AIRDRIE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING AGENDA 6:30 pm, Tuesday, February 24th , 2015
1. Call to Order
2. Consideration of the Agenda
3. Approval of minutes from the Dec. 10 and Jan. 27th Board Meetings
4. Public question and answer period
5. Board Development and Advocacy 5.1 March 21st Board Governance Workshop https://www.eventbrite.ca/invite-friends?eid=6908253773 5.2 Southern Alberta Library Conference: March 20, 21 5.3 Alberta Library Conference in Jasper April 30th to May 3rd. 5.4 Library Membership Survey- Alberta 5.5 City of Airdrie Library Board Recruitment: application form www.airdrie.ca
6. Business arising from the minutes 6.1 Ratification of Email Vote: Budget Allocation for the Fund Development Consultant 6.2 Smart Locker Proposal 6.3 Plan of Service 2015-17 Update 6.4 Update: Free a Book / Free a Reader: Feb. 2 to Feb. 28th 6.5 Minute Format 6.6 Committee Membership
7. Reports 7.1 Financial Report 7.1.1 DRAFT 2014 Year End Financial Statements 7.1.2 April 28th Board Meeting: 2014 Audit 7.2 Facility Expansion 7.3 Advocates for Airdrie Public Library 7.3.1 AGM on Feb 27. 7.4 Personnel Committee Report 7.5 Library Director Report - J. Jevne 7.5.1 Director’s Report: January 7.5.2 New: Plastic Library Cards 7.5.3 Library Link: January/ February 7.5.4 Updated Organizational Chart 7.6 Marigold Report - K. Jessen-White
8. New Business 8.1 Public Library Services PLSB Annual Report (motion required). Entire report available at the meeting. 8.1.1 Customer Satisfaction Survey Comments 8.1.2 Customer Satisfaction Survey Evaluation 8.1.3 Report Comments and Accomplishments 8.1.4 Report request for information on library services in the Province 8.1.5 Director Report Comparisons: shows key 2014 statistics provided in the Annual Report
8.2 Notice of Motion: proposed policy revision ‘Vacation Allotment for Permanent PT Staff’
8.3 Notice of Motion- proposed policy revision ‘Capital’
8.4 Board Report: Fine Reduction Initiative
9. Board Paperwork 9.1 2015 Volunteer Hours for Board Members (add hours for all events, reading, meetings, presentations)
10. Circulation 10.1 Correspondence: 10.1.1 Municipal Levy for Marigold Library System
10.2 Marigold Newsletter: Print copy in Marigold correspondence folder. http://www.marigold.ab.ca/content/marigold-newsletter
10.3 APL 2015 Statistics: January
11. Summary of action items for next meeting Next Board Meeting – st 12. Adjournment March 31 , 2015 at 6:30pm At the Library
2
CITY OF AIRDRIE LIBRARY BOARD DECEMBER 9, 2014
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City of Airdrie Library Board, held at the Airdrie Public Library, with the following:
PRESENT: Members (Chair) D. Nelles T. Daigle Alderman K. Hegg K. Jessen-White Alderman C. Kolson S. Sweet M. Weger
Staff Director J. Jevne M. Aalhus Recording Secretary K. Kirkpatrick-Lauzon
Absent with Regrets J. Dufort D. Fedun
Agenda Item 1 CALL TO ORDER
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda Item 2 CHANGES TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
5.3 Resignation Letter 7.1.4 Moved up to become item 6.3 8.4 Moved up to become 8.1 10.3 Current Population 10.4 PLSB Letter
2014-L-030 MOTION: C. Kolson/K. Jessen-White CARRIED That the agenda be accepted as amended.
Agenda Item 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A grammatical correction was noted to the last sentence of agenda item 5.2 in the minutes of the October 28, 2014 meeting.
2014-L-031 MOTION: T. Daigle/C. Kolson CARRIED That the minutes of the meeting of October 28, 2014 be approved as amended.
2014-L-032 MOTION: S. Sweet/K. Jessen-White CARRIED That J. Dufort and D. Fedun be excused from the meeting.
Agenda Item 4 PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD
There was no public in attendance.
Agenda Item 5 BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY
Agenda Item 5.1 PLSB Board Basics Workshop
J. Jevne presented information on PLSB Board Workshops. The Board agreed to investigate hosting a workshop in Airdrie in late February or early Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board December 9, 2014 Page 2
March, 2015.
Agenda Item 5.2 The Community and the Library - Kitty Pope
J. Jevne presented information on Kitty Pope and her work in the library world. The Board will review the information on their own time.
Agenda Item 5.3 Letter of Resignation
J. Jevne presented J. McClean's letter of resignation from the Board.
Agenda Item 6 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Agenda Item 6.1 RFQ Fund Development Consultant
M. Aalhus presented progress on the Request for Proposal for a Fund Development Consultant. A discussion ensued with some members noting concern over the necessity of the project. J. Jevne responded, indicating that the consultant project would be integral in developing a community fundraising base ahead of potential fundraising for the new facility. The Board expressed that they would like to be part of the process of selecting a candidate, but that the current date for awarding of the proposal would not allow for the Board to consider the project at the next meeting. D. Nelles suggested that modifying the award date would allow the Board to have a better sense of the deliverables, as the somewhat nebulous nature of this at present seemed to be the major concern of Board members. He noted that allowing the project to proceed through the RFQ process would not commit the Board to the project, but would serve the benefit of providing us with more detailed information from the firms which could be providing the service.
2014-L-033 MOTION: K. Jessen-White/M. Weger CARRIED That the Airdrie Library Board accept the Request for Proposal as presented with an amendment that the award date falls after the next Library Board meeting and that the Library Board reviews the quotes.
Agenda Item 6.2 Fund Development Initiatives 2015 and draft Case for Support
M. Aalhus elicited feedback from the Board on which initiatives to pursue and move forward on in 2015.
M. Aalhus announced that the Library has been awarded the 2015 Rotary Golf Tournament (one-time) and the Lions Golf Tournament (a yearly commitment). Concern was raised by the Board over hosting two golf tournaments in 2015. The Board committed to host the Lions Golf Tournament and to co-host the Rotary Golf Tournament with another not- for-profit organization.
M. Aalhus presented successes for the upcoming year and reported on her application for a casino license on behalf of the Advocates. The Board granted approval for the application to proceed.
M. Aalhus presented the latest draft of the Case for Support. The Board requested that the Director review again the CRA Guidelines with the City Finance staff in terms of sponsor advertising.
Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board December 9, 2014 Page 3
Agenda Item 7 REPORTS
Agenda Item 7.1 Financial Report
Agenda Item 7.1.1 October Financial Statements
J. Jevne presented the October, 2014 Financial Statements. No concerns were raised.
Agenda Item 7.1.2 City of Airdrie Final Budget Deliberations
The Board noted that the Library Board's presentation to the Council Budget Committee was a successful process this year. The city grant requested by the Library Board was approved in full. The Smart Locker proposal was not.
There was discussion regarding the Smart Lockers and a potential partnership with Croxford High School.
MOTION: K. Jessen-White/C. Kolson CARRIED That the Airdrie Library Board pursue a potential Smart Locker partnership with Croxford High School.
Agenda Item 7.1.3 Board Report: Unrestricted Reserves, Restricted Reserves (Capital and Operational) and Carry Forward Reserves
J. Jevne clarified the meanings of the different types of reserves.
Agenda Item 7.2 Facility Expansion Committee
Agenda Item 7.2.1 New Facility Planning Committee
The Board discussed the report.
Agenda Item 7.3 Advocates of Library Report
The committee had nothing new to report.
Agenda Item 7.4 Personnel Committee Report
The committee had nothing new to report.
Agenda Item 7.5 Library Director's Report
J. Jevne presented the November, 2014 Director Report to the Board. Ms. Jevne noted that free library cards are now becoming quite common around Alberta. A discussion followed.
