In her book RenGen: The Rise of the Cultural Consumer and What It Means to Your Business, author Patricia Martin predicts that the current economic disruption is the prelude to an historical renaissance led by a generation driving change through collective creativity. "Libraries need to pay attention, because what happens in a renaissance generation is that the society begins to shed the things that are less relevant with what's new."
http://www.therengen.com/
http://blog.patricia-martin.com/
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Generation We
Millennials are the largest generation in American history. Born between 1978 and 2000, they are 95 million strong, compared to 78 million Baby Boomers. They are independent—politically, socially, and philosophically—and they are spearheading a period of sweeping change around the world. Commited to the common good, frustrated with dominant institutions, and eager to drive change through innovation and technology.
http://www.gen-we.com/
http://www.gen-we.com/
Libraries' Role in Improving Communities
How Civic Institutions Can Play a Pivotal Role in Improving Communities
http://www.pps.org/info/placemakingtools/making_places/leading_from_the_ground_up
http://www.pps.org/info/placemakingtools/making_places/leading_from_the_ground_up
Revolution in the Stacks
Library trends reviewed from the perspective of a magazine whose primary audience is American state and local government officials.
http://www.governing.com/articles/0806libraries.htm
http://www.governing.com/articles/0806libraries.htm
Monday, December 15, 2008
Future of the Internet III
A new Pew study on the future of the Internet:
Key Findings:
Key Findings:
- The mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the internet for most people in the world in 2020 - which means our website design must provide a usable interface for handhelds.
- The transparency of people and organizations will increase - Library 2.0 - but that will not necessarily yield more personal integrity, social tolerance, or forgiveness.
- Voice recognition and touch user-interfaces with the internet will be more prevalent and accepted by 2020. What kind of impact will this trend have on standards for MPL computers?
- Those working to enforce intellectual property law and copyright protection will remain in a continuing "arms race," with the "crackers" who will find ways to copy and share content without payment - with libraries mediating in the middle ground.
- The divisions between personal time and work time and between physical and virtual reality will be further erased for everyone who is connected, and the results will be mixed in their impact on basic social relations.
- "Next-generation" engineering of the network to improve the current internet architecture is more likely than an effort to rebuild the architecture from scratch.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Strategic Update - Master Planning our Future
At the same time as we are ramping up our Virtual Branch and the delivery of virtual library services to customers located at home, school or work, we are also planning for the construction and renovation of our bricks-and-mortar libraries for customers who choose to access library services by physically visiting our branches.
Funding: Funding for new library construction comes from the Town of Markham through Development Charges (90%) and taxes (10%).
Master Plan Process: The Town decides where and when it will construct new libraries (as well as parks, recreational facilities and cultural facilities), and how they will be funded, through a process known as the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (formerly called the Parks, Recreation, Culture, Libraries and Open Space Master Plan). The Master Plan will provide a road map for the development of future municipal facilities and services in Markham for the next 10 years. It is critical to the future of Markham Public Library, and to ensuring we have an adequate physical infrastructure to meet the library service needs of Markham residents.
Project Manager – our CEO: Our Library CEO Catherine Biss is the Project Manager for the Master Plan, working with Town staff – Colin Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development for Recreation Services, and Sara Tam, Manager, Business Planning & Innovation for the Community & Fire Services Commission. The Project Consultant is Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.
Staff Workshop: On October 29, 2008, twenty Library staff attended a staff launch and workshop session facilitated by the consultant. Our staff (as well as staff from parks, recreation and culture) provided input regarding existing service delivery levels, library service needs, and future trends. A summary of staff input is provided in the attached document.
Household Survey: During October - November, 2008, the consultant conducted a random household telephone survey soliciting feedback from residents around current service delivery expectations and desired future services and amenities. This survey was conducted in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Tamil.
Group Survey: To gather feedback from key user groups, including Library user groups, a Group Survey has been distributed to gather more detailed feedback about the specific needs of user groups identified by staff.
NEXT STEPS:
Community Search Conference: In mid-January, key stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide strategic feedback through a Search Conference for invited user groups and community leaders.
Focus Group/Open House Events: During February to March, there will be 8 to 9 Focus Group/Open House events for the general public, in various locations across all of Markham, designed to gather input and feedback from all Markham constituents. It is hoped that some of these events will take place in library branches, in our open spaces, to optimize inclusivity and public awareness.
For an overview of the Master Plan project, please take a look at the Council presentation at http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2008/General/gc081027/03-1010%20Presentation%20to%20Council_October%2027%202008_draft%20v2.pdf
Funding: Funding for new library construction comes from the Town of Markham through Development Charges (90%) and taxes (10%).
Master Plan Process: The Town decides where and when it will construct new libraries (as well as parks, recreational facilities and cultural facilities), and how they will be funded, through a process known as the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (formerly called the Parks, Recreation, Culture, Libraries and Open Space Master Plan). The Master Plan will provide a road map for the development of future municipal facilities and services in Markham for the next 10 years. It is critical to the future of Markham Public Library, and to ensuring we have an adequate physical infrastructure to meet the library service needs of Markham residents.
Project Manager – our CEO: Our Library CEO Catherine Biss is the Project Manager for the Master Plan, working with Town staff – Colin Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development for Recreation Services, and Sara Tam, Manager, Business Planning & Innovation for the Community & Fire Services Commission. The Project Consultant is Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.
Staff Workshop: On October 29, 2008, twenty Library staff attended a staff launch and workshop session facilitated by the consultant. Our staff (as well as staff from parks, recreation and culture) provided input regarding existing service delivery levels, library service needs, and future trends. A summary of staff input is provided in the attached document.
