Annual Report2002-2003

SaskatchewanMultitype Library Board

For the fiscal year endingMarch 31, 2003

Annual Report2002-2003

Saskatchewan Multitype Library Board

Annual Report of the Saskatchewan Multitype Library BoardFor the period April 1, 2002 to March 31,2003

Copies are available by contacting:Provincial Library Saskatchewan Learning1352 Winnipeg StreetREGINA SK S4P 3V7Phone: (306) 787-2976Fax: (306) 787-2029Internet: http://www.lib.sk.ca/staff/multitype

Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal from Minister ............................................................................................. 5

Letter of Transmittal from Board Chair...................................................................................... 2

Board Organization ...................................................................................................................... 2

Board Members 2002-2003 ........................................................................................................ 5

The Multitype Library System ..................................................................................................... 7

Goals and Accomplishments 2002-2003 .................................................................................. 9

Multitype Database Licensing Program .................................................................................. 13

Multitype Public Relations Committee .................................................................................... 19

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Letter of Transmittal from the Minister

The Honourable Dr. Lynda M. HaverstockLieutenant GovernorProvince of Saskatchewan

Your Honour:

I have the honour to present the Saskatchewan Multitype Library Board's annual report for the period April1, 2002 to March 31, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy JunorMinister of Learning

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Letter of Transmittal from the Board Chair

Honourable Judy JunorMinister of Learning

I have the honour to present the Annual Report of the Saskatchewan Multitype Library Board for the periodApril 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003.

This report highlights several achievements in the development of Saskatchewan's multitype librarysystem.

I am particularly pleased that this year the Multitype Library Board focused on consulting with libraries,archives, and other types of information providers to develop an awareness of multitype initiatives and toobtain input on future directions for multitype activities. Building and nurturing cooperative relationships inthis manner is the foundation of multitype. Our consultations focused on sharing information aboutmultitype, including its values, initiatives, and future potential. As a result, more libraries and informationproviders are aware of multitype and the possibilities it offers. Our consultations also provided feedback onfuture possibilities for multitype cooperation. The board will use this feedback when it creates a long-termstrategic plan in the coming year.

The board also gave priority to addressing several issues affecting all types of libraries in Saskatchewan. Itworked with a variety of partners to pursue solutions to the issues identified in its discussion paper,‘Saskatchewan Libraries Working Together’. The board also focused on developing strategies to addressrecruitment, retention, and promotion issues facing Saskatchewan libraries.

Information access for Saskatchewan residents continues to increase through multitype library initiatives.Enthusiasm for multitype also continues to grow within the library and information community, and willinform and encourage continued future multitype development.

Respectfully submitted,

Merrilee RasmussenChair, Multitype Library Board

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Board Organization

Legislation

The Multitype Library Board is established underThe Libraries Co-operation Act.

Mandate

The mandate of the Multitype Library Board is tofacilitate the co-operative development of themultitype library system in Saskatchewan.

It does so by providing a forum for appointedrepresentatives of all library sectors inSaskatchewan to meet and discuss ways inwhich libraries can co-operate to enhance libraryservices.

Representation

The minister appoints board members torepresent library and information sectors.

The following representation must be appointed:

• a library director from a public library orpublic library system;

• a library director from a school library orschool library system;

• a library director from a post-secondarylibrary or post-secondary library system;

• a library director from a special library orspecial library system;

• the Provincial Librarian;• a person chosen from a list of persons

nominated by the Saskatchewan LibraryTrustees Association;

• a person chosen from a list of personsnominated by the Saskatchewan SchoolTrustees' Association;

• a person chosen from a list of personsnominated by the Saskatchewan LibraryAssociation;

• one other person employed by a post-secondary library in any capacity; and

• one other person employed by a speciallibrary in any capacity.

The minister may appoint any of the followingrepresentation:

• one person who is, or who is employed by,an information provider;

• one person appointed after consultation withthe Saskatchewan Urban MunicipalitiesAssociation;

• one person appointed after consultation withthe Saskatchewan Association of RuralMunicipalities; and

• one or two other persons (in consultation withthe library community).

The role of board members is to consult with theirlibrary sectors to ensure broad understanding ofall sectors' needs and to enable full participationof all sectors in multitype initiatives.