Agenda Item 7.6 Marigold Report
S. Sweet advised that the next Marigold Board meeting will be held in January, 2015. Ms. Sweet advised that a letter was sent from Marigold to the Premier regarding paying the provincial per capita grant based on current population figures. A response was received saying that no change would be made.
Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board December 9, 2014 Page 4
Agenda Item 8 NEW BUSINESS
Agenda Item 8.1 Financial Policies Proposed Changes
J. Jevne presented proposed changes to the Financial Policies. The Board expressed concern over the number of quotes required in Section 6.5.2.1 (three written quotes preferred instead of two) and in Section 6.5.2.2 (two written quotes preferred instead of one). The Board raised concern over the proposed change to Section 6.2 requiring Board approval of expenditures over $5,000 outside the annual budget. The consensus was to reduce the threshold to $1,500.
2014-L-034 MOTION: K. Jessen-White/K. Hegg CARRIED That the Airdrie Library Board accept the notice of motion with the reduction in amount for outside budget approvals without Board approval from $5,000 to $1,500 and changes to the number of written quotes for 6.5.2.1and 6.5.2.2.
Agenda Item 8.2 Elections
D. Nelles was elected Chair of the Airdrie Library Board by acclamation, effective immediately.
S. Sweet was elected Vice-Chair of the Airdrie Library Board by acclamation, effective immediately.
S. Sweet stepped down as Marigold representative for the Airdrie Library Board. K. Jessen-White was elected as the Marigold representative for the Airdrie Library Board by acclamation, effective immediately. J. Jevne noted that this appointment may need to be made by the City of Airdrie.
Agenda Item 8.3 Plan of Service 2015-2017 Community Planning Session
K. Hegg presented the Plan of Service 2011-2014 results. J. Jevne presented the results of the Plan of Service 2015-2017 Community Planning Session and Board input.
2014-L-035 MOTION: C. Kolson/T. Daigle CARRIED That the Airdrie Library Board approve the top four Service Responses as chosen by the Community Planning Committee: - Engage in Early Childhood Development Opportunities - Connect to School-Age Children and Teens - Arts and Cultural Awareness - Understand How to Find, Evaluation & Use Information and to add a fifth Service Response: Know Your Community, which will be served through Community Profiles (a new opportunity through TRAC's ILS, Polaris Library System).
Agenda Item 9 BOARD PAPERWORK
Board members were asked to complete their Volunteer Hours for October and November, 2014.
Agenda Item 10 CIRCULATING CORRESPONDENCE
Board members were asked to review the Circulating Information. Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board December 9, 2014 Page 5
Agenda Item 11 MARIGOLD INFORMATION: CIRCULATING
Board members were asked to review the Marigold Circulating Information.
Agenda Item 12 APL INFORMATION: CIRCULATING
Board members were asked to review the APL Circulating Information.
Agenda Item 13 SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ALL Review information on Kitty Pope and her work in the library world
Director Investigate hosting a Board workshop in the spring Arrange for book plate recognition for J. McClean Investigate concerns with City over CRA Guidelines Advise Council of change in Marigold representative Investigate Smart Locker partnership with Croxford High School in the new year
J. Jevne Investigate concerns with City over CRA Guidelines
S. Sweet Advise Marigold of change in Airdrie's representative
Agenda Item 14 ADJOURNMENT
The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
______Chairman
______Recording Secretary
CITY OF AIRDRIE LIBRARY BOARD JANUARY 27, 2015
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City of Airdrie Library Board, held at the Airdrie Public Library, with the following:
PRESENT: Members (Acting Chair) S. Sweet T. Daigle D. Fedun K. Jessen-White (by teleconference) D. Nelles M. Weger
Staff Director J. Jevne Recording Secretary K. Rushford
Absent with Regrets Alderman K. Hegg Alderman C. Kolson
Agenda Item 1 CALL TO ORDER
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
2015-L-001 MOTION: K. Jessen-White/D. Nelles CARRIED That Alderman Hegg and Alderman Kolson be excused from the meeting.
Agenda Item 2 CHANGES TO AND ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
6.4 Discussion of composition of sub-committees 7.2 Moved up to follow item 4.0 8.5 Discussion of minutes and minute format 9.2 Clarification of volunteer hours and opportunities for volunteering
2015-L-002 MOTION: K. Jessen-White/D. Nelles CARRIED That the agenda be accepted as amended.
Agenda Item 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The following amendments were noted to the minutes of December 9, 2014: 5.3 The Board decided to dedicate a book for Jean McClean's service 6.1 Second sentence should read, "The Board requested more information and wanted to review and approve the quotes". 8.3 K. Kirkpatrick-Lauzon presented the Plan of Service. S. Sweet/C. Kolson made the motion.
2015-L-003 MOTION: D. Nelles/K. Jessen-White CARRIED That approval of the December 9, 2014 minutes be deferred until the February meeting.
Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board January 27, 2015 Page 2
Agenda Item 4 PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD
There was no public in attendance.
Agenda Item 7 REPORTS
Agenda Item 7.2 Facility Expansion: New Facility Planning Staff Committee
J. Jevne introduced Patti Murray and Clay Aragon, City of Airdrie, who reported on the work done by the New Facility Planning Staff Committee over the last few months. The work included an initial meeting with J. Jevne, Library staff and key City staff, reviewing the needs assessment and gathering information, researching opportunities for partnership, and meeting with community groups for potential connection fits. P. Murray confirmed that groups expressing an interest in locating in a multi-use building would be required to commit to financial contributions. The next step will be a public online/telephone survey by an outside agency in response to a request from Council for more information. The intention is to roll out the survey in late February or early March.
It was questioned how this survey will differ from the survey for the needs assessment. C. Aragon advised that the survey will build on what was gleaned from the needs assessment. It will also be a way of building support. P. Murray advised that the survey will test the financial appetite of the public for providing funding for a new library. Concern was raised that residents may not give a positive response to questions that involve tax dollars, even though they may be supportive of a new library. The questions needs to be worded sensitively and provide options rather than closed-ended questions. P. Murray advised that good governance requires financial transparency and that researchers specialize in what to ask and how to ask it. S. Sweet noted that this Board wants to be transparent and to engage the community in whatever way possible to achieve success.
A comment was made that the needs of the library will look very different to regular patrons than to residents who do not frequent the library. C. Aragon advised that people being surveyed could be directed to the needs assessment for more information. Mr. Aragon noted that the needs assessment contains a recommendation for what the first year of operation could look like.
P. Murray advised that the New Facility Planning Staff Committee has done a comprehensive review of meeting spaces available in the community. Contrary to public opinion, there is an abundant supply of meeting space, but not necessarily for free for not-for-profit groups.
A comment was made that the Steering Committee is to include a member of the Library Board. P. Murray confirmed that there is clearly an interest in having a Steering Committee when the time is right.
The Chair thanked Ms. Murray and Mr. Aragon for their report. Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board January 27, 2015 Page 3
A discussion followed with respect to the survey questions. J. Jevne will finalize the questions and e-mail to the Board for review prior to the New Facility meeting next week.
J. Jevne advised that she has been tasked by the Director of Community Development with reviewing the size of every space in the new facility. K. Jessen-White and T. Daigle strongly disagreed that Ms. Jevne should review the space with a view to what could be cut, as a smaller space would not portray the wishes of the community in the needs assessment and the Board needs to stand firm on its due diligence. After the New Facility meeting next week, J. Jevne will meet with D. Nelles, who will prepare and email a report to the Board.
Agenda Item 5 BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY
Agenda Item 5.1 PLSB Board Basics Workshops
J. Jevne advised that a request has been submitted to PLSB to hold a workshop in Airdrie in March.
Agenda Item 5.2 Calgary Public Library Special Report
J. Jevne presented Calgary Public Library's Special Report for information.
Agenda Item 5.3 Southern Alberta Library Conference
J. Jevne advised that the Library budget includes costs for this conference including transportation, meals and rooms. Board members were asked to advise Ms. Jevne if interested in attending.
