Welcome to Your New KPL Staff News Blog!

Hello, KPL Staff!
I have found blogs to be a very convenient and helpful way to communicate all that Administration is up to, especially for those that don't see me often. I hope you check back regularly to see what's new.
Here are just a few ideas to get things started:

• Michelle is spearheading our first electronic newsletter to be launched mid-March. This a collaborative effort among Public Service staff and Administration to inform our library users about upcoming programs, new or unrecognized services, and ideas we have for the future. Using a product called Constant Contact, we aim to reach as many library users as possible by direct email, through Facebook, as well as through our web site. For an example of an email newsletter using Constant Contact, see the web version at Oak Park Public Library. Thanks to JeTaun, Jen and Jill for offering to contribute to the first edition!
• I am meeting with the head of the Interior Design program at Gateway to see if we can get one of their students to do a design project for our two largest branches, offering color and fabric suggestions for new chairs, wall colors, and space utilization that will create a fresh look and improved ability to market our materials. I'll let you know how that meeting turns out.
• REST, our staff Reference committee, is taking a second look at our procedures and policies concerning public Internet access in an effort to see if we can become more user friendly.
• The city has purchased Volunteer Insurance! Michelle, Chuck and I will be working on putting together a volunteer gardening program to beautify our grounds this summer. Look for announcements later this spring.
• The Kenosha Kingfish baseball team is looking to partner with the library this season. Should be loads of fun!
• The Kenosha police department's crime prevention unit conducted walk-throughs of each of our library buildings and provided recommendations for additional cameras and some adjustments to other areas. We'll be looking to make some improvements as the budget allows. Michelle is also working on a training series that helps us all react confidently when faced with problem behavior. I am also committed to providing part time guard staff at the Northside branch.
• The Board approved an update to the No Smoking Policy to include No Vaping (electronic cigarettes). Public signage will be updated soon.
• Maintenance staff will begin a  rotating assignment beginning April 1, switching branch assignments every four months. This will improve the staff's knowledge of each building, give everyone a chance to know the maintenance staff better, and give each branch the benefit of each of our staff's specialized knowledge. Effective the same day, the maintenance staff will rotate on call duty for major building issues other than cleanup during evening and weekend hours. I will work with the guards and branch staff to talk about ways to deal with cleanup after hours and on weekends.

Food for thought: According to a recent study from OCLC, only 38% of the population say they would definitely support a future library tax referendum. That group overwhelming sees the library as "a transformational force." How is KPL acting as a transformational force? How can each of us work toward providing everyone we serve with a transformational experience?

Enjoy the weekend!
Barb