2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

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2012 John Cotton Dana

Library Public Relations Award

The John Cotton Dana Awards were presented June 24, 2012 at the

American Library Association Annual Conference in Anaheim, California

The John Cotton Dana Award is one of the most coveted and prestigious awards given by the American Library Association’s Library Leadership and Management

Association (LLAMA), the division that cuts across type-of-library lines to select libraries that have distinguished themselves by their public education and public relations efforts. The award is provided in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson

Foundation, the American Library Association and EBSCO Publishing. It honors outstanding library public relations, whether a summer reading program, a year-long centennial celebration, fundraising for a new college library, an awareness campaign or an innovative partnership in the community.

The Award, inaugurated in 1946, was named after John Cotton Dana (1856-1929), a librarian who began his career in Denver in 1889 and closed it in Newark, N.J., in 1929. In between he was one of the key figures in an era where progressive politics found willing innovators in progressive librarianship.

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Table of Contents

Award Photograph 4 Application 5 Announcements Announcement - American Library Association 18 Announcement - Sheila Hatchell 20 Articles

Minitex 22 TC Daily Planet and “Poking Around with Mary” 23 Mn Dept. of Transportation 24 AASHTO Journal 25 Construction Bulletin 26

Mn Association of Government Communicators 27 Congratulatory Email Organizations 28 Individuals 29

Compiled by Pamela Gonzalez MnDOT Library Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55155

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/library

January 2013

To request this document in an alternative format, please contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action Office at 651- 366-4723 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627- 3529 (Minnesota Relay). You may also send an e-mail to [email protected].

Photograph by MnDOT Photographer David R. Gonzalez

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Summary

In 2008, MnDOT Library was charged by upper management to promote library services and increase use of the library’s valuable resources and physical space.

Informed by feedback through focus groups and individual interviews, the new brand, “moving knowledge”, which accurately portrays the vision of this busy transportation research library, was created.

Updated marketing and communication materials portray a clear message about library staff, their services, and how they save customers’ time and money.

Innovative technologies such as Wi-Fi, e-Readers, and access to social media, complemented with a remodeled physical space, further enhance the customers’ experience.

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Needs Assessment & Planning

Community Profile: MnDOT Library is a technical library focused primarily on civil and transportation engineering with additional strengths in management, environment, computer software, leadership, and risk management. The library serves the staff of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota city and county engineers, consultants, students, University of Minnesota staff, and public citizens who need these unique resources. MnDOT Library has a strong national reputation for providing comprehensive research services and resources to transportation industry partners, as well as department employees. The mission of MnDOT Library is to advance knowledge with timely, direct, and cost-effective connections to the information systems users need to provide the highest-quality transportation systems.

Process: Library staff reductions in recent years had forced marketing efforts to be put on hold. Consequently, its marketing materials and the library itself had become unattractive. The Library Director, with the support of upper management, enlisted consultants to hold focus groups and conduct interviews of library staff and external customers. The participants made it very clear that MnDOT Library’s services and space were in need of some major changes to meet users’ 21st Century needs. Their feedback identified the need for improvements in three areas: developing a targeted marketing and communication plan, implementing a strategic redesign and remodel of the library’s physical space, and updating critical technology services and devices (implementing innovative technologies), including the library’s website. They further expressed an interest in the addition of “outreach services” (embedded librarianship), that would make the librarians more visible to other MnDOT offices.

To respond to the needs of its customers, the library staff decided they needed to develop and execute a new marketing campaign.

Objectives/Desired Results: The primary objectives of the “moving knowledge” campaign were to describe the library’s services and collections more clearly through updated marketing and communication materials, and to position the library for future outreach efforts. Other notable objectives were for the MnDOT Library to provide users and library staff with a sustainable, functional, and modern space, and to offer enhanced technologies and services.

The desired results of updating the library’s marketing materials and space were to increase library usage traffic, secure additional opportunities to attend and present at more outside events, and be more involved in office meetings. The library staff researched new and affordable technologies such as social media and Wi-Fi that could be offered as library services to MnDOT staff.

Budget: Library staff chose to hire consultants to facilitate the process in order to conserve staff time and benefit from professional expertise. The consultants would be responsible for all costs, including: acquiring supplies, creating deliverables, designing and printing materials, helping with the remodel, and organizing a post-campaign open house event.

Needs Assessment & Planning continued…

Having secured funding for the marketing and communication plan, library staff then developed a compelling and winning argument to justify the dollars needed to redesign and remodel the library’s physical space. Estimates were gathered by reviewing catalogs, meeting with vendors, and visiting and discussing other libraries’ successful projects to create a budget.

The library adopted a “remodeling by repurposing” philosophy to encourage sustainability. The budget included $59,995 for the marketing and communication campaign, $64,375 for remodeling the physical space, and $500 for the open house event, for a total of $124,370.

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Implementation & Creativity

Brand Development: The marketing and communication plan focused on establishing a consistent brand, a visual identity, and a clear messaging of the mission and vision for the library. Law Library Consultants, Inc., who subcontracted with Modern Design Group and Diane Foote Design Associates, were awarded the consultant contract.

Deliverables: A new library logo that ties in with the MnDOT agency logo, and a new tagline, (“moving knowledge”), which clearly conveys the purpose of a dynamic transportation research library, were used in branding the following:

• New Printed Materials – a banner, postcard, brochure, bookmark, business card, flyer, stationery, magnifier, notepad, posters and tabletop displays.

