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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-06 Library Commission PacketKENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 6, 2013 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL 2. AGENDA APPROVAL 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY — June 4, 2013 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Mission Statement b. Internet Safety Policy 7. REPORTS a. Library Director b. Commission Chair C. City Council Liaison 8. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION — November 5, 2013 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS /QUESTIONS 10. PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 11. INFORMATION a. 2013 ALA Conference Report b. CMS Press Release — Libraries to help Americans learn more about their health care options. C. Correspondence from Taxpayer Advocate Service 12. ADJOURNMENT PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING: COREY -- 283 -8231 OR, MARY JO -- 283 -7001 3. KENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 4, 2013 7:00 P.M. CHAIR KATHY EAST, PRESIDING MEETING SUMMARY CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chair East called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Roll was confirmed as follows: Commissioners present: Chair K. East, H. Curtis, S. Mattero, S. Bodin, M. Michel Commissioners absent: E. Bryson, K. Knackstedt (excused) Staff /Council Liaison present: Library Director M. Joiner, Council Member M. Boyle A quorum was present. 2. AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: Commissioner Curtis MOVED to approve the agenda and Commissioner Niichel SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY —April 2, 2013 MOTION: Commissioner Mattero MOVED to approve the meeting summary of April 2 and Commissioner Bodin SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD — None. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. FY2014 Budget Update — Library Director Joiner reported the library budget went through as presented except the out of Kenai fee was removed by the City Council. b. Meeting Schedule — Joiner reported the City Clerk and City Attorney had not finished their work on the commissions and committees, but would be bringing forward a request to change the library's schedule. MOTION: Commissioner Mattero MOVED to request changing the meeting schedule to quarterly months of February, May, August, and November. Commissioner Curtis SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. 6. NEW BUSINESS Outside Agencies "Hosting" Programs at the Library Commissioner Niichel requested the Imagination Library host story times at the library. Joiner reviewed the policy for the meeting rooms and stated the request would require more space than the library had and the library was limited by its policy. 7. REPORTS a. Library Director — Joiner reported the library would receive a -rate funding for internet services and she and her assistant would be attending the American Library Association conference in Chicago. b. Commission Chair— East reported she was glad everyone was there and participating. C. City Council Liaison Boyle reported there were no items pertaining to the Library. 8. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION — July 2, 2013 Joiner reported she would be requesting the July meeting be cancelled. 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS /QUESTIONS — None. 10. PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD — None. 11. INFORMATION a. Library Director's May 2013 Report b. Memorandum Regarding Video Games C. Friends of the Library Memorandum 12. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Mattero MOVED to adjourn and Commissioner Bodin SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Meeting summary prepared and submitted by: Corene Hall, CMC, Deputy City Clerk LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 2 Chapter 5 MISSI ®N STATEMENTS OVERVIEW The goal of the Mission Statement is to convey: • Where the library fits within the community; • Why the library is vital to the life of the community; • How the library will meet community needs; • Who the library will serve; • What the library's objectives /goals /purposes are; • How the library will meet those objectives /goals; • What strategy the library will use; What services the library offers. The mission statement is possibly the hardest policy for a library to write. In a few short paragraphs you must state your reasons for existing, your place in the local community, your place in society, and your place in the fabric of Iearning.You can accomplish this in one or many paragraphs, but the message must always be powerful. It is the foundation for everything the library does. It covers all aspects, from the scope and depth of the collection to the services you offer. Are you an information center that emphasizes electronic resources? Are you a resource center for local genealogists? Do you support more instructional and educational material or do you turn toward more leisure, popular, and recreational material? Many policies in this book include phrases such as, "this supports the library's objectives;' or "in keeping with the library's mission." Each policy traces its origins back to the mission statement, whether it is general and philosophical or detailed and concrete; below are several examples.The word- ing and tone are intentionally similar.They are all excellent representations of what a library does for its community. Not all of the libraries offer the same services. For your own mission statement, pick those sentences, services, phrases, or complete policies that meet your indi- vidualized needs or even combine phrases to individualize it further.The Mission Statement is the shortest and most fundamental policy in the book, but also the most difficult to write. The examples will give you the information you need to craft just the right policy for your library. There are more samples on the CD -ROM for your convenience. Some of the samples are 101 i~ THE PUBLIC'. LIBRARY MANAGER'S FORims, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES MANUAL much shorter than represented here.The statement does not have to be long to be good. Short policies can be very effective and descriptive. Choose what best expresses your purpose and overall philosophy. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES Features of an Effective Policy • Identifies community needs; • Emphasizes types of material, such as genealogical, recreational, instructional, or electronic resources that are available; • Defines the scope of the collection, such as research level, limited coverage, or general coverage; • Sets goals, then defines strategies to reach the goals; • Defines a community need and states how the library will meet that need. Benefits of an Effective Policy • Communicates your commitment to the community; • Acts as an excellent public relations document; • Highlights services and programs; • Underscores your community involvement; • Serves as a common document to be used in discussions; • Justifies budget requests to reach stated goals, needs, and objectives identified by the com- munity assessment. Policies Marshall Public Library Pocatello, Idaho The Marshall Public Library provides recreational reading and information about popular cultural and social trends; general information and answers to questions, supplementary curriculum support for K -12 students; support for personal growth and development through lifelong learning; and training and instruction in finding, evaluating, and using infor- mation effectively. Service Response: Current Topics and Titles A library that provides Current Topics and Titles helps to fulfill community resi- dents' appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends, and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences. Service Response: Formal Learning Support A library that offers Formal