The Future of Illinois Library Cooperation

Future of Illinois Library Cooperation Task Force Formation

Based on proceedings from the summit on November 9, 2009, and input to follow-up communications in the December 2009 ILA Reporter and January 14, 2010 ILA E-news, three task forces were formed to address the issues raised, i.e., how regional/statewide collaboration can be improved to provide and improve equitable access to library services for all citizens of Illinois.  The task forces will work in conjunction with a steering committee chaired by ILA members Dee Brennan and Donna Dziedzic, with staff support from the Illinois Library Association.

The three task forces and their charges will focus on a short list of core library cooperative services, which will be identified from focus areas developed by summit participants.  All three task forces will begin their process by assessing current baseline data and moving toward recommendations and a plan for implementation.

Scope: Assess current environment of collaborative library services in Illinois to create efficiencies and benefits for library patrons, including research and evaluation of comparative models and documentation of funding levels and projected expenses.  Propose solutions to maintain and improve services through existing or modified structures, including a plan for implementation, leadership, and political feasibility.

Structure Task Force Charge:

What is the best way to provide these services (by whom and how will they be provided)?

Charge:

• Provide overall analysis of current structure of how core library cooperative services are provided (e.g., delivery), documenting and diagramming key functions and providers of services.
• Conduct basic SWOT analysis of core library cooperative service structures, e.g., what works, what doesn't, what should be the priorities of the service, what are immediate needs, and what are long term needs.
• Examine other structures of core library cooperative services, including how services are delivered outside of Illinois.
• Identify specific changes that need to be implemented, including changes in structures and laws, in order to provide the highest quality of core library cooperative services.

Chair
Rebecca Teasdale
Schaumburg Township District Library
130 S. Roselle Rd.
Schaumburg, IL  60193-1647
phone:  (847) 923-3326
fax:  (847) 923-3335
e-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Report from the Structure Task Force, June 2010.

Funding Task Force Charge:

How will those services be funded and what are our priorities?

Charge:

• Provide overall analysis of current state budget appropriation and actual funding for cooperative library services (per capita grants, systems/delivery, databases, electronic support) in a clear, understandable, and communicable format
• Identify areas of essential (unique) service, possible duplication, opportunities for consolidation
• Examine other examples/models
• Prioritize needs for state/regional level spending for core library cooperative service

(Charge is intended to set an initial scope for the work, and is subject to modification.)

Co-chairs
Allen Lanham
Eastern Illinois University
Booth Library
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL  61920
phone:  (217) 581-6061
fax:  (217) 581-7534
e-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Karen Danczak Lyons
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State St.
Chicago, IL  60605-1203
phone:  (312) 747-4018
fax:  (312) 745-1590
e-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Report from the Funding Task Force, June 2010.

Services Task Force Charge:

What are the primary elements of “core library cooperative services?”

Charge:

• Provide overall analysis of cooperative/collaborative services currently provided and compare to identified core library cooperative services
• Identify service overlaps and “gaps” (duplication, unserved, underserved, etc.)
• Examine other examples/models (statewide digital library, statewide library card, etc.)
• Develop criteria for a minimum level of core library cooperative services for all residents

(Charge is intended to set an initial scope for the work, and is subject to modification.)

Chair
Carolyn A. Anthony
Skokie Public Library
5215 Oakton St.
Skokie, IL  60077-3680
phone:  (847) 673-7774
fax:  (847) 673-7797
e-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

February/March 2010

• Review by task force co-chairs, refine charges, finalize composition of task forces; identify core library cooperative services and poll the field.

April/May 2010

• Task forces conduct analysis/research phases, meeting as needed
• Steering committee available to provide additional resources, guidance, etc.

June 2010

• Preliminary findings of each task force shared with steering committee and each other

July/August 2010

• Presentation of preliminary findings to ILA Executive Board
• Discussion/revision/consolidation of task forces findings into preliminary draft plan
• Sharing of preliminary draft with key stakeholders for additional input

September 2010

• Draft plan shared with library community at ILA Annual Conference and through electronic and other media

October/November 2010

• Finalize draft plan, including 2011 action plan

December 2010

• Formal adoption of plan, beginning of implementation