North Texas Library Partners, home of the North Texas Regional Library System. Information Toolkit

Transcription

1 North Texas Library Partners, home of the North Texas Regional Library System Information Toolkit

2 North Texas Regional Library System, Inc Southwest Blvd., Suite 101 Fort Worth, Texas Phone: 817/ Fax: 817/ / / Welcome to the North Texas Library Partners, home of North Texas Regional Library System! We ve prepared a packet of materials to introduce you to System programs and activities that provide support to member and non-member libraries. We ve included information about the Texas Library Association and about programs offered through the Texas State Library. Also, I want to tell you about our web page at The web page offers information about our libraries, topics of importance, monthly features, and educational and consulting opportunities. Please visit to learn more about us. 2

3 Talking point #1 What is North Texas Library Partners? North Texas Library Partners is the dba for the Advisory Board of Directors of North Texas Regional Library System. The Board is made up of 1 elected member from each of the 7 regions of NTRLS. There are also 2 elected at large members. See page 4. North Texas Library Partners is a nonprofit group whose goal is to improve communities in the twenty county area in North Texas through libraries. See page 5. 3

4 North Texas Regional Library System Board of Directors FY 2008 Region 1 Dana Wood PO Box 541 Burkburnett, TX Phone: (940) Fax: (940) tepin@sbcglobal.net Region 2 Patricia Jefferson 615 Runaway Bay Dr Runaway Bay, TX Phone: (940) patjefferson@embarqmail.com Region 3 Ray Stephens 619 Ridgecrest Circle Denton, Texas Phone: (940) araystephens@hotmail.com Region 4 Kay Clark 320 Woodcrest Dr. Saginaw, Tx Phone: (817) keytx@aol.com Region 5 Region 6 Ken Haas 164 Westlake Court Azle, TX Phone: kch@citbroadband.com Region 7 Barbara Chayer 1504 Hemphill Dr. Cleburne, Texas Phone: (817) Fax: (817) bchayer@hotmail.com At Large Cecil Carter 111 Lakeshore Road Shady Shores, Texas Cell: (580) Phone: (940) redrivermarketng@aol.com At Large Joseph Brawner 806 Xavier Mansfield, Texas Phone: Cell: jbrawner@firstsw.com Billy Whiteside PO Box 954 Hurst, Texas Phone: (817) bandbw@swbell.net 4

5 Regions and Populations Region 1 Archer City 9,095 Burkburnett 10,378 Crowell 1,518 Electra 2,938 Henrietta 11,287 Iowa Park 6,175 Paducah 1,746 Quanah 4,291 Seymour 3,843 Vernon 13,896 Wichita Falls 99,846 Region 2 Alvord 4,278 Bowie 5,543 Boyd 4,249 Bridgeport 18,494 Chico 3,494 Decatur 19,710 Graham 8,715 Jacksboro 9,064 (nonmember) Newark 3,440 Nocona 3,250 Olney 9,285 Region 3 Aubrey 5,018 Denton 104,153 Flower Mound 63,523 Justin 3,432 Krum 3,935 Lake Cities 35,202 Lewisville 105,546 Little Elm 23,836 Pilot Point 4,643 Ponder 988 Roanoke 3,988 Sanger 7,423 The Colony 44,361 Region 4 Bedford 48,390 Blue Mound 2,358 Colleyville 22,394 Euless 51,226 Grapevine 47,460 Haslet 1,134 Keller 35,706 Lake Worth 4,681 Saginaw 17,701 Southlake 24,902 Watauga 23,548 Region 5 Arlington 362,805 Crowley 9,691 Everman 5,733 Haltom City 39,875 Hurst 37,967 Kennedale 5,547 Mansfield 37,976 North Richland Hills 61,115 Richland Hills 8,047 Region 6 Aledo 9,852 Azle 14,496 Benbrook 21,922 Fort Worth 624,067 Mineral Wells 16,919 River Oaks 6,910 Springtown 8,553 Weatherford 75,560 White Settlement 15,736 Region 7 Alvarado 3,977 Burleson 29,613 Cleburne 29,184 Dublin 3,662 Glen Rose 7,578 Granbury 47,930 Grandview 1,567 Joshua 23,161 Stephenville 15,948 Venus 9,310 5

6 Talking point #2 Where is North Texas Library Partners located? See page 7. 6

7 Note: Southwest Blvd. and Hwy. 183 are the same street. 7

8 Talking point #3 Who works at NTRLS and how do you contact them? See page 9. 8

9 North Texas Regional Library System 6320 Southwest Blvd., Suite 101 Fort Worth, Texas Voice: 817/ or 800/ Fax: 817/ or 800/ NTRLS STAFF MEMBERS AND THEIR ADDRESSES Adam Wright Executive Director Carolyn Davidson Brewer Assistant Director Nell Callison Outreach/Special Projects Coordinator Lynn Gritta Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Stewart Accounting Manager Adam Beatty Information Technology Specialist Judy Daniluk Web/IT Specialist dona weisman CE Consultant OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. NTRLS Web Page Address: 9

