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Public Library News & Notes
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Serving Kentucky's Need to Know
| January 2015
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Happy New Year!
The January edition of Public Library News & Notes has a particular emphasis on customer service.
You'll see that emphasis in the article on the new library director who is focused on bringing new programs and opportunities to her customers, as well as articles featuring creative programming that meets the particular needs and interests of library users, celebrating the exceptional customer service skills of a library employee, and a construction project with improvements and upgrades designed to provide an exceptional library experience for the community.
These articles reflect the fact that public libraries exist to serve the community and meet the unique needs of library users, whatever those needs are.
You'll also see that focus on customer service in the article featuring KDLA's E-rate assistance for public libraries.
Happy reading,
Paige Sexton
Editor
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New Director a Lawrence County Native
 Carlie Hillman, the director of the Lawrence County Public Library, is a hometown girl. She received BA and MA degrees in journalism from Marshall University. Hillman worked in television news in Huntington, WV for seven years before making the switch to higher education and working at Morehead State University in admissions, and later the graduate school. Hillman has served as director of the Lawrence County Public Library since July 2014 and is currently working toward a masters degree in library science at the University of Kentucky. In her spare time, Hillman enjoys traveling, working with animal rescue and practicing yoga. She is also enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. "I am very grateful and excited to be serving the community I grew up in and that is close to my heart," said Hillman. "I have wonderful childhood memories at this library of story hour and other children's activities. Being in a rural area, our library serves as a community focal point. I am very excited to bring new programs and opportunities to the citizens of Lawrence County."
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Five More Kentucky Public Libraries Have Become "Sisters"
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Angela Smith (left) and Diane Katz (right), staff members from sister libraries McLean County Public Library and Campbell County Public Library, respectively, meet with Kari Jones (middle), Kenton County Public Library, to discuss outreach strategies and ideas.
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What do the public libraries in Fayette, Bath, Pendleton, Mason, and Robertson counties have in common (besides books, of course)? They have all decided to be a part of the Kentucky Sister Library Project (KSLP), which is an effort to pair in-state libraries together in order to strengthen library services across the Commonwealth. Staff members of participating libraries share their knowledge, experience, ideas, and time with those working at their sister libraries.
Each partnership usually consists of two libraries. However, one western Kentucky collaborative effort contains five library systems. And, one of the two newest partnerships is actually a trio of libraries, made up of Mason, Pendleton, and Robertson Counties. The other new partnership is between the Lexington Public Library and the Bath County Memorial Library. All of the directors are excited about exchanging ideas and information with one another.
These new collaborations bring the total number of participating libraries to 30. Kentucky is the only state in the U.S. to have an in-state sister library program. The existing partnerships have worked on a number of different projects together - everything from cataloging mass quantities of donated books to brainstorming ideas for outreach services to designing a library logo. Additionally, library staff members have completed an array of projects with employees from their sister libraries.
One of the many benefits of the program is the bonds that form between staff members from the participating libraries. After working with someone on one or more projects, that person can start to feel like a coworker, albeit at a location other than your own. Staff members build contacts outside of their own workplace - and having a wide network is a valuable resource. Having someone to call upon when you need assistance makes your work life easier, benefiting everyone.
If you would like to find out more about the program, please visit the Kentucky Sister Library Project page at KPLA.org.
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Virtual Librarian Celebrated for Excellent Service
 Bobby Webb, virtual librarian for the Lexington Public Library, has been awarded the library's prestigious Joseph Miller Customer Service Award. The award is given annually and is named for the late Joseph Miller, a longtime member of the library's Board of Trustees.
Webb manages the library's online content including the website, catalog, social media, mobile app, and databases.
"It is a great honor to be recognized by your peers for doing your job well," said Webb. "I've been blessed with so many amazing coworkers during my time at Lexington Public Library, and I continue learning from them every day. Customer service is the underlying motivation for everything that we do. It's been my pleasure to serve customers throughout my career, and I'll continue working to live up to the standards embodied by the Joseph Miller award." |
Technology Petting Zoo Well Received by Library Customers
For the month of December, the Scott County Public Library provided a "Tech Petting Zoo" experience for customers. Technology manager Karoline Manny designed and set up the display. Monday through Thursday evenings customers could visit the "Tech Petting Zoo" and learn about various e-reader devices with library staff, receiving one-on-one explanations and hands-on experience with the equipment.
The "Tech Petting Zoo" was a rousing success, with 130 library customers stopping by to ask questions about the row of devices on the table. Many commented that they appreciated "trying before buying" because in stores they felt pressured talking with salespeople. Library staff rotated time at the table, and enjoyed having dedicated time to learn more about technology and explain it to the customers who dropped by.
