worry. Remember why you joined the library. We have an enormous impact on the lives of the people in our community.  That will never change.
Barb

Air Conditioning This Summer

Hello, Everyone
I've heard from many staff that the air conditioning in our buildings is very cold. I know your experience varies with the type of work you do. If you're at a desk most of the day, you're probably feeling colder than those staff who move around. In an effort to compromise, I've asked Chuck to set our summer temps to 73 degrees. We may find that it's not the right temperature, but it's a start. Please provide feedback to our maintenance staff about how that temperature works for you.
Thanks for your help.
Barb

Library Cleanup Days

Hi, Everybody

Robin and Michelle have been cleaning up at CCB to prepare for the arrival of our new Communications Assistant, Shimon Croxton. We can’t believe some of the stuff that’s been sitting around unused for years. Something tells me all our branches could use a cleanup, too. So, I’m declaring two cleanup days- one a physical cleanup and one an electronic cleanup.

Wednesday, June 18^th will be Library Cleanup Day (facilities) . That means you get to wear jeans, tee shirts (tasteful) and tennis shoes (NO OPEN TOED SANDALS, PLEASE, FOR SAFTEY REASONS) , and focus on straightening, tossing, wiping, and sorting through staff areas. Refrigerators, lockers, desks, offices, storage rooms, basements, closets,  service desks, all those places we tend to keep things and then forget about them.

I will work with Chuck and his crew to provide cleaning supplies and maybe even a dumpster or two  if we think we need it. Light lunch will be provided to keep you cheerful J

Tuesday June 24^th will be Electronic Cleanup Day. This is a great time to go through sent folders, inboxes, documents, etc, and see what you can toss to give the LAN a refresh.  We’ll provide brain food that day, since we expect this to be a cerebral experience.

Cleanup days are a lot of fun, but some of us Type A’s have a hard time refocusing on fun, so I’m counting on the lighthearted members of our staff to help us step back from the paperwork and make cleanup the main focus for the day. It may be a bit of a challenge to simultaneously meet the public, as we will stay open, but I know it can be done!

We’ll get back to you with logistics as we move closer to the date.

Barb

Improving Services

Hi, Everyone
I want to help you keep track of some policy changes we are implementing to improve the customer experience. This nice thing about a blog is, you can always refer back to this post if you want to refresh your memory.

1. We are raising the fine threshold from $5 to $10. This means people who have been blocked for accumulated fines of $5 will now be blocked at $10.  Alice will announce when that is in place.
2. The fine threshold for patrons to use computers has already been set to $10.
3. People will be able to pay partial fines once the checkout fine threshold is set to $10.
4. The maximum overdue fine on any one item remains $5.
5. Community Libraries have elected not to change their thresholds- in case you get any crossover patrons who are confused.
6. We are contracting with Chase to install debit/ credit card transaction units at all circulation check out stations. Launch date is June 1. Training will be provided for all circulation staff.
7. Minimum credit/ debit charges will be $5 to save on bank transaction fees paid by the library.
8. Laura at SW had a wonderful idea to repurpose the computer lab as a local history/ genealogy room. We are going to move forward with this idea. The computers will be relocated behind the reference desk for easy access to staff and a more open environment. Much of the file cabinet furniture and the microfilm/ microfiche machines will move into the room. We'll paint the walls an attractive color, add tables and chairs and even a rug to give it a "research" feel. We can even hang some of the historic photos we have on the walls. It will be really nice when finished.
9. Chuck and the maintenance crew are going to build a "Power Wall" along the front curved wall of SW to maximize this premium space. We will house new materials on those shelves and face front all we can to market this fabulous collection. I am purchasing display units to sit along the main path leading through the building so we can keep running displays of staff picks and "In the News" items. Part of the new "Power Wall" will be an Ebook Power Wall, essentially a touch screen allowing people to search for Overdrive ebooks and add them to their virtual book bags. Another piece of the Power Wall will be an interactive board to invite the community to participate in a collaborative activity. If you attended our PLA Road Show, you saw Jill's slide of a wall with the words "Before I Die..." and blank lines afterward. We are going to attempt this idea and see how much our community enjoys engagement of this sort.
10. Youth Services at SW is also changing. One of the carrels for computers is already removed, opening up space for activities. Jen and her amazing staff will be brainstorming just how to repurpose the space. One idea is to set up low bleachers for an open-air story time.

Our new Communications Assistant joins us on Monday. Shimon Croxton is a graduate of UW Stevens Point with a B.F.A. in Applied Media Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design. Shimon has been rebranding First Methodist Church here in Kenosha. He will be focused on reworking our signage, launching a Library Bucks program, and advising us as we reconfigure public spaces. Shimon 's main office will be at CCB, but he will be very mobile, so I expect he may temporarily set up his office at each of the branches from time to time as he considers signage and general layout. I will be bringing him around for everyone to meet next week- please give him a warm welcome to our library family!