Decision Making

As entrenched in The Libraries Co-operation Act,the Board uses consensus decision making.Consensus decision making recognizes theautonomy and individual responsibility ofautonomous libraries and library systemsrepresented on the Board.

Reporting

The Multitype Library Board advises and providesrecommendations to the minister responsible forlibraries with respect to the development of themultitype library system.

It may also make recommendations to librariesand library systems concerning multitype librarydevelopment.

Secretariat

The Provincial Library, a branch ofSaskatchewan Learning, provides secretariatsupport to the Board.

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Meeting Requirements

The Board is required by legislation to meet atleast three times yearly. From April 1, 2002 toMarch 31, 2003, the Board held three boardmeetings, one orientation/board change overmeeting, and one annual general meeting withthe multitype library community:

June 24-25, 2002 September 20, 2002November 22, 2002March 18, 2003 (Orientation)March 19, 2003 (Annual General Meeting)

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Board Members 2002-2003

Public Library Sector

Merrilee Rasmussen, Barrister & Solicitor andSecretary, Saskatchewan Library TrusteesAssociation, Regina; serving in the position of aperson chosen from a list of persons nominatedby the Saskatchewan Library TrusteesAssociation.

Audrey Mark, Director, Pahkisimon Nuye?áhLibrary System, La Ronge; serving in the positionof a library director from a public library or publiclibrary system.

School Library Sector

Janet Merkosky (until January 20, 2003),Teacher-Librarian, Vanscoy School, Saskatoon(West) School Division, Dalmeny;

Stephanie Olson (starting January 20, 2003),Resource Based Learning Consultant andTeacher-Librarian, Thunder Creek SchoolDivision, Lindale School, Moose Jaw; serving inthe position of a library director from a schoollibrary or school library system.

Brenda Kondra, East Central BranchRepresentative, Saskatchewan School Trustees'Association, Yorkton; serving in the position of aperson chosen from a list of persons nominatedby the Saskatchewan School Trustees'Association.

Post-Secondary Education Library Sector

David Fox (until January 20, 2003), Head,Information Technology Services, University ofSaskatchewan Libraries, Saskatoon;

Rian Misfeldt (starting January 20, 2003),Program Head for Library Services, SIASTWascana Campus, Regina; serving in theposition of one other person employed by a post-secondary library in any capacity.

Bob Foley (until January 20, 2003), Director,University of Regina Libraries, Regina;

Frank Winter (starting January 20, 2003),Director, University of Saskatchewan Libraries,Saskatoon; serving in the position of a librarydirector from a post-secondary library or post-secondary library system.

Special Library Sector

Sharon Doepker (until January 20, 2003),Research Librarian, Prairie AgriculturalMachinery Institute Library, Humboldt;

Lalita Martfeld (starting January 20, 2003),Library Technician, John Dolan Resource Centre,Saskatchewan Association for Community Living,Saskatoon; serving in the position of one otherperson employed by a special library in anycapacity.

Susan Powelson, Director, Regina Qu'AppelleHealth District Library, Regina; serving in theposition of a library director from a special libraryor special library system.

Information Providers

Carol Shepstone, Librarian/Research Officer,Centre for the Study of Co-operatives,Saskatoon; serving in the position of a personchosen from a list of persons nominated by theSaskatchewan Library Association.

Hélène Stewart, Information ManagementAdvisor, Information Technology Office, IndianHead; serving in the position of one person whois, or who is employed by, an informationprovider.

Valerie Laliberte (until January 20, 2003)teacher, Beauval; representing Aboriginal andnorthern residents;

Phyllis Lerat (starting January 20, 2003),College Librarian, Saskatchewan IndianFederated College Library, Regina; representingAboriginal libraries.

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Cheryl Avery (starting January 20, 2003), Head,University of Saskatchewan Archives, Saskatoon;representing the archives community.

Provincial Library

Joylene Campbell, Provincial Librarian,Saskatchewan Provincial Library, Regina.

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The Multitype LibrarySystemA multitype library system is a network of workingrelationships, between any combination ofautonomous libraries and information providers,established to share services and resources formutual benefit.

There are more than 320 public libraries,hundreds of school libraries, and more than 40post-secondary education and special libraries inSaskatchewan. Libraries and library systems inthese sectors are autonomous and mandated toprovide a clearly defined client group with a set oflibrary services.

