You are here: Home ) Bellingham Public Library Director Reports ) 11/01/2007 Report

DIRECTOR'S REPORT
November 2007

    Director’s Report and Highlights Bellingham Public Library
    Submitted by Pamela Nyberg Kiesner Bellingham, Washington

    November 20, 2007


    Do you have your reading glasses handy? I have included some great reading for you in your packet. Here’s an overview of our upcoming meeting, and the materials that will help you prepare:


    Collection Development

    Beth Farley and I will be discussing this most primary library function with you as part of “Trustee Education” this month. Beth is our new Head of Information and Reader Services, which includes responsibility for Collection Development – I am eager to introduce her to you all.

    Please begin this section of the packet by reading the recent New York Times article: Much Loved, Now Much Used by Fran Silverman. This article describes the direction we are heading in Bellingham, and affirmed by the community in our recent public sessions. Silverman succinctly describes how contemporary libraries are changing with the times, citing many libraries on the east coast. Libraries and the people we serve have the same needs and expectations here in the Pacific Northwest.

    Next in your packet you’ll find two documents: the Director’s Vision and Expectations for the Library’s Materials Collection, and a Draft of a new Collection Development Policy. We’ll be discussing both of these with you and asking for your approval of the Policy in concept.


    Whatcom Community College

    As we heard just before our last Board meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Whatcom Community College unanimously endorsed going forward in partnership with the Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom County Library System in planning for a joint Learning Commons facility on the campus of WCC.

    I am excited to share a support letter with you and seek your authorization to sign and send it jointly with the Whatcom County Library System.


    Interlocal Agreement

    Our Mutual Extension of Borrowing Privileges and Services Interlocal Agreement with the Whatcom County Library System is reviewed annually; there is no change except for the 2.5% COLA increase in the amount that WCLS is paying to BPL. The agreement is in your packet for your review and approval at the meeting.


    2008 Meeting Dates and Times

    For a few years now you have chosen to meet on the third Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Please be thinking about whether you’d like to continue this schedule in 2008.


    Planning

    As you are well aware, our planning process for the building program is in full swing. I will provide more detail at the Board meeting, particularly about our timeline. Our online survey ends today, and we were close to 300 responses the last time I checked. This will be great, added information to everything we’ve gathered to date.



    See you on Tuesday!