Friday, April 17, 2015
“When it comes to member libraries, the people inside make public library services move forward. They are worth the investment.“
Library Systems in New York State offer some amazing cost-saving services for local libraries. I could easily create a long list of services provided by STLS. Rotating Collections, Processing, Inter-Library Loan, Outreach Mini-Grants, Construction Aid; these tangibles just scratch the surface of our depth. Yet, when it comes to the core competency most valued by member libraries, we continually hear… IT, Delivery and Consultant Support.
STLS trustees and staff will use the latter part of 2015 and all of 2016 to develop its Plan of Service for the years 2017 through 2021. I am excited about this initiative because it is my first opportunity to help formalize the agenda for excellent public library services in the future. I take comfort in knowing we have an dynamic team of professionals and member libraries to set STLS on a clear path for success.
In the meantime, I want to express my sincere commitment to offering professional learning experiences for member librarians and trustees. If there is any component more important to our strategic planning process, it is education for STLS and member libraries. This is why STLS has worked with CCLD to provide the Spring CE, modified the Annual Meeting to incorporate a Conference, created a Division within STLS specifically focused on Professional Development, and chases grant funding to support ongoing workshops.
I believe our five-county System’s greatest resource is our member librarians and trustees. STLS’ core competency might be IT, Delivery and Consultant Support, but when it comes to member libraries, the people inside make public library services move forward. They are worth the investment.
Registration for the 2nd year of Spring CE (continuing education) opened last week. Member librarians can go online to register. Although the workshop offerings are geared towards librarians and staff, trustees are more than welcome to attend. STLS is currently in the process of planning a trustee-specific curriculum for this summer. Trustee training will be paid for through a Corning Incorporated Foundation grant awarded to STLS last month.
The Spring CE will be fantastic! Presenters visiting from outside the region as well as STLS member librarians will provide practical knowledge on public library best practices. I am especially excited for the Your Library is Awesome! poster session along with the Makerspace in Every Library program.
I think the best benefit of this year’s Spring CE is the number of presenters who are STLS member librarians, and the member libraries they represent. Twenty-three member librarians in total will share ideas with fellow librarians about what they are doing in their local libraries. Nothing is more representative of a cooperative library system then member librarians coming together to enhance what is already being done. I am extremely proud of everyone who has elected to participate.
Have a great Spring weekend everyone. It is nice to see the sun has arrived, and patrons can look forward to skipping along the sidewalk to their local STLS member library!
As always, thank you for your continued support and many efforts. Please call or write with questions.
Kindest Regards,
Brian M. Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System
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