• New Digital Materials – a 3-minute video that explains the library’s resources and services, a new MS PowerPoint template, and a comprehensive website redesign. The new website has improved navigation, highlights key resources, incorporates the new brand identity, complies with new web standards (ADA), and is more user-friendly.

• Physical Space Remodel - made the space more inviting for users, more effective for staff, and more functional overall. MnDOT upper management directed MnDOT Library to keep sustainability in mind. More furniture was repurposed than purchased; study carrels were converted to group work tables, work chairs were recovered with contemporary fabric and casters were added for mobility. Comfortable high-back reading chairs and end tables were purchased. A new copy center/work area was created with a polished oak finish. Two service points, a circulation desk and a reference desk were consolidated into a single oak library service desk, making it clear where to go for assistance. A large display bookcase was purchased and an enclosed office was created for the Library Director by repurposing the former reference cubicle. Updated signage was added in the hallway, and the walls and pillars were painted. Transportation-themed photographs taken by MnDOT’s award-winning photographer were hung throughout the library. Plans were established for holding events in the library such as celebrations for National Library Week, and an agency-wide Commissioner’s Reading Corner book discussion group initiated by the library and supported by the Commissioner of Transportation and upper managers.

• Innovative Use of New Technologies - MnDOT's upper management charged the library staff to become leaders in emerging technologies within the organization. As part of the space redesign, two MnDOT network computers and Wi-Fi service (two public Wi-Fi computers, and wireless access and printing for mobile devices) were added. Popular social networking tools such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter were offered as a pilot, which led to the eventual

Implementation & Creativity continued…

• unblocking of these sites on MnDOT work computers. As a part of the social media access process, library staff were interviewed and participated in a risk assessment panel. A wiki of emerging technologies that could be useful for MnDOT staff was created and added to the library's website. Another innovation was the addition of an e-Reader lending program which has led to discussions with upper management about how the library can be involved in future uses of tablet devices (including iPads and eBooks) throughout the department.

Communication: The campaign was celebrated by a grand reopening event which was publicized in MnDOT’s newsletter, on an electronic message board, through email and discussion list announcements, and on large poster signage. In addition, postcards (3,000 total) were mailed to everyone in the transportation building and to individuals in MnDOT’s public partner organizations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The open house event, which included speeches by MnDOT’s Commissioner and upper managers, was broadcast via Adobe Connect to the outlying district offices.

The results of the campaign include a professional, contemporary brand and logo that more closely align the library to its parent organization. A complete set of marketing tools position the staff to promote library services at office meetings, conferences, and other opportunities as they arise. All of the new marketing materials integrate a consistent message, brand, and visual identity.

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Evaluation

MnDOT Library and its constituents have clearly benefited from the “moving knowledge” campaign. The combination of an improved look and layout of the library, the emphasis on innovative technology services, and the incorporation of a new brand identity has heightened the library's visibility, enhanced the quality of its services, and increased the number of users who benefit from the staff's efforts. The comprehensive approach to the campaign worked well in tying the marketing and communication plan, the remodel, and technology initiatives together. As a bonus, the library staff has been re-energized by this project.

Results Achieved: The success of the space redesign was immediately apparent by transforming the library from a traditional bland “government” look to a warm and inviting “corporate” look. This is demonstrated in the feedback that is often heard, “We now have a space that is equally representative of the excellence and expertise of our library staff” (MnDOT Research Director). MnDOT Library has increased visibility and library usage from users who had never before sought assistance, including new MnDOT users from districts and the metro area, as well as greater Minnesota. Meetings are held in the new collaborative spaces, giving the library a “social return-on-investment.” The target audience did not change but the customer base expanded. Staff have been embedded in more events, many of which were first-time events for library participation! They include:

• Internal presentations to various MnDOT offices and employees; • External presentations at the annual conferences of the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2011 Special Libraries Association, and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (city/county engineering staff); • Conference booths at MnDOT Metro District Employee Days, American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota, the Spring Maintenance Expo, and the Minnesota “Toward Zero Deaths” Conference; • Hosted a MnDOT diversity event, the monthly Commissioner’s Reading Corner, and the University of Minnesota’s Osher Lifelong Learner Institute. The library also offers monthly and walk-in tours.

Increased usage of the remodeled space was measured with a tally clicker. There is now an average of 22 people a day compared to two or less (undocumented) prior to the library redesign and marketing efforts. Attendance at the Grand Reopening Event was 370, a sizeable increase over the 2009 National Library Week open house, which had 240 attendees.

Awards: The “moving knowledge” campaign has already been recognized through the receipt of the following awards:

• Special Libraries Association - MN Chapter: Innovation in Action Award 2011 • Minnesota Association of Government Communicators: Northern Lights Award 2011

Evaluation continued…

Changes: In recent years, the library hosted no events and no outreach marketing had been done. The new campaign provided for a complete turnaround in these efforts. During the remodel, vendors were changed, (going from modular to wood furniture), and plans for new carpet and some furniture were canceled due to state contract limitations. During the process of redesigning the website, the original design was revised in order to comply with MnDOT standards and templates. An advantage of this change is that the website is now ADA-compliant.

