Richland County: A Half Century of Growth in Public Library Use

Part 52 of a county-by-county overview.

Richland County:

Population and Circulation, 1960-2009

Richland County, 1960-2009

Richland County public libraries
Lone Rock Public Library

Brewer Public Library, Richland Center 

Viola Public Library

Richland County is a member of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System.

It's a New Customer Service World Out There

A bit of a mash-up here.

Managing the Digital Branch

View more presentations from David King.

Why Gen Y-ers are Better at Customer Service. (Open Forum, 2/3/2011)

Excerpt: Gen Y-ers realize that in this social media connected world, consumers are constantly tweeting and commenting about your company on the Internet. It used to be that companies were afraid that a dissatisfied customer would tell seven people. Now, through social media tools, they can tell seven million people! Peer review sites like Amazon and eBay have become the standard way for the uneducated consumers to choose what to buy. Consumers believe more about what their peers (even if they are strangers) think of the product than any Super Bowl corporate advertising campaign.

The article provides five keys to what your company needs to do to offer excellent customer service in a social media world.

Even to a small degree, libraries can plug into any of these. Some already have.

1. Don't ask customers how you can help them, ask “How can I help you feel more satisfied?”

2. Provide many ways for customers to give feedback.

3. Don't just listen to what customers are saying, reply.

4. Hire people who have been in the hospitality industry. (Look for skills like courtesy and attentiveness.)

5. Tie customer service to profit. (Keep the customers that make you money and fire the others that cost too much   Metaphorically, this could be taken as a reminder for libraries to prioritize their service program and not try to be all things to all people.)

The power of word-of-mouth marketing.  It's for libraries, too.

Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District) Reads to Lincoln Elementary School Students

Thanks to Kris Adams Wendt for sharing.

Link to Rep. Ribble's website.

Tom Condon on the Transformation of Public Libraries.

This incident got him started.

Libraries Writing New Chapter. (Hartford Courant, 2/6/2011)

Excerpt: In addition to treating its residents as simpletons, the Enfield leadership pushed against one of the most important trends in the country — the transformation of public libraries.

Libraries are not the quiet, staid, predictable institutions of yore. Libraries are now vital, multimedia centers of their communities, as much about helping people find a job as helping them find a book. Take, for example, the Hartford Public Library.

On a recent evening, the Hartford library had a program on how someone with a past criminal conviction may be able to get a pardon. The state's large cities bear the brunt of getting ex-offenders back into society. It's a difficult task in large part because it's so hard for ex-offenders to find work. But many who have finished their sentences and kept their records clean may be eligible for a pardon or expungement, which makes it much easier to find a job.

In showing them the process, in partnership with the Norwich-based Connecticut Pardon team Inc., the library provided a meaningful community service. And this was just one of hundreds of classes, lectures, forums and other programs that will take place there this year.

The Hartford Public Library's main branch was once a dull box of a building, almost invisible on Main Street. The interior was felt heavy, dark and compartmentalized; nothing was easily connected to anything else. But a $42 million renovation, completed a few years ago, changed it, physically and spiritually. It became an open, airy, welcoming building. Its leaders promised it would become a focal point for civic life. It has, and is.

Related article.
Chris Powell misses the point.  (2/2/2011)

Visit to Mead Public Library Provides Inspiration for a Column

And Krutilla offers a book recommendation.

James Krutilla column: Learning about outdoors easy at the local library. (Sheboygan Press, 2/6/2011)

Excerpt: Our first step was to head to the Mead Public Library for some reading materials. While she perused the children's section with mother, I sought out some materials on the great outdoors and selected a rather lengthy biographical piece by Douglas Brinkley titled, "The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America." For me, the book has been nothing short of fascinating. But rather than recount the highlights from this narrative, I wish to discuss one observation.

"Rather lengthy" translates into 33 compact discs clocking in at 40 hours and 30 minutes for the audiobook format.

Randolph's Hutchinson Memorial Library Displays Art Works, Expands Art Book Collection

Library becomes art gallery. (Beaver Dam Daily Citizen, 2/6/2011)

Excerpt:   Hutchinson Memorial Library celebrated the arts on Saturday. The library served as an art gallery for a month, displaying pieces by local artists ranging from fiber arts, paintings, sculpture and more.

About 20 artists showed more than 40 pieces of art, and many of the artists attended a reception hosted by the library on Saturday. Library director Peggy Potter said that the library received grant money that allowed it to purchase fine arts books. The books were on display during the reception and are available for checkout.