10 Talking point #4 How does a library become a member of NTRLS? See pages 11 and

11 Criteria For Membership in Texas Library Systems Criteria for membership in North Texas Regional Library System (NTRLS) is found in The Library Systems Act and Rules for Administering Library Systems Act. Libraries can apply to the Texas State Library for membership when sending in their annual reports. If all membership requirements are met, membership becomes effective in the next state fiscal year beginning September 1. MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET BY ALL LIBRARIES: Library must provide services on a free and equitable basis to the public in its tax supported area. A list of the only services for which charges can be made is found in Rule Rule 1.72 The following charges are permitted at the discretion of the library s governing authority: reserving library materials; use of meeting rooms; replacement of lost borrower cards; fines for overdue, lost or damaged materials in accordance with local library policies; postage; in-depth reference services on a contractual basis; photocopying; telefacsimile services; library parking; service to non-residents; sale of publications; rental and deposits on equipment; and charges for the use of materials and machine-readable data bases not owned by the library, major resource center, or regional library system for which the vendor or supplier has charged a borrowing fee. Library must be legally established as a department of the city or county government by charter, resolution, or ordinance; or must be chartered as a non-profit organization; or a contract may be drawn up under the intergovernmental cooperation act. Rule 1.73 Library must maintain local effort annually by maintaining or increasing local operating expenditures or per capita local operating expenditures. Rule 1.74 Library must have a non-discrimination statement on file with State Library. Rule 1.75 Library must file an annual report with State Library. Rule 1.76 At least 50% of the annual local operating expenditures required to meet the minimum level of per capita support for accreditation (see next page) must be from local tax sources. A public library that expends at least $10.00 per capita is exempt from this membership criteria if it shows evidence of some library expenditures from local tax sources and is either established by the city or county government or is under contract to the city or county government as a public library freely open to citizens under identical conditions. Rule 1.77 If a library receives county funds, the librarian must have a county librarian s certificate. Rule 1.78 Library must have a telephone with a listed number. 11 Rule 1.83

12 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET BY LIBRARIES DEPENDING ON POPULATION SERVED Population Served Per Capita Support Materials Collection Hours of Access Staff 200,001 and over $ item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. 64 hours per week or more 6 professional full time librarians* and 1 additional for every 50,000 persons above 200,000 served. 100, ,000 $ item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. 54 hours per week or more 4 professional full-time librarians* and 1 additional for every 50,000 persons above 100,000 served. 50, ,000 $ item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. 48 hours per week or more 2 professional full-time librarians* 25,001-50,000 $ item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. 40 hours per week or more 1 professional full-time librarian* 10,001-25,000 $ item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. Must hold a minimum of 7,500 items 30 hours per week or more 1 head librarian at least 30 hours per week 10,001 or less $1.20 or $5,000 whichever is greater 1 item per capita or expend 25% of budget on library materials. Must hold a minimum of 7,500 items 20 hours per week or more 1 head librarian at least 20 hours per week. Rule 1.81 * A professional librarian is defined as a librarian holding an ALA-accredited fifth year degree in librarianship or master s degree from an ALA accredited library program. 12

13 Talking point #5 What services does NTRLS offer to member libraries? Consulting See page 14 Continuing Education See page 15 Targeted Services See page 16 Technological Services See page 17 Electronic Mailing List See page 18 Outreach Materials To Communities See pages Web Site Development See page 21 Development for Special Interest Groups See page 22 13

