In these past few months I have received and collected a great deal of input, feedback, preferences, hopes, and concerns about how a new model for state-funded, regionally distributed services to public libraries might be defined and realized. It is time to take the next step in the process. To that end, I have formed an advisory committee which will meet for a one-time, all-day meeting in late September to hammer out a the draft plan we need as a basis for real comment, compromise, and ultimately revised or new legislation.
Prior to the meeting date, I will compile the data, comments, and recommendations I have collected and make it generally available to you and particularly to the committee members so they can review and digest it in advance of our work session.
I am so pleased that each person I asked to commit to this advisory committee and its task has agreed without hesitation and with enthusiasm. Once a date has been established for our meeting and when the compiled advance data and information is posted, I will be sure to let you know and keep you up to date on the process. Of course, true to the purpose of the advisory committee process, I will also share with you the draft plan developed from the ideas, compromises, and vision shared and examined at the all-day advisory committee meeting.
State Librarian's Advisory Committee on State Funded Regionally Distributed Services to Michigan's Public Libraries
Nancy Robertson
Nick Bozen
(HAL Office of Regulatory Affairs and Legislative Liaison)
Gretchen Couraud
(Executive Director, Michigan Library Association)
Suzanne Dees
(Superiorland Library Cooperative, Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation)
Ann Holt
(Capital Library Cooperative)
Betsy Hull
(Community District Library, Class 4, Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative)
Kay LaPierre
(Richland Community Library, Class 2, Southwest Michigan Library Cooperative)
Joan LundBorg
(Hart Area Public Library, Class 3, Mid-Michigan Library League)
Sheryl Mase
(Library of Michigan Director of Statewide Services)
Martha McKee
(Statewide library consultant)
Valerie Meyerson
(Charlevoix Public Library, Class 3, Northland Library Cooperative)
Heidi Nagel
(Ionia Community Library, Class 4, Lakeland Library Cooperative)
Larry Neal
(Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Class 6, Suburban Library Cooperative)
Stephanie Olson
(Iosco-Arenac District Library, Class 5,White Pine Library Cooperative)
Nancy Skowronski
(Detroit Public Library, Class 6, Detroit Library Cooperative)
Jean Tabor
(Canton Public Library, Class 6, The Library Network)
Lance Werner
(Library of Michigan Library Law Specialist)
Trixie Wint
(Homer Public Library, Class 1, Woodlands Library Cooperative)
7 comments:
Why is there no representative from The Library Network, Shared Automation System? Why are there no representatives from cooperatives who purchase / receive significant services from their cooperatives?
Why have co-op directors on this committee at all? One you have is, last I heard, the outgoing director of a dying or dead co-op and the other seems to be a firm believer in maintaining the status quo. Also, only having one co-op staffer from the U.P. does not adequately represent that vast and challenging region of our state. Leave the old school co-op people off the committee and leave room for the real consumers - the libraries!
In many ways, The Library Network could be the model for how to deliver quality library service to Michigan residents. Their delivery service alone moves thousands of books every day between 60+ buildings. The OPAC (Shared Automation System) is another quality library service TLN offers to its members.
Also, why isn't there a representative from the Wayne County Library?
This committee reflects the weakness in *most* library committees. The people making the decisions are not the ones on the frontlines of delivering library service to Michigan residents.
I agree with the comment that there should be a representative from The Library Network's Shared Automation System. Shared Automation System libraries make up the bulk of The Library Network's membership.
Nancy, why are there no Library Trustees in your advisory group? Why are there no elected local or county officials that sit on library boards in your group? And, most importantly, why are you allocating only one day to plan for the reorganization of delivery of state-funded services to public libraries. Do you have a preconceived plan? This is way too short a period for developing such an important change.
Jeff Jenks, Trustee at TLN and at PLTAOC, City Commissioner in Huntington Woods
If any cooperative in the state should be used as a model, one only needs to look at the Suburban Library Cooperative. It has an exemplary record of responsible fiscal management. It provides excellent services to its member libraries; small, medium and large libraries have equal voices in the decision making process. The automated system is responsive to member's needs. SLC has a solid history of delivering premium services to member libraries and the public while maintaing a bottom line in the black.
In considering the reorganization of the areas that the Coops will serve, please remember that a large size (in territory and number of member libraries) is no guarantee of success. In fact, the Suburban Library Cooperative has only 21 members and is very successful being well run and the balance of members of different class sizes led to a spirit of cooperation. Many of the Coops in certain difficulties are of a much larger size with little to no feeling of cohesiveness. Its been found in industry that size is no quarantee and breeds its own problems
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