Challenges: Getting funding for this project was a competitive process made all the more challenging during the current recession. This demonstrates management's support of the library and their belief that the campaign could help improve library services to better serve all MnDOT employees. Library staff and consultants executed the library development project within a constrained timeline, as the funding allocated for these projects needed to be spent by the end of 2010 and the remodel needed to be completed before the grand reopening event. Challenges related to vendor miscommunications led to last-minute delivery of and adjustments to erroneous and damaged new furniture just prior to and during the library’s grand reopening event! The remodel affected the daily work of all members of the library’s staff, who, throughout the campaign, maintained regular duties in providing high-quality services and materials to users. The increase in customers and requests was a challenge, at first, but was mitigated with the addition of a part-time library intern.

One temporary oversight, quickly resolved, was the need for media release forms and photo permissions for the video and website.

Lessons Learned: It is cliché, but one of the biggest things learned from this campaign is that if you build it, they will come! Other lessons learned were to use consultants whenever possible (depending on funding), print in smaller quantities (changes are inevitable), repurpose/reuse in-house resources, “think outside the box”, ask around and involve others, work from outlines but be flexible, and create a contingency spending plan to account for all potential budget variations.

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Supplemental Materials

Conference / Display Posters

Tabletop Poster Tabletop Poster Tabletop Poster

11 x 17 inches 11 x 17 inches 11 x 17 inches

Oversize Poster 1 Oversize Poster 2

23 x 48 inches 23 x 48 inches

Conference Banner - 3 x 6 feet

Supplemental Materials continued

Library New Technologies Marketing - Website, Wi-Fi, Video

Wi-Fi Table Tent Front Wi-Fi Table Tent Back Website Before 4 x 6 inches 4 x 6 inches Redesign Website After

Redesign

Promotional Video

moving knowledge: MnDOT Library John Cotton Dana Award Application

Supplemental Materials continued

Handouts - Brochures, Business Cards, Flyers, Bookmarks, Postcards, Magnifier, Sticky notes

Postcard Front Postcard Back

Tri-fold Brochure Front Tri-fold Brochure Back 4 x 6 inches 4 x 6 inches

8.5 x 11 inches 8.5 x 11 inches

One-page Flyer - 8.5 x 11 inches Bookmark Front Bookmark Back Library Letterhead 2.25 x 8.5 inches 2.25 x 8.5 inches 8.5 x 11 inches

Supplemental Materials continued

Handouts - Brochures, Business Cards, Flyers, Bookmarks, Postcards, Magnifier, Sticky notes

Business Card Reading Magnifier with Website 2 x 3.5 inches

2.25 x 3.25 inches Sticky Notepad with Website 3 x 4 inches

Library Space Redesign

Library before remodeling Library before remodeling Combined library service Library reading lounge

photo 1, photo 2, library service desk after remodeling. and Internet workstations

library service desk desk after remodeling

Supporting Materials

• Newsline Article - Library to celebrate grand reopening Dec. 15 • Newsline - Government communicators recognize MnDOT Library • 2011 MN SLA Innovation in Action Award • Copyright Permission

John Cotton Dana public relations awards announced

April 24, 2012

The 2012 John Cotton Dana public relations awards were announced by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA)

CHICAGO — Eight libraries were selected for the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award, which recognizes and honors outstanding achievement in library public relations. The John Cotton Dana (JCD) honor has been awarded continuously since 1946 and is sponsored by EBSCO, the H.W. Wilson Foundation and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). It is considered to be the most prestigious of all library awards in the field of public relations.

For 2012, the JCD Award was revamped to judge applications based on budget categories. The application process was also improved by using online submissions and the amount of the award was increased to $10,000. The number of submissions grew from an average of 36 submissions to 108 submissions this year.

“This was a very interesting year,” said JCD committee chair, Kim Terry. “The quality was outstanding, and because of the huge increase of entries, we had a really hard time narrowing down to only eight winners despite the fact that the number of awards available nearly doubled from previous years. We had a variety of libraries —academic libraries to special libraries to school libraries —apply with fantastic campaigns.”

Eight libraries were honored:

The Arlington (Texas) Public Library created “Become a Part of Our Story: Volunteer!” – built around clear, clever, creative job descriptions, turning each position into a character, such as “Book Doctor,” “Heritage Sleuth” and “Library Secret Shopper,” with a charming graphic design to reinforce the fresh approach. This campaign brought 365 volunteers to orientation sessions and increased volunteer hours 112 percent.

Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library rebranding campaign led up to the rebuilding of the main downtown library, which was devastated in the flood of 2008. The CRPL turned this tragedy into an opportunity, inviting the community to broaden its expectations of a great library and recognize the tremendous library experience available today. The campaign saw a 36 percent increase in library cards issued, a 54 percent increase in program participation and a 44 percent increase in unique website visitors.

Contra Costa (Calif.) Public Library’s “Snap & Go,” campaign used QR codes to deliver library materials and services to customers with mobile phones. Usage of the Library’s mobile site bumped up 11 percent during the first month of the campaign and awareness led to a sustained increase in usage of 16 percent.

John Cotton Dana public relations awards announced continued…

The Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill, Pa., for “Bee Local @ Fredricksen Library: A Honey and Local Foods Festival,” a unique and hugely successful program designed to create collaborative relationships with local organizations and to target marketing of the library and festival to non-users. The festival showcased the library as an inviting community center, increasing awareness of resources and collections.