“They’re not big circulators, but they are books we’d never be able to buy on our own,” Potter said.

She said that before, art books at the library were limited to classical artists, but the grant money has allowed them to add modern art to the collection.

Meg Allen is New Director at Baraboo Public Library

Baraboo Public Library

A hire for the books: New director Allen aims to lead library into digital age. (Baraboo News Republic, 1/31/2011)

Excerpt: During a meeting Jan 21, the trustees agreed unanimously to make Allen the new library director, said board President Mary Grant. Allen won the promotion because she has demonstrated a wide variety of strengths.

"She has a strong work ethic (and is) well-known and well-respected in the community," Grant said. "(She is) embracing the challenge to expand the library ... good supervisor of staff and innovative, creative."

The trustees conducted a nationwide search in which attracted highly qualified applicants from as far away as Oregon and Washington, D.C., said Wayne Maffei, a member of the search committee. The board interviewed five finalists before agreeing on Allen.

"Obviously, she has a bit of an advantage after having worked at this library," he said. "She's always kept abreast of the latest developments in library science.

"Her background coupled with her abilities made her the best candidate," Maffei said. "We're excited to have Meg take the job and eager to move forward."

Allen said she is a Madison native, but now lives in the Baraboo area. She began work at the Baraboo Public Library in 2002.

Appleton Alderman Wants Pushback on State Voter ID Bill

2011 Senate Bill 6

Scott Walker: “I think the focal point has got to be on jobs and on the budget."

Alderman wants city to weigh in on voter ID. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 2/6/2011)

Excerpt: An Appleton alderman is trying to rally municipal leaders from across Wisconsin to send a message that the state's cities, villages and towns want no part of a proposal requiring residents to show photo identification before voting.

A legislative bill that requires photo IDs to vote is likely headed for a vote soon. Republican lawmakers pushing the bill say it will prevent election fraud, while those opposing it say there is no evidence fraud affects Wisconsin's elections, and it only would create an unnecessary hurdle for many eligible voters.

City leaders have no real say on policymaking at the state level. But Appleton Ald. Kole Oswald wants the city to take a stance through a resolution opposing the measure. His resolution will be debated Wednesday during the city's Finance and Administration Committee meeting.

"I think this is definitely a city issue because the costs and consequences passed down from Madison will trickle down to us," Oswald said. "The state needs to listen to the clerk's offices from different municipalities and make sure their voices are being heard."

Common Cause in Wisconsin on SB6.

Condiment Bandit Sentenced to a Month in Jail

Boise library vandal sentenced to a month in jail. (Idaho Statesman, 1/29/2011)

Excerpt: Cassidy’s sentencing was the final chapter in one of the more bizarre crimes in Boise in recent years. When she was arrested after dumping syrup, ketchup and mayonnaise into a library book-drop, many wondered what her motive was — other than to destroy public property and create a gooey mess.

It came out in court on Friday that Cassidy, 75, was retaliating for being banned from the Ada Community Library in 2007 because of conflicts she’d had with the staff and other patrons.

“The library was the one place that she went in a social setting where she had contact with people,” Cassidy’s attorney, Gabriel McCarthy, told Judge Swain. “It broke her heart when she couldn’t go back. And it’s something she couldn’t let go.

Uh.....why don't you just say the city's priorities are out of whack?

Editorial: We've come a long way; where do we go next?.  (Indianapolis Star, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt:     But now, in a sizable portion of Indianapolis, an opposite cycle is having devastating effects. Many families with the means to leave the urban core are fleeing to the suburbs out of concerns about schools, crime and neighborhood blight. The city struggles to find enough money simply to maintain its bus system, parks and libraries. Thousands of abandoned homes mar entire neighborhoods. Such a basic amenity as well-maintained sidewalks can be difficult to find in parts of the city.

The next year then holds a dual challenge: to celebrate all that has been accomplished in recent decades -- and those gains are indeed worthy of celebration -- while also acknowledging that much work remains to make this region a truly first-class place for all of us to call home.

A year from today this city will stage the most high-profile event in its history. It took more than three decades of careful planning and hard work for Indy to get to the point where it can pull off such a major undertaking with confidence and flair.