Learning Support helps students who are enrolled in a formal program of education or who are pursuing their education through a 102 76 The Planning Process mittee's recommended service responses. The committee members then discussed what they had learned about the preliminary service re- sponses they had selected when they read the expanded descriptions of each of those service responses. Finally, the committee members looked again at the needs they identified during their preliminary meet- ing. When it came time to make the final selection of service responses, several members of the committee asked that the Local History and Ge- nealogy service response be added to the list of items under considera- tion. After a little more discussion, the facilitator asked the members to vote for their top five choices. The vote was virtually unanimous. The committee not only agreed on which service responses to include on the list but also on the priority of each. The final service responses se- lected by the committee in priority order were Lifelong Learning (with an emphasis on children and adults), CurrentTopics and Titles (with an em- phasis on children and adults), Information Literacy, General Information, and Local History and Genealogy. In this library the process clearly worked. Committee members, board members, and staff members were able to work together to iden- tify the best priorities for the library, and everyone involved felt that they had a say in the final decision. Write the Library Mission Statement The last activity in this task is to write the library mission statement. There has been a lot of discussion about library mission statements in the past decade and some very real disagreements about the function of a mission statement. In this process, a library mission statement is a mar- keting tool. Its purpose is to inform the community about the library's priorities in clear and easily understood terms. Traditional library mission statements have tended to be global in nature and convoluted in structure: The Wordy Public Library is dedicated to meeting the edu- cational, recreational, informational, and social needs of the citizens of Wordy. The library collects, organizes, preserves, and administers its resources and holdings for the use of all res- idents, adult, young adult, and juvenile, regardless of race or ethnic heritage. It promotes the use of library materials and services throughout die community, including to the schools, other government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and the business community. It cooperates in statewide and na- tional resource sharing activities, such as interlibrary loan, and cooperates with other local groups and library agencies to fur- ther the best interests of the community in any way possible. It uses appropriate technologies to maintain and improve library operations and services. Design: inventing the Future 77 develop their ability to find and use information in a variety of formats provide the information services needed to answer their questions enable people to explore their personal heritage Both of these mission statements make the library's priorities clear, and both are phrased in terms that are easily understood. The only real - difference is in the format, although the second statement does provide a Most of us would agree that the Wordy Public Library mission state - ment doesn't provide much information about the library's priorities. In fact, the mission might be paraphrased to read "The Wordy Public Li- brary does everything for everyone all of the time.' The mission is nei- ther clearly written nor easily understood, as exemplified both by the use i of library- specific terms like "interlibrary loan" and the inclusion of so i many long, long, long lists. However, it is often easier to see what is wrong with someone else's mission statement than it is to write an effec- tive mission statement for our own library. 4 A strong mission statement is a creative expression of the service re- fassist sponses the library has selected for the current planning cycle and is writ- A ten in words that are meaningful to the people in the community. The easiest way to write a mission statement is to read through the descrip- tions of the library's service responses in Part Two of this book, noting key words or phrases that seem important to you. Then begin to draft a mis- sion statement using those words and phrases. Remember, in this in- stance, less is more. Consider the following two mission statements, both of which would be appropriate for the Mytown Public Library s service re- sponses of Lifelong Learning, Current Topics and Tides, Information Liter - acy, General Information, and Local History and Genealogy. develop their ability to find and use information in a variety of formats provide the information services needed to answer their questions enable people to explore their personal heritage Both of these mission statements make the library's priorities clear, and both are phrased in terms that are easily understood. The only real - difference is in the format, although the second statement does provide a Mission Statement 9 The Mytown Public Library gives residents of all ages the means to continue to learn throughout their lives; to meet their recreational reading interests; to find, evaluate, and use infor- mation in a variety of formats; to get answers to their ques- tions; and to better understand their personal heritage. j Mission Statement 2 Mytown residents will have access to innovative library set- 4 vices, delivered in an efficient and effective manner, that will fassist everyone to continue to grow and learn throughout A their lives provide the materials, programs, and services needed to meet their recreational needs develop their ability to find and use information in a variety of formats provide the information services needed to answer their questions enable people to explore their personal heritage Both of these mission statements make the library's priorities clear, and both are phrased in terms that are easily understood. The only real - difference is in the format, although the second statement does provide a 78 The Planning Process little more information than the first. It is when you compare these two mission statements with the example from the Wordy Public Library that the true differences become apparent It is very difficult to write anything in a committee setting. Therefore, one staff person should be asked to develop a .draft mission statement to be reviewed by as many people as seems advisable and then revised as needed. The final draft of the mission statement will, of course, be pre- sented to the library board for its review and approval. However, the fact that the board will have already approved the service responses that serve as the foundation for the mission statement should make this re- view process relatively simple. TASK 6e Write Goals and Objectives If you look at the planning process in a certain way, it resembles a trian- gle resting on its point. The process starts at the large end of the triangle when you consider all of the possibilities to describe the ideal future for your community. Then you move on to identify community needs and select library service responses, and your options become fewer, and the triangle narrows. Figure 10 illustrates this process. As you review figure 10, you will note that there are really only three parts of the process left to be completed to give you the information you need for your formal planning document. The first of these is to write the goals for the library plan, and the second is to write the objectives that will be used to measure the library's progress toward reaching its goals. These will be completed by library managers and staff in Task 6. The fi- nal part of the process, identifying activities, will be discussed in Tasks 7 and 8 in the next chapter. It is normally best to ask one or two people to work