PROGRAM: Administration

SERVICE PROVIDED

The Administration Program provides a sound management infrastructure for all LTLS programs and activities by assuring that necessary financial and human resources are made available to accomplish the goals of the LTLS Strategic Plan.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Member libraries are faced with declining revenues and express continued need for system-supported collaborative projects to help stretch declining dollars. All members express continued support for LTLS and understand the need for increased funding for systems to allow the continued coordination of cooperative library and information services and advocate for library service on a broad scale.

Member agencies provide input to LTLS regarding new services and policies. Electronic content, joint purchasing, increased advocacy, filtering, patron confidentiality, and the OCLC group service plan are service areas that have emerged in the past few years. These services raise many issues that libraries are addressing more and more.

PROGRAM: Automation/Technology

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS manages the LLSAP, LINC, which provides access to over 700,000 titles, 2 million items, and 225,000 patrons. Through LINC, citizens are able to locate books, magazines, DVDs, videos, sound recordings, e-books, and other resources in over 90 LTLS member libraries. The service empowers library users by allowing them to directly place holds on items owned by other libraries, self-renew items, and request items for delivery to their own or another library.

The LINC catalog is both a web-based catalog for patrons as well as providing acquisitions, circulation, statistical information, resource-sharing, community resources, homebound, inventory, serials control and reserve room modules for the member agencies of LINC and their users. All access to LINC is via the web, utilizing the Illinois Century Network connection through LTLS.

Several LTLS libraries utilize the LTnet Email Service through Web Mail rather than having a local email server. This service continues to be free for those who need and desire the service. Finally, the LTLS web site is a primary method for communicating with members and the public. This service program continues to be a primary communication and marketing tool for LTLS and the member libraries.

LTLS provides a System Status alert service that monitors the status of various LTLS electronic and web-based services. System Status is available as a weblog and also via email. An extensive web page is also available for the LINC libraries, giving access to documentation, faqπs, forms, a biweekly e-newsletter, meeting information, and policies of the LINC libraries.

LTLS staff consults significantly in the area of library automation and technology planning options for libraries and agencies of all types and sizes in the System.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Many LTLS member libraries that are not LINC members are interested in participating in the online, shared LINC system. However, the lack of grant funds to bring in new members is slowing the LLSAP growth significantly. During FY2005, 4 libraries decided to join LINC without grant support; however, this is not the norm and we know that membership in the LTLS LLSAP could be increased more rapidly with grant support for start-up costs. LTLS currently has a ≥waiting list≤ of 5 libraries likely to join if grant funds are available.

Security issues related to operating online systems continue to be a concern. It is essential that data in online systems be kept secure and confidential. However, as libraries need to provide open access to the wealth of data needed by citizens, the challenge for LTLS staff is to achieve a balance between access and security concerns.

Another trend is the development of an individualized catalog view for each patron. Libraries are familiar with customized services such as My Yahoo! that present personalized information to the repeat user; the library catalog is moving in this same direction. This is a challenge as confidentiality and maintaining information on previous transactions of a customer is in direct opposition to the values of libraries, but is more and more expected by the consumer.

Another trend is the incorporation of digitized content in the catalog. Traditionally a resource for bibliographic information, online catalogs now include links to web sites, digitized images, e-books, downloadable audio files, and streaming video, either in support of bibliographic information or as separate resources. The integration of these formats is a constantly-changing challenge as formats develop, upgrade, and become more user-friendly.

In addition the LINC catalog needs to include resources from other non-traditional library resources in order to meet the patronsπ ≥one-stop shopping≤ needs. Among these important resources are databases and archival repositories from museums, archives, and other information providers.

Another important trend for libraries is the consistent use of search engines other than the online catalogs to find resources. It has been said by some library directors that the ≥library online catalog≤ is a libraryπs most under utilized resource. An opportunity to be sure that the libraries are in the mainstream of getting patrons to use the catalog is participation in the OCLC Open WorldCat Project. This exciting project integrates library resources into both Google and Yahoo Search results enabling users to discover library resources in innovative new ways. This trend is one that LTLS will be monitoring as we continue our work with member libraries.

