METROWEST FY2008 PLAN OF SERVICE GOALS

Mission Statement

Metrowest, a membership-driven organization of multitype libraries, provides access to resources and services that augment the capacity of individual member libraries.  Mobilizing a small force of highly skilled employees and the cooperation of our members, we deliver continuing education and technological expertise, high level reference and consulting services, shared materials, and advocacy leadership to ensure the relevance and vitality of libraries in Metrowest Massachusetts.

Metrowest’s mission is reflected in the following service goals of the Regional Plan of Service.

  1. Delivery Services: Facilitate resource sharing by setting in place an efficient and cost effective method for delivery of materials and information for participating Metrowest libraries and between Metrowest and the other Regional Systems.
  2. Supplemental Reference Services: A. Provide direct and mediated supplemental reference resources and services to assist with questions beyond the scope of member libraries individual collections, including expanded web resources; B. Provide member libraries access to shared electronic databases.
  3. Interlibrary Loan Services: A. Provide member libraries with access to resources through regional interlibrary loan services; B. Provide member access to resources through development and maintenance of MassCat.
  4. Continuing Education and Training: Design and deliver high quality continuing education workshops in response to evolving member needs and user expectations.
  5. Advisory & Technical Assistance: Increase members’ relevance through exposure to and implementation of new technology, and provide technology consultation and training to assist members in planning and implementation of new technologies
  6. Other Supplemental Services: To provide member libraries supplemental services based on expressed needs within the region.
  7. Regional Coordination & Administration: Provide leadership, manage operations, and provide oversight for the organization to accomplish regional goals.

Metrowest Services are provided through state funds administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

FY2008 Plan of Service

Delivery Services

GOAL I: Facilitate resource sharing by setting in place an efficient and cost effective method for delivery of materials and information for participating Metrowest libraries and between Metrowest and the other Regional Systems. Delivery volume has increased significantly as a result of the system in place at the Minuteman Library Network (MLN) Metrowest will continue to carefully monitor the volume of delivery at each library. To help control costs, Metrowest will adjust the delivery schedule as necessary.

Metrowest will provide on-site delivery to member libraries of library materials and official communications of Metrowest member libraries, in accordance with Regional guidelines.

  1. Facilitate the Metrowest/Minuteman Library Network Delivery Committee, review charge for most effective delivery service with a minimum of 3 meetings annually
  2. Monitor the delivery service to maintain efficient movement of library materials
  3. Review and revise standards for providing and receiving delivery as necessary
  4. Review and revise delivery routes and schedules with delivery company as necessary
  5. Facilitate delivery solutions for MassCat participants
  6. Provide updated delivery information through Metrowest website
  7. Cooperate with other regions to facilitate statewide delivery

    8. Measures:

Supplemental Reference Services

GOAL II: A. Provide direct and mediated supplemental reference resources and services to assist with questions beyond the scope of member libraries individual collections, including expanded web resources. through a contract with the Newton Free Library.

  1. Provide supplemental reference and referral service to all member libraries
  2. Provide direct non-resident access to regional reference center
  3. Provide reference contact information and forms on the Newton Free Library’s website
  4. Coordinate training programs on supplemental reference services through the Newton Free Library
  5. Review and revise protocols for use of the Newton Free Library supplemental reference services as needed
  6. Assess current and future supplemental reference and research needs of members
  7. Negotiate with the Newton Free Library for effective reference and research services for member libraries
  8. Collaborate with the Newton Free Library to provide links to useful web accessible reference materials

    9. Measures:

GOAL II: B. Provide member libraries access to shared electronic databases.

  1. Work closely with MBLC, the other Regions, and networks, to evaluate and provide cooperative access to the most useful, cost effective, web accessible electronic databases
  2. Provide technical support for electronic database setup and access
  3. Continue to provide support FAQs on Metrowest website
  4. Review the evaluation data, annual use statistics, and recommend shared databases to be provided by the region, with input from the Metrowest/Minuteman Reference and Database Committee and member survey results
  5. Investigate and implement ways to actively promote the use of electronic databases to member libraries and their end users.

    6. Measures:

Interlibrary Loan

GOAL III A: Provide member libraries with access to resources through regional interlibrary loan services.