Related articles:
Indiana Pacers Receive 1st $10,000,000 for Operating Expenses. (7/17/2010)
$33,500,000 Bailout for Indiana Pacers While Libraries Get Squeezed. (7/12/2010)

The Public Library as Anchor Store

Chapel Hill Library move brings out residents. (Raleigh News Observer, 2/2/2011)

Excerpt: If there’s one thing that’s clear as Chapel Hill considers whether to move its public library to University Mall, it’s that residents are passionate about their library.

About 60 people attended a public forum tonight to get more information on the proposal to move the Chapel Hill Public Library, the most used library per capita in the state, to University Mall.

In November, mall owner Madison Marquette asked the town to consider the anchor space currently occupied by Dillard's for an expanded Chapel Hill Public Library. The firm offered to sell the town 52,000 square feet of ground floor mall space for $4 million cash, providing Dillard's ends its lease.

The Town Council put expansion plans at the library's current site off Estes Drive on hold for 60 days to explore the mall offer.

The town has received more than 1,000 comments on their website about the move. Many have questioned the financial health and appearance of the mall and expressed concerns about the possibility of flooding at University Mall, which is in a flood plain.

Chapel Hill move raises concerns.  (News Observer, 1/19/2011)

Racine County: A Half Century of Growth in Public Library Use

Part 51 of a county-by-county overview.

Racine County:

Population and Circulation, 1960-2009

Source:  Wisconsin Public Library Service Data (1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2009)

The 1960 circulation figure probably includes some public school libraries.

Racine County, 1960-2009

Racine County public libraries.
Burlington Public Library

Racine Public Library

Page 4 from "A Commemorative History" (1997)

Rochester Public Library

Graham Public Library, Union Grove 

Waterford Public Library

Racine County is a member of the Lakeshores Library System.

Wisconsin Library Association's 2011 Library Legislative Day Prep Guide: Step by Step (Part 1)

Step 1:  Register for the February 22nd event.   (If you haven't already done so.)

Just a reminder that we're meeting at the Madison Concourse Hotel this year.

Step 2:  Use the “Common Agenda” template grid to gather background information about your legislators.  With 8 new senators (6 Republicans and 2 Democrats) and 30 new assembly representatives (25 Republicans and 5 Democrats), many of you will be meeting with new legislators this year.

(Not sure who represents you?)

Here's what mine looks like.

Background on "Building a Common Agenda"

Particularly with freshman legislators, you may not be able to fill in all of the blanks.  This activity will be helpful in providing you with some general conversation starters.

My sources:

LINK to Wisconsin State Senators' home pages

Link to Wisconsin Assembly Legislators'  homepages

There's  no link for Rep. Hulsey under the "Newspages" column, so I searched his campaign website.

Link to Brett Hulsey's campaign website.

For more detail, check the biographical section of the Wisconsin Blue Book.  (Not helpful, of course, for the current crop of freshman legislators.)

Step 3:   Find out about your legislators' office:  room number and names of staff.  The Legislature will be in session on February 22, so some of you will meet with legislators' staff members.   Relationship building with staff members is just as important as relationship building with the legislators themselves.

LINK

 LINK
Find names of Assembly Reps' staff members here.

To be continued.

A Model of Cooperation: Wisconsin is #1 in the Sharing of Library Resources

States that exceeded 1,000,000 interlibrary loan transactions in 2008.

Source:  Public Libraries in the United States, 2008 Fiscal Year

Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Top Ten States

Source:  Public Libraries in the United States, 2008 Fiscal Year

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Related article:

Working to preserve Illinois' interlibrary loan system.  (2/5/2011)

Working to Preserve Illinois' Interlibrary Loan System

Merger attempts to protect interlibrary loans. (Chicago Tribune, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt: Officials at the five parts of the Illinois Library System that serve northern Illinois have approved a merger of staff, services and facilities in an effort to save money and protect the ability of patrons to use an online database and borrow books from any library in the state.

The state’s dire financial condition has threatened the interlibrary loan program and online database, which local library officials said is one of the most critical services they provide. It typically delivers hard-to-find books and DVDs to patrons’ home libraries within a few days.

“(Interlibrary loan delivery) has been a hallmark of the state of Illinois — something that has set us apart from other states more reliant on the U.S. Postal Service,” said Peggy Hamil, the executive director of the Glencoe Public Library.

From some  other states, yes, but certainly not Wisconsin, a model of cooperation in the sharing of library resources.