together to draft goals and then distribute those goals for review and discussion. When the goals have been revised, one or two people will then draft objectives, which go through the same review and revision process. Undersfand the Swmntios of Planning The Literally hundreds of planning models in use in this country right now each define the terms 'goal," "objective," and "activity" a little dif- ferently. This can make any planning process that includes people with experience using other planning models very confusing —and very frus- trating. No one likes to be involved in a debate over the meaning of the terms used in planning, particularly because there is clearly no one glob- ally correct answer. Fortunately, there is an easy way to deal with this problem: Simply remind people that the purpose of language is to com- municate, and if all agree to use specific meanings for the planning terms Chapter 5 Mission Statements Administrative Policies Policies Marshall Public Library Pocatello, Idaho The Marshall Public Library provides recreational reading and information about popular cultural and social trends; general information and answers to questions, supplementary curriculum support for K -12 students; support for personal growth and development through lifelong learning; and training and instruction in finding, evaluating, and using information effectively. Service Response: Current Topics and Titles A library that provides Current Topics and Titles helps to fulfill community residents' appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends, and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences. Service Response: Formal Learning Support A library that offers Formal Learning Support helps students who are enrolled in a formal program of education or who are pursuing their education through a program of home schooling to attain their educational goals. The Library concentrates on providing materials that supplement rather than duplicate the resources available in institutions of formal learning. Service Response: General Information A library that offers General Information helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life. Service Response: Information Literacy A library that provides Information Literacy service helps address the need for skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively. Service Response: Lifelong Learning A library that provides Lifelong Learning service helps address the desire for self - directed personal growth and development opportunities, and to help satisfy the desire of community residents to gain an understanding of their own cultural heritage and the cultural heritage of others through the exploration of literature, history, arts, and poetry. Pikes Peak Library District Colorado Springs, Colorado The Pikes Peak Library District provides resources and service to inform, empower, inspire and encourage respect for individuals and ideas. The five service responses selected are: • Current topics and titles —The library offers current, high - demand, high - interest materials in a wide variety of formats. • General information —The library provides information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to school, work and personal life. • Lifelong learning —The library provides a collection of circulating materials on a wide variety of topics in which the general public has a sustained interest to address the desire for self - directed personal growth and development opportunities. • Local History and Genealogy —The library provides a significant collection of materials and other resources that chronicles the history of the Pikes Peak Region and provides genealogy research tools. • Cultural awareness —The library provides materials and resources to help residents to gain an understanding of their own cultural heritage and the cultural heritage of others. Newark Public Library Newark, New Jersey Purpose Statement The purpose of The Newark Public Library is to empower Newark residents, students and workers to enrich their own lives with knowledge, information, education and culture. Mission Statement The mission of The Newark Public Library is to provide for the people of Newark an easily available local collection of and global access to the universal record of human thought, wisdom, ideals, information, experiences, and artistic expressions. The Library provides information useful for daily living, supports formal education and independent learning efforts and assists researchers and scholars. Deriving its principal support from the City of Newark, the Library emphasizes services for Newark's residents and students. Affirming its belief in the power of education and in the potential of libraries to change lives, the Library strongly supports the children of Newark in their efforts to learn and grow and achieve. As a major library resource for New Jersey, the Library strives also to serve those who work in the City, and libraries and people throughout the state. In support of this mission, the Library: selects, collects, organizes and makes available for use a broad, deep and diverse collection of materials in a variety of formats; provides excellent personal information services and guidance in the use of library resources; and offers programs for personal enrichment. In pursing this mission the Library strives to fulfill its unique responsibility to ensure free, open and equal access to information for all the people that the Library serves. The Library actively seeks to serve and reflect the diverse Newark community in its collections, services, programs and staff. It affirms a commitment to preserve, promote and celebrate the multicultural heritage of the people of Newark. The Newark Public Library contributes to the economic life of the City, the vitality of its neighborhoods and the quality of life of its citizens. 2 Morton Grove Public Library Library Mission Statement Morton Grove, Illinois The Morton Grove Public Library's Mission Statement guides the selection of materials as it does the development of services and the allocation of resources. This statement articulates broad principles for library programs and services. The mission of the Morton Grove Public Library is to serve informational, educational and recreational needs of the Morton Grove community through acquiring and maintaining quality materials, programs and services within comfortable facilities, with emphasis on information which is of immediate relevance and interest; and in a manner commensurate with responsible fiscal planning. The Library's mission extends to providing access to the universe of information beyond the Library's own collections through interlibrary cooperation and efficient use of technology. Mission of the Morton Grove Public Library Morton Grove residents will have access to innovative library services, delivered in an efficient, effective, and professional manner within comfortable facilities and with responsible fiscal planning. These services will: • Provide the materials, programs, and services needed to meet their recreational needs; • Provide the information services needed to answer their personal and work - related questions • Enable them to develop their ability to find and use information in a variety of formats • Assist them to continue growing and learning throughout their lives Library Service Responses to the Community With the Village of Morton Grove's Vision Statement as a starting point, the Community Planning Committee, made up of members representing the residents of Morton Grove, established four service priorities for library services, which they felt will best meet the needs of the community: • Current Topics and Titles Adults in Morton Grove will have available materials and services to meet the residents' desire for information on current, high - interest topics and to provide satisfying recreational experiences; these materials and services will reflect an openness and awareness of the cultural diversity of the community. Children and teens in Morton Grove will have high - interest materials and services to stimulate their imaginations and to encourage them to read for pleasure; these materials and services will reflect an openness and awareness of the cultural diversity of the community. • General Information All residents of Morton Grove will be able to get answers to their personal and work - related questions. • Informational Literacy All residents of Morton Grove will have the skills they need to find, evaluate, and use information in a variety of formats. • Lifelong Learning Residents of Morton Grove will have materials, programs, and services to support their personal growth and self - education; these materials, programs, and services will reflect an openness and awareness of the cultural diversity of the community. Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library Dayton, Ohio The Mission of the Dayton Metro Library is to respond to the interests and needs of its community by providing recorded information and thought. Goals • Continue as the most comprehensive source of information for the community. • Strengthen and provide community resources through cooperation with other libraries and community agencies. • Ensure that the library is user oriented and meets the needs of all who require special assistance. • Actively promote our programs, materials, services and role in fostering free communication within our democratic society. • Structure our organization and manage our operations effectively. • Preserve our rare and valuable materials for continuing use. • Provide special programs to encourage use of the library. • Provide training and development opportunities to library staff for occupational and professional growth. • Provide a collection of materials and technological tools that accesses information that meets the interests and needs of the community and represents various points of view on controversial subjects. • Develop sources of funding to supplement the Library and Local Government Support Fund. • Monitor and respond to trends and developments in library practices. • Provide assistance and training to the public through knowledgeable and customer oriented Staff. n Strategies • Continue the Total Quality Management philosophy and attitude throughout the library. • Employ appropriate technologies. • Emphasize staff development and training. • Increase the awareness of the library's role and its importance to its community. • Provide physical facilities to meet the challenges of the 21 st century. • Develop and maintain sources of supplemental funding. • Assist and train our customers in the use of new technology available at the library. • Strengthen governmental relations. Laramie County Library System Cheyenne, Wyoming The Laramie County Library System's mission is to serve all people in their quest for lifelong learning and adventure. Our commitment is to: • Provide free and easy access to the printed word, information and cultural enhancement; • Promote reading and literacy for children and adults; • Offer a dynamic, current, pertinent and uncensored collection of materials in a variety of formats; • Maintain high quality customer service through well - trained professional librarians, managers, staff and volunteers; • Strengthen the library by developing, maintaining and sharing resources in a responsible manner; • Be a focal point for access to information, self - improvement, social interaction, cultural exposure and leisure; • Remain committed to continually utilizing and providing state of the art technology; • Provide appropriate facilities to meet the needs of all people of Laramie County, • Promote the services of the library. Bonus Policy— Mission Statements Bettendorf Public Library Bettendorf, Iowa Mission Statement The Bettendorf Public Library Information Center is committed to providing free and equal access to information and ideas for all. The Bettendorf Public Library Information Center will be the recognized source of knowledge and information, the place to gather and discuss, the encourager of reading, and the leader in cooperation with the city, schools and organizations. We will be the gateway to life -long learning, offering a full spectrum of services, materials and programming. C Rangeview Anythink Libraries Mission Statement: We open doors for curious minds. The mission of The New York Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. To deliver on this promise, we rely on three great resources ---our staff, our collections, and our physical and virtual spaces —as well as on a set of core values. 1. We inspire lifelong learning by creating more able learners and researchers. We: • Teach learning and information - navigation skills • Provide tools, resources, and great places to work • Engage in great exploratory conversations • Ask and answer questions that encourage patrons to challenge their assumptions • Support creativity, research, and problem - solving • Bring people together to spark creative synergies and learn from each other 2. We advance knowledge by providing free and open access to materials and information that reflect New York's global perspective. We: • Identify, acquire, and preserve items that enhance our unique areas of expertise • Connect with other organizations whose materials complement our own • Inspire interest, expand horizons, and enrich perspectives • Build tools that allow us to connect with the world in our areas of expertise 3. We strengthen our communities by promoting full citizenship and participation in society. We: • Promote the development of key skills and capabilities • Provide dynamic resources to help patrons understand and engage in society • Create safe and reliable places where we and our patrons can enjoy, honor, celebrate, and engage with our communities • Offer unique and authoritative materials of historical importance • Bring our diverse communities together The Seattle Public Library brings people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. Mission Statement It is the mission of the Bloomfield Public Library to provide and promote open and equal access to the resources and services of the library in order to meet the informational, educational, and cultural needs of the community. The library seeks to encourage reading and the use of current technology for life -long learning and the enhancement of the individual's quality of life. The Long Beach Public Library is committed to meeting the information needs of our culturally diverse and dynamic population. • We provide quality library service through a staff that is responsive, expert, and takes pride in service. • We offer a wide selection of resources and materials representing all points of view. • We support lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and free and equal access to information. Springfield City Library A Brighter Future for Springfield Today Strategic Plan 2011— 2016 Mission Building connections I Broadening horizons I Strengthening community The community source for literacy, technology and information Ventura County Library Mission Statement The mission of the Ventura County Library is to meet the general reading, life- long learning and informational needs of the people of Ventura County, with special focus on children, youth and families. Mission Statement from Ventura County Library's Director, Jackie Griffin: Libraries hold a special position in the United States. The values that make our county unique are made visible in our libraries. They are the places we come to as children and return to as adults, to find adventure, to learn, to discover in the vast world of ideas mankind has created. For many Americans, libraries have been the beginning of the climb out of poverty. They are the physical reminder that Americans believe that knowledge should be available and freely shared. They are a place that reminds us that education takes place in many