14 North Texas Regional Library System Services Consulting Project This project provides funding for System staff and other resources to meet the consulting needs of member and non-member libraries. The consulting project includes a wide range of activities, which are geared towards assisting NTRLS libraries in their development. Included in this project are funding for the technology infrastructure, which is the underpinning of many System consulting services, and funding for interconnectivity and related technologies. We also provide funding to contract with library consultants for expertise not found in-house. Consulting topics that will be addressed by NTRLS consultants include: Collection Development Collection development projects, such as evaluation, maintenance, weeding and acquisitions, will be offered. Community Analysis - Assistance in community demographics, research and SWOT analysis will be provided. Consulting Packet A consulting packet addressing ethics and professional development for librarians will be developed. Cultural Diversity NTRLS will utilize a checklist that has been developed for marketing to diverse communities. Disaster Planning NTRLS will work with libraries in developing disaster plans. Image Audits NTRLS staff will conduct image audits for libraries. These image audits will include a checklist developed by Dr. Mary Bushing. Long Range Planning Re-examine long range plans developed in 2005 and address what has been achieved and what needs to be adjusted to accommodate changes. New Building or Expansion NTRLS will provide an outside consultant for this topic. Policy Development NTRLS will work with libraries to develop necessary library policies. Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis NTRLS will work with each library and assist them in determining their worth to their communities. Space Planning NTRLS will provide an outside consultant for this topic. Survey Development NTRLS staff will consult on patron and community surveys for member libraries. Other programs that fall under the Consulting Project include: E-Rate Assistance: NTRLS staff provides assistance to member libraries in filling out forms for the E-Rate. Forum: NTRLS supports and maintains a forum for sharing information and ideas. Grant Writing Assistance: NTRLS staff provides grant research and review of proposals, and writing assistance to member and nonmember libraries. Integrated Library Systems (ILS): NTRLS will assist member libraries with their ILS. Member libraries in all stages of development will need assistance. In addition, NTRLS will work with 15 to 20 libraries in establishing a shared system. Librarians Room: NTRLS provides a room for librarians to come to work with dies, button makers, etc., for adult and children s programming. Library Establishment Assistance: NTRLS staff provides information and consults on issues of library establishment. New Library Directors: The New Library Director Orientation will include initial visits and follow up contacts with librarians. O2U: Outreach to the Underserved. NTRLS staff provides design and duplication of promotional materials for member library projects meeting LSTA Purposes 5 & 6. System Consulting List: NTRLS will work collaboratively with the other nine Texas Library Systems to provide consulting service. NTRLS provides information on NTRLS staff member s areas of expertise to share with other coordinators to enable sharing of consultants. Team Building/Communication Consulting: We offer team building consulting for individuals and groups. True Colors training is available for individual library staff development. Technology Consulting and Planning: NTRLS staff provides technology consulting and planning to staff at member and non-member libraries. Texas Public Library Standards: NTRLS provides consulting assistance in helping member libraries meet Texas Public Library Standards. Web Design and Maintenance: NTRLS will consult in web design and 14 maintenance, including website usability. Web Page: NTRLS supports and maintains a web site filled with library information.. January 29, 2008

15 North Texas Regional Library System Services Continuing Education Project This project provides funding for the NTRLS Continuing Education program, which serves library staff and supporters, and partners by offereing continuing education opportunities in a variety of formats. Workshops: NTRLS offers traditional face-to-face workshops on a wide variety of topics. These workshops are offered at library locations scattered throughout the System s geographic area. Online Workshops: Through a partnership with the University of North Texas and other agencies, NTRLS offers a wide range of workshops online through the web. Videoconference Programming: NTRLS proposes to use our videoconferencing system to partner with TSLAC for workshops. Technology Training: NTRLS will provide trainers and academic libraries will provide computer labs for hands-on training. The workshops will be scheduled when the computer labs are most available when colleges are out of session for room availability and parking. NTRLS also has a mobile computing lab which is utilized for hands-on workshops. Special Interest Groups and Themed Conferences : NTRLS will hold four themed conferences for each one of its special interest groups: Children Librarians, Adult Services Librarians, Technology Librarians and Library Lay Supporters. These special interest groups will appeal to a wide base of librarians because they focus on interest rather than library setting. Each SIG will met quarterly to network and share as well as hold their annual themed conference where CE opportunities will be offered as well as exposure to vendors in a mini-exhibit hall. Finally, each group would be introduced to a web-based platform where consistent network and sharing can take place in a social networking environment. A small membership fee will be required by each member of the SIG to help offset costs. NTRLS will widely publicize the formation of the SIG to other types of libraries other than its public member libraries. It will focus its efforts on sending out notices through and placing information on ntrls.org about the SIG. The themed conferences will have a registration fee and exhibitor fees as well as corporate sponsorships. Each themed conference will be represented online through a website and take place in the Fort Worth area. Fee-based Workshops: NTRLS will begin to offer fee-based workshops in 2009 to ascertain their feasibility for FY2010 and FY2011. These fee-based workshops will feature NTRLS regular high-priced presenters brought from out-of-state. Workshops fees will be based on workshop expenses and be on a cost-recovery basis. 15