Household Survey: During October - November, 2008, the consultant conducted a random household telephone survey soliciting feedback from residents around current service delivery expectations and desired future services and amenities. This survey was conducted in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Tamil.
Group Survey: To gather feedback from key user groups, including Library user groups, a Group Survey has been distributed to gather more detailed feedback about the specific needs of user groups identified by staff.
NEXT STEPS:
Community Search Conference: In mid-January, key stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide strategic feedback through a Search Conference for invited user groups and community leaders.
Focus Group/Open House Events: During February to March, there will be 8 to 9 Focus Group/Open House events for the general public, in various locations across all of Markham, designed to gather input and feedback from all Markham constituents. It is hoped that some of these events will take place in library branches, in our open spaces, to optimize inclusivity and public awareness.
For an overview of the Master Plan project, please take a look at the Council presentation at http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2008/General/gc081027/03-1010%20Presentation%20to%20Council_October%2027%202008_draft%20v2.pdf
Monday, December 8, 2008
Strategic Update - Collections - The Right Stuff
Collections Strategy – “The Right Stuff”
“The Right Stuff” is the name of our over-arching collection strategy – it’s all about meeting our customers’ needs by connecting them to “the right stuff” (books, media, magazines, e-books, etc.) when, where and how they want it. The Collections Project Team, led by Collections Strategist Larry Lockway, is responsible for aligning our holdings with customer demand and ensuring that MPL provides high-performance, high-turnover collections. Recent highlights of the Team’s work include:
Collections Specialists: Our “Right Stuff” strategy is supported by a network of Collection Specialists, who oversee the ongoing development of assigned collection areas (adult fiction, adult nonfiction, teen fiction, etc.). The Specialist Librarians carry out collection specialist responsibilities for the system, staying on top of trends in customer demand and publishing, providing input for Collection Profiles and wish lists, monitoring award-winners, best-sellers, sleepers, etc., doing collection analysis (e.g. collection turnover), liaising with local schools on collection issues, and reporting on their area of responsibility to the Collection Development Strategist.
Improving Magazine and Newspaper Collections: Based on work by our Periodicals Strategist, Librarian Wendy Tang, our processes for the regular review of periodical subscriptions have been improved. Also, in response to customer demand and to reduce the workload associated with periodical processing, in 2009 we will begin receiving multiple copies of high-demand magazines and newspapers, with one copy designated for in-library use and other copies available for borrowing. This strategy will also support E3 by enabling staff to stop performing inefficient material-handling processes such as newspaper stapling and putting current issues in plastic jackets.
Improving French Collections: Based on research and analysis by Children’s Librarian Jennifer Dias-Stevenson regarding customer demand related to French immersion programs in local schools, we will revise our collection profile for children’s French materials and increase our budget lines accordingly. Improvements will include high-interest, low-vocabulary items and more curriculum-related materials.
“The Right Stuff” is the name of our over-arching collection strategy – it’s all about meeting our customers’ needs by connecting them to “the right stuff” (books, media, magazines, e-books, etc.) when, where and how they want it. The Collections Project Team, led by Collections Strategist Larry Lockway, is responsible for aligning our holdings with customer demand and ensuring that MPL provides high-performance, high-turnover collections. Recent highlights of the Team’s work include:
Collections Specialists: Our “Right Stuff” strategy is supported by a network of Collection Specialists, who oversee the ongoing development of assigned collection areas (adult fiction, adult nonfiction, teen fiction, etc.). The Specialist Librarians carry out collection specialist responsibilities for the system, staying on top of trends in customer demand and publishing, providing input for Collection Profiles and wish lists, monitoring award-winners, best-sellers, sleepers, etc., doing collection analysis (e.g. collection turnover), liaising with local schools on collection issues, and reporting on their area of responsibility to the Collection Development Strategist.
Improving Magazine and Newspaper Collections: Based on work by our Periodicals Strategist, Librarian Wendy Tang, our processes for the regular review of periodical subscriptions have been improved. Also, in response to customer demand and to reduce the workload associated with periodical processing, in 2009 we will begin receiving multiple copies of high-demand magazines and newspapers, with one copy designated for in-library use and other copies available for borrowing. This strategy will also support E3 by enabling staff to stop performing inefficient material-handling processes such as newspaper stapling and putting current issues in plastic jackets.
Improving French Collections: Based on research and analysis by Children’s Librarian Jennifer Dias-Stevenson regarding customer demand related to French immersion programs in local schools, we will revise our collection profile for children’s French materials and increase our budget lines accordingly. Improvements will include high-interest, low-vocabulary items and more curriculum-related materials.
Strategic Update - Marketing & Programming
Marketing Strategy
The beautiful MPL book bag featuring our logo and tagline (imagine learn grow) will launch at the Library Board meeting on Monday December 15th, and will thereafter be available for customer purchase. Polly Chan, Accounting & Purchasing, will provide procedures for tracking book bag inventory and revenue. More MPL branded merchandise, including MPL t-shirts, is on the way.
Programming Strategy:
As part of our “Relevant Programs” strategy, and led by Marketing & Programming Strategist Diane Macklin, several exciting and innovative programming plans and strategies are in the works:
CLASS (Online Program Registration and Payment): The long-anticipated implementation of CLASS, which will allow our customers to register online for library programs, is scheduled for early 2009. Staff training is planned for early February, and will involve staff entering the spring programs into the CLASS system. Customer service benefits include increased convenience, remote 24x7 access to program registration, printed receipts, and the ability to register for Library programs at the same time as registering for Recreation and other Town programs. Efficiency benefits (E3) of CLASS include automatic printing of customer receipts, automatic deposit of program revenue, improved reports, internal process improvements, reduced workload related to program administration, and overall alignment with current Town processes for program registration.