King County (Wash.) Library System created “Take Time to READ,” a reading initiative and community relations campaign to focus attention on the value of reading for pleasure. The campaign was an outstanding success. Regional transit reached 95.6 percent saturation, Facebook advertising yielded more than 4 million impressions and KCLS social media buzz topped more than 550 public and patron Twitter posts about books and reading.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) created the “moving knowledge” campaign to convey updated space and resources and improve outreach efforts. The space redesign transformed the library from a “bland government” look to a warm and inviting environment. The eye-catching marketing campaign succeeded in bringing in new MnDOT users from throughout the state. The Grand Reopening Event drew 65 percent more attendees than the last Open House, and daily visits to the library increased 1000 percent.

The First Regional Library System’s Emily Jones Pointer Library in Como, Miss. became the place for regional blues music by enlisting community teens to record the true-life stories of local residents. Funded through a $15,000 LSTA grant, this small town built up their music resources for visiting tourists on the Mississippi Blues Trail while building community pride and partnerships.

Students and faculty at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah have gotten a clue about the library craft of information orienteering with “Get in the Game,” an interactive, multimedia experience that mixes classic games with modern trends, role-play with research, to make a visit to the library memorable meaningful, and fun. As an orientation to the library, the project reported a 90 percent success rate in increasing students’ comfort and confidence in visiting the library.

The John Cotton Dana Awards will be presented at a reception sponsored by EBSCO on Sun., June 24, 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. during the ALA Annual Conference.

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Library Director Sheila Hatchell’s Announcement

April 27, 2012

MnDOT Library learned this week that we have won an ALA 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award!!

From the ALA website: "One of the most prestigious awards given by the American Library Association (ALA) is the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award, honoring outstanding library public relations, which is provided by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA, a division of the American Library Association), in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation and EBSCO Publishing." The award is open to all types and sizes of libraries.

And from the official announcement:

"The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) created the “moving knowledge” campaign to convey updated space and resources and improve outreach efforts. The space redesign transformed the library from a “bland government” look to a warm and inviting environment. The eye-catching marketing campaign succeeded in bringing in new MnDOT users from throughout the state. The Grand Reopening Event drew 65 percent more attendees than the last Open House, and daily visits to the library increased 1000 percent."

A record 108 libraries applied for the award with eight winning libraries selected. The listing of winners from the past 10 years indicates that this award has been predominantly, if not exclusively, presented to public and academic libraries, so we are thrilled to be a "special library" recipient and even more pleased to be a transportation library winner.

Without the encouragement and backing of MnDOT Management including Commissioner Sorel, Bernie Arseneau, Nick Thompson, Jean Wallace, and Linda Taylor, this project simply would not have happened. Their belief that the campaign could help improve library services to better serve all MnDOT employees proved to be true, and we are forever grateful for their support!

The work leading up to applying for and winning an award of this magnitude is only possible with a dedicated and talented staff who are committed to excellence and working as a team. This group of extraordinary individuals includes Jim Byerly - Electronic Resources Librarian; Qin Tang - Technical Services Librarian; Karen Neinstadt - Reference and Outreach Librarian; Pam Gonzalez - Library Technician; Christie Schultz - Library Intern; and former Project Librarian - Anne Shelley.

Of equal importance and significance are our consultants: Law Library Consultants - Kathleen Bedor, President; Modern Design Group - Chris Foote, President; and Diane Foote Design Associates - Diane Foote, President.

Last, but not least, we would like to acknowledge any others who helped with this project along the way.

Jim created our application (a website), and Karen and I wrote the content with the rest of the staff proofreading and offering constructive suggestions for improvement. Our application may be viewed at: http://www.mtkn.org/JCDApp/

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Library Director Sheila Hatchell’s Announcement continued…

The official announcement is available at: http://www.llama.ala.org/llamaleads/?p=1222

This award follows the 2011 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Minnesota Chapter "Innovation in Action Award" http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/slamn/2011/11/2011mnslainnovationinactionaward.html presented to us last fall for the same project, and last year’s Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators http://magconline.org/PDF/2011awardwinners.pdf.

Thanks for allowing me to share - it's been a great week!

M i n i t e x REFERENCE NOTES

MnDOT Wins the ALA 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award! Congratulations to MnDOT!

This prestigious award is given by ALA for honoring outstanding library public relations and is provided by LLAMA (ALA’s Library Leadership and Management Association) in conjunction with H.W. Wilson Foundation and EBSCO Publishing.

From the official ALA announcement: “The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) created the “Moving Knowledge” campaign to convey updated space and resources and improve outreach efforts. The space redesign transformed the library from a “bland government” look to a warm and inviting environment. The eye-catching marketing campaign succeeded in bringing in new MnDOT users form throughout the state. The Grand Reopening Event drew 70 percent more attendees than the last Open House, and daily visits to the library increased 1000-fold (http://www.ala.org/news/pr?id=10208).”

Sheila Hatchell, Director, MnDOT Library writes,

A record 108 libraries applied for the award with eight winning libraries selected. The listing of winners from the past 10 years indicates that this award has been predominately, if not exclusively, presented to public and academic libraries, so we are thrilled to be a “special library” recipient and even more pleased to be a transportation library winner.