Agenda Item 6 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Agenda Item 6.1 Board Report: Fund Development Consultant RFQ
J. Jevne distributed a report including an executive summary of the top three consultants and a recommendation. The Chair called a recess from 7:35 pm - 7:48 pm to allow the Board to review the report. A lengthy discussion followed.
2015-L-004 MOTION: D. Nelles/S. Sweet CARRIED by 4 in favour, 2 opposed OPPOSED: D. Fedun/K. Jessen-White That the Library Board approve the recommendation of staff for the engagement of Goldie as a fund development consultant pending completion of interview reference.
Agenda Item 6.2 Smart Locker Proposal
This item was tabled pending further information. Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board January 27, 2015 Page 4
Agenda Item 6.3 Board Report: Marigold Representative
J. Jevne announced that Council has appointed K. Jessen-White as the Marigold representative. Ms. Jessen-White advised that she has had one meeting with the CEO of Marigold. The money coming back from Marigold to the municipalities will be based on 2013 population figures but will be amended after the 2014 figures are in. The payment will be made in three segments.
Agenda Item 6.4 Discussion of Composition of Sub-Committees
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Agenda Item 7 REPORTS
Agenda Item 7.1 Financial Report
Agenda Item 7.1.1 November Financial Statements
J. Jevne presented the November, 2014 Financial Statements and advised that detailed change statements have been submitted to the City.
Agenda Item 7.1.2 Board Report: Fund Development Reserve
J. Jevne advised that an email was sent to the City Finance department requesting confirmation that CRA and the auditor would approve our sponsorship agreement. P. Biswas did not see any issues with the agreement. If more comes in than budgeted for fund development, anything extra will go to an externally restricted fund that can be drawn on.
Agenda Item 7.2 Facility Expansion Committee
This item was dealt with above.
Agenda Item 7.3 Advocates for Airdrie Public Library
See Library Director's Report.
Agenda Item 7.4 Personnel Committee Report
The committee had nothing new to report.
Agenda Item 7.5 Library Director's Report
Agenda Item 7.5.1 Director's Report
See written report.
Agenda Item 7.5.2 Library Link: December, January
Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board January 27, 2015 Page 5
See circulating correspondence.
Agenda Item 7.6 Marigold Report
K. Jessen-White will be hosting the upcoming Marigold Executive meeting.
Agenda Item 8 NEW BUSINESS
Agenda Item 8.1 New Children and Youth Services Manager
J. Jevne advised that a Children and Youth Services Manager has been hired but is relocating and cannot start until March 30th. Heather Finlayson will move into that position in the interim. Marigold will provide up to $2,000.00 for moving costs. J. Jevne will provide a draft policy re moving expenses for Board review at a later date.
Agenda Item 8.2 Free a Book / Free a Reader
Free a Book / Free a Reader will be held from February 2nd to February 28th. M. Aalhus has suggested opening up online giving for this initiative. Advocates, Board members, staff members and volunteers are invited to set up a group to free a book. J. Jevne will email information to the Board.
Agenda Item 8.3 Plan of Service 2015-2017 Update
An update was presented for information.
Agenda Item 8.4 Notice of Motion: New Policy Proposal - Social Media
2015-L-005 MOTION: K. Jessen-White/D. Nelles CARRIED That the Airdrie Library Board accept the Social Media Policy as presented.
Agenda Item 8.5 Discussion of Minutes and Minute Format
A comment was made that the Board minutes have been confusing lately. More detail would be helpful. Examples of other City Board meetings will be presented at the next meeting.
Agenda Item 9 BOARD PAPERWORK
Agenda Item 9.1 2014 Volunteer Hours
Board members were asked to review and complete all of their Volunteer Hours for 2014 as they will be tabulated to add to our annual report for PLSB.
Agenda Item 9.2 Clarification of Volunteer Hours and Opportunities for Volunteering Regular Meeting of Airdrie Library Board January 27, 2015 Page 6
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Agenda Item 10 CIRCULATING INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE
Board members were asked to review the Circulating information and correspondence.
Agenda Item 11 SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Director Attend New Facility Planning meeting next week Finalize survey questions and e-mail to Board Provide examples of minutes of other City Boards for review at next meeting Bring forward to next meeting: Discussion of composition of sub-committees and Clarification of volunteer hours and opportunities for volunteering
Facility Expansion J. Jevne/D. Nelles to meet after New Facility meeting D. Nelles to prepare and email report to Board
K. Jessen-White Host Marigold Executive meeting
Agenda Item 12 ADJOURNMENT
The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
______Chairman
______Recording Secretary
Libraries Not Charging Membership Fees
Which Library are Does your When did you stop charging If you previously charged Do you plan to provide free memberships into the you? library membership fees or have you membership fees, how do foreseeable future (circumstances allowing) or are currently ever charged membership you compensate for the you only suspending membership fees for a set charge a fees? lost revenue? period of time? membership fee? Coaldale Public No 2005 Our municipality makes up Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! Library the shortfall
There is a limitation to our free memberships. They are free for town residents but we also serve the County of Lethbridge and they pay a membership fee. Parkland County No January 2009 we stopped as a We charged so little, Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! Municipal Libraries campaign to attract residents to $5.00/card and had so few our little, rural libraries. January patrons, that it was never 2009 was when the county took a huge revenue for us. over operations of the 4 municipalities. Leduc Public Library No 2005 The lost revenue was Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! made up through an increase in our municipal contribution. Camrose No January 2012 The city contributes the Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! 2011 value of City memberships to us each year with our requisition. We still charge County members $12 each. Which Library are Does your When did you stop charging If you previously charged Do you plan to provide free memberships into the you? library membership fees or have you membership fees, how do foreseeable future (circumstances allowing) or are currently ever charged membership you compensate for the you only suspending membership fees for a set charge a fees? lost revenue? period of time? membership fee? Cremona No never had Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!!
Nordegg, Alberta No 2009 donations Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!!
Lloydminster No Have not charged fees N/a Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!!
Fort McMurray Public No We stopped in 2009 Lost revenue was small Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! Library compared to our overall budget. It was easiily absorbed. Coutts Municipal No We have never charged a Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! membership fee.
Taber Public Library No December 31, 2014 Fundraising/Donations Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!!
Yellowhead County No 2009 we swallowed the loss Free memberships forever!! Or as long as we can!! Library Board
Libraries Not Planning to Eliminate Membership Fees
Which Library are Does your Do you have If Not Why Not Did you Why did you start charging for you? library any intention of previously memberships again? currently providing free provide free charge a memberships? memberships? membership fee? Slave Lake Yes No The Town of Slave Lake has asked us to No Municipal Library maintain membership fees although the Library fees they should be eliminated
Jim and Mary Kearl Yes No the revenue is needed to meet our budget No Library
R.C.M.P. Yes No The Town of Slave Lake has asked us to Yes Have always charged Centennial library maintain membership fees although the Library fees they should be eliminated
Theodore Brandley Yes No unknown No (Stirling)
St Paul Municipal Yes No Need the funds No
Innisfail Public Yes No we are a small library and it helps with No Library funding and it's currently what our library board wants.