Partnership with Opera York – “And the Rat Laughed”: MPL is partnering with Opera York to develop Holocaust Education Week events and programs in relation to the upcoming production of “And the Rat Laughed” – a Hebrew opera set during the Holocaust. A recent article in the Thornhill Liberal “Opera about Holocaust experience coming to Richmond Hill” profiled this production http://www.yorkregion.com/article/85541.
Partnership with Mayor’s Youth Task Force: The Teen Services Committee is working with the Mayor’s Youth Task Force to present a Battle of the Bands event at the Milliken Mills Community Centre on Friday, May 8th. For a number of years MYTF has successfully offered this event as part of Youth Week. MPL will be assisting the group with their publicity and promotion. The MYTF goal is to increase participation from 900 last year to 1200 this year and to garner media attention and promote the event as a local success story for teens. In previous years audience applause has determined the winner and an MYTF member has served as emcee. MPL will also be working with MYTF to secure a judge or emcee that will create a buzz for the event. The MYTF has also invited MPL to attend their monthly meetings.
Partnership with Teens Art Council: Teen Librarian Amy Dolmer is working with the Markham Teen Arts Council to plan a book cover-inspired fashion show for Youth Week 2009 (first week of April).
Programming and the Information Services Review: As part of the implementation of the Information Services Review (ISR), Diane and Andrea Cecchetto, the ISR Project Manager, have developed a new programming model. The new model is designed to ensure consistent standards of program planning and delivery at all branches, improved efficiency in program development and delivery, and improved revenue generation. It should be noted that in the context of the current economic recession and the Town’s E3 initiative, the need to generate program revenue is even more compelling. The new programming strategy will also include standard schedules for programs, marketing strategies/tools, training for staff involved in program delivery and for program presenters. Due to the long lead time required for program planning, full implementation of the programming model is projected for the Winter 2010 programming season. For more details, please be sure to attend the soon-to-be-scheduled Town Halls in January.
The beautiful MPL book bag featuring our logo and tagline (imagine learn grow) will launch at the Library Board meeting on Monday December 15th, and will thereafter be available for customer purchase. Polly Chan, Accounting & Purchasing, will provide procedures for tracking book bag inventory and revenue. More MPL branded merchandise, including MPL t-shirts, is on the way.
Programming Strategy:
As part of our “Relevant Programs” strategy, and led by Marketing & Programming Strategist Diane Macklin, several exciting and innovative programming plans and strategies are in the works:
CLASS (Online Program Registration and Payment): The long-anticipated implementation of CLASS, which will allow our customers to register online for library programs, is scheduled for early 2009. Staff training is planned for early February, and will involve staff entering the spring programs into the CLASS system. Customer service benefits include increased convenience, remote 24x7 access to program registration, printed receipts, and the ability to register for Library programs at the same time as registering for Recreation and other Town programs. Efficiency benefits (E3) of CLASS include automatic printing of customer receipts, automatic deposit of program revenue, improved reports, internal process improvements, reduced workload related to program administration, and overall alignment with current Town processes for program registration.
Partnership with Opera York – “And the Rat Laughed”: MPL is partnering with Opera York to develop Holocaust Education Week events and programs in relation to the upcoming production of “And the Rat Laughed” – a Hebrew opera set during the Holocaust. A recent article in the Thornhill Liberal “Opera about Holocaust experience coming to Richmond Hill” profiled this production http://www.yorkregion.com/article/85541.
Partnership with Mayor’s Youth Task Force: The Teen Services Committee is working with the Mayor’s Youth Task Force to present a Battle of the Bands event at the Milliken Mills Community Centre on Friday, May 8th. For a number of years MYTF has successfully offered this event as part of Youth Week. MPL will be assisting the group with their publicity and promotion. The MYTF goal is to increase participation from 900 last year to 1200 this year and to garner media attention and promote the event as a local success story for teens. In previous years audience applause has determined the winner and an MYTF member has served as emcee. MPL will also be working with MYTF to secure a judge or emcee that will create a buzz for the event. The MYTF has also invited MPL to attend their monthly meetings.
Partnership with Teens Art Council: Teen Librarian Amy Dolmer is working with the Markham Teen Arts Council to plan a book cover-inspired fashion show for Youth Week 2009 (first week of April).
Programming and the Information Services Review: As part of the implementation of the Information Services Review (ISR), Diane and Andrea Cecchetto, the ISR Project Manager, have developed a new programming model. The new model is designed to ensure consistent standards of program planning and delivery at all branches, improved efficiency in program development and delivery, and improved revenue generation. It should be noted that in the context of the current economic recession and the Town’s E3 initiative, the need to generate program revenue is even more compelling. The new programming strategy will also include standard schedules for programs, marketing strategies/tools, training for staff involved in program delivery and for program presenters. Due to the long lead time required for program planning, full implementation of the programming model is projected for the Winter 2010 programming season. For more details, please be sure to attend the soon-to-be-scheduled Town Halls in January.