  1. Provide mediated Interlibrary Loan services through a contract with the Wellesley Free Library.
  2. Review and analyze the mediated interlibrary loan service considering alternative methods for obtaining resources, i.e. MassCat, and the Virtual Catalog
  3. Provide ILL contact information and forms on the Wellesley Free Library’s website
  4. Review protocols and procedures, evaluate performance criteria, and assess current needs of members
  5. Coordinate training programs on borrowing, lending, and delivery policies and procedures through the Wellesley Free Library

    6. Measures:

GOAL III B: Provide member access to resources through development and maintenance of MassCat.

  1. React to the results of the FY2007 ILL Pilot Project
  2. Continue development and implementation of low cost conversion of records to machine readable format (MARC) for MassCat (as part of the MBLC’s continued development of a virtual catalog)
  3. Fund region’s share of the cost of MassCat
  4. Provide ongoing training to member libraries on using MassCat, including the ILL function.
  5. Publicize and promote MassCat

    6. Measures:

Continuing Education and Training

GOAL IV: Design and deliver high quality continuing education workshops in response to evolving member needs and user expectations.

  1. Working with Metrowest committees and member input, determine individual and group needs of member libraries for professional development and develop training opportunities as appropriate
  2. Provide workshops, taking advantage of technology to provide onsite (Workshops to Go) and virtual access to materials as appropriate
  3. Use new technology to intrigue and engage new audience, as measured by increased participation and new names
  4. Sub-contract with instructors as necessary to meet professional development needs
  5. Identify member staff expertise to expand our capacity
  6. Recognize and address state mandated certifications for teachers/librarians
  7. Partner with library organizations to increase breadth and depth of continuing education offerings
  8. Promote use of Metrowest training lab to members
  9. Provide information about regional continuing education/professional development opportunities via newsletter, flyers, website, electronic discussion list, blog and podcasting
  10. Continue to develop web accessible training opportunities, workshop content, and relevant links.
  11. Continue to coordinate the planning, scheduling and promoting of continuing education programs with other regions and library organizations

    12. Measures:

Advisory and Technical Assistance

GOAL V: Increase members’ relevance through exposure to and implementation of new technology, and provide technology consultation and training to assist members in planning and implementation of new technologies

  1. Determine individual and group needs of member libraries for advisory and technical assistance
  2. Continue to develop, maintain, and circulate a collection of professional materials including books (available through MassCat) and periodicals
  3. Involve members in the region through personal contact
  4. Identify, develop, and publicize sources of expertise to meet the needs of Metrowest members
  5. Provide advice and technical support via phone, e-mail, site visits, website, referrals and training
  6. Identify opportunities for pilot projects that will encourage member collaboration
  7. Sub-contract with consultants for advisory and technical assistance as necessary
  8. Continue to expand useful materials available through the Metrowest website

    9. Measures:

Supplemental Services

GOAL VI: Provide member libraries supplemental services based on expressed needs within the region.

  1. Participate in the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems (MARLS) Purchasing Cooperative ― for Library Supplies and Materials
  2. Participate with other regions in cooperative programming activities, e.g., the summer reading program
  3. Continue participation in the Digital Commonwealth

    4. Measures:

Regional Coordination/Administration

GOAL VII: Provide leadership, manage operations, and provide oversight for the organization to accomplish regional goals.

  1. Work with the Executive Board, advisory committees, contracting libraries, and member libraries to assist staff in the development of programs that meet member needs
  2. Maintain an efficient regional office (office space, inventory, fiscal records, and contracts) Review and revise office procedures as needed
  3. Support competent personnel through regional staff development opportunities (conferences, workshops, and continuing education), salary and benefits, job descriptions, and annual performance reviews
  4. Coordinate development of the Metrowest Plan of Service and Budget
  5. Develop, submit, and implement grant proposals and projects as appropriate to support Regional goals
  6. Continue to develop advocacy programs with member libraries, for the public, legislators and funding authorities to advance funding for Regional and other library services
  7. Foster partnerships, collaborations and sharing of expertise within and between all types of libraries
  8. Continue to provide an up-to-date and useful website, expanded through podcasting, a blog, discussion lists, and other formats for communication, dialog, sharing ideas and notice of events
  9. Participate in activities of relevant professional organizations, associations, networks, boards and committees
  10. Represent the region and its members in statewide planning activities

    11. Measures:

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