In a multitype library system, the jurisdictionalboundaries and separate administrativestructures of libraries remain intact, but co-operative initiatives and working relationshipsenable libraries to collectively acquire informationproducts and develop services that they could notachieve independently.

The role of the Multitype Library Board is to findlibrary needs that overlap and allow these areasof mutual need to be the basis for thedevelopment of co-operative policies andprograms.

Vision

The vision of the Saskatchewan multitype librarysystem is:

Access to information is a democratic right ofall people in Saskatchewan.

Mission

Libraries in Saskatchewan will work together tomaintain and enhance a co-operativeinterdependent information network which willensure a consistent and high quality ofinformation service through a multitype librarysystem.

Values

Strong local autonomous library partners

A strong multitype library system rests on strong,local autonomous libraries and library systems.Partners look after their own development andissues that relate to their jurisdictions.

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts

Autonomous library partners working togethercreate a capacity for library service that isbroader, more effective, and less costly than anyone of the partners could achieve workingindividually.

Think globally … search locally

Libraries work to share resources at a local levelfirst, then regionally, provincially, nationally, andfinally internationally.

Commitment to co-operation for mutualbenefit

Co-operation is the cornerstone of the multitypelibrary system. The reason people are willing toco-operate is that they see that things will workbetter if they do.

Organic development

Growth and development of multitype initiativesare based on what is possible for the partners.Partners are not forced into multitype projects.Multitype initiatives will be realized throughpeople voluntarily working at the local level todevelop what works for them.

Sustained attention

Continued effort is required to build a strongmultitype library system. It must remain a highpriority for each of the partners and it may meanmarshalling resources to ensure that the systemremains healthy as it grows and develops.

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Decisions made by consensusDecisions on matters of importance to allpartners should be made in a manner whichrecognizes that all the partners must either agreewith the decision or at least that they couldaccept or work within the decision. This isnecessary because all partners operateautonomously in the multitype framework and nopartner is of greater importance than any other.

Partners

The partners in the multitype library systeminclude:

• the public, school, post-secondary education,and special library sectors;

• the Provincial Library, which has traditionallyplayed a coordinating role in theSaskatchewan library community; and

• other information providers, such as archives,rural service centres, business resourcecentres, and Aboriginal libraries.

Each of the partners has different roles,mandates and client groups, which theyserve. They vary in size, structure,governance, facilities, resources, andfunctions. It is important to understand thenature of the differences as well assimilarities in order to co-operate moreeffectively.

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Goals and Accomplishments

2002-2003

Goal 1: Develop the multitype system

The partnerships and relationships that form ahealthy multitype library system must becontinually developed. A key role of the MultitypeLibrary Board is to foster communicationamongst the partners and awareness of thebenefits of the multitype co-operation.

Partners in the multitype library system includemore than libraries: archives, Aboriginal libraries,and other information providers are partners aswell. A role of the Board is to facilitateinvolvement in multitype by these partners.

The Board must also ensure a responsiveenvironment to partner needs. This meansmonitoring issues and trends that are affectinglibraries, consulting with them, and identifying co-operative strategies that may be suitable foraddressing them.

Objective

Strong independent libraries and communities,working in partnership, ensure the successfuldevelopment of a multitype library system.

Accomplishments

• Consulted with library sectors andinformation providers to identify trends andissues that are affecting them and to identifypotential multitype initiatives that may helpthe partners to address these issues.Consultations were achieved through anAnnual General Meeting with all partners. Inaddition, support was provided to the internalschool library sector and public library sectordiscussions of the Co-operation Matrixrespecting future multitype development. Theintent is to use the consultation feedback todevelop a long-term strategic plan formultitype library development.

• Nurtured relationships via the AnnualGeneral Meeting event.

Objective

Other information providers will be integralpartners in the multitype library system.

Accomplishments

• Appointed an archivist to the MultitypeLibrary Board to explore the potential ofarchival involvement in the multitype librarysystem.

• Appointed an Aboriginal librarian to theMultitype Library Board to developrelationships with Aboriginal libraries andexplore Aboriginal library involvement in themultitype library system.

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Goal 2: Implement the multitypelibrary system.

On a practical level, the Multitype Library Boardis responsible for developing operations,programs, and policies to support co-operativeinitiatives. The Board may establish committeesto co-ordinate detailed work. Co-ordination andresources are provided by Provincial Library.