Strategic Update - Virtual Branch
As part of our Strategy to develop “The Right Information Technology Tools”, and led by Suliang Feng, our Manager of Virtual Services, the MPL Virtual Branch continues to expand. Recent progress includes:
Virtual Branch Expansion: Over the last 6 months, through expansion of the Virtual Branch, we have added 188,243 unique e-books and 11,699 unique e-journals to our virtual collection. This, along with our Federated Search tool, enhances access to the “long tail” of online information, and expands our collections to a size and depth far beyond what would ever be possible to contain in our bricks-and-mortar branches. In effect, this strategy will provide Markham residents with 24x7 access to resources equivalent to those held by the great research and academic libraries of the world.
Overdrive: As announced by Suliang earlier today, the soft launch of Overdrive (downloadable audiobooks, e-books, movies) took place this morning.
New Business Resources: Reference Canada (an excellent resource for small business and job search) and OneSource (a world-wide business information resource centre) will launch this week.
Staff Training: Intensive staff training on Federated Search, OverDrive, Reference Canada and OneSource has taken place to ensure staff are prepared to support customer access to these new resources.
Website Improvements: Staff met with ITS to discuss this project in the context of the Town/Region portal project, which will ultimately encompass a redesign of the MPL website, along with the websites of all Town business units. The first phase of the portal is expected to go live in late 2009, which means that a full redesign of the MPL website is not currently warranted. As an interim measure, we will work with our ITS client advisor to give our website a facelift, improving its look and functionality.
For more information on the portal project, please see the Council Report at
http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/DocExtract2.asp?Document=cl081014-006c-0005.htm&vpath=/markham/ccbs/indexfile/index/council/cl081014-006c-0005.htm
Virtual Branch Expansion: Over the last 6 months, through expansion of the Virtual Branch, we have added 188,243 unique e-books and 11,699 unique e-journals to our virtual collection. This, along with our Federated Search tool, enhances access to the “long tail” of online information, and expands our collections to a size and depth far beyond what would ever be possible to contain in our bricks-and-mortar branches. In effect, this strategy will provide Markham residents with 24x7 access to resources equivalent to those held by the great research and academic libraries of the world.
Overdrive: As announced by Suliang earlier today, the soft launch of Overdrive (downloadable audiobooks, e-books, movies) took place this morning.
New Business Resources: Reference Canada (an excellent resource for small business and job search) and OneSource (a world-wide business information resource centre) will launch this week.
Staff Training: Intensive staff training on Federated Search, OverDrive, Reference Canada and OneSource has taken place to ensure staff are prepared to support customer access to these new resources.
Website Improvements: Staff met with ITS to discuss this project in the context of the Town/Region portal project, which will ultimately encompass a redesign of the MPL website, along with the websites of all Town business units. The first phase of the portal is expected to go live in late 2009, which means that a full redesign of the MPL website is not currently warranted. As an interim measure, we will work with our ITS client advisor to give our website a facelift, improving its look and functionality.
For more information on the portal project, please see the Council Report at
http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/DocExtract2.asp?Document=cl081014-006c-0005.htm&vpath=/markham/ccbs/indexfile/index/council/cl081014-006c-0005.htm
Monday, December 1, 2008
Teens, Video Games and Civics
A new Pew Internet Study find that some video games can make better citizens of teens.
http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/263/report_display.asp
http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/263/report_display.asp
Video Game Report Card
As part of our Right Stuff strategy and providing customers with what they want, we added games to our collections in late 2007, and continue to respond to trends in the gaming industry. A new report by the watchdog group, the National Institute on Media and the Family, praises the video game industry, and retailers for taking effective measures to limit kids' exposure to violent and inappropriate content.
http://mediafamily.org/research/vgrc_index.shtml
http://mediafamily.org/research/vgrc_index.shtml
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Screenager Generation
Presentation about screenagers (11-18 year-olds) - the youngest wave of the Millennials - their information needs and implications for libraries.
http://www.oclc.org/programs/events/2008-11-05c.pdf
http://www.oclc.org/programs/events/2008-11-05c.pdf
Online Time Important for Teen Development
A new study on teens and their use of digital media finds that America’s youth are developing important social and technical skills online – often in ways adults do not understand or value.
http://www.macfound.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lkLXJ8MQKrH&b=2024163&content_id={3A699BFD-3FA0-4793-8328-9E542E5280C9}¬oc=1
http://www.macfound.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lkLXJ8MQKrH&b=2024163&content_id={3A699BFD-3FA0-4793-8328-9E542E5280C9}¬oc=1
A President Who Reads
President-elect Obama reads and understands the value of reading. Libraries should anticipate that he will influence others by his example, revitalizing reading as a "thing to do", and that his reading choices will drive customer demand for particular items. In this AP shot, showing Obama leaving the Chicago home of friend Penny Pritzker after having dinner last Saturday, he is holding a copy of Lincoln: The Biography of a Writer by Fred Kaplan.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Digital Future Project
The 2008 Digital Future Project found that the Internet is perceived by users to be a more important source of information for them—this over all other principal media, including television, radio, newspapers and books.
http://www.digitalcenter.org/pdf/2008-Digital-Future-Report-Final-Release.pdf
http://www.digitalcenter.org/pdf/2008-Digital-Future-Report-Final-Release.pdf
Libraries and the Millennial Generation
By 2010, the Millennial generation—those now 14 to 28—will outnumber their Boomer parents. Also known as “Generation Y,” the “Net Generation” or “Echo Boomers,” this group of approximately 76 million people have been described as “ … thinking and processing information fundamentally differently from their predecessors”. Libraries need to develop Information services that are relevant to the information-seeking habits of Millennials, who cannot remember life without computers or mobile phones.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Reference Librarians in the Age of Google
Steven Bell, a librarian from Temple University, takes a controversial stand, arguing for the abolition of the reference desk by the year 2012.
http://www.dukemagazine.duke.edu/dukemag/issues/091008/brave1.html
http://www.dukemagazine.duke.edu/dukemag/issues/091008/brave1.html
Inspiration from Barack Obama
President-Elect Barack Obama keynoted the opening general session at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, June 23–29, 2005, while a U.S. senator from Illinois. His speech drew record crowds and garnered a standing ovation.