venues, over all the years of our lives. Increasingly, libraries are not only a place. We can access information, books and videos from our homes, our businesses or anywhere we have access to the library's homepage. Ventura County Library System (VCLS) is committed to creating the same sense of community, of ownership in the virtual world that our communities feel in their neighborhood libraries. We are committed to providing the communities we serve with the very best of what libraries can provide in as many ways and as conveniently as possible. Our communities are a vital part of deciding how to create and improve our libraries. We listen for their voices and respond to their ideas. We invite and welcome everyone to engage in lifelong learning with us at VCLS. Mission Statement We transform lives through education by: • Supporting the college's curricula and research needs Providing information resources Offering instruction in information literacy Encouraging life -long learning Mission Statement The mission of the Alexander County Library is to improve the quality of life in Alexander County by providing the best library services, collections, and programs possible in accordance with the library's role as an educational institution. Library Mission Statement The mission of the Joyce K. Carver Soldotna Public Library is to bring the power of information, imagination, and inspiration, through books, music, DVDs, and other materials to meet the intellectual, recreational, and cultural needs of all the people of our community and to promote a life -long love of learning. The Soldotna Public library offers a large assortment of books and magazines in several media formats. We also offer six (Windows based) computers with internet access for public use on a first come, first serve basis and free broadband wireless internet access to those who bring in wireless enabled devices. The library has electronic card catalog stations to help patrons find library resources. To assist patrons in finding health information, laws, and news, the City has created a list of reference and search resources on the internet. To use this, click on "Public Information Portal" located in the link list to the right. You can now search for items in our collection by using our online catalog . The mission of the Homer Public Library is to support the information needs of the community by providing access to quality resources in a welcoming atmosphere by a knowledgeable and caring staff. We take seriously our responsibility to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries. We pledge to promote literacy, learning, and enrichment for people of all ages, thereby enhancing the economic, social, and cultural vitality of our community. Seward does not have a mission statement on their webpage. Fairbanks does not have a mission statement on their webpage. The Juneau Public Libraries are the open door to exploration and lifelong learning, providing free access to shared resources and programs that entertain, enlighten and educate. Anchorage Public Library provides resources to enrich the lives and empower the future of our diverse community, while preserving the past for generations to come. Mission It is the mission of Brooklyn Public Library to ensure the preservation and transmission of society's knowledge, history and culture, and to provide the people of Brooklyn with free and open access to information for education, recreation and reference. Vision Brooklyn Public Library will be a vital center of knowledge for all, accessible 24 hours a day, and will be a leader in traditional and innovative library services which reflect the diverse and dynamic spirit of the people of Brooklyn. Library Mission Statement The mission of the Riverside Public Library is to circulate books and other library resources, promote personal competency in seeking and evaluating information, and present quality programs in a welcoming environment to the residents of the City of Riverside so that they may become productive participants in the literate society. Our Vision To be the foremost promoter of self- directed life -long learning. We spark curiosity and provide tools for discovery. Library Brand "Sparking curiosity and providing tools for discovery." San Francisco Public Library Mission Statement The San Francisco Public Library system is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community, Burlington Public Library Mission Statement The Burlington Public Library is a vital resource for books, materials, and services for information, enlightenment and recreation of all members of the community. The mission of the Burlington Public Library is to provide a safe and inviting place where residents can interact with each other; find information about their community and its offerings; learn to appreciate their culture as well as that of others; investigate a wide range of topics pertaining to their work, school and personal lives; and develop a lore of reading and learning that w411 continue throughout their lives. (b. KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY INTERNET SAFETY POLICY The mission of the Kenai Community Library is to provide a comfortable and friendly environment in which the public may: • Have a reasonable expectation that they will leave the building with what they came for; • Relax and read current materials; • Receive knowledgeable assistance and answers to questions; • Pursue opportunities for lifelong learning; • Find professionally selected materials in all formats for personal enjoyment; • Enjoy programs or performances; • Have access to technological resources. In support of this mission, the library provides individualized assistance, community outreach, professional expertise, and current technologies for equal access to facilities, quality services, and materials in a variety of formats. The library supports the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association Freedom to Read statement. The Library's mandate is to provide the public access to information on all sides of an issue. Current Internet Policies • Internet access shall be made reasonable, fair, and equitable to all users with the understanding that it is the individual user's responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources and facilities. Use of the Internet constitutes agreement to comply with this policy. Internet communications shall be considered private and confidentiality will be encouraged within the limits of a public environment, the technology of the equipment, and the requirements of law. Violations of library guidelines and engaging in certain prohibited practices in Internet use may lead to the suspension or revocation of Internet access through the Library. Guidelines for Responsible Use It is expected that the user of the Internet: Shall make only authorized access to systems, netware, software, and databases for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. Shall avoid the sending, receiving, and displaying of text or graphics that may be reasonably construed as sexually explicit or offensive. A written definition of what constitutes "sexually explicit" material is available at the front desk. Shall obey the law and regulations in their application to copyright, licensed software and data. Shall be aware that violations of these guidelines for responsible use my lead to the suspension or revocation of your Internet access within the Library. Unacceptable Uses of Computers and Rules of Conduct Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following: • Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Downloading and viewing visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) child pornography, or (3) harmful to minors. • Uses that violate copyright laws and licensing agreements, such as downloading materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. • Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation, uploading any harmful form