Successful operation of multitype initiatives isreliant on strong, autonomous partners.Therefore, the Multitype Library Board monitorsissues and trends that cut across all multitypesectors and that may adversely affect thecapacity of the partners. It advises the Ministerresponsible for libraries of the concerns andrecommends solutions.

Objective

Libraries will have effective mechanisms in placefor sharing resources including human, physical,and technical resources among all librariesthroughout the province.

Accomplishments

• Worked with Saskatchewan Learning toestablish an administrative framework thatenables the Provincial Library to administerfunds for the Multitype Database LicensingProgram (MDLP). Through MDLP, partnerlibraries pool funds to bulk purchasesubscriptions to electronic magazine, journal,and newspaper resources.

Objective

Information needs of Saskatchewan residents willbe met by strong libraries with appropriatestaffing, funding, resources, and facilities.

Accomplishments

• Continued to enhance the collections of alltypes of Saskatchewan Libraries bycoordinating the Multitype DatabaseLicensing Program.

• Secured the establishment of theSaskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary,now administered by the SaskatchewanLibrary Association. The bursary funds astudent enrolled in a Master of Library andInformation Science program who is willing towork in Saskatchewan upon completion ofthe degree. The bursary will help addresslibrarian recruitment and retention problemsthat all library sectors in Saskatchewan areexperiencing. Provincial Library, a branch ofSaskatchewan Learning, provided $20,000 toestablish the bursary fund. Provincial Libraryhas promoted the bursary at conferences andcareer fairs.

• Completed a report that identifies strategiesfor addressing staff recruitment and retentionchallenges in libraries. The Multitype PublicRelations Committee developed the report.

• Developed a Library Careers section on theSaskatchewan Libraries web site to promotecareers in libraries(www.lib.sk.ca/aboutlibraries/careers/).

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Goal 3: Connect libraries of all typesto provide equitable access to anddelivery of information.

Networking technology is an important tool thatenables multitype partners to collaborate withone another, share information and resources,and deliver information more effectively topatrons.

Multitype initiatives are often collaborativeinitiatives to acquire networking technology thatcan be shared by partners.

Networking technology is also required to supportmultitype communications.

Objective

The connection of libraries will provide themechanism to ensure province-wide resourcesharing that is affordable, fast, current, anddistance neutral.

Accomplishments

• Maintained the Saskatchewan Libraries website to electronically connect all types oflibraries in the province.

• Fostered multitype participation in twoinformation technology initiatives for libraries:implementation of a "Remote PatronAuthentication" (RPA) software system and a"Resource Sharing System" (RSS). The RPAsystem enables library patrons to accesssubscription based library resources -- suchas electronic magazines, journals, andnewspapers -- via home computer. RSS is aninterlibrary loan software managementsystem that enables patrons to request inter-library loans via home computer, and enableslibraries to manage inter-library loantransactions electronically.

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Goal 4: Promote participation in themultitype library system.

Regular communication with actual and potentialpartners is required to develop an effectivemultitype library system. This means consultingwith partners, providing information sessions andsponsoring activities in the library and informationcommunity that bring partners together.

It is also important to ensure that residents ofSaskatchewan are aware of the informationservices available to them. This includespromoting information services made availablethrough multitype programs, such as MultitypeDatabase Licensing.

It also includes exploring ways that multitypecollaboration could assist in the promotion of thelibrary and information sector.

Objective

Promotion will ensure the multitype library systemwill be used and valued by the people inSaskatchewan.

Accomplishments

• Sponsored a session at the 2002Saskatchewan Library Association /Saskatchewan Library Trustees AssociationConference on "Democracy and Libraries."

• Conducted education and awarenessactivities to promote the value of libraries andmultitype co-operation (via the AnnualGeneral Meeting and meetings with theschool sector).

• Distributed Multitype Library Board brochuresand annual report to a variety of libraryassociations and agencies acrossSaskatchewan and Canada.

• Distributed ‘Saskatchewan Libraries WorkingTogether: A Discussion Paper’ to a variety oflibraries as a tool for them to communicatethe value of libraries. This documenthighlights the value of libraries to manysectors of the province. It also includesinformation on multitype.

• Established a highway sign symbol forlibraries. As a result, libraries were able toparticipate in the Centennial EnhancedSigning Program.

• Developed a strategy for a province-widecampaign to promote province-wide e-libraryservices.