Without the encouragement and backing of MnDOT management including Commissioner Tom Sorel, Bernie Arseneau, Nick Thompson, Jean Wallace, and Linda Taylor, this project simply would not have happened. Their belief that the campaign could help improve library services to better serve all MnDOT employees proved to be true, and we are forever grateful for their support! The work leading up to applying for and winning an award of this magnitude is only possible with a dedicated and talented staff who are committed to excellence and working as a team. This group of extraordinary individuals includes Jim Byerly - Electronic Resources Librarian; Qin Tang - Technical Services Librarian; Karen Neinstadt - Reference and Outreach Librarian; Pam Gonzalez - Library Technician; Christie Schultz - Library Intern; and former Project Librarian - Anne Shelley. Of equal importance and significance are our consultants: Law Library Consultants - Kathleen Bedor, President; Modern Design Group - Chris Foote, President; and Diane Foote Design Associates - Diane Foote, President. We would also like to thank Suzanne Mahmoodi who first made us aware of this award when she came to our December 2010 Grand Reopening Event, along with Mary Treacy who also encouraged us to apply for the award. Last, but not least, we would like to acknowledge any others who helped with this project along the way.

This award follows the 2011 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Minnesota Chapter “Innovation in Action Award” http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/slamn/2011/11/2011mnslainnovationinactionaward.html presented to us last fall for the same project, and last year’s Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators http://magconline.org/PDF/2011awardwinners.pdf.

Reference Notes - April 2012

Poking Around with Mary (Mary Treacy, retired director of Metronet) Join me as I explore the Twin Cities in MN

Article sent to TC Daily Planet and posted to the blog - “Poking Around with Mary” - http://marytreacy.wordpress.com

April 29, 2012

Kudos to the MnDOT Library!

When Minnesotans think of transportation we are inclined to think about highways, bridge safety, LRT, buses, Lexus lanes and potholes. The work of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and its network of regional outlets is behind the scenes. And behind all that is the MnDOT library, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, a bustling hub of information housed at the MnDOT building near the Capitol – a mighty little library that opens the world of transportation-related data, research, digital archives, journals and more to hundreds of MnDOT employees who are working on a vast range of transportation issues – broadly defined to cover a multitude of topics.

The MnDOT Library is in the spotlight these days for an aggressive action campaign to showcase their resources and services. One of the most prestigious awards in the library world is the John Cotton Dana award – and the MnDOT Library is a 2012 winner! No small feat for a modest state agency library pitted again the super stars with gargantuan budgets and legions of professional PR staff.

The national award, to be conferred at the annual conference of the American Library Association, asserts that “the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) created the ‘moving knowledge’ campaign to convey updated space and resources and to improve outreach efforts. The space redesign transformed the library from a ‘bland government’ look to a warm and inviting environment.

Much of the work on the outreach campaign was conducted by consultant organizations including Law Library Consultants, Kathleen Bedor, President, and Modern Design Group, Chris Foote President and Diane Foote Design Associates.

This is not the first award for the redesigned MnDOT library. First, the library received an Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators. That started the ball rolling – the next award was the 2011 Innovation in Action award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Special Libraries Association.

Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55155 News Release

May 3, 2012 Contact: Nick Carpenter 651-366-4279 For Immediate Release

MnDOT Library wins national public relations award

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation Library recently received the 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award from the American Library Association.

The award is presented to libraries for outstanding achievement in public relations. It has been awarded continuously since 1946 and is considered to be the most prestigious of all library awards in the field of public relations.

MnDOT Library is a technical library focused primarily on civil and transportation engineering with additional strengths in management, environment, computer software, leadership and risk management. The library serves MnDOT staff as well as city and county engineers, consultants, students, University of Minnesota staff and the public who need these unique resources.

MnDOT received the honor for its creation of a “moving knowledge” campaign to convey updated library space and resources and improve outreach efforts.

“MnDOT is honored to receive this amazing award,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “As we continue toward our goal of becoming a transportation leader and employer of choice that delivers value to the public, it is essential that our employees and other transportation stakeholders know about the resources available to them to bring us closer to that goal. The MnDOT Library is one of those resources.”

A complete space redesign transformed the department’s basic government library into a warm and inviting environment.

“The marketing campaign was a huge success that has brought in new library users from all around the state,” Sorel said

MnDOT was one of eight libraries out of a record 108 contenders that received 2012 John Cotton Dana Awards, an honor that has predominantly been awarded to public and academic libraries in years past.

The John Cotton Dana Awards will be presented June 24 at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

For more information about MnDOT Library, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/library/index.html.

May 11, 2012

Minnesota DOT Wins Library Award

Minnesota Department of Transportation's Library was named the recipient of a prestigious award from the American Library Association last Thursday.

The John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award is given to libraries for outstanding achievement in public relations and has been awarded annually since 1946. MnDOT's library was awarded the honor this year for its "moving knowledge" campaign that educated the public on the updated library space and resources to improve its outreach efforts. The space redesign changed MnDOT's basic government library into a more inviting area for the engineers, consultants, students, University of Minnesota staff, and the general public.

"MnDOT is honored to receive this amazing award," said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel in a statement. "As we continue toward our goal of becoming a transportation leader and employer of choice that delivers value to the public, it is essential that our employees and other transportation stakeholders know about the resources available to them to bring us closer to that goal. The MnDOT Library is one of those resources."

MnDOT will formally receive the award at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., on June 24. Additional information on MnDOT's library is available at bit.ly/MnDOTlibrary.

