Coming Soon

Two changes that might just have an impact on your library use are coming in March. First, there will be new hanging signs in the adult non-fiction, fiction, and reference, to help browse the collections. Second, we are installing time management software to the public computers. This is a long time coming, but we have found that staff has had to routinely persuade people to share the computers. A time management system will help library patrons use the computers as they need and staff more consistently manage the library resources.

Teen Grant

The Gleason Public Library is the proud recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Manton Foundation. This grant will provide funds for the Gleason to host a series of programs on children's behavior and bullying in concert with the Center for Parents and Teachers and the Carlisle Public Schools.

All events begin at 7 p.m. , are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Gleason Public Library in the Hollis Room. More information on these programs will be posted on the website at www.gleasonlibrary.org. In addition, this grant provides funds to purchase time management software for our public computers, and enhance our staff development, space planning, and furnishing for the teen area.

Overdue Reminders

Fortunately for us at the Gleason, we get great ideas from library users. One such recommendation has been to send out email reminders ahead of due dates for books/dvds/etc. This is a popular request that our automated network (the catalog) is not able to do at this time. We have been told by the vendor that the next upgrade will include this function. Keep telling us what you would like! We need to hear from you.

WISH LIST

We often get asked about our WISH LIST. I will add items that we are contemplating to this blog as they come up. If you are interested in helping see these wishes come to fruition, please ask Angela.

18 or larger inch flat screen for front desk/public viewing (new with warranty)
17 or 18 inch flat screens for backup of staff and public computers (used ok)
computer and computer kiosk for media area so individuals have access to the catalog
Photoshop
Illustrator
PageMaker
Film editing station (computer, external drive, with specs provided by CCTV)
Field Camera and accessories (specifications provided by CCTV)
These two items are so Carlisle residents have local access for film production and editing.
Digitize Wilkins Papers: this is a project including transcribing all written portions of the scrapbooks, cataloging with a controlled vocabulary all images, scanning in images, providing server support to host the materials in a searchable location and manner, keeping in mind preservation needs for the future.
Replacement and reconfiguration of children's computer room.
Art Mural for children's computer room.
New DVDS
New CDs
Digital collections and reference databases
Artist in Residence stipend
Writer in Residence stipend
Reader in Residence stipend

Serials Weeding

Our periodical subscriptions are going on a diet. To reduce our expenditures and make room on our shelves, we are canceling some of our periodical subscriptions. The decision as to which ones will be weeded is based on the number of actual circulation as well as maintaining a broad and balanced collection.Over the next year you will see a reduction in the titles.

At this time we will be canceling Commonweal, Commonwealth, Nation, National Review, Harper's, Science, ESPN, and Ski.

We will also be reducing the number of back issues we keep. If you miss your favorite magazine, let us know. If you are interested in using the recycled magazines, let us know.

A number of our periodicals are donated to the library. The library director will review all these donation requests and if we decide to add them to the collection, we will accept 2 year subscriptions.

Building and Budget

No suggestions in the box these last two weeks, but plenty abuzz here at the Library. Of note, we are expecting a flat budget in FY2009 (0% increase) which will ultimately reduce the library's hours, collection, and programs. As a staff we have brainstormed efficiencies, cuts that would be fair to the broadest range of people in town, and looked at our own expectations if we are to complete the same amount of work in fewer hours. The cuts will be across all departments, but we know how much nickles and dimes can help in the library.

Building: We are also looking closely at some leaks we have on the facade of the historic brick front of the library. Currently, we are getting cost estimates for its repair/repointing in order to move forward seeking funds before the problem grows and consequently the cost grows.

Please share your questions and concerns. And HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Suggestion box Volume 1

"Request for magazine subscriptions: Horticulture Magazine and Inspired Magazine."
We annually review our magazine circulation and try to contain the numbers and costs to a manageable amount. Several of our serials are donated including Sky & Telescope, Harvard Business Review, & Oprah.

"Is it possible to have the book drop open all the time? Makes it much easier for patrons. Thank you!"

While the library staff and trustees ponder this suggestion each year, we have found fiscally and operationally it is unrealistic at this time. We need to be able to empty the drop box regularly, which requires more staff on circulation than we currently schedule. As much as a drive through window or delivery directly to the door of an awaiting library patron, wheeled over by a roller skating librarian is also on our wish list, this, for now is a tough commitment to make. Keep asking though and there might be a better solution out there.