LINK

Detroit Public Library Budget Woes

Detroit Public Library

Detroit libraries face cash crisis.  (Detroit News, 2/1/2011)

Among "all options" being considered:

• Close some branches
• Lay off 20% of staff
• Cut pay of remaining staff by 10%  (Union employees received a 6% increase in 2010.)

Excerpt: And the cuts could come as the main library and its 23 branches newfound popularity — caused in part by the sour economy, Funchess said. Visits have increased about 20 percent since 2007 to 4.9 million.

The potential cuts are bad news to Chris Powers, a self-described "library person" who visited the Parkman Branch on Oakman on Monday.

"This is the only access some people have to computers," said Powers. "It's a good resource."

The Pluses and Minuses of Newsstand Magazine Sales

Magazines' Newsstand Struggles Continue, but Not Without Bright Spots. (Advertising Age, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt: But Rolling Stone's performance stood out among magazines, whose second half of 2010 seems to have primarily continued the industry's long, gradual decline in single-copy sales. Many publishers gave Ad Age a sneak peak at the figures they have filed with the Audit Bureau of Circulations in advance of its semiannual circulation report on Monday.

Magazine subscriptions and overall audiences usually grow or at least hold up from year to year, but their continued newsstand weakness is worrisome because advertisers consider single-copy sales a gauge of consumer demand while publishers use newsstands to attract potential subscribers.

Legislative Effort to Provide More Funding for IMCPL Continues

Vote moves library closer to more funding. (Indianapolis Star, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt: A committee vote Thursday cleared the way for the City-County Council to consider a resolution aimed at finding more money for the Indianapolis library system.

The measure urges the General Assembly to amend state law to give the council more authority to provide a portion of county income taxes to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. The new stream would relieve budget pressure from property tax caps.

Related articles:
Show of support by IMCPL advocates.  (1/25/2011)
Library angel.  (1/17/2011)
Indianapolis Star editorial: "Give library a fair share of tax"  (1/13/2011)
Sustainability in the form of a share of county income taxes.  (1/12/2011)
Township deals comes undone.  (1/8/2011)
Vote to restore library hours and rehire staff: Thanking God again in Wayne Township, Indiana.  (12/16/2010)
Wayne Township's $200,000 for IMCPL:  "Thank God it's a nice purpose".  (12/8/2010)
Temporary fix (not yet approved ) to keep 4 IMCPL branches open.  (11/19/2010)
ICMPL to lay off 37 employees.  (11/12/2010)
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)

I Guess New Jersey Can Print Money After All

Inquirer Editorial: Christie's casino. (Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/3/2011)

Excerpt: At one town-hall meeting last year, Christie told a woman who opposed cuts to the local library: "Unlike the United States of America, the State of New Jersey can't print money." At another gathering, Christie said the state would "go broke" if his plan to cap property taxes wasn't implemented.

So, if New Jersey is so cash-strapped, why is Christie giving a $261 million tax break to a half-built casino in Atlantic City?

Just imagine the claims of socialism if a Democratic governor wanted to give public money to a private company in a sweetheart deal. But Christie, a darling of the GOP, called the $261 million tax reimbursement plan for the Revel Casino an "investment."

The University of Wisconsin Press Ebooks

UW press embracing e-books. (Capital Times, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt:     UW Press has been working with the e-book market since the late 1990s, when there was an initial, failed push by publishers to interest readers in electronic books. About five years later, Amazon became interested in e-books and that “really fired up the market again,” says Coulson. “Having the audience interest has pushed the second wave of e-books, and it seems to be lasting. All indications are that we’re going to continue to see more sales and more adoption of e-book technology.”

Coulson was hired by UW Press in 2006 to evaluate the e-book market and decide if it was something the press should invest in again. Over the last four years, UW Press has worked to prepare its products for a constantly changing e-book market. Today, all new books are simultaneously released in e-book and print formats.

Manitowoc Public Library Reorganization: Letter Writer Puts in a Plug for 'Trustee Essentials'

Letter: Reorganization best for library. (Herald-Times-Reporter, 2/3/2011)

Excerpt: Finally, since Mr. Kadow is so new to the MPL Board, he may not have yet read "Trustee Essentials: A Handbook for Wisconsin Public Library Trustees" (published by the DPI) and fully understand his role as a board member. Chapter 2 deals with the responsibilities of a library board in detail and includes the specific admonishment that "it is the director who hires and supervises other staff" and "library trustees should not be discussing library business with employees other than the director." (p. TE 2-2) It appears Mr. Kadow went public because he didn't get his way when the votes were counted. Kudos to the director and board who devised and supported a reorganization plan that advances state recommendations, doesn't impact the budget and provides patrons with the best possible service.