"Guardians of truth and knowledge, librarians must be thanked for their role as champions of privacy, literacy, independent thinking, and most of all reading."
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/obama05.cfm
"Guardians of truth and knowledge, librarians must be thanked for their role as champions of privacy, literacy, independent thinking, and most of all reading."
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/obama05.cfm
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Strategy Update - Virtual Branch
As part of our Strategy to develop “The Right Information Technology Tools”, and led by Suliang Feng, our Manager of Virtual Services, we are making great progress in improving and expanding the MPL Virtual Branch.
What is the Virtual Branch?
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, the Virtual Branch is the library branch that never closes.
Studies show that Canadians average 17 hours per week online. Through our Virtual Branch, we can meet our customers where they are spending so much of their time, on the Internet.
The Virtual Branch starts with our website – our homepage is the front door and hallway of our Virtual Branch, leading our customers into what will become a whole series of virtual spaces or rooms where customers can access our collections and services.
NEW & FORTHCOMING:
Federated Search Launched
Federated Search is the door that opens onto our Virtual Branch’s vast room of information databases. Through our new product “Webfeat”, customers can now search almost all our databases with one easy keyword search – a huge step forward in making it easy for customers to access our virtual information sources. Suliang and the Virtual Branch Team continue to work on improving and optimizing the look and functionality of Federated Search.
Email Notification – Coming Soon
One aspect of our Virtual Branch is how we communicate with customers about their accounts. Soon customers will have a new option – to receive notifications regarding holds or overdues by email, rather than by a phonecall or a mailed notice. This new service is being tested now. When we are ready to go live, talking points will be provided so that you can guide customers to this new service.
Overdrive – Coming Soon
Now being tested, Overdrive will provide our customers with virtual access to downloadable digital audiobooks. From home, work, or wherever they are, customers will be able to visit the audiobook collections room of our Virtual Branch to browse our digital audiobook collection and download (“check out”) Overdrive audiobooks from the MPL Virtual Branch. The launch of Overdrive is scheduled for December 1st.
Symphony – our new ILS (Integrated Library System) – Migration Project in 2009
Our Integrated Library System (ILS) is the foundation that supports and manages all our business and technical operations – circulation, acquisitions, cataloguing, and our OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). In 2009, we will migrate from Horizon, our current ILS, onto the latest SirsiDynix ILS product – Symphony. Symphony will bring us many new benefits and new services, including printed hold slips and an RSS feeder module that will enable customers to automate and personalize the building of their reading lists. Suliang and the Virtual Branch Team will lead the migration process – working with SirsiDynix to plan the project, training, testing module by module, and making decisions about the look and feel of Symphony for MPL. This will be a huge project, lasting many months – you will be hearing much more about it.
Website Improvements
The Virtual Branch Team is still working on the selection of the best solution for our website development. There are many options to explore, including a SirsiDynix product called EPS, which can be installed only after we have fully migrated to Symphony. So as a short term solution, while we continue to evaluate the options for our ultimate website solution, we are planning a clean-up of the structure of our existing website. Our IT client advisor June Frywill be guiding us through this process.
What is the Virtual Branch?
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, the Virtual Branch is the library branch that never closes.
Studies show that Canadians average 17 hours per week online. Through our Virtual Branch, we can meet our customers where they are spending so much of their time, on the Internet.
The Virtual Branch starts with our website – our homepage is the front door and hallway of our Virtual Branch, leading our customers into what will become a whole series of virtual spaces or rooms where customers can access our collections and services.
NEW & FORTHCOMING:
Federated Search Launched
Federated Search is the door that opens onto our Virtual Branch’s vast room of information databases. Through our new product “Webfeat”, customers can now search almost all our databases with one easy keyword search – a huge step forward in making it easy for customers to access our virtual information sources. Suliang and the Virtual Branch Team continue to work on improving and optimizing the look and functionality of Federated Search.
Email Notification – Coming Soon
One aspect of our Virtual Branch is how we communicate with customers about their accounts. Soon customers will have a new option – to receive notifications regarding holds or overdues by email, rather than by a phonecall or a mailed notice. This new service is being tested now. When we are ready to go live, talking points will be provided so that you can guide customers to this new service.
Overdrive – Coming Soon
Now being tested, Overdrive will provide our customers with virtual access to downloadable digital audiobooks. From home, work, or wherever they are, customers will be able to visit the audiobook collections room of our Virtual Branch to browse our digital audiobook collection and download (“check out”) Overdrive audiobooks from the MPL Virtual Branch. The launch of Overdrive is scheduled for December 1st.
Symphony – our new ILS (Integrated Library System) – Migration Project in 2009
Our Integrated Library System (ILS) is the foundation that supports and manages all our business and technical operations – circulation, acquisitions, cataloguing, and our OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). In 2009, we will migrate from Horizon, our current ILS, onto the latest SirsiDynix ILS product – Symphony. Symphony will bring us many new benefits and new services, including printed hold slips and an RSS feeder module that will enable customers to automate and personalize the building of their reading lists. Suliang and the Virtual Branch Team will lead the migration process – working with SirsiDynix to plan the project, training, testing module by module, and making decisions about the look and feel of Symphony for MPL. This will be a huge project, lasting many months – you will be hearing much more about it.