16 North Texas Regional Library System Services Targeted Services Project This project addresses community needs because it focuses on providing services to the communities of the member libraries, and it allocates System staff and other resources to carry out these services. It was chosen as a project because it can more effectively fulfill the state and LSTA goals, and because of its direct impact on patrons. The project also allocates a small amount of funds to be used to help libraries establish services and programs in their communities. The Consulting and Continuing Education Projects will work closely with the Targeted Services Project by providing guidance to NTRLS libraries on how best to carry out the funded services. Live Homework Help: Live Homework Help is a program that connects students with tutors online. NTRLS libraries contract with the System to provide this service to its communities. NTRLS will sub-contract with tutor.com to provide the actual work. Shared Integrated Library System (SILS): In 2009, NTRLS will work with 10 or more area libraries in establishing SILS with the goal of launching it in January. In the years following, NTRLS will provide the service to the communities of the libraries which includes providing technical support. NTRLS will subcontract with an ILS vendor to provide support in a hosted environment. Libraries for Literacy: NTRLS will establish a solid foundation for its libraries to easily begin and support a literacy program. NTRLS will provide funds to the libraries to help defray the cost of childcare, transportation and performers fees among others. NTRLS will also provide a toolkit to each participating library on how to begin a literacy program and keep it going. NTRLS will establish a grant program for libraries to apply to begin a literacy program. NTRLS anticipates establishing a pilot program in three communities in Read, Enjoy and Discuss (R.E.A.D): Read, Enjoy and Discuss (R.E.A.D) is a possible opportunity for NTRLS member libraries to easily support or initiate book discussion groups. Bookswim is a vendor that rents out books to customers in same way Netflix does for DVDs. Clubs@Bookswim is a fully integrated book discussion program. Participating libraries would have their book clubs select a title for the month. The libraries would then ask Bookswim to send enough copies to provide one book to each book club member. Bookswim would also provide a web portal for the book club to use to discuss the book. This web portal would include reference material to enhance the book discussion including questions to consider. After the book discussion meeting, the book club members can either send the book back to Bookswim or purchase their copy. Bookswim would then give a percentage of the book sale money back to the library. Overdrive Consortium: NTRLS will contract with area libraries to make downloadable audio books available to North Texas communities. This program will be funded through the participating libraries and seek to engage Texans in the joy of audio books. NTRLS will subcontract with Overdrive to provide the actual service to the communities. Special Needs Project: NTRLS will hold seven Special Needs Fairs to ascertain how the System can better serve this population sector. One fair will be held in each of the seven NTRLS regions. Community organization serving the special needs sector will be invited to attend the fairs. 16

17 North Texas Regional Library System Services Technological Services Project This project provides IT support to NTRLS libraries. The first objective is to continue technical assistance through the services of a salaried IT Specialist. The second objective is to have the IT Specialist continue to provide basic technical training, both at the library site and in formal workshop settings. The third objective is to offer hardware and software training opportunities through a vendor(s) to librarians when training cannot be funded through library budgets. A forth objective is to partially fund a Web Specialists position to administer the NTRLS Plinkit program which is a TSLAC offered program initiative to get all Texas libraries on the web. Through the NTRLS Technology Training and Maintenance Program, NTRLS will offer the following services: Each member library participating in the TANG program will receive up to 3 visits annually for training and maintenance. Site visits will be coordinated at the beginning of the fiscal year and occur every four months. Before each site visit, the IT Specialist will contact the library to determine the library s current technical training and support needs. During these visits, the IT Specialist will perform routine maintenance on all library technology. At the same time, he will train library staff on the routine maintenance procedures. The IT Specialist will train librarians on simple troubleshooting tasks including, but not limited to the following: (1) basic operating systems maintenance; (2) computer client/server networking in Windows NT and Windows 2000; (3) computer software installations and configurations with network cards; (4) computer hardware installations and configurations with network cards; (5) computer troubleshooting and repair; (6) computer hardware telephone support; (7) formatting of hard drives and re-installations of operating systems; (8) upgrading of operating systems, e.g., Windows 95/98 and NT/2000 updates; (9) ordering computer accessories and parts; (10) computer virus warnings and removal; (11) printer installation and troubleshooting; (12) installation and configuration of modems and Internet software; (13) computer relocation; (14) software driver updates for computers; (15) onsite computer installation; (16) aid in purchasing computers and peripherals; (17) digital camera installation and training; (18) scanner installation and training; and (19) determining usefulness of aged and/or inoperable computers. The IT Specialist will go over all work performed onsite in an effort to further train library staff on maintaining the library s technological infrastructures. The Web Specialists will also coordinate the NTRLS Plinkit program by introducing and training librarians on the product. The Web/ IT Specialist will also administer the Plinkit server used for NTRLS libraries. Through the Immediate and Emergency Technical Support Program, NTRLS understands some technical support issues require more immediate attention. With this in mind, NTRLS will reserve a set number of days monthly to address these more immediate needs. These more immediate needs will be addressed on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of an emergency. An emergency is considered to be an event causing mission critical technology to fail. An emergency visit will consist of an evaluation of the problem and a suggestion(s) to fix the issue. Every attempt will be made to repair the mission critical technology. Other services will include a certification program called Certified Library Computer Technologist Program which will teach librarians the basic technical skills needed to troubleshoot software and hardware issues. The workshop content was developed by Mack Skinner at the Big Country Library System. Technology training for librarians will be provided through vendor contracts. All course options will be consistent with TANG s specified purpose of aiding public library staff in using and maintaining information resource technology. Courses available to librarians through TANG funds may include, but will not be limited to the following areas: (1) computer maintenance; (2) networking; (3) system security; (4) Windows operating systems support/administration; and (5) software applications. A notice will be sent to all NTRLS library directors announcing the availability of training funds and indicate a response time deadline. Submission of a Request for Technology Training Form will be required. The System will grant requests on a first-come, first-served basis, with the stipulation that only one staff member from each library will be served during the first round of requests and the cost of any one class does not exceed $1,000. The System also requires a paid staff member to attend at least one of the courses before volunteers from that library will be considered. If funds are left over after the first round of requests are filled, System staff will reissue the announcement and accept a second round of requests. This process will continue until all TANG training monies have been expended as in previous years. 17

