Planning Document 2013

Mission Statement:

The Collinsville Memorial Services Center strives to serve the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs and interests of the Collinsville area. The organization fulfills its purpose by assembling, preserving and administering organized and easily accessible materials and services. Through the collections and programming, the organization provides a forum in the area for the free and open exchange of ideas and opinions upon which a democratic society, enlightened citizenship and personal enrichment depend.

I. Facilities and Support Organizations

1.1 Collinsville Memorial Public Library

1.1.1 The library strives to be an innovative example of a futuristic library with a balance of traditional library service which embraces the evolution of a "bookstore mentality" of whimsy, comfort and exploration.

1.1.2 The Friends of the Collinsville Memorial Public Library is a support organization specifically designed to

• maintain a non-profit association of persons interest in the Collinsville Memorial Public Library.
• encourage and intensify community awareness of the library's resources;
• receive and encourage gifts, endowments and bequests to the library;
• use all funds received through gifts, endowments, bequests and fund-raising activities for the benefit of the library;
• and operate under the guidance, supervision, and authority of the Board of Trustees and staff of the Collinsville Memorial Public Library.

1.2 Collinsville Historical Museum

1.2.1 The museum strives to maintain and encourage the conservation and preservation of area treasures for current and future residents of the area.

1.2.2 The Friends of the Collinsville Historical Museum is a support organization specifically designed to

• maintain a non-profit association of persons interest in the Collinsville Historical Museum.

• encourage and intensify community awareness of the museum's resources;
• receive and encourage gifts, endowments and bequests to the museum;
• use all funds received through gifts, endowments, bequests and fund-raising activities for the benefit of the museum;
• and operate under the guidance, supervision, and authority of the Board of Trustees and staff of the Collinsville Memorial Public Library.

1.3 Blum House

1.3.1 The Blum House, donated to the Collinsville Memorial Public Library in 1997 by the Collinsville Building and Loan, is an extension of the Library and shall be used to further the mission of the Library and its Board of Trustees.

1.3.2 Due to the nature of donation of the Blum House and the extensive repairs that are necessary, this will be a brief sketch of some of the basic ideas that are being investigated.

• A possible House Manager system of leadership will be looked at for direction and utilization of the house.
• Renovation of the exterior and the interior of the House will be continued.
• Uses of the House to further the mission of the library through service to the community such as rental for small gatherings will be considered.

1.4 Collinsville Memorial Public Library Foundation

II. Services

2.1 Collection/Service Development

Goal: To provide the most extensive selection of multi-media items possible in the area provided for each specific section of the collection.

2.1.1 Phase 1

• Continual weeding is necessary for integrity of collection.
• Technology classes in the Wireless Computer Lab of six to twelve people per class.
• Extension of homebound service to include more volunteers with an extended delivery time to spend quality time with each contact.
• Creation and development of a Foreign Language section (Spanish) with ESL significance on each of the three floors of the Library - Adult, Juvenile and Programming.
• Identifying elements of the community that would benefit from the low vision equipment in the Carma Wilbert Reading Room and offer training in those services.
• Homework Help will be investigated and started on a limited basis for examination of results.

2.1.2 Phase 2

• Continual increase and conversion to CD Audio books from Cassette Audio books and DVD movies from Videocassettes.
• Examination and evaluation of each of the efforts looked at in Phase 1.
• Increased languages added to the Foreign Language collection.
• Shelving should continue to be increased with frequency of collection.

2.1.3 Phase 3

• Audio Visual Center with viewing privileges. In this center would be the Computer Lab and all of the Audio and Video collections.

2.2 Programming Resource Center

Goal: To aid the area's programmers in their quest to provide the best educational opportunities for the audience with which they work.

2.2.1 Phase 1

• Double the ESL collection.
• Give a more significant presence of Home school materials.
• To evaluate the popularity of each section of this collection and weed the nonessential elements.
• Add the school district's textbooks.

2.2.2 Phase 2

• Separate the Wireless Computer Lab from the PRC room.
• Increase this collection by 25%.

2.2.3 Phase 3

• Continue with Phases 1 and 2.

2.3 Juvenile Library

2.3.1 Phase 1

• •Increase audiobooks in the cd formate
• •Increase DVD collection
• •Increase the audio music cd collection
• •Establish an on-site homework help at least one evening a week for children K-8
• •Provide brochures with suggested reading lists at various ages
• •Include more high school volunteers in programming efforts

2.3.2 Phase 2

• •Develop a Unit 10 textbook collection for in house use only
• •Provide classes for youth on evaluating websites
• •Provide evening story hours once a month
• •Add additional shelving (taller shelves in NonFiction)
• •Welcome new babies with a packet/gift from the library
• •Establish more communications with the high school teachers to be better informed about reading lists and assignments

2.3.3 Phase 3

• •Promote the library services at PTA meetings
• •Replace wall paper in Juvenile Room with carpeting or tack boards for display
• •Display school work from various classes in Collinsvilleon a monthly basis

2.4 Programming and Community Education

Goal: To provide the community with needed activities to educate them on a variety of interesting topics.