• Completed a report identifying recommendedco-operative strategies to address libraries'promotion needs.

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Multitype DatabaseLicensing Program

Background

The Multitype Database Licensing Program(MDLP) is a province-wide program in whichlibraries pool funds to purchase bulk access toelectronic information resources – magazines,journals, newspapers, and other informationproducts accessed via the Internet. In 2002/03,forty-seven partner libraries participated in theprogram. These include all ten public librarysystems; all schools, represented bySaskatchewan Learning; the two university librarysystems, four campuses of SIAST, four smallcolleges; 25 special libraries, and the ProvincialLibrary, which is responsible for co-ordination ofthe program. The total value of the programreached $470,000 in 2002.

The program has significantly enhanced accessto reliable information resources for citizens ofSaskatchewan. By pooling funds, the overallcontribution needed by any one library has beengreatly reduced. The program allows all librariesto have access to a resource that wouldotherwise be inconceivable for a small library toacquire, thus extending access to all residents,the majority of whom still live in small urban, ruralor remote communities. In 2002/03 patrons ofSaskatchewan libraries accessed the databases283,162 times, up by 93,814, or almost a 50%increase over the previous year.

Saskatchewan is the only jurisdiction in Canadathat has accomplished licensing for all provincialresidents in every type of library in the province.Many of the databases can be accessed from theuser's home computer. Through this program,libraries are helping to close the digital divide andensure that all citizens have access to theinformation that is so important in a globalinformation economy.

The goals of the Multitype Database LicensingProgram are:

• to increase the amount of reliable informationresources available to library users;

• to ensure equitable access to informationresources regardless of geographic factorssuch as size and remoteness of thecommunity;

• to pay for access to these resources onlyonce and to make them accessible in everytype of library province-wide; and

• to maximize the buying capacity of alllibraries through cost-sharing.

Highlights of 2002/2003

Gale License Expanded to Include LiteratureResource Centre

In early 2002, the MDLP Committee conducted amajor evaluation of the current subscriptionproducts, alongside of comparable competitorproducts. The Committee also sought andreceived pricing package offers from each of thevendors. As a result of this effort, and inaccordance with the recommendations from theprevious year's annual meeting, the Committeechose optimum pricing packages that renewedlicenses for The Gale Group (InfoTrac) andMicromedia (CBCA) databases and added anumber of new resources. The followingdatabases were added to the InfoTracsubscription: Literature Resource Center, LegalTrac, Business and Company Resource Center,Discovering Collection and InfoTrac Onefile.

Literature Resource Center is a significantaddition to the suite of databases offered by theprogram. It offers access to 600 full text journaltitles on the subject of literature and hasinformation on 120,000 authors world-wide fromevery age and literary discipline. This databasefills an important gap in the information resourcesavailable through the program, but it is a verylarge and expensive database. While mostpartners increased their contributions to achievethis license, the major financial contributors wereRegina and Saskatoon public libraries and theuniversities of Regina and Saskatchewanlibraries, each of whom almost doubled theircontributions from the previous year.

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New License for Canadian Newsstand MajorDailies and Saskatchewan Regional Papers

In the Fall of 2002, EBSCO Canada informed theMultitype Database Licensing Program thatEBSCO no longer had the rights to the Southamnewspapers, which includes all of theSaskatchewan daily newspapers and most of themajor Canadian dailies that are of interest to theprogram. As a result, the Committee determinedthat the subscription to ‘Canadian NewspaperSource’, through EBSCO Canada, had to becancelled and that they needed to quickly find areplacement for this product. Their decision wasto acquire a license to Micromedia ProQuest'sCanadian Newsstand Major Dailies andSaskatchewan Regional Papers. The 18-monthagreement was negotiated to cover January 1,2003 to June 30, 2004, which will bring thisproduct onto the same timeline as other products,which are renewable June 30th.

Fourteen Libraries Join MDLP

Through the efforts of the special librariesrepresentatives on the MDLP Committee,another 13 special libraries joined the program in2002/03. In addition, the NORTEP Library joinedas a post-secondary education library. Librarieswere given one free year to test the databasesand to determine their usefulness for eachlibrary's clientele. After that, those libraries willbe asked to make a financial contribution to theprogram.