Questions regarding this article may be directed to [email protected].

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ziegler CAT expands Volvo U.S. headquarters Hills Bakken Conference introduced Minneapolis-based Ziegler CAT is Volvo Construction Equipment 150 South Dakota business and gov expanding its facility in Sioux City, broke ground in early May in ernment leaders to take advantage Iowa, to continue its service to the Shippensburg, Pa., for its new U.S. of opportunities when oil compa- construction and agricultural mar- headquarters office, customer cen- nies move in and need a variety of kets. Additions to shop space and ter, and expanded manufacturing services. North Dakota's former warehouse space Will add another facilities. New L60G, L70G and commerce commissioner told the 24,000 square feet for a total 54,000 L90G wheel loaders will be the first audience that oil companies will be square feet of space to serve a grow- machines built with larger models gin moving to South Dakota as soon ing market. CEO William Hoeft of loaders, excavators and articu- as the first well is drilled. said the expansion would provide lated hauler product lines planned Northwestern South Dakota lies improved services in new and used for future manufacturing. The within the Williston Basin where equipment, parts, rental tools and new headquarters building will be oil production has generated mil technology support for customers in 36,000 square feet, two floors, with lions in revenue for North Dakota. western Iowa. The company plans an enclosed bridge that connects Officials speculate that oil reserves to hire up to 20 people in the next the new building and existing facil are under that part of South Dakota few years. Ziegler sells and services ities. Volvo will invest in LEED sil with some oil companies buying the full line of Caterpillar construc ver certification for the new build- oil and gas leases to begin drilling. tion equipment. ing as it recently received similar Some South Dakota lawmakers will certification for its 2010 expansion visit Williston for a first-hand look Vikings Stadium reality in the manufacturing space. The at how to prepare for the influx of After 10 years, the Vikings Stadium $100 million project is expected to people. bill passed the Minnesota Legislature open in 2013. and goes to the governor for his Williston developments signature. The Vikings have agreed Library receives award Groundbreaking on May 10 in to contribute another $50 million and The Minnesota Department of Williston, N.D., will prepare for some user fees to the $975 million Transportation library received construction of Sand Creek Town cost. Backup revenue sources include the 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Center, which will include thou a 10-percent admissions tax on public relations award from the sands of square feet for retail and stadium luxury seats and a sports American Library Association. The restaurant space, two motels, and themed lottery game estimated to Association honored MnDOT li a convention center. Granite Peak produce at least $2.1million. The brary's public relations campaign Development LLC, Casper, Wyo., next step is to have the Minneapolis of moving knowledge to convey will develop the 100-acre site as a City Council approve the plan and updated library space and resources phase I project to provide a major funding at its next meeting. Plans and improve outreach effort. retail center in Williston. Williston call for a domed roof with a retract Of the 108 that applied, the li officials are proceeding with plans able roof as an option on the current brary was one of eight to receive the to annex this property and to pro site of the stadium. A five-person award. MnDOT’s library is a tech vide city water and sewer to the governing board will be selected to nical library focused primarily on development. In 2011, Granite Peak work with the team on every phase civil and transportation engineering broke ground on a 280-acre subdivi of the project from selecting an with additional strengths in man sion to provide 2,300 housing units, architect and construction manager, agement, environment, computer business spaces, schools, a public where the stadium will be located, software, leadership and risk man park, and an outdoor trail system. environmental impact studies, to de- agement. The award will be present tails of the 33-acre site. Construction ed at the 2012 ALA annual confer Hospital renovations will begin in 2013 with the stadium ence on June 24 in Anaheim, Calif. RJM Construction, St. Louis to open in 2016. The Vikings have Park, Minn., began renovations signed a lease with the University Oil boom heads south at Mercy Health ·Care Center, a of Minnesota to play at TCF Bank North Dakota's oil boom is prepar 100,000-squaie-foot medical office Stadium beginning in 2014. ing to go to South Dakota. A Black building for Allina's Mercy Hospital

4 CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN / May 21, 2012

Minnesota Association of Government Communicators E-Newsletter

May 21, 2012

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to the Minnesota Department of Transportation Library on being honored with an American Library Association (ALA) 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award.

From ALA’s website: "One of the most prestigious awards given by the American Library Association (ALA) is the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award, honoring outstanding library public relations, which is provided by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA, a division of the American Library Association), in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation and EBSCO Publishing." The award is open to all types and sizes of libraries.

MnDOT’s application may be viewed at: http://www.mtkn.org/JCDApp/ and the official announcement is available at: http://www.llama.ala.org/llamaleads/?p=1222

This award follows the 2011 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Minnesota Chapter "Innovation in Action Award" http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/slamn/2011/11/2011mnslainnovationinactionaward.html presented last fall and an Award of Merit from MAGC’s 2011 Northern Lights Contest http://magconline.org/PDF/2011awardwinners.pdf.

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Congratulatory Email

From Organizations:

Kimberly Terry, Chair, LLAMA-PRMS John Cotton Dana, Library Public Relations Award Committee, American Library Association Congratulations! Your library has been selected as a winner in the 65th Annual John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Awards Contest.

The judges were delighted that more than 108 entries were submitted for these prestigious annual awards, presented continuously since 1946. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in the promotion of library services. Your winning entry helps to set the standard for excellence in library public relations.

