Library Services and Technology Act, Statewide, Regional and Special Meetings in Illinois: Summary of Findings

Sharon B. Wiesman

The Illinois State Library sought input from those working in and with libraries of all types in Illinois to help in the development of a new long range plan for the use of federal funds over the next five years. With the assistance of the 12 regional library systems, the State Library held a series of facilitated meetings to gather information from the field about the needs in each area of the state. Additionally, two statewide meetings were held to brainstorm ideas and discuss the hopes and new initiatives of the program. Meetings also were held with the Illinois State Library Advisory Committee (ISLAC), ISLAC Subcommittees for Title I and Title III and the Illinois Library System Directors and Presidents. About 12 individuals communicated in writing by mail, e-mail or fax. Additional special meetings of special groups and populations will be used in the near future for further refinement of the plan.

METHODOLOGY

The consultant facilitated two statewide meetings in addition to an LSCA Title I and Title III Committees meeting and an ISLAC meeting using questions designed to get input on needs from those working in and with libraries in Illinois. The consultant also trained State Library consultants to facilitate the 12 regional meetings held throughout the state. More than 300 participants attended these meetings. About 39% were from public libraries, 23% from schools, 18% were Illinois Library System staff, 12% were from academic institutions and 6% were from special libraries. Following is a brief summary of key findings and themes found resulting from these meetings. There was remarkable similarity in the comments regardless of meeting location.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Participants seemed to enjoy the process and liked being asked to contribute their ideas to the development of a viable plan for LSTA. They did ask to be kept informed and wanted their opinions sought in the future as well.

Those working in and with Illinois Libraries believe there are many rich successes accomplished in the last five years. They often credited the leadership from the Secretary of State's Office, George Ryan; the Illinois State Library with Director Bridget Lament, and the Illinois Library System and their directors with the vision and skills to move the state forward to greater excellence in libraries.

The participants want and need further help with technology, including hardware, software and database access; training staff for new skills; marketing their libraries and helping their dollars go further with group purchasing. They need affordable access to technology and want to be able to provide seamless service to their patrons with all libraries in Illinois linked together.

They see the continued education, training, symposiums and institutes already offered by the State Library and the systems as successful and want more of them. They want help with funding issues facing libraries, including tax caps. And the participants want library service to be available to all Illinois residents with no unserved areas. The participants often stated they believed Illinois libraries were in the forefront of leadership, cooperation, partnering and good ideas, and they wanted to build on that foundation.

Please take time to look at the last section of this document titled "Emerging Ideas" for some unique looks at some possible futures for Illinois Libraries.

KEY FINDINGS

QUESTION #1. What are you particularly proud of regarding Illinois Libraries for the last five years?

Overall, participants are proud of Illinois libraries on several fronts. They frequently expressed gratitude for the leadership and support provided by Secretary

161

of State and State Librarian George H. Ryan; Illinois State Library Director, Bridget Lament; and the Illinois Library Systems and their Directors. Several grant programs frequently praised include First Search, Educate and Automate, Live and Learn, and the Per Capita Grants.

Participants frequently complimented resource sharing and networking emphasis in Illinois and mentioned the multi-type nature of Illinois Library Systems and its positive influence. Small library staff often made comments such as "the free computers really helped us. We also appreciate the State Library helping us get online so we can network with each other."

Statewide delivery, literacy programs and automation also were appreciated and considered successful. Continuing education and training offered by the State Library and Library Systems were rated very high. The groups particularly mentioned automation training and the special institutes offered by the State Library. One person said, "The excellence of the Institutes held at Western (Macomb) and Bradley (Peoria), very excellent motivation/training week long sessions!"

QUESTION #2. What do you wish Illinois libraries (library community) had done and did not do (missed opportunities) during the last five years?

The most frequently mentioned include the need for universal library service in the state and a statewide library card. Funding was a hot topic as people felt that total reliance on property tax and tax caps were major headaches. While significant progress has been made on many fronts in the technology, it was frequently mentioned that a statewide automation plan would be of significant help to libraries. Some participants felt they had technological apartheid because they were in rural or school districts that were segregated from the newest technologies.

Meeting the needs of unserved citizens was the focus in many regions. A frequent comment was as one participant stated, "The state needs to actively extend service to unserved areas by action of Legislature similar to action which created community college districts." Another group of participants tied tax caps and the unserved together saying, "It would have been good to have worked on getting help to the unserved areas before the tax caps went into effect."

According to participants, the image of the profession and the services delivered need significant attention. They even said a formal marketing and public relations effort for libraries is needed to help clarify and promote the field.

In the area of professional certification, attention needs to be paid to performance standards and certification levels to ensure that the highest quality service is being provided.

A new area was broached when several participants mentioned the need to find ways of extending the learning from demonstration projects. One participant expressed it this way, "There are undoubtedly many such wonderful projects that it would not hurt at all to demonstrate it in another region or type of library."

