ILL Committee Strategic Planning Notes, 2010-2013

MOBAC Strategic Planning Process ~ 2010 – 2013

Planning Session with Interlibrary Loan Committe
February 16, 2010
MIIS Library

ABOUT MOBAC

MOBAC’s Strengths

  1. Its existence as a regional consortium.
  2. Desire to work together.
  3. Shared resources.
  4. Teamwork of committee members.

What Could be Improved

  1. Communication between committees and Administrative Council, and among committees.
  2. Resource sharing:
    • One library card accepted at all libraries (make it easier for patrons to use all libraries)
    • One ILS
    • More databases
  3. Website as a tool for public service.
  4. All libraries participating in resource sharing, including attendance to meetings.
  5. Create a stand-alone Circulation Committee (not as a component of another committee), focused on policies, procedures and customer service.  (Staff want an opportunity to share confidential information about policies, which is difficult to do via electronic means). It could be structured as an informal brown bag meeting, with option to participate in person, via phone or video conference.

Hopes for MOBAC’s Future

  1. All members participating in every aspect of MOBAC’s work.
  2. One card accepted by all libraries.
  3. Shared catalog.
  4. Improved/expanded delivery service.
  5. Increased resource sharing / cost sharing by being part of PLP.

Concerns About MOBAC’s Future

  1. Membership costs continue to increase.
  2. ILL function may be changed or eliminated without input from ILL committee members.
  3. Loss of regional presence by being part of a regional organization (no local meetings).

MOBAC’s Priorities for the Next Two Years

  1. All members participate in resource sharing at the same level, especially with local members.
  2. Re-evaluate the stops/schedule of the delivery service. Increase frequency.
  3. Redesign the fee structure so that it is not based on use of service (e.g. delivery).
  4. Advocate for the reinstatement of State funding for TBR, direct loans (full reimbursement).

ILL COMMITTEE

Mission

Enable the best resource sharing possible among the member libraries.

RESOURCE SHARING

Most Valuable Resources Currently Shared

  1. Print and electronic materials
  2. Reference resources, databases, discarded reference books
  3. Experience, ideas, knowledge
  4. Electronic tools (web-based)
  5. Collaborative planning (e.g., children’s programs, workshops)
  6. Tip sheets, booklists
  7. Talent (e.g. library staff presentations at workshops)
  8. Mentoring
  9. Training
  10. Meeting space and meeting technology.

Resources to Share in the Future

  1. More databases
  2. ILL for all / from all
  3. Everyone’s holdings that are possible and allowed on WorldCat, including scanned photos and documents.

Most Efficient/Effective Way to Facilitate Resource Sharing

  1. Shared catalogs/WorldCat
  2. Continued idea sharing through committees.
  3. Virtual environment: video/phone conferences; WebEx; GoToMeeting accounts, etc.
  4. Survey non-participating libraries to find out what would bring them back to full participation.

Vision for ILL Committee in Resource Sharing Environment

  1. Broaden definition of resource sharing and explore ILL Committee’s role.
  2. Continue to meet and evaluate how/how often.
  3. Collaborate with other committees.

COMMUNICATION WITH ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

  1. Council should seek input before critical decisions are made (e.g., decision to join PLP was not discussed with committees).
  2. Continue to post Council meeting minutes on the web site.
  3. Post and keep up to date a calendar of Council meeting dates and locations, so that committees can schedule their own meetings prior to Council’s (improve coordination).
  4. Continue to allocate a dollar amount to committees and allow committees to decide how to use funds as plans develop and opportunities arise.
  5. Continue to have an ILL representative at Council meetings and a Council liaison at ILL meetings.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Recommendations for Improving

  1. Better communication about opportunities organized by all committees (Master Calendar on Intranet).
  2. Offer workshops that may not be library subject-specific but useful to staff (e.g., supervision).
  3. Provide financial support to attend conferences, including out of state conferences (at least to pay for the conference fees).

OTHER COMMITTEES

  1. Hold an annual MOBAC Committee Summit – All committees meet together at the beginning of the year to plan together. Incorporate the use of video conferencing to facilitate attendance.
  2. Distribute invitations to professional development opportunities planned by one committee to members of all committees.
  3. Library staff members of the same library who participate in MOBAC committees could meet periodically at their own library to share information about their respective committee’s work. They, in turn, could keep their committees informed about the work of other committees.
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