2.4.1 Phase 1

• An evaluation of the needs of community in relation to needed programming.
• Monthly meetings of Library Related groups.
• At least one program monthly on interests that are developed in the community.

2.4.2 Phase 2

• Establishments of Book Talk Group and/or Poetry Group.

2.4.3 Phase 3

2.5 Genealogy and Local History Center

2.5.1 Phase 1

• Upgrade of this collection is necessary. Local History should be concentrated on.

2.5.2 Phase 2

• A second Microfilm Reader/Printer may be necessary.
• Computer hookup and word processing and email capability connected o the Reader/Printer.

2.5.3 Phase 3

2.6 Florence Burkholder Community Room

Goal: To provide an area for gatherings and meetings which comply with the policy set up by the Board of Trustees.

2.6.1 Phase 1

• Investigate the need for the room's importance to the community in relation to the growth of the other services of the library.
• Develop a donation system for patrons of the coffee bar.
• Increase the coffee bar to include a snack machine or area.
• Include several tall tables and stool for a more coffee bar feel.

2.6.2 Phase 2

• Remodeling of the room with new wall colorings and partitions for division of the room.
• Look to expand the use of the room for local businesses needing training sessions.

2.6.3 Phase 3

• Possible use for a portion of the community room for an extension of the library's collection.

2.7 Carma Wilbert Public Reading Room

Goal: To provide a comfortable and quiet place to read or study for responsible individuals.

2.7.1 Phase 1

• Education of the public as to the existence of the quiet area.
• Organized training for the public in the low vision equipment.

2.7.2 Phase 2

• This small area will always be vital to the quiet and secluded atmosphere needed in at least some part of the building. Continual examination of its function and use is necessary.
  

III. Governance and Administration

3.1 Mayor and the City Council of Collinsville

3.2 Board of Trustees

Goal: To provide responsible guidance and requests to the Mayor and City Council members for the proper sustenance of Collinsville Library and its various responsibilities which are in their care taking for the citizens of Collinsville; and to make the best educated decisions to aid the Director and the staff of the Library in their commitment to the Collinsville Community.

3.2.1 Phase 1

• To establish an orientation for new Board members for a better understanding of their role in the Library and the community.
• Annual Dinner to be attended by the Board of Trustees, Staff of the Library, Volunteers and guests to socialize and review past year.
• To investigate the possibilities of converting from a Municipal Library to a District Library.

3.2.2 Phase 2

3.2.3 Phase 3

3.3 Director of the Library

Goal: To provide guidance to the Mayor, the City Council, the Board of Trustees and the staff of the Services Center through use of expertise, training, and practical experience by employing creativity, fostering team building, and implement a shared vision for services in the area.

3.3.1 Phase 1

• To coordinate all the functions of the Library and its responsibilities into an organized effort.
• To keep the Board advised of all important developments and ideas.
• To become an advocate for libraries on the state and federal government levels
• To attend conferences to maintain the quality of service through the latest of information in the library community.

3.3.2 Phase 2

• To continue and develop new areas of service for the community of Collinsville.
• To expand the definition of library service and spread the service beyond the established bounds of the municipal area.

3.3.3 Phase 3

IV. Staff Development

Goal:

4.1 Phase 1

• To continue the bimonthly staff meetings with integral information needed to maintain a highly effective service organization.
• To encourage participation in continuing education courses to each person's specific needs whether through Lewis and Clark Library System or an outside vendor.

4.2 Phase 2

4.3 Phase 3

V. Community Relations

Goal: To make the community aware of the versatility of service that our organization provides

5.1 Phase 1

• To establish a working relationship with the Collinsville School District for the betterment of the teachers and the students.
• Closer work with the school and church communities through outreach and in-house tours.
• To contact organizations and businesses with informational packets.
• More staff participation in the community through joining of organizations and participating in activities as "the library staff."
• Becoming more visible through the use of outdoor signage such as banners.
• A monthly initiative to communicate with the news media for continued articles.
• A revival of a newsletter, print and email.
• To continue to update the Website on a regular basis of at the very least once a month.
• Continual update of pamphlets and bookmarks.