Cross Training

One of our common concerns is the way we move our customers back and forth between desks to answer their questions. For instance, I might come to the circulation desk to check out my items and remember that I forgot to place a hold on a book. Or maybe I'm chatting with the wonderful staff member who's checking me out and we start to talk about an author and the staff person mentions another that I might like, but when I say, could you put that book on hold for me, the staff person says, I can't do that- that desk over there can. Ughh. That doesn't feel good, does it? It doesn't feel good for the customer, either.
I know many of you have concerns about taking on additional roles because you feel like you're already very busy with your assigned responsibilities. Well, a group of circulation specialists got together last week and talked about the possibilities and we think we're ready to try something that will improve our customer service capabilities while respecting the concerns of our staff.
Northside Neighborhood Library is going to be our test site. We're going to host a reference staff member at the circulation desk and do some cross training. Circulation staff will get some training on placing holds and reference staff will get some basic circulation training so they can handle small obstacles to getting the customers' needs fulfilled. We're going to practice how to help customers with a team approach at one desk and see how it all works out. When the terrific staff at Northside gets it perfected, they can help Southwest try the same approach to service. We think it can work and when it does, we know our customers will be delighted.
Alice and Nancy and Tom and Lin will be working on the plan to make it happen. Thanks to all of you for your willingness to stretch your skills to help our customers enjoy the library more every time they visit!

Grant Opportunity- Spread the Word!

Seeking Community Input

Do you smile when you drive past Simmons Library? Do you admire the grandeur of the architecture, the history it represents? Do you love the activities in the park during the summer months? A new grant opportunity exists to add even more programming on the lawns outside our community treasure. The Project for Public Spaces and Red Box have teamed up to offer ”Outside the Box”, a competitive grant to provide 20 communities nationwide $5,000 each to create or enhance a public space for community programming. The first step in the project is to gather community input.

 

We need you!

Join us on Monday, April 28th at 6pm at Southwest Library or Wednesday April 30^th at 6pm at Northside Library to dream with us.

 What community events could we create at Simmons Park with $5,000? Storytelling on the porch with rocking chairs and an old fashioned ice cream social? A Bluegrass concert on the lawn? Reenactment of political stump speeches common at the time Simmons was finished in 1900? You dream it, we’ll write the grant application. RSVP to rpotente@kenosha.lib.wi.us

KPL YouTube Video

If you haven't seen our variety of videos, here's a link to take you to some fine productions. What a fun way to communicate all the great things we do!

Letter to the Editor

Hello, Everyone
I'm about to send this letter off to the Kenosha News. It's a letter that summarizes the results of the Library Impact Survey. The last sentence invites people to visit their library to see how they can help. I thought I'd give you a heads up that the letter is going out, in case someone does ask how they can help. Here's the letter, and a list of the ways to suggest they can help.

Dear Editor:

Recently, the Kenosha Public Library conducted a survey to better understand how our community uses and benefits from free access to computers and the Internet at the library. The library offers 140 computers, wireless Internet, and assistance for all members of our

community. Of the survey respondents who reported visiting the library in the past year, 69% used a public access computer or the library's wireless network during their visits. Highlights from the survey include:

·         26% of public technology users indicated they had used public access technology for employment needs. 19% of users searched for a job online. 14% applied for a job by submitting a resume or filling out an online job application.

·         23% of public technology users used public technology for educational activities. 15% of users completed coursework or homework using public access technology.

·         27% of public technology users used library technology to get information on health and wellness topics. 18% of users reported learning about diet or nutrition; of those, 84% made a change to their diet.

·         31% of public technology users reported using library resources to stay in touch with family and friends and to build and maintain social networks.

·         57% of public access technology users also received help from a librarian when using the computers or Internet at the library. Of those users, 90% have access to the Internet at home, school, or work but still choose to use the library's technology. This shows the library offers critical resources and services even as people increasingly have their own Internet connections and devices.

These are only a few of the impacts from the library's public technology access and training. The future of our community depends on the Kenosha Public Library's ability to sustain the quality technology services that provide opportunities for all people. Let's make sure our library gets the support it needs to make this happen.

Visit the Kenosha Public Library to see how you can help.

Sincerely,

Barbara Brattin
Library Director
(262) 564-6324

Ten ways anyone can help:
1. Use the library! Our use statistics prove our worth to the city. (our budget comes from city tax dollars)  Don't forget we offer online resources from the comfort of home.
2. Donate money. We can always use more money for programs and collections.
3. Volunteer (We'll be creating a volunteer program this summer. If anyone expresses interest, take their name and contact information and include an idea of what they'd like to do. Pass this info on to me.)
4. Join the Friends of the Library. The Friends support our programs by holding two book sales a year and through lobby book and bag sales. Membership costs very little. Even better, work a book sale!
5. Call your Alderman and tell him/ her how important the library is to you.
6. Serve on the Library Board. (We'll have 2 openings in July.)
7. Serve on the Library Foundation Board.
8. Talk up the library in the community. Nothing like word of mouth to promote all the good things we do.
9. Write a Letter to the Editor expressing your appreciation for the library.
10. Invite me to speak at a meeting of your favorite organization. I love to talk :) and I really love to talk about libraries!