Libraries Together
Bettendorf Davenport LeClaire Scott County
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Libraries Together Bettendorf Davenport LeClaire Scott County
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact: Bettendorf Public Library: Faye Clow, director. 563/344-4175 Davenport Public Library: LaWanda Roudebush, director. 563/326-7832 LeClaire Community Library: Kim Kietzman, director. 563/289-2788 Scott County Library System: Pam Collins, director. 563/285-4794 Consensus: Jennifer Wilding, project director. 816/531-5078 (media only) Scott County public libraries urge residents to complete and return Libraries Together surveys (April 5, 2005) The first survey for Libraries Together, a ten-month study that will use public input to plan for the future, has been sent to a random sample of 3,550 Scott County residents. The survey is the first step in a series of public participation opportunities in the study. The libraries are asking recipients of the surveys to complete and return them as soon as possible. Residents who received a survey but are not the listed recipient on the envelope are encouraged to complete and return surveys with the name of the person completing the survey added. Names are completely confidential and will not be used for any purpose other than tallying survey results. The four libraries in Scott County are studying ways to provide more efficient services, collaborate more efficiently and learn about public attitudes toward libraries. The Libraries Together project is designed to give library patrons an opportunity to review the facts, consider the various options and consequences of action, and identify which options they prefer. The study, conducted by the non-profit Consensus organization, will include a customer-satisfaction survey, a county-wide survey on options for action, and a series of public forums. Consensus is a Kansas City-based non-profit organization with 20 years of experience garnering public input to guide public policy. In 2004, it released a report on the structure and funding of libraries in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Among Consensus team members is Thomas Hennen, director of the Waukesha County Federated Library System in Wisconsin and author of the HAPLR Index, which rates the nation’s libraries. Consensus will deliver a report detailing options for actions in
December 2005. The report will not offer recommendations, but instead will offer
several possible options for the citizens of Scott County. Fuding of Libraries Together is made possible by the Scott County Regional Development Authority, the Riverboat Development Authority and the State Library of Iowa, as well as each of the libraries.
# # # The four libraries of Scott County created Libraries Together as a means to be proactive in responding to shifts in how the state and local governments provide services. In its first phase, the libraries have requested an objective outsider’s look at options for improving library service. The 10-month effort will engage the public through surveys and public meetings. The final report will include a range of options, from simple operational efficiencies to consideration of complete change for all four libraries, and the likely staff, board and public response to each. For more information visit the Libraries Together website at www.librariestogether.org.
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