18 NTLP Announce The NTRLS electronic mailing list, also known as NTLP Announce provides information on library issues and enables subscribers to share information. Carolyn Davidson Brewer, our Assistant Director, uses it to publicize the upcoming workshops. The rest of the NTRLS staff uses it to communicate other important events; both in the system and the library world. Go to to join. Please contact the System office at 817/ or 800/ for help. 18

19 NTRLS developed the O2U Program to help member libraries and their branches promote library programs and services. The purpose of O2U is to develop original materials to be used to reach underserved urban and rural communities and make them aware of the wonderful services available at the public library. Each O2U request needs to be related to an event or service funded, at least in part, by the System grant, and must address the following LSTA goals: Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills. Targeting library and information services to persons having a difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S. C. 9902(2) applicable to family of the size involved. Notes from Nell: 1. There is no fee for projects developed by the O2U Program. 2. Libraries will be served as quickly as possible, however, advance notice of a project should be given to avoid delays and to make sure enough materials are in stock to complete a project. 3. Projects must be developed by the System office, not sent as a completed project to be printed. The purpose of O2U is to provide original, colorful materials to libraries which do not have the time or resources to develop outreach materials for their programs. Guidelines for the O2U Program: Libraries may request up to 10 projects per fiscal year. All O2U projects must receive final approval from the library director before they can be produced. Consultation on O2U projects will take place by phone, fax. , or at the System office. There is no travel budget for O2U. Libraries will be served on a first come/first served basis. O2U will develop and/or produce qualifying outreach materials for libraries and their branches. Libraries may use up to 1,000 pages of full-color, printed pages per fiscal year. O2U will save projects to disk upon request so libraries may reproduce them if they exceed the 1,000 page limit. Libraries are responsible for the assembly of projects, such as buttons, and for the laminating, cutting and trimming of materials. When requesting a project, the library director must fill out an O2U Request form. 19 O2U may not be used for the following: policy manuals, business cards, fund raising pro-

20 NTRLS O2U Project Request Form Attention: Nell Callison O2U addresses the following LSTA goals: Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills. Targeting library and information services to persons having a difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S. C. 9902(2) applicable to family of the size involved. Name of library: Description of project: Which LSTA goal does the project address? A or B (Or it could be A and B) Name of Project Manager/Contact : Phone: Fax: (please print clearly): Signature of library director/manager: 20 The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a Federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning, supports the North Texas Regional Library System, Inc. (NTRLS) through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

21 PLINKIT Texas is participating in partnership with Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon to help public libraries in these states create smart, new web sites. This partnership has developed web authoring products that will make the customization and maintenance of the website a breeze. Pilot sites are already set up in Oregon. So what is PLINKIT? Plinkit is the web-authoring environment for public libraries. Plinkit stands for "Public Library Interface Kit." Using Plinkit, public libraries throughout Texas will be able to easily create web sites using built-in text editors, templates and other tools to assist novices. Public library web sites will be created and edited right through the web, using the editors and other powerful features that make a tough job simple, providing patrons with a clean and usable web. In other words, Plinkit allows library staff members to create and maintain web sites for their libraries quickly and easily, without learning HTML or purchasing special equipment or software. Using a mouse and a Web browser and with a basic understanding of editing features in a word processing program, public library staff will be able to create and edit pages for their library s Plinkit Web site in no time at all. When a public library s Plinkit Web site is first launched, it will already contain a wealth of useful information and tools for their patrons. The Plinkit site will also include a number of areas for displaying information that is specific to an individual library. Public library staff will be able to create completely new pages within their site, add more resources to existing areas of the site, and post news items and event announcements to keep patrons apprised of library activities. Libraries can also use built-in Plinkit tools to build and maintain a searchable list of community organizations, a calendar of upcoming public library events, a digital photo album, an online forum for library staff members, and a staff events calendar. Here at the North Texas Regional Library System, this project is being coordinated by Adam Beatty, NTRLS IT Specialist who attended Plinkit training in late April. Adam Beatty will be assisted by Judy Daniluk, NTRLS Web/IT Specialist. Adam Beatty will meet with member libraries to initialize the process and train users in Plinkit. If needed, Judy Daniluk will be available to assist libraries with the website design. For more information, please contact Adam Beatty at the System Office. 21