Welcome to the new special libraries andcongratulations to your sector representatives,particularly Charlene Kramer, for a job well done.New partners are:

Court of Queen's Bench LibraryEast Central Health District LibraryGovernment Relations and Aboriginal AffairsLibraryGreystone Managed Investments Inc. InformationResource CentreMcKercher, McKercher & Whitmore LibraryNORTEP LibraryPotash Corporation of Saskatchewan LibraryPrairie Northern Wildlife Research Center LibrarySaskatchewan Association of HealthOrganizations Resource CentreSaskatchewan Labour LibrarySaskatchewan Research Council LibrarySaskatchewan Social Services Library

Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation LibrarySaskatoon Health District Library

Multitype Database Licensing FundEstablished

In 2001, a Business Plan Committee was struckby the Multitype Library Board to examine optionsfor sustainable administration of the MultitypeDatabase Licensing Program. The Boarddetermined that Provincial Library needed tohave the capacity to sign agreements on behalfof partners and to receive and disburse partnerfunds. The Multitype Library Board documentedthis need in its ‘Discussion Paper’, which wasforwarded to the Deputy Minister of Learning. Asa result of the Board's efforts, the newSaskatchewan Learning department establishedthe Multitype Database Licensing Fund, which isa special account that allows Provincial Library tohandle partner funds within government. TheBoard is grateful to all of the libraries that haveacted as fund administrators over the past fiveyears but is especially pleased that ProvincialLibrary is now able to handle all of the fundadministration. Also, a huge thank you to ournew department, Saskatchewan Learning, for itssupport to the Multitype Database LicensingProgram.

MDLP Strategic Initiatives for 2003/04and Beyond

• Promotion – Design a province-widemarketing campaign to increase awarenessof the databases and thus increase usage.

• Training – Determine the staff and users'training needs, develop a province-widetraining strategy, and implement the trainingstrategy to ensure that users know about thedatabases and are able to use themeffectively. Gale Group has offered four daysof training on its new databases plus arefresher course on changes in thecontinuing subscriptions. MicromediaProQuest has offered training on itsCanadian Newsstand product on theProQuest platform.

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• New Database Products – Test netLibraryto determine the potential for a province-widelicense to e-books through the MDLP.

• New Interface to the Databases – Developa template with a common look and a subjectapproach to the database products and makethe template available to all libraries to use,or modify for use, on their web sites.

• Remote Patron Authentication (RPA) –Establish a remote patron authenticationservice through Provincial Library and makeit available to all libraries in Saskatchewan sothat they can easily provide home access toall of the database products, for all of theirusers, with a single authentication.

• Additional Functionality – Exploreadditional functionality of the databaseproducts such as linking the database titles tothe library's print collection or implementationof software such as ‘Serials Solution’ tomanage serial resources.

• Statistics – Get more accurate andmeaningful statistics that are consistentacross all database vendors' products andacross all library sectors.

• PST Issue – Request that the PST not becharged on the purchase of licenses forperiodicals (magazines, journals, andnewspapers) in electronic form, as is thecase with printed periodical subscriptions.

• MDLP Program Database – Create anMDLP database that contains informationabout the program's current subscriptionproducts.

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Current Products Licensed:Listed by Vendor

EBSCO, EBSCOhost Canadian Newspaper Source (CancelledDecember 31, 2002)

The Gale Group, InfoTracBusiness and Company Resource CenterBusiness Index ASAPCPI.QDiscovering CollectionExpanded Academic ASAPGeneral Reference CenterGeneral Reference Center GoldHealth and Wellness Resource CenterHealth Reference Center AcademicInfoTrac Onefile Junior EditionKid’s EditionLegalTracLiterature Resource CenterStudent Edition

Micromedia Associations CanadaCBCA Fulltext Reference and CBCA FulltextBusinessCBCA Fulltext EducationDirectory of Libraries in CanadaIndex to Canadian Legal LiteratureRépère Fulltext

Micromedia ProQuestCanadian Newsstand Major Dailies (InitiatedJanuary 1, 2003)Saskatchewan Regional Papers

Financial Contributors

Post-Secondary Education Libraries• Archibald Foundation Library, Canadian Bible

College• Briercrest Family of Schools, Archibald

Library

• Gabriel Dumont Institute Library• Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science

and Technology, SIAST Libraries• St. Peter’s Abbey and College Library• University of Regina, Dr. John Archer Library• University of Saskatchewan Libraries