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A Downton Christmas Tea
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The winner of the "Prettiest Teacup Contest" displays her winning entry.
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Staff at the Hardin County Public Library recognized the popularity of the television program Downton Abbey, and held a special December program, A Downton Christmas Tea. The 15 participants of the festive program each brought their own teacup for a "Prettiest Teacup Contest", enjoyed tea, candlelight, desserts, music, fellowship, and watching Downton Abbey.
"Perhaps it's the same at other libraries - at the Hardin County Public Library we can't keep our copies of the Downton Abbey seasons on the shelf," said adult services librarian Rebekah Akers. "They circulate continuously, and with the fifth season beginning in January, there is a resurgence of interest from current fans and newcomers to the series alike."
The library plans to build on the program next year, possibly adding a costume component.
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KDLA Provides E-rate Assistance
 Did you know that KDLA provides free assistance for libraries filing for E-rate discounts? Katherine Adelberg, KDLA's Technology Consultant, is here to help.
She will: - Answer any questions you have about E-rate, no matter how small. Especially with all the changes this year, don't be afraid to ask.
- Negotiate with USAC (the E-rate people) on your behalf. If you're having trouble communicating with your reviewer, let Katherine know and she'll talk to them or draft a letter for you to send. She "speaks USAC" and has helped libraries avoid funding denials.
- Walk you through the forms over the phone, step-by-step. You can even use screen sharing software so you will both be able to see your screen. Contact Katherine for an appointment.
- Provide training covering each form. Training covering the Form 470, the first step in the E-rate process, can be found under E-rate on KDLA's archived webinars page. Watch the CE calendar for more E-rate training announcements.
- Provide weekly updates and tips to the Director's and KYTech listservs. Anyone responsible for E-rate that is not a director should join the KYTech listserv. Have your staff subscribe by sending a blank message to join-kytech@listserv.ky.gov.
Last year, Kentucky libraries received $1,038,683.75 in E-rate reimbursements. In early December, the FCC voted to increase the E-rate funding cap from $2.25 billion to $3.9 billion. Katherine is here to help Kentucky libraries claim their share. Please contact her at katherine.adelberg@ky.gov or 502-564-1728 with any questions. |
Laurel County Public Library Begins Construction Project
Construction has begun on an expansion of the Laurel County Public Library. Once completed, about 16,000 square feet will be added to the existing 25,000 square foot facility.
The expansion will extend straight back from the current patio area and to the side. The shelving area for adult books will nearly double, the children's department will double, a small young adult section will be added, and a multipurpose room for special programming will be built.
The plan was designed by Pearson & Peters Architects from Lexington. The construction management company is Hacker Brothers Construction from London, who also built the current library facility in 2003.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2016. The library will offer progress reports and photos on its website at www.laurellibrary.org.
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Trustee Connection
As we begin a new year I would like to remind all trustees of events that will soon be upon us. There will be a Legislative Day on February 17th with orientation on the 16th. We encourage all who can attend to come to Frankfort in support of our libraries. Last year we made a great showing with many trustees and members of friends groups coming to show support. To see all the yellow shirts that day was an amazing sight. I know our local legislators were impressed and I am sure others were also.
On March 16-18 the Kentucky Public Library Association/Kentucky Library Trustee Round Table (KPLA/KLTRT) joint conference will be held at the Griffin Gate Marriot in Lexington. As in years past there will be great speakers, booths set up and as before we will offer Trustee Certification classes. We have had a good number of trustees become certified and I think it is very important as trustees we are as informed as possible about the operations, policies and procedures of our libraries. They are an important part of our communities and we have an obligation to advocate for our libraries.
Our previous chair Mindy Woods-Click has been replaced by Jim Stoops as chair. We would like to thank Mindy for all she has done for the KLTRT and we will miss her greatly. Peggy Miller is now vice chair and Louise Canter is our secretary. We also encourage trustees to use the trustee listserv. If you are not signed up for it please go to the KPLA web site and you will find a link for it. We will do our best to keep you informed through the listserve and if you have any questions we will either answer or make recommendations where you can have your questions answered.
Submitted by Jim Stoops, chair, KLTRT
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Welcome New Trustees
KDLA would like to welcome the following new trustees:
- Luke Stapleton, Carter County
- Thelma F. Sasser, Corbin (Public Library)
- Daryl Tabor, Crittenden County
- Phillis Adams, Madison County
- Nola Newman, Madison County
- Wanda Whisman, Wolfe County
- Beena Vora, Daviess County
- Lewatis McNeal, Daviess County
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The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives helps libraries provide equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made readily accessible. For more information, visit http://kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.
Please send story ideas and articles for Public Library News & Notes to editor Paige Sexton at paige.sexton@ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.
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