22 Developing Programs for the Hispanic Community The North Texas Regional Library System, Inc. (NTRLS) is in the process of developing programs to help its member libraries reach out to the underserved Hispanic population in North Texas. Some of the programs that NTRLS offers currently are: Language Line Interpretive Service Through the NTRLS O2U (Outreach to the Underserved) program, librarians can request library flyers, bookmarks, and promotional materials to be produced in Spanish as well as in English. The NTRLS professional collection contains books that enable library staff to effectively plan and promote programs and services to their Spanish-speaking patrons. Selection and Acquisition of Spanish Language Materials Information Kit is currently being created and is forthcoming to all NTRLS libraries. Other programs will be developed as quickly as possible and your input would be appreciated. 22

23 Talking point #6 What is the Texas State Library and how many library systems are in Texas? TSLAC Mission Statement: The mission of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is to preserve the record of government for public scrutiny, to secure and make accessible historically significant records and other valuable resources, to meet the reading needs of Texans with disabilities, to build and sustain statewide partnerships to improve library programs and services, and to enhance the capacity for achievement of individuals and institutions with whom we work. TSLAC Vision Statement: The people of Texas have access to and effectively use information, archival resources, and library materials to improve their lives, the lives of their families and their communities. There are 10 library systems in Texas and NTRLS is one of only two that have a nonprofit status. See page

24 Texas Library Systems Texas Regional Library Systems MISSION Develop and promote the best possible library services to meet the needs of Texans in the 21st century. WHAT ARE TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEMS? AALS BCLS CTLS HALS NETLS NTRLS STLS TPLS TTPLS WTLS Alamo Area Library System Big Country Library System Central Texas Library System Houston Area Library System Northeast Library System North Texas Regional Library System South Texas Library System Texas Panhandle Library System Texas Trans-Pecos Library System West Texas Library System FUNDED BY STATE AND FEDERAL DOLLARS THROUGH GRANTS FROM THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION, THE TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEM CONSISTS OF TEN REGIONAL SYS- TEMS. TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEMS PROVIDE DIRECTION, SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES. THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES (IMLS), FROM WHICH WE RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS, ENCOURAGES COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER KINDS OF LIBRARIES. WHAT DO SYSTEMS OFFER? ALL TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEMS OFFER CONSULTING SERVICES AND CONTINUING EDUCATION WORK-SHOPS. OTHER SERVICES VARY. SOME OFFER VIDEOS FOR CHILDREN S PROGRAMMING, PROMOTIONAL BROCHURES AND GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE. WHAT DOES NTRLS OFFER MEMBER LIBRARIES? ACCESS TO INFORMATION VIA THE FORUM AND WEB PAGE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING FOR LIBRARY MATERIALS CONSULTING SERVICES LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER INSTALLATION, UPGRADES AND REPAIR DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS COMPUTER TRAINING FOR LIBRARY STAFF ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 24