Related article:
System public library directors back Manitowoc Public Library reorganization plan. (2/2/2011)
Trustee addresses staff reorganization plan.  (1/25/2011)
Library Director on the changing nature of libraries.  (1/21/2011)
Library reorganization plan affects staff morale. (1/21/2011)
Staffing Changes in the Works at the Manitowoc Public Library. (12/24/2010)

On the Need for a New Appleton Public Library

Building project or not....some great talking points on the importance of public libraries.

LINK to documents

Letters: New library remains important for Appleton. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 2/4/2011)

Excerpt: The library has served us well for 20 years. Future needs, however, require new information be accessible in new ways and in appropriate space. A new library has economic benefits as well cultural and educational benefits:

• Companies invest in communities that value education, learning and the opportunity to develop and advance, and find it easier to recruit valuable employees.
• Potential employees prefer to work and pay taxes in a place where both education and culture is valued.
• Parents move to communities where their children will have resources that prepare them for successful careers.
• Children who grow up in a community that has nurtured and supported its educational development are likely to remain, become taxpayers and open businesses.
• Chamber leadership can more easily promote development in a community with a state-of-the-art library.
• A library increases the technological literacy of its citizens, especially those with little access to technology through their own resources.

Related articles:
Director responds to 'frequently observed misconceptions'. (12/4/2009)
Readers weigh in on new library. (11/9/2009)
Mayor provides his perspective on library planning process.  (10/7/2009)
Post-Crescent supports next step in library facilities planning process.  (10/6/2009)
Financing options for Appleton's library project.  (10/6/2009)
Potential sites for new library under discussion.  (10/4/2009)
Membership of capital facilities committee for library project approved.  (8/7/2009)
Terry Dawson's discusses Appleton library building project.  (7/16/2009)
Library building project update.  (6/18/2009)
Appleton's library planning escapes budget cuts.  (11/13/2008)
Post-Crescent endorses library design study.  (11/11/2008)
Study:  New library should be built downtown.  (7/10/2008)

Bummer! Texas Library Closed Due to Faulty Sprinkler Pipe

Sachse Public Library closed after fire sprinkler floods building. (Dallas News, 2/2/2011).

Excerpt:   The library was closed because of the weather, but a fire flow alarm sounded early Wednesday afternoon. When crews arrived, they were ankle deep in about 2 1/2 inches of water that had fallen from the ceiling near the door. Flooring was soaked and several computers that were on the floor were damaged.

New Dwight Foster Public Library to Have Pervious Driveway

Thanks to this group.

Library driveway pervious. (Daily Union, 2/3/2011)

Excerpt:   When it rains, it pours ... directly into the Rock River, where runoff from city streets and parking lots can cause downstream flooding and pollute waterways. However, that is not the case with the new Dwight Foster Public Library driveway.

Fort Atkinson's Heart of the City donated $6,900 - the price difference between a standard driveway and one with a permeable surface - to help the city in its commitment toward protecting local waterways. Runoff is reduced or prevented with the porous pavement, which allows water to soak in instead of running off.

"Stormwater runoff is something I never would have thought about, and most of us don't," Heart of the City member Kitty Welch said. "Then, all of a sudden, you realize there is this thing that actually does have a big effect in many ways ... There are just better ways to address these issues, and it's nice to make people aware of that."

Heart of the City is a grassroots citizens group based in Fort Atkinson whose mission is to work toward sustainability in the community through education, projects and thoughtful engagement with neighbors and civic leaders.

Related articles:  
Have you checked the construction progress lately?  (9/3/2010)
Why a building project needs a contingency fund.  (8/20/2010)
Groundbreaking pics.  (4/5/2010)
For Atkinson Library Moves to Temporary Home. (3/13/2010)
Fort Atkinson Library Building Project Update. (2/17/2010)
Fort Atkinson library to move to temporary quarters. (12/3/2009)

Dwight Foster Public Library: Micro-Donations Amount to Large Gift. (10/25/2009)

Dwight Foster Public Library Kicks Off Its Capital Campaign. (7/26/2009)

Recession Not Holding Back Fort Atkinson's Library Expansion Effort. (7/18/2009)

Fort Library Receives Substantial Donation. (4/29/2009)

Fort Atkinson Moves Ahead on Library Project. (3/19/2009)