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MERIDIAN LIBRARY SYSTEM DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

MERIDIAN MONITOR

Sherry CrowKristi HagstromAnn Matzke

Debra MoningerLinda Nickel

Megan SvobodaKathy Thomsen

Janet Wilke

Laurie YocomJoan Davis, Emeritus

Meridian Library SystemSuite 7

816 East 25th StreetKearney NE 68847

Phone: 800-657-2192Phone: 308-234-2087

Fax: 308-234-4040Email:

sosenga@frontiernet.netWebsite:

http://libraries.ne.gov/mls/

What Accidental Marketers Need to Know

Three things stood out to me to share with you from Kathy Demp-seys recent presentation:

The four Ps: Product (or Service): What you are offering Price: Determined by cost Place: Location of service Promotion: Demands creativity and planning

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid: Thinking you know what your customers want without asking

them. Sending press releases and promoting programs, and calling it

marketing Not separating people into target markets and treating each

group differently. Not studying people who make up your user base. Not fully evaluating the results of program and campaigns and

using that data to improve future efforts.

Five steps toward a Marketing Plan: List and describe your target market(s). Describe your offerings in terms that will really attract customers. Identify your competition and how to overcome it. Use market research to choose the right promotional and com-

munication tools to reach your chosen target. Establish quantifiable goals and determine ways to measure

them later.

How valuable is your library? Attach this value

calculator to your website for users:

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/

library_calculator

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculatorhttp://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculator

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Kathy Dempsey recommended the websiteprogramminglibrarian.org at her recent work-shop presentation. Here is information about it incase you are interested in finding out what otherlibraries are doing for programming:

A project of theAmerican Library Association(ALA) Public Programs Office, Programming Li-brarian is the premier online resources for allthings related to presenting cultural and communi-ty programs for all types and sizes of libraries. Li-brarians from public, academic, special, andschool libraries stay connected with the latest pro-gramming initiatives and resources through Pro-gramming Librarian. The library is designed to support program

planning through feature articles, topical infor-mation (such as marketing, fundraising, andadvocacy), and resources for monthly eventsand celebrations

The blog presents up-to-date information onavailable grants and new programming initia-tives as well as short pieces written by guestbloggers about innovative programming ideasand successes.

Grant andjob listings keep our readers in-

formed of the latest happenings in the field.

Regularonline learning opportunities present aunique opportunity for practitioners to sharetheir expertise with the field. Programming Li-brarian uses Adobe Connect for all onlinelearning opportunities. Also, be sure to checkout the online learning archives for outstandingpast presentations.

The monthly e-newsletterprovides regular up-

dates on new content and pending grant dead-lines.

Looking for something short and sweet to readthis busy season? Let me suggest Donald HallsChristmas at Eagle Pond. This novella is the sto-ry of a 10 year old boy spending the three days

before Christmas visiting his grandparents farm irural New Hampshire in 1940. After his first evertrain ride alone, Grandpa picks Donny up at thestation with his horse and wagon. Work at thefarm is constant as everything is done by hand,

including cutting wood year round to feed thecooking stove and heat the house. The visit in-cludes the annual church Christmas program anda Christmas dinner with visiting relatives. All ofthe food is provided from what is grown andraised on the farm. When a blizzard arrivesChristmas night, Donny is worried that he will notbe able to catch the train home in the morning,back to his father and mother, who is recoveringfrom an operation. However, Grandpa has a sur-prise up his sleeve!

This is a heartwarming story of Christmas in an-other time. Although it is sentimentalized, its stila good picture of what real working farms werelike in 1940. I read this book a week ago and it isstill sticking in my memory so it is a winner for me

My niece Kims elementary school library is fullydecorated for the holiday season. The green onthe door wreath is made from the hand tracings oone of her reading groups.

http://www.ala.org/http://www.ala.org/offices/ppohttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/library.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/blog.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/library-grants.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/programming-jobs.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/online-learning.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/online-learning/online-learning-archive.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/newsletter_signup.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/newsletter_signup.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/online-learning/online-learning-archive.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/online-learning.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/programming-jobs.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/library-grants.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/blog.htmlhttp://www.programminglibrarian.org/library.htmlhttp://www.ala.org/offices/ppohttp://www.ala.org/

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Sign Up for Money Smart Week @ yourlibrary, April 20-27, 2013

Please join the hundreds of libraries acrossthe country that will be providing financialliteracy programming during Money SmartWeek @ your library, April 20-27.

Libraries of all types can provide muchneeded financial education to their commu-nities- pubic, school, academic, spe-cial. Last year over 250 libraries in 39states participated. We are hoping to dou-ble the number of libraries this year, andhave participation in each state.

ALA and the Federal Reserve Bank(Chicago) have partnered to make it easy

for you to participate, with toolkits, greatprogram ideas, guides, resources, down-loadable logos and more. And we dont askyou to do a lot, you can participate if youonly provide one program during the week.

To learn more about Money Smart Week@ your library and how other libraries havebenefited from being part of Money SmartWeek @ your library take a look at this re-cent archived webinarwhich you can view

at your leisure (55 minutes).

Please feel free to pass the link to the webi-nar link to any colleagues who you wouldlike to also encourage to participate.

If you and your library would like to partici-pate we ask that should register as a'Library Partner' at the Money Smart Weekwebsite - http://www.moneysmartweek.org/ala. Please register by January 2nd if pos-

sible. And dont forget to also sign up for theMoney Smart Week @ your library.

Young Readers Invited to Enter Lettersabout Literature Contest

Young readers in grades 4 10 are invitedto write a personal letter to an author for

Letters about Literature (LAL), a nationalreading and writing promotion program. Theletter can be to any author (living or dead)from any genrefiction or nonfiction, con-temporary or classicexplaining how thatauthors work changed the students view ofthe world. This reading and writing promo-

tion is sponsored by the Center for the Bookin the Library of Congress, in partnershipthe Nebraska Center for the Book and Ne-braska Library Commission, and locallysupported by Houchen Bindery Ltd.