25 Texas State Library Programs Annual Report A public library shall file a current and complete annual report with TSLAC by April 30. Revisions to the annual report, which would affect membership status for the next fiscal year, will not be accepted after July 31. (Rule 1.85 Library Systems Act & Rules) Loan Star Libraries Program Loan Star Libraries is a direct state aid program for Texas public libraries. All legally established public libraries in Texas that meet the Minimum Standards for Accreditation of Public Libraries as set forth in the Library Systems Act are eligible to receive grant funding under this program. The total allocation is based on a library's provision for statewide access. Texas Reading Club This online "handbook" is created to aid in planning and programming for youth. Talking Book Services The Talking Book Program provides free library services to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities - whether permanent or temporary. Each year, more than 25,000 Texans use our Talking Book services. TexNet Interlibrary Loan (ILL) TexNet is a state-wide interlibrary loan network including academic, public and special libraries throughout Texas. Small Library Management Training Program The Small Library Management Training Program is an ongoing, voluntary program that provides management skills to non- MLS directors of small community (25,000 or less population) libraries in Texas. Library of Texas The Library of Texas Project is a five-year program that incorporates grant money from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board. The four main components of the project are online databases (also part of TexShare), a virtual statewide library, preservation of electronic government information, and intensive training for librarians statewide. TexShare TexShare is a cooperative program designed to improve library service to Texans. Membership in the consortium is open to public libraries that are members of Texas Library Systems. Academic libraries are also members. TexShare enables participating libraries to offer a broader range of materials and services than any single library can provide. In addition to traditional resource-sharing arrangements such as interlibrary loan, TexShare services include: Online full-text databases: Provide desktop access to commercial database products that contain large amounts of information. They are licensed to the TSLAC for use by more than 500 libraries and their patrons in Texas. Sixty database products are available for research, homework and general information needs. The databases are available to patrons from the library and from remote access. The State Library assesses a fee to each library serving a population of 10,000 and above for the use of these databases. TExpress: A courier service that affords two-day delivery among libraries state- wide. Participating libraries pay a reduced rate, and enjoy quicker, more reliable delivery than conventional methods. There is a fee associated with this service. The TexShare card program is a reciprocal borrowing program. It is designed to allow the registered users of participating institutions to directly borrow materials from the libraries of other participating institutions. Those libraries that choose to participate sign a form stating they agree to honor the Card Program Agreement, which specifies the roles and responsibilities of the home and lending libraries, and library patrons. Registered users must obtain a Tex- Share Card from their home institution before they are able to check out materials from other participating institutions. 25

26 Texas Library Systems Alamo Area Library System (AALS) Headquarters: San Antonio Public Library 600 Soledad Street San Antonio, Texas Director: Ramiro Salazar Fax: Coordinator: Kathryn Sturtz Phone: 210/ Fax: Big Country Library System (BCLS) Headquarters: Abilene Public Library 202 Cedar Street Abilene, Texas Director: Ricki Brown Fax: Coordinator: John Pecoraro Phone: Fax: Central Texas Library System, Inc. (CTLS) Headquarters: CTLS, INC West 41 st Street Austin, Texas Ex. Director: Patricia Tuohy Phone: ext 12 Fax: Houston Area Library System (HALS) Headquarters: Houston Public Library 500 McKinney Street Houston, Texas Interim Director: Meller Langford-Allen, Acting Director Fax: Interim Coordinator: Elizabeth Swan Phone: Fax: Northeast Texas Library System (NETLS) Headquarters: Nicholson Memorial Library 625 Austin Street Garland, Texas Director: Claire Bausch Phone: Fax: Coordinator: Debra Gibson Phone: Fax: North Texas Regional Library System (NTRLS) Headquarters: NTRLS, INC Southwest Blvd., Suite 101 Fort Worth, Texas Exec. Director: Adam Wright Phone: Fax: South Texas Library System (STLS) Headquarters: Corpus Christi Public Library 805 Comanche Street Corpus Christi, Texas Director: Herbert G. Canales Fax: Coordinator: Alice Nixon Phone: Fax: Texas Panhandle Library System (TPLS) Headquarters: Amarillo Public Library P. O. Box 2171 Amarillo, Texas Physical Address: 413 East 4 th Street Amarillo, TX Director: Donna Littlejohn Phone: Fax: Coordinator: Marsha Barker Phone: Fax: marsha.barker@amarillolibrary.org Texas Trans-Pecos Library System (TTPLS) Headquarters: El Paso Public Library 501 North Oregon El Paso, Texas Director: Carol Brey, Director Phone: Fax: Coordinator: Barbara Valle, Coordinator Phone: Fax: vallebk@elpasotexas.gov West Texas Library System (WTLS) Headquarters: Lubbock City-County Library 1306 Ninth Street Lubbock, Texas Director: Jane Clauson Phone: Fax: Coordinator: Nancy Hill Phone: Fax: nhill@mail.ci.lubbock.tx.us