This internationally recognized competition is jointly sponsored by EBSCO, the H. W. Wilson Foundation, and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). A panel of judges from the LLAMA Public Relations and Marketing Section (PRMS) spent several days of careful deliberation before selecting the winners.

Your award will be presented at a formal ceremony in June hosted by EBSCO and the H. W. Wilson Foundation during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim. An invitation to that event will be forthcoming.

We realize that successful public relations programs rely on a team effort. Therefore, we hope that you and the one or two colleagues most responsible for this winning entry will be able to participate in the annual awards ceremony.

A list of this year's winning entries will soon be available on the LLAMA web site at http://www.ala.org/llama.

The entire committee joins me in applauding your winning entry. We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim.

Karen Perrin, M.S. in LIS, Technical Reference Librarian, Policy and Research Center, Illinois Department of Transportation for the Midwest Transportation Knowledge Network … please help me in congratulating Minnesota DOT Library on their recent ALA 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award ... On behalf of MTKN, we are proud of this accomplishment and honored to have you as part of our group.

Jean Wallace, Director, Policy Analysis, Research & Innovation Office, Minnesota Department of Transportation In case you haven’t heard cheers resonating from the MnDOT library, I’m very proud and excited to forward the following announcement from Sheila Hatchell! This is a very prestigious honor for MnDOT’s library, and as Sheila has noted in her announcement below, the initiation of this effort relied on the support of MnDOT’s leadership – thank you for creating the vision for a world-class library! Nick, Linda and Sheila and the ever-fantastic library staff made the vision a reality through the implementation of the remodeling effort and the public relations campaign. Their collaboration with Kathleen Bedor, Chris Foote and Diane Foote led to an outstanding environment that supports MnDOT as a hub in building, maintaining and collaborating professional knowledge. Congratulations, Sheila, Jim, Qin, Pam, Karen, and Christie! Well-deserved!

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Congratulatory Email From Individuals:

Adam Marsnik, Library Faculty, Normandale Community College Library WOW. Congratulations. Be justly proud.

Betty Ambler, Librarian, ConnDOT Library MnDOT Library is always an outstanding library. I am glad it is now publicly recognized. Congratulations! When will you give a presentation? I would like to learn more details. Thank you for all your effort.

Anita Anderson, Librarian, MN Attorney General Library Congratulations!! What a great honor - you guys do such great work.

Andi Markley, Library Manager, Puget Sound Regional Council That's fantastic news, Sheila! Very inspiring, as we look to do some remodeling ourselves.

Anne Levin, Central Collections Services, Minnesota Historical Society What excellent news -- congrats to you, Karen and all the DOT library staff! I remember seeing the renovated space when I met you for lunch a while back. It's great to see you're promoting the library and your resources so thoroughly -- the video is really nice!

Anne Mackereth, MA, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor, Greenawalt Library, Northwestern Health Sciences University Whoo hoo! Congratulations to you and your staff on this award - it's quite impressive

Anne Shelley, Music and Multimedia Services Librarian, Milner Library, Illinois State University Oh, my goodness... this is fantastic! Congrats to you all, and to Law Library Consultants!

Andrea Avni, MLS, Library & Information Center, Sound Transit Wow -- The ‘moving knowledge’ promotional materials are super and the remodel is so welcoming and professional! Congratulations on the John Cotton Dana Award and for serving as an inspiration.

Betsy Aldridge, Senior Research Specialist / Library Team Lead, PACCAR Technical Library Transportation Libraries RULE! Bravissimo!!

Robert Bothmann, Metadata & Emerging Technologies Librarian, Associate Professor, Library Services Minnesota State University Yay Sheila! Congratulations!!

Alexandra Briseno, MDOT Librarian, Research Administration, Bureau of Field Services, Michigan Department of Transportation Congrats! You guys do have a great library!

John Cherney, Librarian, Research & Library, Wisconsin Department of Transportation That is fantastic Sheila! Very impressive and well-deserved .. and great that a transportation library can reach the peak like the rest of them. Congrats to you and your entire team!

Dennis Meissner, Head of Collections Management, Minnesota Historical Society Congratulations, Sheila! This is great.

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Stephen F. Elfstrand, PALS Executive Director, Mankato State University Wow take a look at this video that helped MnDOT Library win this prestigious award. Congratulations Sheila and the staff at MnDOT Library!

Jessica Fomalont, Librarian, Transportation Research Board Library Congratulations to you and your staff!

Jeanne Iverson, Librarian (retired), Perpich Center for Arts Education Library Congratulations to all of you at MnDOT!!!

Jerry Baldwin, Librarian (retired), MnDOT Library Congrats to Sheila and the rest of the crew! She's probably to modest to note this but Mn/DOT Library is the first gov't agency library to win this award since 2005 and one of only a handful of special libraries to ever win it.

Karen Harwood, Head of Technical Services (retired) University of St. Catherine CONGRATULATIONS! So pleased to learn that you and the DOT Library have won a John Cotton Dana Award. Having worked for the State at one point I know what a significant amount of imagination, perseverance and talent it takes to accomplish change in that setting. Best wishes for future successes.

Laura Whayne, Librarian, Technology Transfer Program, Kentucky Transportation Center, University of Kentucky Congratulations! This is quite an honor and well deserved.

Mary Parker, Associate Director, Minitex, Andersen Library, University of Minnesota Congratulations on your well deserved honor, Sheila (and staff)! You add luster to the state of Minnesota and libraries!