Wrentham Yes No It helps our revenue its in our budget and the No municipality believes we should charge. Which Library are Does your Do you have If Not Why Not Did you Why did you start charging for you? library any intention of previously memberships again? currently providing free provide free charge a memberships? memberships? membership fee? Picture Butte Yes No The Town sees it as a revenue No Municipal Library
ASYL Yes No No
Caroline Municipal Yes No Though we have no intention of waiving our No Library fee completely, we give away hundreds of dollars worth annually. The fees we do collect provide enough income for the wages for one of our part-time clerks. Without membership fees, we would require more grant money. Lougheed Public Yes No Helps support programs offered free to the No Library public
Sedgewick Public Yes No We use the money to offset expenses No Library
Stavely Municipal Yes No The funds are needed to operate No Library
Barnwell Public Yes No It helps towards operating expenses Yes We needed the money and we Library were the only library in the district that wasn't charging for a membership. Milo Library Yes No Fees are minimal, but allow more funds for No our book allottment Which Library are Does your Do you have If Not Why Not Did you Why did you start charging for you? library any intention of previously memberships again? currently providing free provide free charge a memberships? memberships? membership fee? Provost Municipal Yes No we need the money it brings in. No Library
Raymond Public Yes No For budgetary reasons. We have had the No Library same fee since the mid 80's and will increase family fee from $10.00 to $20.00 as of Jan 1, 2015 Lethbridge Public Yes No we are underfunded No Library
Lac La Biche a No The regular membership of fee at $15.00 is a We do provide free membership for County Libraries non issues for people because they get those under 18, less expensive (ALLB & APL) access to TRAC, electronic databases memberships for seniors, educators including Overdrive and Me Libraries. $60.00 and students at the cost of $5.00. non resident fee to NLLS is more of an issue for us as we are surrounded by Settlements and reserves and the Board does not charge a fee on top of that. We do not charge any late fees so in a way that could be considered part of the yearly membership fee.
Rocky Mountain Yes No My board has discussed this but has made House Public no moves toward a decision Library We generate a significant dollar amount through membership fees
Libraries Considering Eliminating Membership Fees
Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Stony Plain Yes Yes In 2015 Finding the funding to offset the No loss of revenue Waiting to see what happens with Provincial Funding in 2015 Didsbury Yes Yes 2015 - we plan to have philosophical opposition expressed Yes to cover municipal Municipal free memberships this by town administrators and some budget cuts in 1994 new year Board members. Replacing that revenue Airdrie Public Yes Yes I have approached my Money: Currently we receive about No Library Board and asked them to $75,000 in annual fees for our think about free approx. 18,425 members (Dec. memberships the first 17th). year we move into the new building (2017). We are consdiering finding a sponsor for the year of memberships. Vermilion Yes Yes Thinking about it. Loss of Revenue No Public Library
MHPL Yes Yes 2015 for our centennial hit to revenue Yes 1992 Medicine Hat
Brooks Yes Yes When we launch our new At this time, revenue is the only No library in 2016, if not hurdle. sooner. Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Strathcona Yes Yes We hope to build it into I have a good relationship with No County Library our 2016 budget County Administration, and I don't want to alienate them: this is a user-fee-centric municipality. Hinton Yes Yes The Board is doing a Attitude - some people have a hard No Municipal policy review in January, time thinking that public library Library 2015 and membership membership should be free. This fees are part of that includes some Board members, review. As well, we have staff, and patrons. Financial - we included questions about are moving into a 0% increase membership fees on our budget and it makes some Board Annual Patron Survey to members and Town get some public feedback. staff/councillors nervous to think The Board and I have about removing a revenue source been discussing this for from the library budget. about 9 months now off Implementation - the Board is and on. having some discussion on how free memberships would be implemented so that it would be a fair and transparent process for patrons, some of whom will have paid for new or renewed memberships prior to memberships being free. Fort Yes Yes thinking City grantor frowning No Saskatchewan Public Library Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Red Deer Yes Yes We currently provide free We earn $56,000 annually from Yes End of free Public memberships to all our Library memberships. This is membership Library staff, to those in the total cost for collections for a Campaign in April to need, Red Deer College branch. Seeking replacement celebrate Library students, Teens, Children funds is our key challenge . Centennial and Christmas Bureau letter respondants. We have plans to extend free memberships to Red Deer College faculty. Crowsnest Yes Yes just thinking about it Board approval Yes we didnt change Community Library
Jasper Yes Yes We only charge for Adult The large number of people who No Municipal and Temporary (transient are only in the community for 3 to Library people to our community) 6 months make up a large number memberships. We offer of our users and are not counted free memberships to towards our funding. children and seniors. Ponoka Yes Yes Jan 1, 2015 Raising funds to replace No Jubilee Library membership revenue
Chestermere Yes Yes just thinking about it funding No
Grande Prairie Yes Yes Just thinking about it, but Finding other areas in the budget No Public Library would like to make the to make up for the loss in revenue. change within 2 years, if possible. Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Bonnyville Yes Yes We actually provide free Financial No Municipal children's memberships. Library Free memberships for all is just a thought at this point. St. Albert Yes Yes Part of library's strategic Political pressure. Departments of Yes Finances and Public Library plan but no plan in place. the city keep raising rates: why not political pressure. you?
Blackfalds Yes Yes Just thinking about it; no contributes a significant amount Yes Public Library plan in place towards our annual budget
Sexsmith Yes Yes just thinking.... need to funds No replace the funds
Carmangay Yes Yes We have always given funding Yes and District free memberships where Municipal they are needed. Library Sylvan Lake Yes Yes It won't happen in the next $18,000 loss of revenuw if we No Municipal few years, but the issue stopped charging. Library continues to be raised at board meetings Lomond Yes Yes new to the area cost of books, cost of lost or No Community memberships are free, damaged materials, paper/ink for Library and school age children printing are also free Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Hughenden Yes Yes Just thinking about it at Finances. We have come to rely Yes Joined a regional Public this time. on the income from memberships. library. We had had problems with books not being returned and thought charging may make borrower's more responsible. It has worked, although we are now considering no charge memberships again. ABARR Yes Yes just thinking replacing the revenue generated No
Stettler Public Yes Yes I'm in the process of trying I think it's just the fee-based No Library to convince the board. So mindset and the fact that a critical no plan in place yet. mass (although it may now be close) of libraries/library systems in AB haven't moved to eliminate fees. Cold Lake Yes Yes We are working towwards funding is always an issue. Even No Public Library free memberships and though it is a small amount it hope to be there by 2017 allows us to do a few extra things. in our budget. ASG Yes Yes Thinking about it Other municipalities that don't pay No depending on Stony Plain adequately for their residents and the loss of revenue may be prohibitive. Do you If it's a Did you Why did you start Does your have any limited previously charging for library intention of time What are some of the challenges provide memberships again? currently providing offer, you're facing that are preventing free charge a free If yes, when do you intend when will you from providing free members Which Library membershi membershi to provide free that offer memberships? hips? are you? p fee? ps? memberships? expire? Pincher Creek Yes Yes We hope to give free funding councils being somewhat No Municipal m'ships to 18 & under for negative Public Library 2015
CORONATION Yes Yes JUST THINKING MONEY. AS A SMALL LIBRARY No MEMORIAL THE $2000 REVENUE IS LIBRARY SUBSTANTIAL
Daysland Yes Yes Just thinking about it right Board Approval No Public Library now.
ABARR - Yes Yes trying for more corporate municipal governments refusal to Yes Barrhead sponsorship support free memberships
Review of the FNA: sizes
Current Size of Library in 2014: 10,519 ft2. A reasonable estimate for the Airdrie community in 2014 would be 34,445 – 35,520 ft2.
Actually, a more reasonable estimate of current need for the Airdrie community is likely to be 3,200 m2 to 3,300 m2 (34,445 ft2 to 35,520 ft2), when compensating for those communities where Library representatives perceived facility sizes to be too small and taking into account data from facilities examined from across Canada. And, second, the estimate does not take into account the rapid growth that is expected to occur in Airdrie over the next 10 to 15 years.
Branch Libraries: do not take the place of an adequately sized main library.
As well, data presented earlier in this report suggests that library systems tend to rely on main library branches to serve communities until they reach populations of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 residents. After these levels, additional branch libraries are typically developed to further address the needs of residents.
This FNA study was based on population projections from the City of Airdrie that are not now accurate.