27 Talking point #7 How are libraries represented to NTRLS for decision making? See page

28 ABOUT SYSTEM ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES A System Assembly Representative (SAR) is a public library advocate appointed by the same governing body that selects the local library director. The SAR s role is to represent the library as a voting member at System meetings and as a supporter of local library interests. The SAR also acts to inform the library s governing body about System services and matters that need local attention. SARs are important members of libraries support teams. Being a good SAR requires a definite sense of commitment to the job. A member library must select a representative who not only supports libraries and communicates this support, but who is willing to attend System meetings, serve on committees, and actively participate in the planning process for the System. Any person not on the paid staff of the library may be appointed as an SAR. This can be, and often is, a member of the library board. The governing body appoints a SAR to a term of two years, and there is no limit on the number of terms served. The governing body should also appoint an alternate SAR who is entitled to vote at System meetings in the absence of the SAR. Only duly authorized SARs or authorized alternates are entitled to vote. Once SARs are appointed, library directors must register their names with the System office. Member libraries lose an important voice in System decisions by not having active SARs. Those libraries with SARs who regularly attend meetings, participate by voting, and communicate local concerns and needs will be the most likely to benefit from System membership. Lay representative participation is also the means by which the Texas State Library and Archives Commission obtains the views and needs of local library users and involves them in the decisions and plans to improve public library services at the System and State level. Modified from a document written by Zina Worley, Alamo Area Library System (AALS) Advisory Council Member and edited by Martha Knott, AALS Coordinator, June 7,

29 Talking point #8 How does NTRLS determine what is needed by libraries? By committees made up of volunteers from member libraries. See page

30 NTRLS Standing Committees Awards Committee: Reviews nominations and selects recipients for System awards. Continuing Education: Reviews and selects CE workshop topics that are relevant to all member libraries. Services Planning Committee: Determines needs of member libraries and uses the information to formulate and submit plans and recommendations to the Board for achieving goals and meeting these needs. System Assembly Planning Committee: Plans the two annual meetings where business is voted on and librarians and lay representatives can network. Technology Committee: Evaluates the status and trends of technology applicable to System and member library operations, and develops recommendations on technology issues to be incorporated into the System planning process. Youth Services Committee: Evaluates and determines which youth services and collections best serve all member libraries. 30

31 Talking point #9 What kind of system meetings take place and how often? See page 32 31

32 NTRLS Meetings- A Primer Regional Meetings These meetings are held to facilitate group discussion on a variety of topics and to foster the exchange of ideas, and are open to library directors, library staff, System Assembly Representatives and their alternates, and NTRLS staff. Librarians and/or library representatives are not restricted to the meetings scheduled in their region but may attend any of the fourteen regional meetings. Meetings are held in spring and fall of each year. System Assembly Meetings These system-wide assemblies are held twice a fiscal year. At these meetings, new System Assembly Representatives receive an orientation and introduction to the System; System Assembly Representatives vote on the Plan of Service; every other year, the Biennial Budget is also presented for consideration and approval by the membership; the Awards Ceremony is held; and networking takes place. 32

33 Talking point #10 How can you or your organization help? The need. See page 35 How you can help. See page 36 33

34 What is the need? Public Libraries: The Challenge Public libraries in the 20 counties served by the North Texas Regional Library System (NTRLS) face unprecedented fiscal challenges. Many cities cannot afford to fund their public libraries at an adequate level (the average was about $17 per capita in 2003). State funding is minimal (about 30 cents per capita) and has been decreasing for the past decade. Declining funding for public school libraries is shifting more of the burden for student needs to public libraries. To compound the existing fiscal difficulties, North Texas is gaining population faster than most other areas in the US. The result is a funding crisis for public libraries that causes reductions in service to their communities. Why Should You Care? Public libraries are often overlooked by community leaders, perhaps because they re not as glamorous as arts programs or as immediately critical as health programs. But libraries are essential to the intellectual and social infrastructure that every community depends on for survival. Studies have shown that public libraries provide a return on investment of between $4 and $10 for every dollar libraries cost. Public libraries serve more people per year than all the arts and sports programs in the community combined. Moreover, those library services often provide critical information that helps improve every aspect of people s lives. To paraphrase Ben Franklin (who founded one of the first public libraries), Using public libraries can make you healthy, wealthy, and wise. But libraries can serve only as well as they are funded. 34

35 How Can I Help? By giving. The gift of your time. Volunteer at your local library or volunteer to help raise money. The gift of your voice. Make your opinions known to city, county and state officials. Let them know that libraries need their support. Don t know who to call? Call us. We will help you find a contact. Become a library advocate. The gift of your money. One hundred percent of money given to North Texas Regional Library System by The Library Partners of North Texas will directly aid libraries. 35

36 Ten Talking Points 1. What is North Texas Library Partners? (See pages 3 5.) 2. Where is NTLP located? (See pages 6 7.) 3. Who works at NTRLS and how do you contact them? (See pages 8 9.) 4. How does a library become a member of NTRLS? (See pages ) 5. What services does NTRLS provide to member libraries? (See pages ) 6. What is TSLAC and how many library systems are in Texas? (See pages ) 7. How are libraries represented to NTRLS for decision making? (See pages ) 8. How does NTRLS determine what is needed by libraries? (See pages ) 9. What kind of System Meetings take place and how often? (See pages ) 10.How can you or your organization help? (See pages ) 36