Public Libraries• Chinook Regional Library• Lakeland Library Region• Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System• Palliser Regional Library• Parkland Regional Library• Regina Public Library• Saskatoon Public Library• Southeast Regional Library• Wapiti Regional Library• Wheatland Regional Library

Special Libraries• Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan,

Resource Centre• Forest Ecosystems Library• Law Society of Saskatchewan, Library• POS Pilot Plant Corporation, Information

Services• Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute Library• Regina Health District, Health Sciences

Library• Resource Centre for Sport, Culture and

Recreation• Royal Canadian Mounted Police Training

Academy, Learning Resource Centre• Saskatchewan Education Learning Resource

Centre• Saskatchewan Health Resource Centre• Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation,

Resource Centre• Saskatchewan Legislative Library• Saskatchewan Provincial Auditor’s Office

Library• Saskatchewan Social Services, Resource

Centre• Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation, Stewart

Resource Centre

School Libraries• All school divisions through Saskatchewan

Learning on behalf of all K-12 schools inSaskatchewan.*

* Through the financial participation of theseagencies, all schools in Saskatchewan haveaccess to the databases.

Provincial LibrarySaskatchewan Provincial Library

Multitype Database Licensing ProgramCommittee

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The Multitype Library Board established theCommittee to administer the Multitype DatabaseLicensing Program. There are at least tworepresentatives from each library sector, more ifdesired. Committee members are responsible forconsulting with their sector regardingdevelopment of the program and bringing backtheir sector's concerns to the committee table.

The annual meeting establishes the broadstrategic directions, approves apurchasing/renewal strategy for the upcomingyear, and makes recommendations regardingfinancial commitments from partners.Committee members evaluate informationdatabases, coordinate financial contributionsfrom their sector, and make recommendations tolibrary directors and collection developers aboutwhat products to fund. In addition they makedecisions about how to implement the strategicdirections and coordinate input from partnerlibraries.

Provincial Library staff negotiate, and makeagreements, with vendors to acquire province-wide licenses on behalf of the program; coordinate partner funding; and supportthe MDLP committee.

2002/03 Committee Members

Post-secondary Education LibrariesDiana Kichuk, University ofSaskatchewan Libraries.Beverley Brooks, SIAST PalliserCampus.

School LibrariesJoanne Beltramini, Regina CatholicSchools.Delee Cameron and Mary Reddyk,Saskatchewan Learning.

Special LibrariesCharlene Kramer replaced by EllenBasler, Saskatchewan Learning.Angela Battiste, SaskatchewanEnvironment & Resource Management.Pat Kolesar, Saskatchewan LegislativeLibrary.Brett Waytuck, Saskatchewan HealthResource Center.

Public LibrariesAnne Craggs, replaced by PatriciaCaldwell, Saskatoon Public Library.Allan Johnson, Southeast RegionalLibrary, replaced by Bruce Cameron,

Wheatland Regional Library; and KevinPhillip, Wapiti Regional Library.Cathy Matyas, replaced by SandyCameron and John Edgar, Regina PublicLibrary.

Multitype Library Board LiaisonHelene Stewart, Information TechnologyOffice, replaced by Melissa Bennett,Provincial Library.

Provincial LibraryMarilyn Jenkins and Jack Ma, ProvincialLibrary.

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Usage StatisticsNumber of Times Saskatchewan Users Accessed the Databases

Access means the number of times a user entered, or logged on to one of the databases to beginsearching.

InfoTrac 1999 % 2000 % 2001 % 2002 %Post-secondary 21,866 31% 38,094 41% 61,596 45% 97,607 47%Public 17,873 25% 22,862 25% 30,357 23% 44,447 21%School 28,664 41% 27,741 30% 39,659 29% 61,335 29%Special 2,230 3% 3,530 4% 4,146 3% 6,993 3%TOTAL 70,633 100% 92,227 100% 135,758 100% 210,382 100%

Micromedia 2000 % 2001 % 2002 %Post-secondary ** 38,782 77% 31,328 84% 32,246 79%Public 3,809 8% 1,952* 5% 2,801 7%School 5,943 12% 1,575* 4% 2,472 6%Special 1,826 3% 2,322* 6% 3,373 8%TOTAL 50,360 100% 37,177 99% 40,892 100%*2001 statistics do not include use of the Voyageur interface from Mar-Sept ** Includes all sectors' use of the Voyageur interface for products that are not available via the CIRCinterface.