Year FNA Study population predictions, based on Gr. Pr. Comparison city of Airdrie estimates Population 55,032 Built 2009 2014: necessary renovation to add space 2013 49,560 (actual) 36,995 ft 2
2014 54,891 (actual) 40,295 ft 2 2015 58,733 (updated projection) 2016 62,845 (updated projection) 2017 67,243 (updated projection) 2018 56,145 (old data used in FNA) 2023 63,834 (old data used in FNA) 2028 71, 084 (old data used in FNA)
Option 2: Plan now for approximately 3,715 m2 (40,000 ft2) and expect to expand the building in four to six years (2020 to 2022). New population projections means the expansion should occur in 2016, when the building is being built. 50,000 ft 2 needed.
APL Board Request The Board would like the opportunity for input into the Survey proposed by Clay and Patti. Could they see a draft of the wording before the survey is completed. The Board is very concerned about the request to APL staff to reduce sizes of the proposed library areas. They support the findings of the FNA study and expect staff to advocate for the spaces outlined.
Foyer As discussed the foyer could serve as a community space. The Library would need to have priority booking for large library programs and events. APL would also need a permanent space for donated book sales.
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Earlier in this report, information was presented from comparative libraries in Alberta, as well as across Canada. When considering these data, and extrapolating the findings about library facility sizes in Alberta to populations, it has been suggested in this report that current needs for Airdrie would be approximately 3,015 m2 (32,450 ft2). However, there are several issues associated with this estimate. First, several of the library systems that were involved in the averages indicated that their communities needed, and were investigating, increasing the building sizes to more effectively address demand for services. Actually, a more reasonable estimate of current need for the Airdrie community is likely to be 3,200 m2 to 3,300 m2 (34,445 ft2 to 35,520 ft2), when compensating for those communities where Library representatives perceived facility sizes to be too small and taking into account data from facilities examined from across Canada. And, second, the estimate does not take into account the rapid growth that is expected to occur in Airdrie over the next 10 to 15 years. If population growth were to be considered, such as 71,084 that is expected for Airdrie by 2028, the estimate of facility size would be approximately 4,300 m2 to 4,600 m2 (46,290 ft2 to 49,515 ft2) using the compensated information from the comparative facility review. As such, the estimates presented in Table 2.1 for proposed space concepts identified in this report seem reasonable when taking these issues into consideration.
Another approach to could be used in evaluating application of facility size for the APL is to consider a community that is similar in population size. Grande Prairie has a population that is approximately 10% higher than Airdrie (55,032 compared to 49,950). In 2009, a new library facility was constructed for this community that was 3,437 m2 (36,995 ft2).1 However, it soon became apparent to Library staff that the size of the facility should been larger. As such, in the Spring of 2014, additional space will be added to bring the total size of the facility to 3,437 m2 (40,295 ft2), which is consistent with the lower estimate for the new library facility proposed for Airdrie. The new space will involve a multi-purpose area that will support additional programming that the library will provide to the community. Increased demand for programming led to the development of this additional multi-purpose space, which was lacking in the original construction of the facility in 2009. It is worth noting that Grande Prairie, like Airdrie, has experienced population growth over the past decade and is comprised of a significant portion of young families due to in-migration.
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January 2015
Director Report to the Board Words from Kitty Pope, CEO, Windsor Public Library Why do we still need a public library when people are reading less and using e-books? People are actually reading more, statistically. Public libraries bridge the digital divide and provide technology for all. They support reading and early literacy: if people can’t read by the time they are seven, they are going to have a hard life. Public libraries also support lifelong learning. In the past, you got your diploma and it was the end of learning. Now, we are learning all the time – it’s ongoing learning. Libraries support a healthy and resilient community: 50 percent of the UPCOMING EVENTS questions a librarian gets are health-related. • Tablet & E-Reader Test Drive Libraries are an economic generator: for every dollar invested, $4 to $6 in Feb. 25, 6:30-8 p.m. value is returned. • High School Art Gala Lastly, libraries are a gathering place. From the person living in a shelter to March 3, 7-8 p.m. seniors reading the paper, it’s a gathering spot. It’s the only place in the city • AHS Sessions, 6:30-8 p.m. you can go for seven hours and no one is asking you to leave. That’s really o March 4 – Understanding important. Depression Staffing o March 9 – Calming Your • Carolyn Alho joined us in December as our new Public Services Co-ordina- Racing Mind tor and as of early January she is now working regularly on the information desk. Carolyn has been a wonderful addition to our Information Services team and is looking after junior pages and the appearance of our physical collection and shelving. “I like that the library is • Our new Children’s and Youth Services Manager, Lindsey Skeen, will begin inviting for all ages. work March 31. Lindsey and her family are coming from Montreal, where The idea of community Lindsey managed a school-housed public library. involvement is nice to see.” • Kane Imler, a Bow Valley College intern, joined us in January and will learn Customer Comment 2014 about and work in the many different areas of the library until April. Children’s & Fund Development • After much research and deliberation through the RFQ process, we are pleased to have hired The Goldie Company as our fund development con- Youth Services sultant team. With the guidance of The Goldie Company we will be building Preschool Literacy Programs an annual fund development plan that will factor in the upcoming capital Registration for Winter 2015 Ses- campaign. The Goldie Company had outstanding references providing sion 1 opened Dec. 17. Programs insight on the work that the company has done in and around Airdrie and ran for six weeks, from Monday, throughout the province. We are confident that with the consultant’s pro- Jan. 5, to Friday, Feb. 13 fessional guidance we will enhance our annual fund development program Family Literacy Day while building an even stronger reputation in the community. Family Literacy Day was presented • We secured financial support from BMO Kingsview for our 2015 Author Friday, Jan. 23, in partnership with Series. Community Links. Fifty preschool- • We committed to a partnership golf tournament with the Lions Club of ers and 35 caregivers toured the Airdrie. library to learn new ways to incor- • We researched and determined how to implement an online fundraising Free a Reader, Free a Book porate literacy into their daily lives. tool for our campaign, which runs Feb. 2-28, and They stopped at our five literacy solicited several organizations/groups to form teams. stations to learn from our facilita- • We submitted a casino application on behalf of Advocates for APL. tors: reading, writing, singing, talk- • We began working with a fund development volunteer at soliciting small ing and playing. donations for our programs/campaigns. • We continued to steward and solicit potential program supporters. Pro- * * * grams that still need supporters include: Books for Babies, Stories and Crafts in three languages, Tween Zone & Sunday Cinema. Volunteers * * * Volunteers • We are currently training a Adult Services number of volunteers for shelving. January Information Desk Statistics Volunteers complete a four session • Reference questions: 1,086 training program that enable them • Tel/e-mail questions: 291 to shelve in all areas of the library. • Technology assistance: 511 Advocates Total: 1 888 Avg per day: 63 • Public PC use: 1,406 (avg per day: 47) • At their January meeting the Advocates put forward their 2015 January Adult Programs budget, decided on their marketing • One-to-One Technology Tutoring – 11 participants, 11 sessions plan for the year and made plans • Tales for the Tall and Wii for the Tall – 55 participants, 8 sessions for their AGM in February. • Alberta Health Services information sessions – 18 participants, 2 sessions • Financial Wellness Information – 7 participants, 1 session • The casino application has been • Adult Artists – 5 participants, 1 session submitted and the Advocates hope to hold one in about two years. * * * You wanted to know! Q. “How do I create a nether Facility portal in Minecraft?” • Our high lighting in the main body public area will receive new bulbs! A. Build a 5-by-4 portal out of the library has become an issue – • The library has found a local of obsidian, light it with flint three bulbs are now burned out and handyman to do smaller jobs around and steel, and jump through. need replacing. The lights have been the library. Tom came highly recom- (Thanks, YouTube!) bought, an electrician has been found, mended by the Chamber and is very – Info Services Librarian a lifter will be rented and a date and accommodating to work around our time must be confirmed, and then the closed hours. 2 Family Literacy Day “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Emilie Buchwald
3 Jan. 26: preschool literacy “Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation.” Dr. David Lewis, cognitive neuropsychologist Sitting down and immersing yourself a good book is more than just a great escape – it can also be highly beneficial in several ways, including reducing stress; increasing analytical and reasoning skills; and staving off late-life cognitive decline. The benefits of preschool literacy are already well-known, and for adults the continuation of this type of cognitive activity is equally important. According to a University of Sussex study, reading for as few as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent. Reading an actual book – i.e. print – has been shown to assist in comprehension and improve the ability to focus and concentrate. Studies have shown that reading fiction (under certain conditions) influences empathy of the reader. Simply being able to touch a book, to flip back and forth between pages and reread certain passages, likely aids in long-term memory capabilities. From mental stimulation to vocabulary expansion, reading can improve brain function as well as providing health and wellness benefits. And there’s nothing like climbing into a warm, soft bed with a great book to read yourself to sleep! With that in mind, Airdrie Public Library (APL) is a wonderful place to find all sorts of reading material for all ages, from literary classics to the current best-selling fiction to a wide variety of non-fiction choices. Some of our most popular programming is preschool literacy and all you have to do is look at the faces and listen to the excitement in the voices of the participants – children and adults alike – to see how important reading is to them. Take a look around the library and see readers of all ages enjoying and appreciating the written word in its myriad forms. So make time in your busy day to sit down with a book – any book. It’s good for you … and science is on your side! Coming up at your library: AHS Parenting Workshops: Helping Your Children Cope with Strong Feelings – Part 1: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6:30-8 p.m., and Part 2: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. AHS sessions date changes – Relaxation and Meditation for Stress: now Monday, Feb. 9 (not Feb. 10), 6:30-8 p.m.; and Calming Your Racing Mind: Monday, March 9 (no March 10), 6:30-8 p.m. For more information on APL’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403- 948-0600 or drop by the library.