During FY2006, the LINC member libraries will implement a software upgrade to both the staff interface and the online Web catalog. As a large multitype consortia, we also plan to be a beta test site for the next major upgrade of the automation software.

RFID technology and self-checkout systems continue to be a trend for libraries. RFID, if implemented by only one library, presents numerous challenges to the consortia as we examine ways to integrate new technology with old.

PROGRAM: Bibliographic Access

SERVICE PROVIDED

The Cataloging Center is a cooperative project to create high-quality descriptions of library materials including standardized forms of names and subjects for the shared online catalog. This increases the success rate for locating items in the LINC catalog. Through this service LTLS provides an OCLC MARC Cataloging service to assure that all items added to LINC are in MARC and in accordance with the LINC Policy Council cataloging standards and national standards. The Cataloging Center will work with libraries to implement the new OCLC Illinois Group Services.

During FY 2006 LTLS personnel will be encouraging non-OCLC members to participate in the OLCC Illinois Group Catalog Service. In order to assist libraries in participating in this service, LTLS will expand the role of the Cataloging Center. The Center, which currently supports only LINC libraries, will be expanded to provide services to LTLS member libraries who want to use services such as Prompt Cat and CatExpress but do not have the means to do copy cataloging for items where cataloging is not available through these services or to do original cataloging. Prior to implementing an expanded service LTLS will work with LINC libraries to take advantage of all the service offerings and explore the need for expanded services by the non-LINC members.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

More and more members of all sizes and types are seeking to join a shared online catalog system, requiring professional cataloging knowledge. Authority control upgrades, expanded serials control access, and increased automated acquisitions services are desirable to members. Patron access to items owned by all libraries in the consortia is the ultimate goal of the libraries in the LINC consortia. To accomplish this, the continuation of quality cataloging, authority control, and the expansion of the bibliographic database beyond the traditional formats are needed.

Digitization of our librariesπ unique resources continues to be a trend and bibliographic access will be part of the FY2006 priorities, with access available from both LINC and web pages.

The MARC format continues to serve as the standard for bibliographic records for most libraries. However, other standards such as Dublin Core and XML are being presented as possible successors of MARC. LTLS will continue to examine and explore these developing metadata standards in anticipation of applying them to LINC when appropriate.

In FY2005, LTLS initiated a consortial-wide PromptCat service. Initially done with one vendor, we will continue to expand this to include other vendors. This new reality challenges us to adapt our services to maintain our commitment to high quality.

PROGRAM: Communications & Marketing

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS provides a bi-monthly newsletter, Connections, a weekly electronic publication, Quick Connections, a Web site, legislative, and other communications to members, trustees, and the general public free of charge via print, web, fax, e-mail, and other means.

The LTLS web site, with the current theme of ≥Explore the World of Library Innovation and Cooperation with a Few Simple Clicks≤ will be re-invented in FY 2006. During the year the web site will be expanded from a ≥read-only≤ site to an interactive community forum of librarians and trustees. LTLS will also introduce local community forums in topic areas of interest to LTLS area librarians. An electronic publication targeted specifically to trustees will be implemented in FY2006. This will be distributed as items of interest are compiled. It is anticipated that a minimum of 3 issues will be distributed.

LTLS also actively reaches out to the general public and community agencies and businesses by producing frequent press releases, participating in exhibits and media events, and having representation on community information planning teams. Examples include career fair participation, co-sponsorship of the ≥Bookmarket at the Square≤ reading awareness event and ≥I Am An American≤ community diversity forums. The ≥Bookmarket at the Square≤ event was a major success and a repeat of this event is planned for August 2005, marking the first such initiative sponsored by area libraries.

