| 2008 Business Plan | 2008-06-08 |
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Cariboo Regional District Building Communities
Together 2008 Business Plan Library (1660) Colleen Swift, Manager of
Library Services Working in partnership with communities, large and
small, to make the Cariboo Chilcotin a socially, environmentally, and
economically desirable region to live, work and play. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Department/Function
Services The
Cariboo Regional District Library (CRDL) provides public library service to
residents of the Cariboo Regional District. Cariboo residents also have access
to other library collections through the provision of the BC One Card and
through the Library’s participation in the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement with
four other regional library systems in the province. Public
services include: system-wide lending of print, audio and video materials from
fifteen branch libraries; initiating interlibrary loan requests for print
materials not available in the branches; provision of information and reference
services including access to the Library’s online catalogue, website,
subscription databases and Outlook Online, the provincial database and online
service supporting interlibrary loan requests. The Library also offers free
access to public internet stations located in its branches, free meeting space
for nonprofit groups and library programs for children and adults. The
Library’s Support Services provides system-wide support to the 15 branches of
the Cariboo Regional District Library. Support includes providing fully catalogued
and processed print, audio and video materials and arranging regular shipments
of catalogued materials to each branch; maintaining the library catalogue;
receiving public library staff selections and ordering materials from a variety
of vendors and publishers; handling interlibrary loan requests and tracking ILL
transactions; providing a lease book
service to 9 community branches, ensuring each branch has the requisite office
and library supplies, ensuring GEAC software operates properly and working with
GEAC staff, when appropriate, to accomplish this end, researching and
developing various technological solutions to library problems, and gathering
and organizing various monthly and annual statistics. The
Library was established by Cariboo Regional District Library – Local Service
Establishment Bylaw No. 2466. Bylaw No. 2466
stipulates that the requisition for the service cannot exceed the greater of
$1,547,604 or a tax rate of $0.81508/$1,000 of assessment. Property owners in
rural areas pay on the basis of improvement assessment only whereas those in
municipalities pay on land and improvements. All
members of the Board are responsible for the governance of the library
function. Business Plan Goals, Rationale & Strategies 2008 Goals 1. Goal:
Provide new library
facility in Quesnel. Rationale: Need for new facility has
been identified. Strategy: Design and renovate confirmed space; establish
equipment, shelving and furnishing requirements/priorities and tender/order
accordingly; plan and undergo move to new library. 2.
Goal: Renovate
and provide an addition to the existing library facility in 100 Mile House. Rationale: Need for additional space has been
identified. Strategy: Completion of designs for
existing and additional space; establish construction process than will
minimize, as much as possible, impact on staff and the delivery of library
service to the public; establish equipment, shelving and furnishing
requirements/priorities and tender/order accordingly. 3.
Goal: Replace
current GEAC circulation software. Rationale: To acquire a more robust, versatile and
technologically sound automation system; to improve usability and accessibility
at branch libraries; to allow for increased coordination with libraries across
the province. Strategy: Review ILS requirements,
determine the most appropriate software for our needs; involve Systems Administrator
as required; train staff in the effective use of the new system. Note:
This goal carries forward from 2007. 4.
Goal: Implement
GEAC circulation functions at each of the Community Libraries. Rationale: To increase coordination
between libraries; to increase accessibility for patrons borrowing outside of
their home branch; to increase patron satisfaction. Strategy: Purchase and install the necessary software
upgrades to allow for computerized circulation at the community libraries;
purchase the necessary hardware (barcode scanners and printers) to allow the
community libraries to fully utilize the above software upgrades; to provide
training to the community librarians on an individual basis. 5.