Feb. 2: Freedom to Read Freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of belief and of opinion – these are fundamental rights of every person. Yet great works of literature have been and continue to be challenged in in Canada and around the world. Every year, libraries and individuals across the country reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom by celebrating Freedom to Read Week, which runs this year Feb. 22-28. Here in Airdrie, throughout the month of February, Airdrie Public Library (APL) will be raising funds through our annual Free a Reader, Free a Book campaign. The past two years have been rousing successes, and we hope to see our supporters back again this year, along with everyone else who would like to have some fun while supporting the library. for anyone wishing to support the cause, you can donate directly to the campaign, start your own team or pledge an existing team: • Animals for APL, looking to free Animal Farm by George Orwell; • Team Airdrie Public Library Staff & Volunteers, looking to free Bad Medicine: A Judge’s Struggle for Justice in a First Nations Community by John Reilly; and • Board and Advocates for Airdrie Public Library, looking to free Lord of the Flies by William Golding. More information is available on our website at airdriepubliclibrary.ca, or by calling the library at 403-948-0600 or dropping by. We have a great display showcasing some of the books that have been challenged/banned over the years … and the list is sure to stimulate lots of conversation! Coming up at your library: AHS at APL: Relaxation and Meditation for Stress – new date Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 9: Family Fun Night; Compassionate Compass Cambodia To break the winter doldrums, there’s something for everyone at Airdrie Public Library (APL). This week, APL is holding a ‘sweetheart of a book sale.’ From now until Sunday, drop by, browse and buy two, get one free! Following our Family Day closure Monday (Feb. 16), APL is pleased to present a special screening of Compassionate Compass Cambodia, Tuesday (Feb. 17), beginning at 7 p.m. This award-winning Talking Light Media documentary follows the journey of Place of Rescue founder Marie Ens, Calgary mother Charlotte Seehawer and Airdrie’s own Carpenters4Cambodia co-founder Jamie Moorhouse as they all do good in Cambodia in very different ways. The film focuses on the daily challenges facing Cambodians, and some of the innovative ways that organizations and individuals are reaching out. There will be a Q & A session following the film, and Carpenters4Cambodia will be holding a fundraising raffle draw for a trip for two to anywhere WestJet flies. For youths and families, next week also promises to be a lot of fun. For school break week, youngsters are invited to the library Tuesday through Thursday (Feb. 17-19), 1-4 p.m. each day, for board games, giant games, crafts, Minecraft and lots of other great activities. Snacks and prizes will be provided. To wrap up the week, APL will be hosting another of our popular Family Fun Nights, sponsored by the Advocates for Airdrie Public library. On Friday (Feb. 20), 5-8 p.m., the whole family is invited to drop in for a free evening of fun – giant games, cards, board games, computers, Wii, Lego, quiet corners for reading, snacks, refreshments and more! For more information on any of APL’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or drop by the library.
Feb. 16: Tween Zone Tweens (and the general public) are invited to Airdrie Public Library (APL) next week for a fascinating look at the use of Lego in stop motion video. The Feb. 27 Tween Zone will be hosting Airdrie’s Neon Vipers robotics team (which will be attending the First Lego League world Championships in St. Louis in April). The team will be introducing its First Lego League stop motion animation video project and offering a tutorial on how to create stop motion animation. There will also be a Lego station for free play building, and the Neon Vipers will show off their completed Lego Mindstorms Robot. Drop by between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome! For adults, APL’s Tablet & e-Reader Test Drive, Feb. 25, 6:30-8 p.m., offers a chance for participants to learn more about the devices in order to choose which one best suits their needs. There will be a selection on hand for ‘test drives.’ RSVP. In early March, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be presenting two more winter wellness sessions. Understanding Depression will run March 4, 6:30-8 p.m., and Calming Your Racing Mind will run March 9, 6:30-8 p.m. RSVPs are requested for these sessions. The AHS session Coping with Strong Feelings for Teens, scheduled for March 3, has been cancelled. Please note that the Advocates for Airdrie Public Library will be holding their annual general meeting (AGM) Feb. 27, starting at 7 p.m., at Kumon of Airdrie, 2145 Summerfield Blvd. SE. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome. Advocate members are encouraged to attend. Correction: The screening of the award-winning film compassionate Compass Cambodia will be Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.
Facility / Parking
64% (56/88) of comments on our facility in our 2014 customer satisfaction surveys were regarding needing a larger facility! General themes were that we need more quiet spaces and more space for collection to be housed.
“For a city/town of the size of Airdrie the available collection (on site, not through marigold partnership) is really quite small. With the addition of the Marigold partnership then the collection is ok but often you have to wait a long time to get what you want. The current library facility is too small since crowding occurs ex. many time periods. Sometimes it is too crowded and noisy to read (or even to skim) materials in the library. Also, depending on the time of day, it is impossible to park in the library lot. However in my experience the staff have all been fabulous to me when I ask questions or need help with things (printing documents for example).
Would like to see bigger library. Don't like bottom shelves - too low. Better parking - more space. More selection.
Library staff are excellent. We definitely need larger quarters as it has become more crowded every year as more services are offered.
Airdrie Library needs a much larger facility for its collection & meeting rooms - and need more parking.
More space needed for small or medium size groups to meet. More display space for art work, etc.
Ideally a new library facility is needed. One which allows for an increase in the collections, better parking, more areas to read.
I would like to see our library be part of a cultural centre - concert/plays with a more professional place to meet. Access to a professional looking meeting table/chairs with accommodative lighting.”
Collection
No specific theme except the need for more collection space, and we are well aware of that.
“I'm always quick to find what I'm looking for. The network system to order more books is very nice :)
I'd find it easier if adult fiction was arranged by genre rather than alphabetically but understand the space restrictions.
Love the kid area and many video to borrow.
I have always been able to find what I'm looking for and new books always show up quickly. I also like being able to order books!
The kids area is great for all ages. I have 2 young girls and they definitely enjoy our trips to the library.”
Programs
Programs continue to be a source of appreciation in comments.
“Absolutely love the preschool programs. Great resources for my teens as well.
I like that the library is inviting for all ages. The idea of community involvement is nice to see.