Website Improvements
The Virtual Branch Team is still working on the selection of the best solution for our website development. There are many options to explore, including a SirsiDynix product called EPS, which can be installed only after we have fully migrated to Symphony. So as a short term solution, while we continue to evaluate the options for our ultimate website solution, we are planning a clean-up of the structure of our existing website. Our IT client advisor June Frywill be guiding us through this process.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Modernizing England's Libraries
UK Culture Secretary Andy Burnham launches a modernisation review of England’s public library service.
http://www.dcms.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/5532.aspx
“In the internet age, shared experiences and a shared sense of place are more important than ever. Libraries are ideally placed to be that - a welcoming and stimulating place at the heart of the community where people can come together to learn.
“Learning, literacy and the written word will always be the heartbeat of the service, but there’s much that can be done in addition to make them come alive for generations to come. There are some incredibly interesting things going on in our public libraries, far removed from the stereotype of dusty books and silence, that we should celebrate. The review will look at how we share and build on that innovation, to make sure that our libraries have a vibrant future.”
http://www.dcms.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/5532.aspx
“In the internet age, shared experiences and a shared sense of place are more important than ever. Libraries are ideally placed to be that - a welcoming and stimulating place at the heart of the community where people can come together to learn.
“Learning, literacy and the written word will always be the heartbeat of the service, but there’s much that can be done in addition to make them come alive for generations to come. There are some incredibly interesting things going on in our public libraries, far removed from the stereotype of dusty books and silence, that we should celebrate. The review will look at how we share and build on that innovation, to make sure that our libraries have a vibrant future.”
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Strategy Update - The Right Programs
As part of our “Relevant Programs” strategy, and led by Marketing & Programming Strategist Diane Macklin, the “Right Programs” tactic is achieving great success in 2008. Recent success stories include:
Performance Measures UP UP UP!
Statistically, our programming strategy, combined with the re-opening of the Markham Village Library, is yielding positive results in 2008. At Year-to-Date (YTD) September 2008:
Program Attendance is up 28.1% over 2007
The number of Programs is up 14.3% over 2007.
Program revenue stands at a favourable variance YTD of $21,480. This means we are on target to exceed our revenue projections for 2008.
Cancellation rates have gone down - we offered 470 programs in the first 3 quarters of 2008, and 24 were cancelled – a cancellation rate of only 5%, much better than our baseline (26% in 2006).
The numbers are great, but more important is that they reflect the reality of how programs can make a difference in our customers’ lives – from building literacy skills to developing school readiness to nurturing lifelong free-choice learning. Quality programs are powerful tools for bringing customers into our branches, responding to community needs, raising our relevance to our customers – and positioning libraries as the community place where everyone can imagine learn and grow.
Summer Camps
Our biggest success story in 2008 has been the innovative Summer Camp programs, as developed by the Marketing & Programming Strategist and Summer Camp Coordinator - 275 participants and $34,300 in camp registration fees. For next year’s Summer Camps, we will improve volunteer management, based on your feedback.
Community Events
We have had very successful community events, including the Spelling Bees for Ontario Library Week, and the All Candidates Meeting held at Markham Village Library. Thanks to all staff for supporting these important events that bring to life the concept of the library as a community forum for learning and civic engagement.
Open-Space Programming
A key new direction has been liberating our free drop-in programs (like Storytime and Baby Goose) from behind closed doors and running them in open spaces. This supports our Diversity strategy by removing barriers to participation, maximizing inclusivity for newcomers, and marketing programs to all customers. It also aligns with the Town of Markham’s strategies regarding diversity and inclusivity.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
Online Program Registration - CLASS
A big step forward in terms of efficiency and workload improvements will be the introduction of online program registration (aka CLASS). ITS (Information Technology Services at the Town) has advised us that MPL CLASS implementation will be processed as a service request, likely during Q1 2009.
“The Learning Place” – MPL’s Contracted Program Development Model
We will build on the success of the Summer Camp programs by extending the Contracted Program Development Model to a wider range of library programs. This Model will involve MPL hiring, on a contract basis, certified teachers to develop program curricula for a series of core literacy-based programs. MPL will retain proprietary rights to the programs and then be able to hire presenters to deliver our content at a significantly lower rate than we currently provide for program instructors delivering their own materials. Staff will then develop a set schedule of core programs for the system. The benefits of this Model include increased program revenue, increased quality control regarding program content, the ability to hire presenters on the basis of excellence in teaching skills, increased efficiencies in terms of programming workload due to a more centralized approach, and the opportunity to develop a competitive core library programming product – literacy-based, high-quality – that will help to differentiate MPL in the context of a highly competitive programming market environment.
Performance Measures UP UP UP!
Statistically, our programming strategy, combined with the re-opening of the Markham Village Library, is yielding positive results in 2008. At Year-to-Date (YTD) September 2008:
Program Attendance is up 28.1% over 2007
The number of Programs is up 14.3% over 2007.
Program revenue stands at a favourable variance YTD of $21,480. This means we are on target to exceed our revenue projections for 2008.
Cancellation rates have gone down - we offered 470 programs in the first 3 quarters of 2008, and 24 were cancelled – a cancellation rate of only 5%, much better than our baseline (26% in 2006).
