SOUTH DAKOTA'S LIBRARIES--
BUILDING TOWARD 2002
A Statewide Plan for the Development of Library and Information Services
1998-2002
THE ROLE OF FEDERAL SUPPORT
During the five-year period October 1, 1997- September 30, 2002, the South Dakota State Library will focus on three key objectives taken from the Library Services and Technology Act and the related priority areas identified by the statewide focus forums:
- GOAL 1. to enhance the delivery of information to South Dakota's citizens through a combination of improved technology and continuing education that will enable South Dakota's librarians and staff to provide the highest possible level of service to their patrons;
- GOAL 2. to emphasize special library services which contribute to improved access to information and library services for all people of the state delivering the information in the appropriate format, at the appropriate location, and within the time frame required by the patron; and
- GOAL 3. to provide equal access to information for South Dakota's citizens no matter what their age, economic status, or place of residence.
The focus groups identified equal access to information as a high priority. They specifically expressed concern that all of South Dakota's citizens should have access to print, nonprint, and electronic resources no matter where they live, what ever their age or economic status. These services can be delivered directly to their home or business or through their local library. Development of access to information on a local basis will be encouraged through LSTA grants.
- A. The State Library will continue to provide statewide access to information.
OBJECTIVES- Citizens that have only limited local library access or who have no local library, will continue to be able to receive access to information through the collections maintained by the State Library
- South Dakota State Library will continue to provide leadership in locating and contracting for statewide access to electronic databases.
- Citizens and businesses across the state will have electronic access to the SDLN.
- B. South Dakota State Library will continue to encourage resource sharing.
OBJECTIVES- Libraries throughout the state will continue to be encouraged to become members of the SDLN and to share their resources with other libraries.
- South Dakota State Library will continue to provide access to resources beyond the borders of this state through cooperative contracts with MINITEX
- Rapid turn around for interlibrary loan requests will continue to be encouraged and delivery will be augmented by the courier service.
- By October 30, 1997 South Dakota State Library will form a committee to study the value of a statewide library card and shall promote the development of this program with implementation by October 30, 1999.
- C. Promote the improvement of local library connectivity through competitive LSTA grants.
The State Library Board recognizes that funding for improving electronic access is limited on all levels (city, county and state) and that the general pattern in South Dakota is to not provide state aid specifically for library development. This makes the wise use of the LSTA funds even more critically important. Projects must be chosen carefully based on their ability to stimulate access to learning and information resources to the widest audience possible.
In South Dakota, LSCA was historically used to support a combination of statewide services and for grants to local libraries to stimulate the use of technology or to provide access to services. The State Library Board anticipates continuing that trend.
OBJECTIVES- The State Library Board will adopt guidelines and administrative rules for all grant programs. Guidelines and performance criteria will be recommended by the LSTA Advisory Committee and adopted by the State Library Board.
Grants will be awarded to libraries or consortiums of libraries that meet the State Library Board's definition of "adequate" libraries.
Statewide services will be evaluated using instruments developed to measure customer satisfaction and the need for specific services.
The State Library Board will develop a plan for the overall evaluation of the effectiveness of the five-year plan.
Grant program rules will be evaluated annually for effectiveness using the project reports, onsite inspections, and informal feedback from local libraries.
Grant rules will officially be in effect in FY 1998.
For comparability, all grant recipients in the same category should be using the same evaluative criteria.
Building Towards 2002 -- Attachment A -- Goal 1 -- Goal 2 -- Goal 3