tblcplanning

 

CONFERENCE CALL Focus Group Summary

Page history last edited by Michelle Oleson 2 yrs ago

TBLC FOCUS GROUP CONFERENCE CALL APRIL 20
 

Question 1: What are the challenges that are facing libraries today and for the next few years?
 
• Staff training, especially middle management (branch librarians, division heads)
• Getting staff to training/workshops that involve travel: with tight budgets, staff is needed for direct customer service; therefore it is hard to get them to training in new technologies, especially if it involves travel. (We can hardly find time to train them in basic skills).
• IBorrow: Citrus County and Hernando County are implementing together. System doesn’t always work and it’s frustrating to work out glitches.
• Technology and user expectations: users expect even rural libraries to have latest technology. They would like the library to have wireless technology and to allow use of credit/debit cards, for example.
• Patrons’ widely varying expectations. Finding the right mix of services to satisfy everyone is difficult but we’re trying.
• Marketing services; need to let people know what the library has, including instructional material
• New libraries; even with increasing hours and staff, it is never enough to meet demand.
 

Question 2: What are the things that TBLC does well that help you address these challenges?
 
• We are very pleased with the services of TBLC.
• Offers high caliber national speakers. Keep doing this! (Full day might be better than shorter session to take best advantage of time spent in travel.)
• Provides excellent training, especially on Library 2.0 and other technology advancements. Need to also put it online as a resource for line staff and a refresher for those who attend face to face.
• TBLC staff is availability for staff development day.
• Arranges group purchases such as the downloadable audios.
• Coordinates Legacy: we couldn’t do this on our own. But it needs a little promotion both in membership and with public.
• Operates DLLI delivery system
• Offers bibliographic services, especially cataloging and technical service training
• Coordinates reciprocal borrowing
 

Question 3: What should TBLC add, change or improve that would help you to better meet the challenges ahead?
 
• TBLC could improve on their implementation of new services. With both AlleyCat and iBorrow, staff was trained but the service never came to fruition. Perhaps there should be additional investigation and planning before implementing a new service.
• Add training topics such as getting ready to be a supervisor, coaching/counseling employees, and security in the library.
• Continue to bring national speakers to our region: use podcasts, video, online presentations so more staff can participate.
• Market/promote services (like Legacy that not many people know about) and training to staff at member libraries. Use videos to market to library staff, boards, decision-makers, and send them around to all the members.
• Provide more resources/services online; services on demand. Offering interactive meetings/trainings/workshops online could set an example that libraries could use in their own locations.

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