The numbers are great, but more important is that they reflect the reality of how programs can make a difference in our customers’ lives – from building literacy skills to developing school readiness to nurturing lifelong free-choice learning. Quality programs are powerful tools for bringing customers into our branches, responding to community needs, raising our relevance to our customers – and positioning libraries as the community place where everyone can imagine learn and grow.
Summer Camps
Our biggest success story in 2008 has been the innovative Summer Camp programs, as developed by the Marketing & Programming Strategist and Summer Camp Coordinator - 275 participants and $34,300 in camp registration fees. For next year’s Summer Camps, we will improve volunteer management, based on your feedback.
Community Events
We have had very successful community events, including the Spelling Bees for Ontario Library Week, and the All Candidates Meeting held at Markham Village Library. Thanks to all staff for supporting these important events that bring to life the concept of the library as a community forum for learning and civic engagement.
Open-Space Programming
A key new direction has been liberating our free drop-in programs (like Storytime and Baby Goose) from behind closed doors and running them in open spaces. This supports our Diversity strategy by removing barriers to participation, maximizing inclusivity for newcomers, and marketing programs to all customers. It also aligns with the Town of Markham’s strategies regarding diversity and inclusivity.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
Online Program Registration - CLASS
A big step forward in terms of efficiency and workload improvements will be the introduction of online program registration (aka CLASS). ITS (Information Technology Services at the Town) has advised us that MPL CLASS implementation will be processed as a service request, likely during Q1 2009.
“The Learning Place” – MPL’s Contracted Program Development Model
We will build on the success of the Summer Camp programs by extending the Contracted Program Development Model to a wider range of library programs. This Model will involve MPL hiring, on a contract basis, certified teachers to develop program curricula for a series of core literacy-based programs. MPL will retain proprietary rights to the programs and then be able to hire presenters to deliver our content at a significantly lower rate than we currently provide for program instructors delivering their own materials. Staff will then develop a set schedule of core programs for the system. The benefits of this Model include increased program revenue, increased quality control regarding program content, the ability to hire presenters on the basis of excellence in teaching skills, increased efficiencies in terms of programming workload due to a more centralized approach, and the opportunity to develop a competitive core library programming product – literacy-based, high-quality – that will help to differentiate MPL in the context of a highly competitive programming market environment.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Strategic Update: Collections - The Right Stuff
As part of our “Right Stuff” strategy and responding to trends in customer demand, the Collections Project team is working on many exciting initiatives, including:
Blu-ray DVDs
We will soon launch the Blu-ray format at all branches, in response to customer demand and market trends indicating that Blu-ray will replace DVDs as the format of choice among consumers in the coming years.
Express Bestsellers (EBs)
The Collections Project Team continues to evaluate the Express Bestsellers initiative and develop ways to improve it. EBs will be expanded to include high-demand Teen and Children’s titles. And since the Express Bestsellers program is such a high-profile and critical part of our “Right Stuff” strategy, we have decided to bring EB selection in-house and ensure that it will precisely reflect what our customers want and need. Staff responsible for EB selection are Dante Tang (DVD EBs), Chris Sheehy (Adult Fiction EBs), Lynda Cunha (Adult Nonfiction EBs), Amy Dolmer (Teen EBs) and Anthea Baillie (Children’s EBs).
Counting Opinions Data
As part of its collection development work, the Collections Project Team will review a quarterly report of collection-related data and comments from the Counting Opinions online customer satisfaction survey. This will help to ensure that our collection-development decisions are based on full and accurate data.
C3 – Children’s Nonfiction
C3 Classification for Children’s Nonfiction will be developed during the next couple of months. Based on the excellent work done by Hilary Huffman during the run-up to the re-opening of the Markham Village Library last December, Amy Dolmer will work with TSD cataloguing staff to complete C3 for JNF.
Teen CDs and DVDs
As part of ramping up services for teens at all our branches, and ensuring a consistent experience for teen customers system-wide, we will be developing full collections of Teen CDs and DVDs for all branches.
Blu-ray DVDs
We will soon launch the Blu-ray format at all branches, in response to customer demand and market trends indicating that Blu-ray will replace DVDs as the format of choice among consumers in the coming years.
Express Bestsellers (EBs)
The Collections Project Team continues to evaluate the Express Bestsellers initiative and develop ways to improve it. EBs will be expanded to include high-demand Teen and Children’s titles. And since the Express Bestsellers program is such a high-profile and critical part of our “Right Stuff” strategy, we have decided to bring EB selection in-house and ensure that it will precisely reflect what our customers want and need. Staff responsible for EB selection are Dante Tang (DVD EBs), Chris Sheehy (Adult Fiction EBs), Lynda Cunha (Adult Nonfiction EBs), Amy Dolmer (Teen EBs) and Anthea Baillie (Children’s EBs).
Counting Opinions Data
As part of its collection development work, the Collections Project Team will review a quarterly report of collection-related data and comments from the Counting Opinions online customer satisfaction survey. This will help to ensure that our collection-development decisions are based on full and accurate data.
C3 – Children’s Nonfiction
C3 Classification for Children’s Nonfiction will be developed during the next couple of months. Based on the excellent work done by Hilary Huffman during the run-up to the re-opening of the Markham Village Library last December, Amy Dolmer will work with TSD cataloguing staff to complete C3 for JNF.
Teen CDs and DVDs
As part of ramping up services for teens at all our branches, and ensuring a consistent experience for teen customers system-wide, we will be developing full collections of Teen CDs and DVDs for all branches.