LTLS maintains a web site, which provides access to LINC (the LTLS shared automation database) and selected library-related Internet resources. In addition LTLS hosts the Illinois Library Systems web site (www.illinoislibrarysystems.info) and the ≥My Librarian≤ web site (www.mylibrarian.info). LTLS utilizes e-mail to disseminate communications to library staff members. The LTLS web site provides links to member library and library association web pages, offers means of registering for CE events online and communicating with System staff, includes legislative news, and presents System policies, training manuals and agendas online. Members may submit their Annual Profile Summary online, and monitor the status of LTLS online services through a system blog and email list.

Emerging TRENDS and priorities among members

Member libraries have indicated that advocacy for libraries and support for libraries and systems, broader public relations about library information services and intellectual freedom, and expanded interagency and library/community communications are essential priorities for local libraries and the System.

Member libraries are using electronic means of communication with the System and with others more and more--mounting documents and reports and information of all sorts on local library web pages (which in turn are highlighted on the LTLS web site), communicating with users more electronically, etc.

The System, as part of a concerted effort to support the need for broader citizen awareness of and advocacy for library information service, will continue to reach out through the LTLS web site, a newsletter aimed at the business community, System information exhibits, and local media opportunities.

The ALA ≥@ your library≤ campaign continues to help libraries become more visible to the publics they serve. In the past 2 years emphasis has been on campaigns for Academic and School libraries. In Illinois we are concerned that citizens do not understand the difference between ≥types of libraries≤ – they just want service. Illinois libraries have been leaders in helping get information and resources to the citizens seamlessly through the network of libraries facilitated by library systems and supported by the state library. However, it is important to let the citizens know about the services. Libraries in Illinois continue to use the themes created with an LSTA grant of FY 2003 to promote partnerships and collaboration. In 2004-5 the themes were expanded with the addition of several new pieces in response to librarian feedback. The new pieces include a bookmark with customizable back to allow more flexibility to add local content, and a customizable candy wrapper format for creating branded wrappers for small and large candy bars. The Project 12 themes are as follows:

v Powerful friends @ yourlibrary

v Stuff on demand @ yourlibrary

v Data heaven @ yourlibrary

v Ask a guru @ yourlibrary

PROGRAM: Consulting

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS consultants provide professional advice on a variety of library operational issues to the staff and governing authorities of full and developmental member libraries on both an individual and group basis. Consulting is provided through on-site visits, governing board visits, telephone contact, electronic mail, and information meetings.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Member libraries continue to seek consulting services for staff at all levels and for governing authorities. The most current issues include US Patriot Act, intellectual freedom, licensing electronic resources, personnel, Internet access policies and filtering as well as general policy development. There are many traditional consulting topics such as governance, budgeting, taxation, and legal issues; collection development; information access skills; bibliographic instruction for patrons, technology/access; library information service advocacy and outreach to the general public; policy and strategic planning within the library organization and as part of larger organizations or cooperative groups; grant writing and grant and project management skills consulting.

The trends regarding diminishing funding for libraries present opportunities for the consulting team to work with policy makers in libraries of all types to preserve the integrity of library service while looking at alternate solutions to provide the service besides the traditional library. Funding is a key element; however, another element is the turnover-rate of library personnel in special, school, and small public libraries. This has been identified by the LTLS Membership Committee as a serious issue that needs to be addressed through consulting with members at both the professional staff level and the policy level of the board.

Increasingly, LTLS consultants are being called upon to assist libraries in understanding, planning and reacting to a variety of internet security issues including network security, bandwidth utilization, virus protection and spam reduction.

LTLS consultants will continue to investigate new methods for offering consulting services such as regional meetings, online chat sessions, and the use of online meeting room services.