LAL awards prizes on both the state andnational levels. The Nebraska Center forthe Book has a panel of judges who selectthe top letter writers in the state. Nebraskawinners will be honored in a proclamation-

signing ceremony at the state capitol duringNational Library Week in April 2013. Ne-braska winners will receive state prizes, andthen advance to the national judging.

A panel of national judges for the Center forthe Book in the Library of Congress will se-lect one National Winner per competitionlevel (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II forgrades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-10) toreceive a $1,000 cash award. The judges

will also select one second place winner oneach competition level to receive a $150cash award, to be announced in May 2013.

Teachers, librarians, and parents can down-load free teaching materials on reader re-sponse and reflective writing atwww.lettersaboutliterature.org. Submissionsmust be postmarked by January 11, 2013.State winners will be notified in March 2013and national winners by mid-April. Nebras-

ka-specific information (including lettersfrom Nebraska winners of past contests) isavailable at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html.For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan,402-471-3434 or 800-307-2665.

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Meridian Library SystemBoard Meeting MinutesTelephone Conference CallOctober 11, 2012

CALL TO ORDER: Ann Matzke called the meet-ing to order at 8:15

ROLL CALL: Sherry Crow, Kristi Hagstrom, Lin-da Nickel, Ann Matzke, Debra Moninger, MeganSvoboda, Kathy Thomsen, Janet Stoeger Wilke,and Laurie Yocom were present. Also presentwas System Director Sharon Osenga.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Linda Nickel movedand Sherry Crow approved as submitted.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: LaurieYocom moved and Kristi Hagstrom seconded toapprove previous minutes with the exception thatthe April minutes would be approved at the Janu-ary meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE: Sharon received a notethanking her for taking time to be interviewed fora library class.

TREASURERS REPORT: Sharon reviewed thebudget to date and bills through the end of June.We are ahead of target with spending so far this

fiscal year. Laurie Yocom moved and DebraMoninger seconded to approve the bills throughDecember 31, 2011. Motion passed unanimous-ly by voice vote.

NLC REPORT: N/A, Richard was on vacation.Sharon commented that the MLS money basedon state support level.

DIRECTORS REPORT: Sharon reviewed herwritten report. Leadership Institute Reunion was

very successful. Discussed pre-conference ses-sion co-sponsored with Read Aloud Nebraskaand the author panel featuring Jean Lukeshspeaking on Nebraska biographies at the fallconference. The Regional Library Systems areraffling a wine and cheese basket as a fundrais-er.

Other workshops discussed include a Technolo-

gy one in January (agenda still in progress),summer reading program in March at Ocontowith Sally doing the program, another youth ser-vices day in April possibly exploring babies andme lap sit story time like Papillion and Lincolnhave for story time.

Discussed staff changes including Gibbon schoollibrary and Taylor Public Library. Both librarianshave experience. Sharon helped Janice (at Tay-lor) weed the non-fiction collection since theymoved into a new building.

Week of Weeding: Last years success inspireddoing this again. The date will be January 14th 19th and an e-reader will be awarded to onelucky participant.

Discussed creating a personnel policy templatefor public libraries. Susan Sapp will train systemdirectors for them to do local training with librarydirectors.

System Survey: Next time we should allow theoption for more than one choice to be marked.

Business: Sherry Crow moved and Linda Nickelseconded approval of financial review. Unani-mous approval upon roll call.

NEXT MEETING: Next meeting will be a potluckon Friday, January 4th in Kearney.

ADJOURNMENT: Laurie Yocom moved andKristi Hagstrom seconded that the meeting beadjourned at 8:48 am.

Respectfully submitted,Debby MoningerSecretary/Treasurer

Now is the time to sign up touse the cutting machines in

2013. They are currently scheduled for use inMarch, April and August. Other months areopen. Contact the System Office if you are inter-ested.

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2013 One Book One Nebraska Announced

O Pioneers!by Willa Cather is Nebraskas reading choice for the 2013 One Book OneNebraska statewide reading program. Cathers O Pioneers!is the story of the Berg-sons, a family of Swedish pioneers that settles on the American prairie. While Alexan-

dra, the family matriarch, turns the family farm into a financial success, her brotherEmil struggles. A novel surprisingly ahead of its time, this work touches on a widerange of enduring themeslove, marriage, temptation, and isolation.

The One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center forthe Book, is now in its ninth year. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to readand discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have aNebraska theme or setting. A committee of the Nebraska Center for the Book selectedthe finalists from a list of twelve titles nominated by sixty Nebraskans from across thestate. The Nebraska Center for the Book board announced the choice for the 2013One Book One Nebraska at the Celebration of Nebraska Books on November 3 in Lin-

coln.

Libraries across Nebraska will join the Willa Cather Foundation, Nebraska Center forthe Book, and other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions,activities, and events that will encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book.Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities will be available af-ter January 1, 2013 at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Updates and activity listings willbe posted on the One Book One Nebraska Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraska.

One Book One Nebraska is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska

Humanities Council, Nebraska Library Association, and Nebraska Library Commission.The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at and supported by the Nebraska Li-brary Commission and brings together the state's readers, writers, booksellers, librari-ans, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book,supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, andthe written word.

Author (and former school librarian/teacher) Jean Lukesh and system di-

rector Sharon Osenga at the NLA/NSLA/MPLA conference where Jeanwas awarded the MPLA Literary Contri-bution Award. Congratulations, Jean!

http://onebook.nebraska.gov/http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraskahttp://onebook.nebraska.gov/