Goal: Provide
additional signage in rural areas served by Community Libraries. Rationale: To increase public awareness of available
library services; to increase library visibility and access in the rural areas. Strategy: Arrange for highway
signage in accordance with provincial requirements; update community library
sidewalk signs. Note:
this goal carries forward from 2007. 6. Goal: Relocate Likely Community
Library. Rationale: Provide Likely residents
with improved library facility and improved access to the library. Strategy: Allocate reserves for
Community Library facilities; investigate potential placement at Likely School
and other alternative locations if identified; determine space/facility
availability and accessibility by wheelchair; identify renovation requirements
of potential location; reach agreement with lessor if location is confirmed;
determine equipment and furnishing requirements; plan move to the new library. 7. Goal: Develop multicultural
collections in the Area Libraries. Rationale: To
provide increased local access to materials in other languages. Strategy: Allocate the 2007/2008
Equity Grant for the purchase of materials in other languages, predominantly
Punjabi, German, French and Spanish; identify selection resources and
associated vendors; complete orders by June 2008. 8. Goal: Establish Music CD collection at 100 Mile
House Library. Rationale: To offer residents of 100
Mile House and Area improved local access to a variety of music CDs. Strategy: To complete cataloguing of
titles selected, ordered and received in 2007; to place collection in the
library by March 2008; to promote collection to the community. 9. Goal: Fund
raise for special furniture and equipment for the new 100 Mile House Library. Rationale: Funds raised will contribute to/supplement
the budget established for the purchase of equipment and furniture for 100 Mile
House Library; provide an opportunity for the community to become directly
involved with the library and to contribute to the quality and beauty of the
library. Strategy: Local
Friends of the Library will continue to run book sales; establish a penny drive
for furniture for the children’s area; hold a raffle to raise money for the
adult lounge area. 10. Goal: Issue
a library card to every school-age child in the Cariboo and to children outside
service areas who would likely visit a Cariboo library. Rationale: To encourage use of CRDL branches by
school-age children; to promote reading and literacy. Strategy: To visit local schools/classrooms
to sign-up children for library cards and to give book talks; provide books,
book bags and library card holders to each child receiving a library card. To
develop a child’s library card using children’s art as the background image of
the card. This goal was accomplished and carries
forward from 2007. 11. Goal: Organize
major used book sale to occur within weeks of relocating to the new Rationale: To promote the library to
the community and provide the public an opportunity to pick up good books at
minimal cost. Strategy: Library staff to plan and
manage initial book sale. 12. Goal: Rational: To
improve community access to the libraries and promote the libraries to their
communities. Strategy: To
track community use of the libraries; to develop and provide an in-library
survey. 2009 Goals 1. Goal: Create wireless networks
for patrons in the three Area Branches. Rationale: To improve access to information for patrons;
to encourage computer owners to use the library; to provide alternative routes
for computer growth in the area libraries. Strategy: Assess the level of need
for wireless access at each library; investigate available products and
suppliers; work closely with IT department to select and implement solution. 2.
Goal: Replace
current TimeOut Software. Rationale: To acquire a more robust, versatile and
technologically sound PC reservation system; to ensure interoperability with
the proposed new ILS. Strategy: Review PC management software, determine the
most appropriate and compatible product for our needs; involve systems
administrator as required; train staff in the effective use of the new system. 3. Goal: Replace/relocate
Horsefly Community Library. Rationale: Provide Horsefly residents
with improved library facility and improved access to library. Strategy: Allocate reserves for
Community Library facilities; investigate potential options for Horsefly
Community Library facility for replacement with newer portable at current
location; investigate options for improved access to the library parking lot,
investigate alternate locations within Horsefly community; proceed with arrangements
on confirmation of preferred location. 4. Goal: Install wheelchair access
ramp at Horsefly Community Library. Rationale: To meet building code requirements respecting
access to public space by wheelchair; to respect the needs of local patrons requiring
ground level or wheelchair access to the library. Strategy: Ensure present location of library is sustainable
(see Goal 2, 2009); request proposals/quotes for ramp construction and consult
with Building Inspection Department as needed; proceed with ramp construction
to be attached to present or newer portable. 5. Goal: Provide
Biennial Community Librarians meeting, or access to alternate training/education