A larger facility would be great but the current library is a fantastic resource and great to visit. The community programs are wonderful. Thanks!
We love the library programs for young children and youth. I also like the central location. I find the staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They are better than an online search some days. Thank you!
It is a nice place to bring young ones to learn lot of things. It is a very wonderful place for everyone.
We greatly value the weekend children activities as my spouse and I both work during the week.”
Computers and Technology
General themes include the desire for a greater variety of computers and quiet spaces to work in. Again we are well aware of the crowded conditions in this library and look forward to the new building.
“We would like more computers for kids. I believe there is one coming. Awesome job!
The library is a great place to be, but I would like to see more computers that are just iPads. But other than that everything is great. Thank :)”
E-resources/e-books
People seem appreciative of the e-resources and a couple mentioned a need for more training on them, which we will follow up on and deliver!
“There are quite a few services that I am not familiar with such as electronics but I'm sure it's more than adequate! Thanks
I would like to see ongoing classes offered on e-resources & cloud services and the various devices available with in-house use of various devices. Eg, how to download ePub books onto an iPad mini or Samsung tablet, etc.
It is often difficult to find a quiet location to read or to work with a student. I like having access to E- Resources and offsite books and E-Books”
Hours
People want more open hours! This is something we will investigate in the 2016 budget year.
Themes: open later Friday evenings and open on Sundays during the summer
“I love the Airdrie library! You guys should make the library opened longer but its super cool!
Close to early on Friday
Should be longer on Friday night.
Extended hours in summer.”
Staff
96% of comments praise APL staff!
“The best thing about this library is definitely the awesome staff!
Library staff are doing the best they can in their cramped quarters and the barely adequate staff roster.
I find the staff very pleasant and friendly and helpful.
Airdrie Library and Staff are fantastic.
We love our library! & staff :)
I am very impressed with the library, people and services. I am new to Airdrie and every time has been very pleasant and helpful.
Everyone has been helpful toward me at this library. Seems to run smoothly. Nice and quiet. Thanks for the good job.”
2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey Average Results (May and December 2014 combined)
How satisfied are you with the following?
5=Completely Satisfied, 4=Satisfied, 3=Moderately Satisfied, 2= Somewhat Satisfied, 1= Not Satisfied
User Satisfaction Survey: completed surveys. 493 User Satisfaction Survey: Library staff 4.79 User Satisfaction Survey: Collection 4.15 User Satisfaction Survey: Info Services 4.67 User Satisfaction Survey: Facilities 4.49 User Satisfaction Survey: Electronic Resources 4.38 User Satisfaction Survey: Hours 4.45 User Satisfaction Survey: Overall Satisfaction 4.57 User Satisfaction Survey: Found what looking for 92.2%
2014 Annual Report PLSB
Agenda Item 8.1.3
Summarize the major achievements for your library this year. We are particularly interested in progress related to automation or networking, building or renovations, municipal reorganization, library system membership, or fundraising initiatives.
We assessed our 2011 – 2014 Plan of Service and achieved 18 out of 21 ambitious objectives- 88% success rate. A successful community planning meeting (26 in attendance) in November delivered five 2015 – 2017 goals. We will have a new Plan of Service based on these priorities by the spring.
We completed our centre aisle/ Teen area renovation in 2014, thanks to support from the Advocates for APL, the Lions Club, the Lioness Club, and the Rotary Club. A new Early Literacy Computer Station was added thanks to the Lioness Club and an adaptive computer, accessible for individuals with disabilities, was added thanks to the Rotary Club of Airdrie.
Through the efforts of Marigold Library system and TRAC, Community Profiles was added to our Polaris System, giving libraries the opportunity to act as online community resources, connecting people to services in a more comprehensive way.
We were fortunate in 2014 to receive three staff grants (YCW, CSJ, CAP Intern). This support makes such a difference to APL during our summer months, which is our busiest time.
Our regular fund development events: February Free a Book/Free a Reader, July 1st Barbeque and November/December Adopt-a-Book added close to $12,000 to our revenue line.
APL embarked on a new fund development journey in 2014, with the hiring of a part-time fund development coordinator in April. The reality of the municipal and provincial dollars available for our rapidly growing community means that the Library must find a way to increase revenue to maintain the quality of its services, without putting a burden on our users (accessibility is a guiding principal for APL).
This new role is partly marketing, building and sustaining relationships in the community, but also focusses on significantly increasing our annual fund development dollars. The goal is to support our operational budget through maximizing our current fund development dollars, while searching out some new opportunities
Our Coordinator has been very successful in building an inventory of programs and attracting businesses to support them. A few examples:
Preschool Literacy Programs (16 to 20 per week): supported by a local business for $15,000 a year for three years. Popular Picks Collection: supported by a local business for $10,000 over two years. Summer Reading Program: supported by a local business for $10,000 over two years.
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We are also partnering with local service clubs to raise funds through events such as the “Dust Off Your Clubs” to support Airdrie Lions and Airdrie Public Library and the Annual Rotary Golf Tournament.
It is a new venture for the library and we are cognizant of the fine line between the responsibility of the municipality in providing library service and the importance of ensuring that funding opportunities are the right fit for our organization and that we have the resources to enter into them. Another concern is the upcoming capital campaign for the new library and how that will affect annual giving.
City and Library staff members are in the process of facility exploration meetings. The board will be involved in a formal way when a steering committee is struck in 2015.
Agenda Item 8.1.4
For the benefit of the Public Library Services Branch, you are invited to make any comments or give any information about your library or any aspect of library service in the Province. Please include a copy of any separate annual report produced either for the Board or the Public.
CELA and NELS: we’re pleased and excited about PLSB’s support of these important services and will be developing a marketing plan to ensure we inform the community and promote. Really appreciated the library visit to promote the services.
ME: A very forward thinking initiative. There continue to be a few technical problems (where we have been forced to create manual accounts for customers). Some customers are having a bit of difficulty differentiating between TALonline and ME. We are experiencing a slow growth in interest, but this will increase over time and with more marketing on our part.
We love the new TALonline. Thank you to Chinook Arch for their VDX responsiveness.
Please consider updating the annual report. It is dated and not as useful as it could be. Thanks for all the efforts in ensuring that online submission of the report works well.
The Library Board sent a letter to the minister of municipal affairs requesting per capita funding based on current population. It is difficult to address the demonstrated growth of the community and Library and the additional funding would make a significant difference in terms of stable increased personnel funding.