of programming, vandalism; or "hacking ". • Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet, Altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software. • Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications: Giving others private information about one's self or others. Minor is defined as under age 18. • Uses that Violate Confidentiality of Information: Personally identifiable information about users may not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law. Statement of Responsibility The Internet with its highly diverse and often controversial content is an unregulated resource and can be used only at your own risk. Beyond its home pages, Kenai Community Library cannot control the information found on the Internet and is not responsible for its accuracy correctness or its suitability. Library may suggest specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users, but the Library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources. The Kenai Community Library has not installed filters for Internet access. No filtering system is completely effective or efficient. This is especially true in filtering of images and video. Filters on Internet terminals might restrict access to sites that could be deemed objectionable, but would also limit access to sites that have legitimate research value. *A Special Note to Parents The Internet's "user friendliness" and intrinsic flexibility to access a wide range of well known and many lesser known information resources demands diligent and thoughtful parental supervision. It should be understood that the Kenai Community Library cannot act as a censor or as a substitute parent. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the oversight to ensure their children's use of the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner. As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents /guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use. Internet Offerings and Limitations • Library access to the Internet is available at work stations that use software designed to browse the World Wide Web (WWW). Dial in access is not available through the library. • You will need a current Kenai Community Library card or photo identification in order to check in for computer use. Computer use is limited to one time per day. The library offers both sit -down rimed stations (one hour in the winter, 45 minutes in the summer) and expresses terminals (20 minutes.) • You may not use your own software programs on the library computers, nor install any programs or drivers on the library computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers. • Bring your own used disk or drive, formatted for an IBM PC compatible, if you wish to save files. There is a system printer for printing at $.25 per page. • Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of your computer privileges. • Because of library scheduling, Internet - trained staff may not always be available. Response to Violations Internet computers may not be used by anyone, including minors, for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Safety Policy as stated or implied herein. Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies. Disclaimers While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library's Internet service. Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers. Publicly discussed and adopted by the Kenai Community Library Commission, August 5,2008 Signed Eileen Bryson date. Commission Chair Free Access to Libraries for Minors An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights Library policies and procedures that effectively deny minors equal and equitable access to all library resources and services available to other users violate the Library Bill of Rights. The American Library Association opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users. Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states, "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views." The "right to use a library" includes free access to, and unrestricted use of, all the services, materials, and facilities the library has to offer. Every restriction on access to, and use of, library resources, based solely on the chronological age, educational level, literacy skills, or legal emancipation of users violates Article V. Libraries are charged with the mission of providing services and developing resources to meet the diverse information needs and interests of the communities they serve. Services, materials, and facilities that fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of library resources. The needs and interests of each library user, and resources appropriate to meet those needs and interests, must be determined on an individual basis. Librarians cannot predict what resources will best fulfill the needs and interests of any individual user based on a single criterion such as chronological age, educational level, literacy skills, or legal emancipation. Equitable access to all library resources and services shall not be abridged through restrictive scheduling or use policies. Libraries should not limit the selection and development of library resources simply because minors will have access to them. Institutional self - censorship diminishes the credibility of the library in the community, and restricts access for all library users. Children and young adults unquestionably possess First Amendment rights, including the right to receive information through the library in print, nonprint, or digital format. Constitutionally protected speech cannot be suppressed solely to protect children or young adults from ideas or images a legislative body believes to be unsuitable for them.l Librarians and library governing bodies should not resort to age restrictions in an effort to avoid actual or anticipated objections, because only a court of law can determine whether material is not constitutionally protected. The mission, goals, and objectives of libraries cannot authorize librarians or library governing bodies to assume, abrogate, or overrule the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians. As Libraries: An American Value states, "We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children's use of the library and its resources and services." Librarians and library governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child. Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that only parents and guardians have the right and the responsibility to determine their children's —and only their children's— access to library resources. Parents and guardians who do not want their children to have access to specific library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children. Lack of access to information can be harmful to minors. Librarians and library governing bodies have a public and professional obligation to ensure that all members of the community they serve have free, equal, and equitable access to the entire range of library resources regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. This principle of library service applies equally to all users, minors as well as adults. Librarians and library governing bodies must uphold this principle in order to provide adequate and effective service to minors. See also Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program and Access to Children and Young Adults to Nonprint Materials. 1 See Erznoznik v. City of Jacksonville, 422 U.S. 205 (1975) "Speech that is neither obscene as to youths nor subject to some other legitimate proscription cannot be suppressed solely to protect the young from ideas or images that a legislative body thinks unsuitable for them. In most circumstances, the values protected by the First Amendment are no less applicable when government seeks to control the flow of information to minors." See also Tinker v. Des Moines School Dist., 393 U.S.503 (1969); West Virginia Bd. of Ed. v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943); AAMA v. Kendrick,. 