PROGRAM: Continuing Education

SERVICE PROVIDED

Lincoln Trail Libraries System is responsible for coordinating a complete continuing education program in accordance with Illinois State Libraryπs Standards for the Services of Illinois Multitype Library Systems. The continuing education program ensures that the needs of members are assessed annually, that adequate space and equipment are available to support program, that there is an online calendar of events, and that the system provides a minimum of 50 contact hours of continuing education for staff and governing officials of member libraries. LTLS supports an extensive general continuing education program on a variety of management and operational topics and coordinates an extensive training program for LINC, FirstSearch, OCLC Interlibrary Loan and other library services. The System also provides continuing education for public library trustees and co-sponsors events with other educational and service agencies and organizations in the region and statewide. Formats include hands-on classes, satellite and video-conferencing, speaker programs, special exhibits and demonstrations, web-based training using LibraryU, and series as well as one-time events.

In the last 2 years LTLS staff have developed a portfolio of education programs that can be provided to members who desire an in-service training program for staff. A couple of these programs are FISH Philosophy of Customer Service and Meeting Management. During FY 2006 LTLS will be adding to this portfolio of programs so that we are able to meet a variety of educational and training needs.

emerging TRENDS and priorities among members

An emerging trend is an interest in distance education options, which staff are just beginning to see in member feedback. Library staff are being asked to do more without increase in staff and are finding it harder to attend the range of educational opportunities available locally, regionally, at the system, state-wide, and nationally. Member libraries (and their governing agencies or parent institutions) and affiliate agencies continue to be extremely supportive of quality technical and information access training provided by the System. In addition, member libraries frequently request basic training for non-professional or new library directors, training/trend updates for public library trustees in the area of library law and finance, and grant application and fiscal development topics. While there is high interest/need for ongoing management, advocacy, technical, and public service training, member library staff members do not seem to be able to attend many offsite events and are reluctant to pay any participation fees.

PROGRAM: Cooperative Purchase

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS offers cooperative purchase of automation supplies and equipment, on a cost-recovery basis for its member libraries. The System negotiates special discounts from library vendors, barcode vendors, paper suppliers, book publishers, and others and member libraries order directly from the vendors.

During FY 2006 LTLS will explore partnerships with other agencies to determine if that is a more cost effective means of assisting libraries to acquire electronic resources. LTLS encourages the use of E-Rich for those resources that are available. However, there are other resources that libraries are interested in. This service area will be thoroughly explored as we work on a new strategic plan.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Member libraries continue to indicate the importance of pre-negotiated vendor discounts as well as continued interest in LINC cooperative purchasing of equipment and supplies. There is an increasing interest in cooperative site license agreement planning for electronic reference sources and for cooperative electronic e-books and other collection development projects. The ability to afford many resources without a larger purchasing unit is beyond most LTLS members. Vendors are moving toward working in a multitype environment, which will be a positive development affecting our ability to negotiate on behalf of member libraries.

PROGRAM: Delivery

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS continues to provide full delivery service to all full member agencies. The distribution of books, periodicals, DVDs and other materials among LTLS and Illinois libraries via the LTLS delivery vans has been configured with service to all full member libraries from a minimum of 2 days a week to a maximum of 5 days per week. Frequency of delivery is based upon volume of resource-sharing material received or loaned by each library. LTLS keeps a daily record of all delivery volume so that we have a clear picture of the traffic. Libraries with the highest volulme receive 5-day-a-week delivery; 4-day-a-week delivery is assured to the next group of libraries, and so on with 3 day, 2 day and on-call. We utilize the most efficient delivery routes and pickup locations as possible to maximize the workflow and provide for the quickest receipt and return of materials. LTLS also evaluates the resource-sharing volume statistics semi-annually and adjusts the delivery patterns accordingly. Should LTLS receive any sustainable income in the future, delivery will be the highest priority for service enhancement. LTLS staff is continuing to monitor volume and to explore alternatives for this service.

Developmental members are not eligible for van delivery but receive frequent mailings and electronic communications. .