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Director Report: Highlights from the 2014 Annual Report
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Volunteer Hrs. 267 417 367 574.5 558.5 382 295 473.5* 361 Board meetings and preparation Volunteer Hrs. 477 729 1168 1358 2181 1831 2985 1933 2070 Library Operation, Fund Raising, Programs, Advocates Volunteer TOTAL 744 1146 1535 1932.5 2739.5 2213 3280 2406.5 2431 Hours of Service 3172 2997 3039 3080 3316 3170 3200.5 3194 3202 (Open to Public) calculated actual actual actual actual actual actual actual FTE Staff (based on 8.73 14.1 14.72 17.4 19 20.3 21.16 21.6 22 1820hrs yr / 35hrs. (5 staff (2 staff (3 staff (3 staff grants) (3 staff grants) (4 staff grants) (3 staff grants) (3 staff grants) week) grants) grants) grants) Collection Size 38,219 39,738 50,821 59,022 63,534 66,441 78,174 83, 708 83, 427 Circulation 123,144 141,758 188,137 245,812 301,766 355,355 381,843 428,230 433,187 Includes Electronic circ. number below Electronic circ: 7709 12,570 19965 23, 089 overdrive new circ. Include in circ. number Program 6530 9045 14,387 15,321 21,598 22,917** 25,271 25,568 26, 051 Attendance Interlibrary Loan 1074 9232 45,802 58,494 63,502changed 73,067changed 77,485 79,069 79, 020 Library Use: People 55,950 64,867 119,708 130,782 131,206 143,318 146,809 152,973 162, 958 visiting the library calculated calculated actual actual actual actual actual actual actual Library Use: In- 32,750 36,250 32,948 39,316 33,856 38,583 41,831 47,586 48, 568 House use of calculated calculated actual actual actual actual actual actual actual materials Cardholders: 6678 7363 11,128 13,809 16,227 16,484 17,042 17,843 1 18, 482 TOTAL (MD (MD 817) (County 887) (County 837) (County 792) (County 777) (County 739) Renewals in 2012: 640) 5294 Renewals in 2013: 5692 Renewals in 2014: 6183
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Cardholders: 6624 7256 11,089 13802 16,222 16,255*** 16,856 17,713 18, 345 Resident Cardholders: Non- 54 107 39 9 5 13 15 3 12 Resident 108 TAL 171 TAL 127 TAL 125 TAL Other: TAL cards Website Visits 28,077 42,801 84,495 97,352 128,592 77,222**** 95,304 97,298 2 89, 254 +2617 +6954 (newairdrielibrary (newairdrielibrary .ca) .ca) User Satisfaction 90 277 430 553 528 455 459 360 493 Survey: completed surveys (Rate 1-5) User Satisfaction 4.59 4.61 4.64 4.72 4.76 4.75 4.84 4.77 4.79 Survey: Library staff User Satisfaction 3.59 3.79 3.97 4.01 4.21 4.25 4.25 4.32 4.15 Survey: Collection User Satisfaction 4.54 4.54 4.46 4.56 4.53 4.55 4.50 4.59 4.67 Survey: Info Services User Satisfaction 4.62 4.61 4.45 4.49 4.63 4.59 4.59 4.43 4.49 Survey: Facilities User Satisfaction 4.09 4.34 4.24 4.34 4.33 4.43 4.37 4.45 4.38 Survey: Electronic Resources User Satisfaction 4.45 4.34 4.24 4.17 4.37 4.26 4.39 4.39 4.45 Survey: Hours User Satisfaction 4.29 4.37 4.36 4.40 4.60 4.59 4.64 4.63 4.57 Survey: Overall Satisfaction User Satisfaction 71% 84% 87% 87% 90.5% 88.16 87.5% 92% 92.2% Survey: Found what looking for
1 Fourth year of the TRAC program to purge patron records which have been expired for two years. The purge this year will be in March 2015 (2306 patrons were purged in 2013) 2 We were down in comparison to 2013 but it makes sense as more people shift to using mobile devices/the app, there is less need for a customer to visit our website in order to get to the catalogue, making it easier to bypass it if the only reason they're visiting is to find an item. Additional Information: • Library Staff reached out to 2776 community members at onsite and offsite advocacy events in 2014 • 2014 reference requests: 21,479 customer requests (includes in-person, telephone, and email) • 2014 computer use statistics: 18, 993 workstation sessions 2
Airdrie Library Board
NOTICE OF MOTION
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: 8.2
SUBJECT: Notice of Motion: Revision of Policy Vacation Allotment for Permanent PT Staff
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend that permanent part-time employees (25 hours and above) accrue vacation entitlement at an annual rate of 6% (approximately three weeks) of annual regular hours worked.
This is a change from an accrual rate of 4% (approximately two weeks).
The City follows this 6% accrual rate for permanent part-time employees, but base the hours on 18.75 hours/week minimum. APL recognizes employees as permanent part-time at 25 hours/week minimum. This would not change.
RESOURCES REQUIRED: $3880 This change would affect 4 staff members moving to 6% and one staff moving to 8% (6 years service). The additional cost, $3881, will come from our personnel budget. The money is available in the 2015 personnel budget, awaiting consideration of this revised policy.
* All numbers based on next increment increase rate and COLA 2.5%
SUMMARY: We are recommending this change to more closely align to the City of Airdrie HR policies (which provide 3 weeks at start to all their Permanent PT employees) and to provide incentive to potential hires and current APL staff for retention purposes.
7.10 Vacation Allotment 1. Full-time and Permanent Part-time Employees 1.1 Upon commencement of employment, the employee will accrue vacation entitlement at an annual rate of 6% (approximately three weeks) of annual regular hours worked. 1.2 After six years completed service, the employee will accrue vacation entitlement at an annual rate of 8% (approximately four weeks) of annual regular hours worked.
1.3 After thirteen years completed service, the employee will accrue vacation entitlement at an annual rate of 10% (approximately five weeks) of annual regular hours worked.
Airdrie Public Library
2. Regular Part-time Employees:
2.1 Shall be entitled to vacation pay as set out in the Employment Standards Code Regulations, which state:
Less than 5 years completed service - 4% of wages After 5 years completed service - 6% of wages
2.2 Hourly employees are entitled to an unpaid leave of absence in each calendar year, as follows:
Less than 5 years completed service - a 2-week calendar period After 5 years completed service - a 3-week calendar period
Note: For the purposes of this section, a calendar week refers to seven consecutive days from Sunday to Saturday. Any subdivision of “weeks” for a vacation period will be at the Library Director’s discretion and dependent upon work schedules.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES:
We can expect this to be ongoing annually, approximately $4000 per year. This proposal supports recruitment and retention and follows City of Airdrie guidelines. The added vacation weeks must be supported by dividing workload among existing staff.
PREPARED BY: K. Kirkpatrick-Lauzon & J. Jevne
DATE: December 4, 2014
Airdrie Public Library
Airdrie Library Board
NOTICE OF MOTION
MEETING DATE: February 24, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: 8.3
SUBJECT: Notice of Motion: Revision of Policy Capitalization Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the Capitalization policy be revised as follows: Capital Items: Furniture/Shelving: An item will be considered a capital item if it has a value of over $500 or an aggregate value of over $500, with all items to be purchased on the same invoice. Life Expectancy = ten years.
Technology: An item will be considered a capital item if it has a value of over $500 or an aggregate value of over $500, with all items to be purchased on the same invoice. Life Expectancy = three years. *Peripherals (such as monitors, keyboards, UPS’s) are not considered capital items and will be booked as operational, irrespective of an aggregate value of over $500.
We budget peripherals in operating, not capital. When several items are included on an invoice totaling $500 or over, this is automatically coded as Capital, whereas another invoice for the peripherals that does not equal $500 is coded to operations. It affects our budgeting as seen in the draft 2014 financials, where Technology Software/Hardware/Peripherals came in under budget and Capital was over budget in large part due to coding decisions.
RESOURCES REQUIRED: No additional resources are required. This change has been discussed with our city finance contact and she approved the wording of the revised policy.
SUMMARY: We are recommending this change to simplify budgeting and to capitalize items that are more aligned to amortization and a life expectancy of three years. Peripherals are lower cost items that do not need the same planning and higher budget as capital technology items.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES: Better budget alignment and clear guidelines for finance.
PREPARED BY: J. Jevne
DATE: February 17, 2015
Airdrie Public Library Airdrie Library Board
Board Report
MEETING DATE: Feb. 24th, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: 8.4
REASON FOR REPORT: to review the recent fine reduction initiative from November 13th to December 18th. Customers were given the opportunity to pay half their fines and then have the total eliminated. We had hoped to bring people back to the Library who were not using it due to blocks on their accounts due to fines. Additionally, we wanted to give regular customers a gift of starting the new year with no fines on their accounts. This initiative was combined with the Adopt Program.
From November 13- December 18, 2014 (5 weeks) Gate count: 15,096 Fine Money collected: $2,586 (includes lost/damaged) Amount Waived: $4,242
As a comparison: November 14 – December 19, 2013 Gate count: 13,135 Fine Money collected: $2,361 (includes lost/damaged) Amount Waived: $2,014
Goal Achieved: Gate count increased 1961 people over the same period in 2013. We waived $2228 more in fines.
PREPARED BY: J. Jevne DATE: Feb. 17, 2015