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) Public libraries in Scott County ask residents to make difficult choices (September 1, 2005) The second survey for Libraries Together, a ten-month study that will use public input to plan for the future, is being sent this month to a random sample of 3,550 Scott County residents. The survey will ask residents to make choices among several options for the way in which the four public libraries in Scott County are governed and funded. The survey asks residents to select the option they prefer, and tell what led them to make that choice. "We’re asking our citizens to share responsibility for decisions that affect their public libraries," Kim Kietzman said. Kietzman is director of the LeClaire Community Library. "Knowing what citizens consider to be most valuable, such as the connection to their local community or regionalism or efficiency, will help shape the future of public libraries in Scott County." The survey is the second of three opportunities for members of the public to be involved in Libraries Together. The results of an earlier survey, measuring customer satisfaction, are included in the second Libraries Together report, available at www.librariestogether.org. The third opportunity will be a series of two-hour public forums being held from October 10-14. Scott County residents who would like to participate in a forum can request an invitation at www.librariestogether.org. Space is limited and we may not be able to include everyone who wants to participate. The libraries are asking recipients of the surveys to complete and return them as soon as possible. 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 is conducted by the non-profit Consensus organization, 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. Funding of Libraries Together is made possible by the Scott County Regional Development Authority, the Riverboat Development Authority, the State Library of Iowa using federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Library Services and Technology Act, as well as the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library and each of the four public 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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