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Delivery is a high profile, highly-valued service and one whose activity continues to increase. LTLS had a huge increase in delivery volume when we instituted patron-initiated ILL in the early 90πs. The volume has been on a steady rise and we anticipate that growth to continue. It is growing even though more and more resources are available electronically – the residents still want to borrow resources from libraries. LTLS has worked to streamline delivery by eliminating all but a very limited amount of paper delivery. All communication is conducted via electronic means. Even with those efforts, for the first 10 months of FY2005, in-system materials delivery increased by 9% while ILDS delivery of materials increased by 37%. These increases put a strain on a delivery system that is seeing increased demand without a concurrent increase in funding.

PROGRAM: Interlibrary Loan

SERVICE PROVIDED

LTLS maintains the LINC shared online catalog and provides web-based access to its members and the public. The LINC software supports patron-initiated interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing among LINC libraries. LINC is the primary source for interlibrary borrowing activities for all libraries except the libraries that are members of ILCSO. ILLINET Online is another source of interlibrary loan transactions. During FY 2006 LTLS expects to see continued increase in OCLC ILL as part of the Illinois Group Services initiative. LTLS promotes and encourages libraries to allow patrons to initiate ILL transactions via OCLC and utilize this great customer service feature to support library service.

EMERGING TRENDS and priorities among members

As noted in the description of the Automation/Technology program summary, more LTLS member libraries are joining the LINC shared database and all members now have electronic access to LINC, SILC, IO, and FirstSearch for interlibrary loan services. With the implementation of the Illinois Group Services Contract OCLC interlibrary loan procedures have been enhanced at local libraries. There is, therefore, an increasing and ongoing need for training and consulting at the local level to keep up with the latest and best information and resource sharing skills. System staff anticipates again providing intensive training and consulting with member libraries in this area during FY2006.

Electronic access to the full-text of periodical articles continues to grow and will increasingly supplant the borrowing and lending of periodical articles among libraries.

Statistics show that patron-initiated ILL continues to increase and is a service that has been provided through LINC since 1993. More and more libraries around the globe are using the patron- initiated request option in First Search. During FY 2006 LTLS will continue to implement this option with LTLS members for the citizens of east-central Illinois and will continue to work with libraries to expand the use of OCLC ILL as well.

PROGRAM: Reciprocal Access

SERVICE PROVIDED

Through the Resource Access Policy, LTLS monitors a program of reciprocal borrowing among all LTLS full member public libraries and a program of reciprocal access providing for on-site access to the collections of all member libraries.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

The continuing trend in Reciprocal access is the implementation of the non-resident card program, which allows all non-resident cardholders to have reciprocal borrowing. Members have also expressed interest in multitype reciprocal borrowing mechanisms and the LTLS staff will work with those members to investigate options.

PROGRAM: Reference

SERVICE PROVIDED

Under the framework of the LTLS Reference Referral Policy, LTLS will coordinate reference referral service for member libraries as a supplement to the reference service provided directly by member libraries to their patrons. However, new technology has greatly diminished the need for this service. Currently reference services take the form of support through education, consulting, and through access to new technologies such as those provided by the state-wide virtual reference initiative AskUs!Illinois.

During FY 2005 with the assistance of a grant from the Illinois State Library 19 libraries in East Central Illinois joined together to provide web based reference service using OCLCπs QuestionPoint product. The service called ≥MyLibrarian≤ is available to the constituents of these 18-multitype libraries. The service is expected to grow and expand during FY 2006 and the plan is to increase membership in the service at a steady rate.

EMERGING TRENDS AND PRIORITIES AMONG MEMBERS

Library users continue to become more sophisticated in direct access and referral, in reference and full-text database access, as well as in interlibrary loan and bibliographic access. They seek offsite as well as onsite access to library services, both electronic and human. More and more, ≥access≤ versus ≥ownership,≤ coupled with cooperative collection development (of all formats, with special emerging interest in electronic resources) and local high demand collection and reference development help to provide a holistic approach to reference service to patrons in all types and sizes of libraries.

The service showing the greatest growth is online Reference Service including a chat option for direct contact with a reference librarian. LTLS staff continued work with 18 libraries to develop this collaborative service in FY2005, and plans to continue this work in FY2006.