EBSCOhost 2001 % 2002 %Post-secondary 5,306 32% 13,785 43%Public 5,078 31% 7,373 23%School 4,223 26% 9,167 29%Special 1,806 11% 1,563 5%TOTAL 16,413 100% 31,888 100%

Total Number of Log-ins1999 2000 2001 2002

EBSCOhost No subscription No subscription 16,413 31,888InfoTrac 70,633 92,227 135,758 210,382Micromedia No subscription 50,360 37,177 40,892Total 70,633 142,587 189,348 283,162

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Multitype Public RelationsCommittee

Background

The Multitype Library Board established a PublicRelations Committee in the spring of 2001 todevelop strategies to promote the value oflibraries to Saskatchewan residents. Librarysectors had been identifying library promotion asan area of need in Saskatchewan. In addition,library promotion is one of the objectives of themultitype library system: "promotion will ensurethe multitype library system will be used andvalued by the people of Saskatchewan."

The Committee undertook its work throughout2001 and 2002, submitting its final report to theBoard in November of 2002.

The Committee was comprised ofrepresentatives from multitype partners:

Audrey Mark, (Chairperson), Director,Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System,representing public libraries.

Janet Merkosky, Teacher-Librarian, VanscoySchool, Saskatoon (West) School Division,representing school libraries to Sept. 2001.

Colette Fischer, Coordinator of LearningResources, Saskatoon Catholic School Board,representing school libraries.

Julie McKenna, Associate Librarian, EmergingServices, University of Regina Libraries,representing post-secondary education libraries.

Carol Shepstone, Research Officer/Librarian,Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, Universityof Saskatchewan, representing special libraries.

Melissa Bennett, Manager, Multitype LibraryDevelopment, Provincial Library (ProvincialLibrary support to committee).

Julie Arie, Information Resources ManagementSpecialist (Databases), Provincial Library(Provincial Library support to committee).

Marilyn Jenkins, Director, Public LibraryServices, Provincial Library (Provincial Librarysupport to committee to April 2002).

Highlights

As a first step, the Committee membersconsulted with their sectors to identify promotion-related needs. A number of common needs wereidentified:

• Marketing library services to the public andother appropriate clients;

• Marketing libraries internally to library parentorganizations;

• Informing the rest of Canada and the worldabout Saskatchewan achievements; and

• Encouraging people to work inSaskatchewan libraries.

The need to encourage people to work inSaskatchewan libraries was expressed stronglyby all library sectors, reflecting the pressingrecruitment and retention issues faced by manylabour sectors today.

The Committee developed strategies to addressthe issues, framed by four goals:

• The value of libraries will be recognized andthey will have a positive image in theircommunities.

• The Saskatchewan library community willhave a province-wide network of resourcesand expertise in the area of library promotionand public relations.

• Saskatchewan libraries will have a pool ofqualified applicants, both professional andparaprofessional, for each library job.

• Saskatchewan libraries will be staffed bymotivated library workers productivelyengaged and competitively compensated fortheir work.

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Recommendations to achieve these goalsinclude:

• One dedicated staff person to co-ordinatepublic relations, recruitment and educationalopportunities for the multitype library systemin Saskatchewan.

• Hosting a one day symposium to bringtogether key library people working in thearea of promotion to identify advertising andpromotion needs, set up a formal network ofexpertise, and exploit existing expertise tocreate centralized online resources for librarypromotion and marketing.

• Education and training to developpromotional skills and capacity; to train newlibrary staff; and, to teach librariessuccession planning strategies.

• Supporting the development of recruitmentand promotion tools that can be shared bySaskatchewan libraries.

• Developing web pages that recruit people tothe library profession; provide education andtraining materials to library staff; and, providepromotional tools for libraries.

Two parallel initiatives encouraged by theCommittee provided some achievements in thearea of library recruitment and retention:

- establishment of the Saskatchewan LibrariesEducation Bursary (a cooperative initiative ofthe Multitype Library Board, theSaskatchewan Library Association, andSaskatchewan Learning); and

- development of a Library Careers section onthe Saskatchewan Libraries web site(www.lib.sk.ca/aboutlibraries/careers/).

The Committee submitted a report, outlining itsrecommendations, to the Multitype Library Boardin November 2002. The Board will review anddiscuss the report at its first meeting in the newfiscal year.