Mary Treacy, Independent Consultant, one time librarian and former executive director of the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information I am thrilled to learn of your JCD award. I wish I could say I had helped even a little… The award is much deserved and you and your whole team need to take a much-deserved bow! We are proud of you and of all the good work you are doing…!

A.J. Million, Librarian, MoDOT Transportation Library While the Minnesotans I know are stereotypically modest, this is quite an honor! Congratulations!

Jane Minotti, Sr. Librarian, NYSDOT Library, NYS Department of Transportation It is wonderful to receive this recognition! Congratulations to all of you on a fantastic job!

Karen Perrin, M.S. in LIS, Technical Reference Librarian, Policy and Research Center, Illinois Department of Transportation Wow, congratulations! And a well-deserved recognition. Hope you will be celebrating this.

Nicole Peterson, P.E., Research Management Engineer, MnDOT Research Services Congratulations!!!!!!

Linda Richter, PALS, A Program of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Congratulations! Very impressive recognition – you should be very proud!

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Roberto A. Sarmiento, Head, Transportation Library, Northwestern University This is outstanding! What a wonderful thing for you and your team. A hearty hug and congratulations. Demonstrating value!

Dennis P. Skrade, Head of Technical Services, Minnesota State Law Library Congratulations!!! You do an excellent job.

Brooke Roegge, Digital Information Specialist, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development I agree! Congrats to you and the entire MnDOT team!

Sandra Tucker, Associate Professor, Head of Science and Engineering Services, Head of Liaison Services, Texas A&M University; Committee on Library and Information Science for Transportation, TRB Congratulations to you and your team! The John Cotton Dana Award is a big deal and a wonderful recognition for your library.

Ann Schroder, Librarian, Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Congratulations, Sheila! Thanks for hosting the program last Thursday. It was great to see your library and to see you.

Susan Dowd, Capital Campaign Coordinator, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library … sent me an e-mail with a link to your cool video, and I got copied on a MELSA e-mail about the John Cotton Dana Award winners. HUGE congratulations to you!! It was engaging, informative, and portrayed the library as both comprehensive and accessible. All that and e-readers too!

Sue Zuriff, Minitex, University of Minnesota How very nice to hear from you and to hear about your library award--quite an accomplishment!

Penny S. Sympson, MLIS, Corporate Librarian and Administrative Senior Associate, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Engineers | Architects | Materials Scientists, Northbrook, Illinois This is FANTASTIC and well deserved! Congrats!

Lamara Williams, Research Librarian, North Carolina Department of Transportation Excellent!! Congrats!

Dan McDowell, MnDOT Public Affairs CONGRATULATIONS on the outstanding award recognizing your excellence and innovations!!! You all work very hard for all of us and I am particularly happy that you have received this tremendous recognition and well deserved honour. Thanks for ALL you do. YOU are ALL greatly appreciated. Without you, some of us would still be stuck in the Dewey Decimal System! You rock!

Tracey Baker, Head of Reference, Minnesota Historical Society Congratulations! You deserve it!

Mary Wittenbreer MLIS, MALS, Head Librarian, Regions Hospital What a great honor.

MnDOT Library 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

Betsy Haugen, Reference Librarian, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library Huge congratulations to you and all DOT Library folks on your award ! Couldn't have gone to a nicer group. Hope they give you a big trophy or something we can come view.

Kathy Szolomayer, WSDOT Librarian, Washington State Dept. of Transportation Congratulations to you and your staff for this wonderful PR award! Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing . . .

Cecelia N. Boone, Assitant to the Director, Minitex, University of Minnesota Congratulations! This is a big deal!

Kathleen Drozd, Assistant Director, Minitex, University of Minnesota Congratulations!!! very nice!

Ms. Kevyn A. Barnes, Library Cataloger/Web Author, Center for Transportation Research Library, The University of Texas at Austin – Cockrell School of Engineering Congratulations to all at MnDOT Library! This is an inspiration and I second Betty Ambler's request for a presentation about the project… I'm looking forward to reviewing the website for ideas that can inspire our next project.

C.D. van den Braak, Senior Librarian / Information Specialist, SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research, The Hague Area, Netherlands Congratulations! And well deserved

Maggie Sacco, CEO, Library Consultant, HS InFocus LLC, Buffalo/Niagara, New York Spectacular achievement Sheila, Jim, Karen, et al! I am so thrilled for you and your staff! Well done! Would you send me a picture(s) of your library that I can share on our web site?

Lisa Zwickey, Senior Research Analyst, Research & Technical Library, J. J. Keller & Associates Congratulations on your organization’s John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award! When I read that “daily visits to the library increased 1000 percent,” I was very impressed. That’s quite an accomplishment! Again, congratulations!

Bob Cullen, Information Resource Manager, AASHTO Congratulations, Sheila! A well-deserved honor for all of you.

Laila Zvejnieks, MTO Reference Librarian, H.G. Thode Library, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Congratulations! It's wonderful to see a transportation library honored!

Kenneth A Winter, Librarian Specialist III, The Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research What fantastic news and well deserved recognition for your staff's excellent work and your fine leadership. Congrats!

Sabina D. Tannenbaum, Librarian, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), U.S. Department of Transportation Congratulations one and all! Hooray for Transportation libraries!