ABOUT US: Publications - Reports: 1999
South Dakota State Library
1999 Summary of Activities
Braille & Talking Book Program
Statistics
Collection : Titles 39,405 Copies 199,003The State Library continues to participate in several cooperative programs to extend services to the blind and visually impaired:
Registered Borrowers 4,200
Circulation 93,340
Circulation per patron 22.2
- Radio Talking Book (live on air newspaper broadcast Mon-Fri) with Department of Human Services, Services to the Blind & Visually Impaired
- Cassette Player Repair Unit with Department of Corrections, Women's Prison
- Braille Production Unit with Federal Department of Justice, Federal Prison Camp, Yankton
- Talking Book Recording Studios with Federal Department of Justice, Federal Prison Camp, Yankton
Reading Programs
The tenth annual Governor's Summer Reading Program for Children who can not read standard print was held. There were 75 participants. 1,144 books were checked out during the six week program and 576 book reports were returned. The six top readers were honored at the South Dakota State Fair with plaques presented by Governor Bill Janklow. The South Dakota Lions Clubs established a $40,000.00 endowment to assure the continuation of the Governor's Summer Reading Program.
This is the first year the state has underwritten the Summer Regional Reading Program. This involves and annual membership fee and one copy of the summer Reading Program manual for every library that did a summer reading program last year. The manuals should be available at the conference. Jim Oliver of the Siouxland Libraries, is coordinating distribution.
The State Library is also continuing to coordinate the "Mother Goose Asks 'Why'?" program in South Dakota. Dorothy Liegl is the contact for this program which teaches parents how to work with their children on science inquiry skills, such as estimating, predicting measuring observation, and so on. There are currently five team leaders for South Dakota.
The State Library currently has two positions open. We are looking for a Technical Services Librarian and a Reference Librarian.
South Dakota Library Network (SDLN)
SDLN has grown significantly since its inception. There are now 36 full members representing 46 libraries. Associate Members are beginning to join the Network. Currently, there are 7 Associate Members representing 10 libraries. Welcome to the newest libraries: Chamberlain, Madison, Watertown and Deadwood.
As technology changes and improves, old systems become obsolete and migration to new hardware and software becomes imperative. This fall SDLN migrated from their old hardware to a new Unisys Clearpath system. Currently, the PALS software continues to be developed through new releases and serves the SDLN libraries well. However, with the announced discontinuation of support for PALS in five years, SDLN must look for a new system. SDLN Executive and Advisory Committees must begin to make decisions and choices in the next 2-3 years which will prepare SDLN continue to meet the future needs of member libraries.
We continue to participate in the Minitex Library Information Network. Minitex is a regional consortium designed to facilitate access to information both in print and online. Their activities include providing efficient Interlibrary Loan services, OCLC and ILL training, and negotiation of consortium pricing of online databases. Further, Minitex offers discounts on library supplies and software programs.
Database testing of Bell and Howell's ProQuest libraries and the Electric Library are currently underway. OCLC's FirstSearch databases were also tested last spring. Library comments will be important as the state considers providing statewide access to information databases.
Summer Training Institute
The State Library sponsored the Annual Training Institute for public librarians in June. There were 22 participants who intensively studied cataloging and selection and weeding. There were five graduating seniors in the class of 1999. Each received their Certificate of Public Library Management. Congratulations to Rhonda Berger, Joyce Mosley, Teresa Nieto, Lee Ann Paananen, Lori Wagner, and Linda Weberg! In June 2000 the institute plans to focus on young adult services and management issues.
Grants
LSTA Grant applications for 2000 closed 9/15/99. There are 18 applicants which are currently being reviewed. We hope to make award announcements soon. In FY 1999 LSTA grant program funded 18 library projects which were completed by September 30th.
The Gates Library Initiative is scheduled for implementation in 7/2002. What this means for the libraries in South Dakota depends upon library size. The smallest libraries will receive a free PC, printer, and 20 software titles. Medium size libraries will be eligible to receive either a server or PCs. The large libraries may receive a training lab. Training will be a part of all packages. PCs provided under this program must be available for public access and be Internet connected. In order to obtain granted items, local library staff will be required to submit a grant request. The form will be simple, perhaps as short as two pages. There will be a grant writing training program which will insure that this process is simple for even the smallest staff. South Dakota implementation, including training will begin in January 2002.
The new State Grant Directory should be available around January 1, 2000. It will be available online and in a limited print edition. The directory should include both instate grants and out of state grants available in South Dakota . This will be a welcome addition as the most recent directory was done in 1995.
Internet Issues
Every library with public access to the internet should now have an Internet Use Policy in place. Libraries should be working on establishing one soon. The State Library can provide sites where sample policies can be reviewed. At a recent workshop, CyberLibrary, a K-12 filter provider, recommended that if you are monitoring Internet usage, include an additional clause in your policy which states that this is occurring. Although there are no legal privacy protections for internet users at this time, this will insure that users are fully aware of your policies.
Filtering is a big topic in Washington DC at this time, especially filtering for children. No filtering requirements have been established to date - they are simply under discussion.
E-rate is another program that is especially important for continued Internet access in our small rural communities. Do apply for E-rate if you have not already. It is an extremely economical way to get that second phone line for your internet connection and the Gates Library Initiative people will undoubtedly ask if you have applied. This assures them that you and your governing board are taking initiative to participate in your own development.
Also, there have been reports of police requesting access to internet use logs in South Dakota libraries. These logs are considered private under the Confidentiality Of Library Records Law (SDCL14-2-51) and should be treated in the same way as circulation records for books. Before turning over records to the police, you must be shown a valid court order signed by a judge.
Reports and surveys
Please don't forget to file Annual Reports. New public library report forms for 1999 will be coming soon. These statistics are especially important for our continued planning and federal funding.
A special Public Library Survey is being developed by several librarians around the state. Their purpose is to assess where South Dakota public libraries are, especially with regard to technology and connectivity. The survey looks overwhelming but we ask that you struggle through it and answer what you can. Responses will help us to plan for future development of library services in the state.
Future Events
The Wiring the Schools project is complete. As of Oct. 1, these DOC crews are available to wire public libraries. Libraries provide the cost if materials, room and board for crews. To request participation in this program contact Dawn Brende, WTS Coordinator, 605-528-6655, dawnb4@state.sd.us . The expenses for participating in this program are generally the cost of materials and feeding and housing the crew. Dependent on how extensive your project is, this may only mean a meal or two for 4-7 inmates.
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Postage Stamp Events: A LC Bicentennial Stamp is scheduled for release on April 24, 2000, the 200th birthday of the Library of Congress. Libraries everywhere are invited to participate in a "Second day issue event". Events are to take place between April 25 and May 31, 2000. The State Library will be the liaison with libraries around the state. Libraries should report their events to State Library for documentation to LC.
Suzanne M. Miller, South Dakota State Librarian