244 F.3d 572 (7th Cir. 2001). Adopted June 30, 1972, by the ALA Council; amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991; June 30, 2004; July 2, 2008. I la. . American Library Association Annual Conference 2013 Report Mary White and I attended this conference in Chicago from June 26 — July 2. In addition to some of the sessions listed below, which I attended, Mary went to other sessions. The exhibit floor offered access to over 800 vendor booths. This provides a unique opportunity to see new products as well as to visit with our current vendors. Robust crowds showed for the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference, which took place in Chicago June 28 -July 2. Total attendance topped more than 26,000, dramatically higher than 2011 and 2012, which both came in at about 20,000. In addition to the greater total attendance, ALA's recent initiative to condense programming into fewer, closer locations meant more bodies physically on site, garnering grateful shout -outs from several attendees on Twitter. The combination of more attendees and fewer competing venues also led to excellent traffic in the exhibits, several vendors told LJ, and a sense of intensity that attendees welcomed. Library Makerspaces: The Field Trip Makerspaces and Maker Faires are taking the country and the world by storm. As libraries have long been places where people from many backgrounds and experiences can gather to learn, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively, library makerspaces are a natural fit. LITA and LibraryLab are joining together to hold this preconference at the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Branch, where a new library makerspace is being installed. Attendees will participate in a tour of the facility in addition to a combination of fun hands -on sessions that will offer participants opportunities to discover and learn about the maker movement. Discussion and brainstorming sessions with nationally recognized makers and early adopters of the makerspace in libraries movement will introduce participants to ideas, successes and failures, offering a rich dialogue about the art of the possible for all types of libraries. Takeaways will include a deeper understanding of the maker community, "making" and how it fits within the library's existing service model, and practical ideas and concrete solutions for those inspired to bring the movement to their home communities/libraries. Opening General Session featuring Steven D. Levitt Steven D. Levitt, co- author of the upcoming Think Like A Freak and of the smash #1 international bestseller Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, promises to turn your brain inside out before the conference even starts. He's likely get your problem - solving juices flowing to the benefit of you and your library, showing how applying counterintuitive approaches to everyday problems can bear surprising results. Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? How much do parents really matter? These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask, but Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life —from cheating and crime to parenting and sports —and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head. Think Like A Freak (October 2013), a "must -have handbook for decision making," intends to radically transform the way you look at every aspect of your life. Levitt and co- author Stephen J. Dubner analyze the decisions we make, the plans we create, and the morals we choose and show how their insights can be applied to daily life to make smarter, harder, and better decisions. They also offer entertaining and practical insights, from "The Upside of Quitting" to "How to Succeed —With No Talent." Steven Levitt is a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, known for his work in the field of crime, and was co- editor of the Journal of Political Economy. In January, 2004 he was awarded the John Bates Clark medal by the American Economic Association for the economist under 40 who made the greatest contribution to the discipline. He was chosen as one of Timemagazine's "100 People Who Shape Our World" in 2006 and in 2009, co- founded The Greatest Good, a business and philanthropy consulting company. Levitt's presentation is part of the conference's Opening General Session, where ALA President Maureen Sullivan and others welcome attendees and set the stage for the coming days. Auditorium Speaker Series featuring Jaron Lanier The revolutionary ways in which technology has transformed our culture have also transformed and continue to transform libraries. Bestselling author of "You Are Not a Gadget," the father of virtual reality, and one of the most influential thinkers of our time, Jaron Lanier has drawn on his expertise and experience as a computer scientist, musician, and digital media pioneer to predict these changes for decades. Lanier kicks off the Auditorium Speaker Series talking about his visionary reckoning with the effects network technologies have had on our economy, asserting that the rise of digital networks led our economy into recession and decimated the middle class —an argument laid out in his new book, "Who Owns the Future ?" Now, as technology flattens more and more industries —from media to medicine to manufacturing —we are facing even greater challenges to employment and personal wealth, challenges that affect libraries and librarians in a multitude of ways. Lanier charts an alternative to allowing technology to own our future, outlining a path toward a new information economy that will stabilize the middle class and allow it to grow, making the point that he considers it time for ordinary people to be rewarded for what they do and share on the web. The ideas and questions in "Who Owns the Future ?" are insightful and provocative for everyone who lives a part of their lives online —which surely includes every ALA Annual Conference attendee. Beyond Genre: Exploring the Perception, Uses, and Misuses of Genre by Readers, Writers, and Librarians Librarians have traditionally relied on genre classifications to create smaller, browsable collections, but as genre boundaries increasingly overlap, this becomes more difficult. Join us at the Readers' Advisory Research and Trends Forum where we question authors and librarians about the ways genre is used to sell books, the limitations of reading within a genre box, and the challenges "genre" poses for readers' advisors. Beyond Brainstorming: Making More Effective Decisions The pace of change is accelerating, and the decision - making stakes are higher than ever. Given the pressures of time, finances, and transparency, our go -to methods of decision - making just aren't cutting it anymore. Consultant and change agent Joan Frye Williams offers proven techniques for making effective decisions more nimbly and confidently. You will leave this session prepared to choose wisely and well in a changing environment. The Myth and the Reality of the Evolving Patron: The RUSA President's Program with Lee Rainis Just how well do you know the people who use your library? Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project and co- author of Networked: The New Social Operating System, shares the latest data about how our clientele are interacting with information technology. Learn about patron preferences and behaviors during this program. Then, join Mr. Rainie and library leaders on Sunday, 10:30 -11:30 am, to discuss how the data may influence your library's future. PR Forum: Why libraries matter and can do more in the era of e- books, social media and branding Brand expert and NYU professor David Vinjamuri will speak at the 2013 PR Forum. In January 2013, Mr. Vinjamuri wrote a two -part post about libraries and a -books on his Forbes.com blog. He is the author of "Accidental Branding: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Brands" and the novel "Operator." Leading Readers to Water.... Guerilla Marketing for RA Libraries aren't a retail environment, but we still have a product to promote – reading. Thinking of readers as customers means we need to develop ways to increase library traffic and circulation statistics, and position ourselves - as Readers' Advisors - as a knowledgeable participant in the book selection process. This program will give you some thought - provoking ideas on nudging patrons in creative reading directions, publicizing your back catalog, approaching traditional concepts in inventive ways and flexing your Readers' Advisory muscles. Reimagining Libraries: United for Libraries President's Program Join United for Libraries president Gail G. Griffin for a panel of speakers from Anythink Libraries, Rangeview Library District, Adams County, Colorado, to learn how they rebuilt the library system from the ground up and created a new brand that was relevant, represented the future, and inspired innovation as the library morphed from a place of books to a place where the community connects with information and creates content as a participatory library. FEAST: Future & Emerging Access Services Trends 24 hour in -house text service - chat reference WE TOLD YOU SO ... Use of the "Library Provision" of the USA PATRIOT Act and other surveillance issues Are you surprised by the latest revelations of government surveillance programs? Are you interested in the government's need to improve the balance between individual privacy rights and terrorism prevention? Michael German, senior policy counsel of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will detail government spying during "WE TOLD YOU SO... Proven Use of the "Library Provision," an interactive session that will be held during the 2013 Annual American Library Association on Sunday, June 30, 2013, from 3:00- 4:00p.m., in the McCormick Place Convention Center, room S501 BCD. German will discuss the latest wholesale use of Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act by the NSA and the FBI to get cell phone records from cell carriers and how those carriers just turned over all subscriber phone records. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear about surveillance of AP Wire Service reporters, the search for whistleblowers and the implications for the First Amendment and Freedom of the Press of these acti Closing General Session featuring Octavia Spencer Find out what Octavia Spencer has recently been busy with — including appearing on 30 Rock and writing her first novel. Spencer is keynote speaker at the Closing General Session. She'll be talking (among other things) about her upcoming first novel, Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective: The Case of the Time - Capsule Bandit (October 2013, Simon & Schuster). In the book, Randi Rhodes is a 12- year -old Brooklyn vigilante with a black belt, who has moved to Tennessee after her mother dies and must solve a mystery in the town. Spencer, who was a fan of Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown growing up, said in a statement quoted in USA Today, "My biggest hope is that after meeting these young detectives, kids will experience the same sense of magic I felt when solving my first mystery." A veteran character actor and one of Hollywood's most - sought -after talents, Spencer has become a familiar fixture on both television and silver screen. Her critically acclaimed performance as Minny in the DreamWorks feature film The Help won her a 2012 Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and a Broadcast Film Critics' Choice Award, among countless other honors. 11be DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Room 352 -G 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 CMS NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2013 CMS CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS Contact: CMS Media Relations (202) 690 -6145 Libraries to help Americans learn more about their health care options Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced an initiative to get librarians ready to help people in every State learn about the new Health Insurance Marketplace. This initiative will provide public libraries with information about the health care law and connect librarians with CMS Navigators and certified application counselors to help their patrons understand the options for enrollment in the health insurance through the Marketplace. "Libraries across this country are a tremendous resource for people in their communities," said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. "People will likely turn to libraries to learn about the Marketplace, and we want to make sure that library staff has access to the tools and the information to respond to people who want to sign up and enroll for coverage on October L" The initiative will help CMS Navigators, certified application counselors, and others connect at the community level and share information on health insurance coverage options. Public libraries are located in nearly every community in the United States and are recognized as a valuable community resource. Libraries have a long history of helping people access information about health care, offering public meeting spaces, computers, and allowing for quiet conversations — making them a natural location for outreach and education efforts. "I am pleased that CMS is reaching out to the library community so that librarians are prepared to respond to questions about the Marketplace," said Susan H. Hildreth, IMLS, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services. "Public libraries are trusted sources for health information. We know that for millions of Americans, the nation's 17,000 public libraries are the `go to' place for information about health issues." The IMLS is primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. CMS is on target for open enrollment in the Marketplace, which begins Oct. 1, 2013. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2014. TAXPAYER EDVOCAT] SERVICE YOUR VOICE AT THE IRS In I I comb THE OFFICE OF THE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY OF ANY OTHER IRS OFFICE AND REPORTS DIRECTLY TO CONGRESS THROUGH THE NATIONAL TAXPAYER ADVOCATE. May 23, 2013 Mary Jo Joiner, Director Kenai Community Library 163 Main Street Loop Kenai, AK 99611 Dear Ms. Joiner: I am writing to confirm our telephone and email conversations concerning a partnership between the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) and the Kenai Community Library to provide a virtual face -to -face service location for Kenai area residents. The site would be used to conduct virtual conferences with TAS, or other IRS employees, for the purpose of resolving tax problems or issues. The Kenai Community Library will provide a secure, private, locked room where IRS will install videoconferencing equipment. Library staff will establish the video call connection each day that the virtual assistance is available, and will escort taxpayers to the equipment as needed. The IRS will purchase the video equipment, pay for the installation and maintenance of the equipment and the necessary phone lines, and pay the monthly recurring charges for the video communication. The IRS does not have the ability to reimburse the library for space rental, other utilities, or staff assistance. If the Library agrees to host our virtual face -to -face site, we will be providing an equipment loan agreement around the time of installation, which we expect to occur in late July or August. I hope you will agree to bring this valuable resource to the Kenai community and I look forward to your response. If you have any questions, please call me at 207 - 626 -9128, or contact me by email at krista.clark cbirs.00v. Sincerely, oigeeipeiyn.a q kn.,, s. a.n w.1,xm.m. o1.oeo: „mem Krista J. Clark Iuzp.,.eeiae.. —n01N- m„oee,rr= .eiAo.v..r,. 1-1-1, 1 . Ca m1e 2113 .111 17 Krista Clark, Sr. Program Analyst Taxpayer Advocate Service