Networked Families
Traditional nuclear families use the internet and cell phones to create a "new connectedness" that revolves around remote interactions and shared online experiences
For insights into how our customers live, see the latest Pew Internet & American Life Project report at http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/266/report_display.asp
For insights into how our customers live, see the latest Pew Internet & American Life Project report at http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/266/report_display.asp
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Reporting to the Community
Seattle Public Library reports on the results of its 10-year building program "Libraries for All".
http://www.spl.org/pdfs/libraries_for_all_report.pdf
http://www.spl.org/pdfs/libraries_for_all_report.pdf
Monday, October 13, 2008
Technology Trends
Consoles, Clikers and Chat: Tools for the Library of Today [The Alliance for Information Science and Technology Innovation]
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/hubbardj/aisti/print.pdf
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/hubbardj/aisti/print.pdf
Stephen's Lighthouse
Stephen Abram, SirsiDynix Institute Chief Strategist and the past-President of the Canadian and Ontario Library Associations. He was listed by Library Journal as one of the top 50 people influencing the future of libraries. His blog for library professionals is Stephen's Lighthouse: http://stephenslighthouse.sirsi.com/
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Libraries to Watch
In planning for our future, we need to be aware of what other library systems are doing in terms of innovation and trend-setting. These are some of the libraries that stand out as libraries to watch.
Richmond Public Library http://www.yourlibrary.ca/index_ie6.cfm
Ann Arbor District Library http://www.aadl.org/
Carnegie Library of Pittsurgh http://www.clpgh.org/
Charlotte-Meckleburg http://www.plcmc.org/
Cuyahoga http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/
Fayetteville http://www.faylib.org/
Gail Borden http://www.gailborden.info/m/
Hennepin http://www.hclib.org/
King County http://www.kcls.org/index.cfm
Maricopa http://www.mcldaz.org/default.aspx
Multnomah http://www.multcolib.org/index.html
Orange County http://www.ocls.info/Default.asp?bhcp=1
San Jose http://www.sjlibrary.org/
Richmond Public Library http://www.yourlibrary.ca/index_ie6.cfm
Ann Arbor District Library http://www.aadl.org/
Carnegie Library of Pittsurgh http://www.clpgh.org/
Charlotte-Meckleburg http://www.plcmc.org/
Cuyahoga http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/
Fayetteville http://www.faylib.org/
Gail Borden http://www.gailborden.info/m/
Hennepin http://www.hclib.org/
King County http://www.kcls.org/index.cfm
Maricopa http://www.mcldaz.org/default.aspx
Multnomah http://www.multcolib.org/index.html
Orange County http://www.ocls.info/Default.asp?bhcp=1
San Jose http://www.sjlibrary.org/
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Fact and Fiction - The Future of Public Libraries
In 2003, A UK report warned that British “libraries are sleepwalking to disaster; it is time they woke up.” This webpage summarizes the debate within the profession about where libraries should be headed.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/future-libraries.htm
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/future-libraries.htm
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Redesigning Libraries Using Retail Touchpoints
Paco Underhill (Envirosell) explores the dynamics of customer behaviour at California libraries.
http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/sjpl/sjway/SVPL-HPL_final_report.pdf
http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/sjpl/sjway/Envirosell_presentation_CLA07.ppt
http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/sjpl/sjway/SVPL-HPL_final_report.pdf
http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/sjpl/sjway/Envirosell_presentation_CLA07.ppt
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Public Libraries in UK Told to Innovate or Die Out
"The challenge faced by public libraries was to reposition themselves “centre stage” among 21st-century communities with strong competition from the internet, online booksellers and other sources."
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3496617.ece
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3496617.ece
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Trust Factor
The IMLS National Study on the Use of Libraries, Museums and the Internet
http://interconnectionsreport.org/
"Libraries and museums evoke consistent, extraordinary public trust among diverse adult users."
http://interconnectionsreport.org/
"Libraries and museums evoke consistent, extraordinary public trust among diverse adult users."
Friday, February 29, 2008
New Concept for Borders Bookstores
Using technology to enhance the customer experience at the "Headquarters for Knowledge and Entertainment"
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6533013.html?q=borders
http://www.bgimediacenter.com/ConceptMediaRoom.html
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6533013.html?q=borders
http://www.bgimediacenter.com/ConceptMediaRoom.html
Libraries Extinct by 2020?
Ross Dawson, a business consultant who tracks different customs, devices, and institutions on what he calls an Extinction Timeline, predicts that libraries will disappear in 2019. "He's probably right as far as the function of the library as a civic monument, or as a public repository for books, is concerned. On the other hand, in its mutating role as urban hangout, meeting place, and arbiter of information, the public library seems far from spent. This has less to do with the digital world—or the digital word—than with the age-old need for human contact."
http://www.rossdawsonblog.com/weblog/archives/2007/10/extinction_time.html
http://www.rossdawsonblog.com/weblog/archives/2007/10/extinction_time.html
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
"Google Generation" is a Myth
A new British study Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future finds that:
Young people not very web-literate
Libraries must make interfaces easier
Libraries must integrate content with commercial search engines
http://www.bl.uk/news/2008/pressrelease20080116.html
The "Google Generation"—youth born or brought up in the Internet age—is not particularly web-literate, and their research traits—impatience in search and navigation and zero tolerance for any delay in satisfying their information needs—are becoming the norm for all age-groups. The lesson for libraries is that they must step up significantly, "both raising awareness of this expensive and valuable content and making the interfaces much more standard and easier to use."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)