opportunity, such as the “Beyond Hope Conference”. Rationale: Provide opportunity for community
library staffs to meet to share information and ideas; provide venue for
workshop/training sessions applicable to community library services. Strategy: Identify training
requirements/opportunities for community library staffs; determine most appropriate
venue; finalize arrangements. 6. Goal: Increase 100 Mile House Library staff
hours to allow for a second full-time Library Clerk III position. Rationale: New library will enjoy
increased use by the public, with a probable increased demand for programs and
other enhanced library services. Strategy: Prepare job description
and classification for review by Job Evaluation Committee and approval by the
CAO; to post and fill the position if endorsed by the review process. 7. Goal: Establish separate Archives in the Rationale: To preserve and provide
access to local historical material. Strategy: Establish an accessible
archives with a useable collection; liaise with Museum to coordinate historical
material held by the two agencies; inventory library’s historical material. 8. Goal: Provide
a wider variety of programs in the new Rationale: To meet local interest in
the provision of library programs; to enhance existing programs and promote
library to the community. Strategy: To plan, develop, promote
and provide programs intended for adult/family interest. 9. Goal: Purchase a microfilm reader/printer/scanner
for the new Rationale: To meet the public’s
growing interest in genealogy and family history by providing assistance with
family history research and related document acquisition and compilation. Strategy: To recruit and train a volunteer to assist
patrons with their requests for materials and in their use of the microfilm
reader/printer/scanner. 2010 Goals 1. Goal: Replace/relocate
McLeese Lake Community Library. Rationale: Provide Strategy: Allocate reserves for Community Library
facilities; investigate potential options for McLeese Lake Community Library
facility for replacement with newer portable at current location; investigate
alternate locations within 2. Goal: Install
wheelchair access ramp at McLeese Lake Community Library. Rationale: To meet building code requirements respecting
access to public space by wheelchair; to respect the needs of local patrons
requiring ground level or wheelchair access to the library. Strategy: Ensure present location of library is
sustainable (see Goal 2, 2010); request proposals/quotes for ramp construction
and consult with Building Inspection Department as needed; proceed with ramp
construction to be attached to present or newer portable. 3. Goal: Introduce
adult programs at 100 Mile House Library. Rationale: To meet local interest in
the provision of programs tailored for families and adults. Strategy: Offer a volunteer-based
travel program. 2011 Goals 1.
Goal: Replace
Lac La Hache Community Library facility.
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| Cariboo Regional District Library provides public library service to residents of the Cariboo Regional District. Public services include system-wide lending of materials from 15 branch libraries, provision of information and reference services including access to the Library’s on-line catalogue and internet stations, public access to library meeting room facilities, and provision of library programs. Support Services provides centralized services to the branches, including acquisitions, cataloguing and processing, interlibrary loan service as per national and provincial standards, training public services staff in new procedures required by changes in the Geac software, routine management of Geac software, including report generation for Branch libraries. <br><br> Authority: “Cariboo Regional District Public Library - Local Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2466” <br><br> Bylaw 2466 stipulates that the requisition for the service cannot exceed the greater of $1,547,604 or a tax rate of $0.81508/$1,000 of assessment. Property owners in rural areas pay on the basis of improvement assessment only whereas those in municipalities pay on land and improvements. <br><br> <b>Goals, Objectives & Strategies<br><br> <b>1 Goal:</b><br> To update existing library policies and to identify, develop and implement needed policies. Objectives: a) To ensure the public knows what they can expect from the library and that they are treated equitably; b) To ensure that library staffs have the information they need to do their jobs effectively; c) To provide CRD Board and Staff with written supportive documentation to deal with policy challenges by the public. Strategies: a) Gather, review and update existing library policies. b) Identify and prioritize outstanding policy areas. c) Prepare policies for CRD Board review and endorsement. d) Implement approved policies. 2. Goal: To provide an enhanced Acquisitions Report to Branch Libraries. Objectives: d) To enable staffs to check status of orders by year ordered, by fund name (sub-location), by fund number (material type), by author, by title, by ISBN, and by ordering status. e) To save library staffs time in recording and tracking orders. Strategies: a) Staff to provide GEAC with an RFQ outlining desired enhancements to software functionality. b) Geac to design and install program. c) Staff to evaluate program and to notify Geac of needed changes, as required. 