Recent action at mid-month board meetings on October 20 moved forward the possibility of a 2017 legislative initiative to change the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula. The most recent approvals were from:
Proposal to amend the current RLBSS formula tied to a funding increase
Public libraries are helping make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session by hosting summer food programs.
Working diligently towards its goal to build healthy and vibrant communities, the Otto Bremer Trust recently awarded grants to Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) and Northwest Regional Library (NWRL).
The Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) Board of Directors joins the ALS, ECRL, NWRL, and PLS regional library boards in support of the Minnesota Broadband Vision. The SELCO resolution stresses the broad array of vital library services which depend on broadband or high speed Internet. The resolution urges Governor Dayton and the members of the Minnesota Legislature to provide leadership, resources and the necessary legal framework to make this vision a reality.
Libraries around the state are encouraged to seek support from local governing authorities, community groups, and individuals who believe that Internet access is an equity issue for all Minnesotans.
Northwest Regional Library’s (NWRL) new delivery van arrived this fall and is out on the road. Delivery goes between all seven branch libraries and two LINK sites every Tuesday and Friday. That’s 600 miles per week!
The new vehicle is a Ford transit van. The bed liner was sprayed to keep things from sliding quite so much and a partition was installed between the driver and the cargo area. A local company did the graphics. Here’s the Big Red Van just before the first delivery.
East Central Regional Library (ECRL) completed the migration of their Evergreen open source library automation system from PALS hosting to Equinox. With the benefit a multiple migrations, Director Barb Misselt reported that “nothing went awry. In fact, we weren’t even sure that the switch-over was complete.” The only item of consquence concerned the NCIP communication necessary for MnLINK – the referring URL (name vs IP address). Resolution took about 2 weeks, not because of complexity but because it had to get on OCLC’s schedule to upload a file. During that time, ECRL interlibrary loan staff reverted to manual processes which kept materials moving into the hands of patrons. A good reminder of how much labor NCIP saves library staff each day when processing ILLs.
The migration went well and LARL technology staff are thrilled with the progress thus far, excited about future flexibility and the user-friendly interface. The public catalog is live and functioning, always a major public service factor. LARL and NWRL staff report the usual small glitches that occur with any migration one of which have resulted in a slowdown of collection development due to acquisition issues which will be remedied shortly.
The migration went well and LARL technology staff are thrilled with the progress thus far, excited about future flexibility and the user-friendly interface. The public catalog is live and functioning, always a major public service factor. LARL and NWRL staff report the usual small glitches that occur with any migration one of which have resulted in a slowdown of collection development due to acquisition issues which will be remedied shortly.
CRPLSA members gathered in Warroad for a two-day, statewide meeting hosted by the Northwest Regional Library (NWRL).
Back row: Jim Trojanowski – PCLS; Karen Pundsack – GRRL; Ann Hutton – SELCO; Kristi Hanson – NWRL and meeting host; Barb Misselt – ECRL; and Jim Weikum – ALS
Front row: Liz Lynch – LARL; Peg Werner – VLS; and Laurie Ortega – PLS
An amazing number of years of Minnesota library experience recently gathered for lunch and shared a selfie.
If there were prizes for having worked in the most Minnesota regions, Bob Boese, currently Interim Director at Plum Creek Library System, would win hands down with this diverse employment history:
John Houlihan – Pioneerland Library System 1992 – 2011
Tom Scott – Plum Creek Library System 1983 – 1995
Local Author Les Kletke will speak about his latest book, On Golden Plain: Reflections on Agriculture in the Northern Plains from those who helped shape the industry at a variety of Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) locations.
Check the NWRL Events Calendar for times and more details.
The TARDIS will be at the Thief River Falls Public Library
the month of October and most of November.
The Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) endorsed the proposed changes to the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula. This board action makes NWRL the eighth regional library to commit to working towards a legislative change in 2015.
East Central Regional Library (ECRL)was part of a grant project with Health Access to Minnesota to provide assistance by MNsure navigators at branch libraries. Appointments started out slow, but then were booked solid for an altogether worthwhile venture.
Great River Regional Library (GRRL) hosted a GRRL All Staff Day in April. It is Organization Orientation Part 2, with specific focus placed on GRRL departmental roles and procedures. This in-depth view provided an increased understanding of how various GRRL departments work as a unit and their relationships with other GRRL elements.
Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) has the Storyland Exhibit at the Thief River Falls library. This interactive display allows children to participate in a hands-on activity in each of three areas. Many area schools and daycares have scheduled visits to the display and each child who participates receives a copy of one of the related books to keep. NWRL will host the display through May.
Jazz guitarist, Briand Morrison, recently visited all of the Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) branches and amazed audiences with his talent.
Briand Morrison is from Grand Portage, Minnesota with 37 years of jazz guitar performance and teaching experience, as well as time spent lecturing jazz theory, history, and guitar technique. He is familiar with all styles of guitar and believes music is culturally enriching.
Little Known History of the Star Spangled Banner: Written Amid the Now Forgotten War of 1812
Northland College Professor Jack Haymond will discuss the Star Spangled Banner and its importance during the War of 1812 against Great Britain and Canada.
Professor Jack Haymond will visit each Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) branch location in January to talk about the Star Spangled Banner that was written during the War of 1812. Dr. Haymond will discuss the war and its importance to the Americans and Canadians. He will also discuss the importance of the Star Spangled Banner and how it became our National Anthem.