5.2 Phase 2

• Infomercial to be developed to use on the cable network as well as a public service announcement to be used on network television, such as ABC, NBC, FOX, etc.
• Survey to random households to determine the needs to the community compared to the services being provided.

5.3 Phase 3

• Continue all efforts in Phase 1 and 2.
  

VI. Buildings and Landscaping

6.1 Interior

Goal: To provide an enriching and welcoming environment that fosters an interesting mix of comfort and practicality.

6.1.1 Phase 1

• The remodeling of the main lobby of the library.
• New carpet or flooring behind the circulation desk.
• Signage for the main areas of the library
• Renovate the four sets of restrooms and all the water coolers in the building with ADA accessibility.
• Reevaluate the effectiveness of the staff workrooms and upgrade.

• Road map for replacement and proactive maintenance of the Heating and Cooling Systems.

• Lower level checkout counter setup in the old Staff Kitchen.

6.1.2 Phase 2

• Replace lounge furniture
• Remodeling (painting and carpeting in East, West and South Wings of the library.

• Investigate the more effective use of the Community Room through remodeling and partitions.
• Security cameras.

• Installation of a PA system throughout the building.

6.1.3 Phase 3

• Move of the museum to a different area outside of the Library building proper.
• Opening of windows on the Children's floor.
• More shelving space for increased collection.

6.2 Exterior

Goal: To provide an inviting and historic exterior that the Collinsville community can identify with and recognize as a lasting symbol of their heritage and their pride.

6.2.1 Phase 1

• Investigation and renovation of the guttering.

• Bricks on the exterior chimneys should be examined for cracking and then repaired.

• Exterior cameras for minimization of vandalism and to increase security are needed.

6.2.2 Phase 2

• Sidewalks to the east and west of the main entrance circling the building to the north and south need to be replaced due to cracking and heaving.

6.2.3 Phase 3

• Roof evaluation and any needed repairs on the library building.

6.3 Landscaping and Grounds

Goal: To present a pleasing and welcoming outside atmosphere that will invite our community and visitors to stop and want to investigate more of our complex or enjoy the lawns for the beauty and relaxation.

6.3.1 Phase 1

• Redesign of the landscaping for more practical maintenance.
• Addition of some seasonal flowers to the front landscaping.
• To have the bushes and the lawn always well manicured.
• To solve the problems associated with the use of the fountain and have it operational.
• Benches and picnic benches in various areas for the enjoyment of the outdoor areas.
• Signage at the front entrance indicating the handicapped entrance toward the East rear of the building.

6.3.2 Phase 2

• Stairway and Ramp for accessibility to back lot behind the South Wing.
• Repaving of West parking lot.
• Fencing around the exterior instrumentation and equipment and the entrance to the basement south entrance.

6.3.3 Phase 3

• More lighting of the lawns and the parking lots.
• In cooperation with the City of Collinsville the East parking lot needs resurfacing attention.
• Garden with gazebo on the back lot behind the South Wing.
• Amphitheater on back lot for concerts and entertainment.

VII. Finances

Goal: To establish a monetary base for the daily and future needs of the Collinsville Memorial Public Library and its responsibilities.

7.1 Phase 1

• Encourage more fundraising activities through the Foundation, the Friends of the Library, and the Friends of the Museum to compliment tax based service.
• Continue all efforts to secure grants from federal, state and private factions.
• Bring the Building Maintenance Tax to its maximum of .02%
• Investigate the viability of the Working Cash Fund.
• Increase the rent of the Community Room.
• Encourage and advertize the possibilities of the advantage of leaving the library money in wills and bequests.

7.2 Phase 2

• Investigate the plausibility of converting to a district library.
• If the Library remains a municipal Library, should investigate a contractual agreement with the village of Maryville for its residents. If the Library converts to a Library District then an investigation into annexing ground throughout the Collinsville School District.

7.3 Phase 3

• Continue all of the efforts in Phase 1 and 2.

VIII. Equipment and Technology

Goal: Technological advancement is becoming an integral part of the informational service that is important for the staff and the members. It is vital to provide the best possible technologies for the community.

8.1 Phase 1

• Upgrade or replacement of 3 computers per year.

• Purchase a computer digital projector.
• Investigation of advantages of installing a white board and disassembly of the retractable screen in the community room.
• A new bookdrop is needed at the front east sidewalk of the building.

8.2 Phase 2

• More Security Cameras on the exterior of the building.
• Additional Microfilm Reader/Printer added to Genealogy/Local History Room.
• A second drive-up bookdrop should be added to the rear of the east parking lot.

8.3 Phase 3

• Separate Computer Room with a minimum of 15 public access computers.
• Projection unit set up in the Community Room attached to cable with the ability to show DVDs on a 'will call' basis.