3. Goal: To perform detailed analysis on Inter-Library Loans procedures. Objective: f) To find ways to make the work more efficient so that daily duties can continue to be completed in the allotted 3.5 hours per day. Strategies: a) Have staff prepare a list of daily activities with regard to ILL. g) Examine each item on the list and talk to ILL staff about how each item is done and how it might be done more efficiently. h) Analyze results for efficiency and make changes to procedures, as required. 4 Goal: To continue developing and providing adult programs in Area Branch Libraries. Objectives: a) To provide programs on topics of potential high interest to communities served by Area Branches. b) To involve volunteers and interested groups in the planning, promotion and provision of programs. Strategies: a) Identify themes for Winter/Fall 2004. b) Identify presenters and establish program dates. c) Develop, promote and implement programs. 5. Goal: To establish a Library Clerk III position in response to increased work load within Support Services. Objectives: a) To reallocate ordering / receiving and other acquisitions related functions to a Library Clerk III position. b) To effectively meet increased public demand on the Library’s interlibrary loan service. Strategies: a) Staff to provide rationale, explaining need for the Library Clerk III position and request Board endorsement of establishing the proposed position in 2004. 6. Goal: Establish new budget line for Consultant fees associated with the proposed new library facility for Quesnel. Objectives: a) Allocate additional $10,000 to the Library’s 2004 budget to meet anticipated consultant fees respecting the proposed new library facility for Quesnel. b) To maintain the proposed budget line for the duration of the Quesnel library project. Strategies: a) Staff to request Board endorsement of the proposed allocation of $10,000 for library building consultant fees in the 2004 budget. 7. Goal: Establish reserve funds for replacing / upgrading the Library’s Geac software and Suns Systems server platform. Objectives: a) Maintain, as general guidelines, schedules of proposed upgrades to Geac software and replacements of the Sun Server/operating system. b) To lessen the impact on the Library budget, establish, within 2004 budget, reserve funds to be used towards the purchase of Geac software upgrades and supporting hardware. Strategies: a) Staff to recommend allocating to the 2004 budget, under reserve funds, $13,000 for Geac software and $7,000 for supporting hardware. Overall Financial Impact In order to meet the proposed goals and objectives of the Library’s 2004 Business Plan, and to meet union staff wage increases and staff health benefits increases, Staff will be requesting an increase, in the amount of $66,166, to the Library’s present requisition level. In addition, the requisition was increased commencing in 2004, by $14,185.54 to reflect a building expense allocation per Board policy 4.1.13 – Administration Charges adopted in December 2003. Significant issues and trends: o Meeting the increasing demand for interlibrary loan services and to handle more effectively the present Support Services workload. The increasing popularity of interlibrary loan service has placed considerable pressure on Support Services staff. To ensure all Support Services responsibilities are undertaken restrictions have been placed on interlibrary loan service. This is an important service to all our clients particularly those in rural areas. In addition staff are facing increasing inability to meet some of our regular support services such as: - fulfilling all acquisitions procedures including adding orders to the acquisitions database and sending those orders to various publishers and vendors; receiving ordered materials through the acquisitions database and preparing invoice information for payment purposes - Maintaining and revising policies and procedures for continued efficiency - Staff training, especially respecting new procedures requirements - Increased opportunity to complete cataloguing procedures Solution: - Review, with Manager and Treasurer, opportunities within current requisition - Amend requisition to address expressed needs o Provincial Public Library Service Strategic Plan could impact regional library service. o Results of Quesnel / CRD Electoral Areas Library Service Review could impact regional library service. o Continued high demand for Internet access and more demand for access to Office programs. - Library to install new public access workstations at each Branch, resulting in improved public access to both the Internet and to Office Software - Main issue – Need for sufficient space in our library facilities for additional computer stations. o Extension of circulation function to community branch libraries. - identify circulation status of community branch items - to track items borrowed from community branch libraries - to place holds on community branch items - to allow patrons to place their own holds o Planning for the Quesnel Library Branch facility. o Planning for the 100 Mile House Library Branch facility. Successes in Last Year With the exception of updating the library web page, all 2003 goals were achieved. |