QUESTION #3. Environmental Scan, what trends (social, technical, business, governmental, etc.) do you witness that are having (or will have) a large impact on Illinois libraries?

Participants reported a wide variety of key influences that were commonly cited in all meetings.

In the area of social trends several participants cited the aging population, and a bigger gap between the haves and have nots. Censorship was a big concern and potential big influence. The lack of civility among people and a "hurry up" culture accompanied by ever increasing expectations by the public have created a very successful workplace for librarians.

The sense of a "shrinking world," multiculturalism and changes in the family have an impact on the library, including the fact volunteers are in short supply.

Technological trends included participants constantly mentioning the "information explosion." Other quotes expressed these sentiments: "Patrons want more and better access-quicker!" The taste of automation's successes has whetted the appetites of the citizenry to have quicker interlibrary loan, more Internet terminals, etc." One common thought was that "everything will be on computers, so, we won't need libraries any more."

Technology has changed the place where business is done in that more people will want to do library searching from home on their home computer.

Regarding business trends, downsizing and focusing only on the bottom line were typically voiced. Some worry about the impact of mega-bookstores were frequently mentioned.

Governmental trends with a large impact included the prevalent anti-tax sentiment and distrust of government. Some participants also mentioned welfare reform.

QUESTION #3A. (OPTIONAL QUESTION USED ONLY AT SOME MEETINGS). If it didn't matter who provided it, what is the best way of meeting the library/information needs of the residents of Illinois?

The participants most frequently mentioned the need for collaboration with many different information and service partners, such as schools, businesses and

162

maybe even bookstores. Patrons want their information to be available around the clock and in formats they prefer. A representative quote is, "Our patrons want information where they need it, when they need it, and how they can use it."

Some imaginative ideas were evoked in this section. Some of the ideas include: "Satellite kiosks, library facilities or even just rooms in malls, stores, offices scattered throughout the city, suburban area and rural areas that will provide access to information and leisure interests. Delivery of materials will be regular and frequent. Trained librarians will be available wherever the satellites are open to assist users, train users in the technology and to respond to electronic, telephone requests."

Several participants wanted "24-hour reference for citizens of Illinois, electronic and staffed and full text."

QUESTION #4. If you were to be kept awake at night over anything regarding Illinois libraries and the future, what would it be?

Evidently the anxiety level is already high. Or as several participants stated, "What do you mean If I were to be kept awake at night?!"

There is considerable concern in a number of key areas. These concerns were found all over the state. The concerns seemed to center in several areas. One big sleep deprivation was from funding. Tax caps are causing lots of gray hair all over the state. The area of funding got comments in other areas. One person emotionally expressed, "Where in the world are we going to get the money to be the library we want to be?" Or as another put it, "Give us the money for staff and operating expenses so that we can give people the services they want and need."

What kept some folks up was the thought expressed in other sections that "libraries and library services will keep withering away due to a lack of funding." A related thought is that library services will only be available to "those who can afford it."

A second major nocturnal issue was the whole area of technology. Participants consistently felt lots of pressure to automate and were worried about not keeping up with the latest technology. They also raised philosophical questions about whether technology would be replacing books. Numerous other technology issues were raised, some centered on training and staff development.

School library issues floated to the surface in this section. Participants broached questions of certification and how librarians could play a larger role in the lives and planning of their institutions.

Two final issues were on many participants' minds:

censorship and how to promote service for areas currently being unserved.

QUESTION #5. What do you believe should be the dream for Illinois Libraries over the next five years?

This advanced a number of themes mentioned in earlier sections (Universal library service, full funding, and sophisticated technical services). However, some new themes emerged. Among them was the concept of insuring that access to information be affordable. A related concept was enabling libraries to be accessible to the disabled.

The concept of 24-hour service delivered by friendly staff received another affirmation in this section. A related theme of accessibility was mentioned. We need full access to a complex range of library services through access agreements, reciprocal borrowing, resource sharing, delivery of materials and information to convenient locations."

A third major area being constantly echoed throughout this study is the need for creative partnerships with a variety of institutions, both profit and non-profit.

The theme of the image and visibility of libraries was expressed as, "I would like libraries to be much more visible both in cities and towns and especially in the media, rather like a corporation, so that one could not not know about the services available to the general public.

The area of staff development was often commented on as a very important dream. "Have competent and educated staff capable of delivering complex services" was the way many put it.

A final area was the vision of a school library and a librarian in every school.

QUESTION #5A. Wouldn't it be nice if under LSTA, the State Library ... what? (Optional question not asked at some meetings)

Participants expressed a wide range of ideas here. They wanted the grant forms to be shorter and easier with more lead times for meetings and deadlines. They wanted more non-matching grants with increased funding for technology for the "geographically challenged." A further thought was, "I just want you to give me the money, Don't go away!"

As in earlier sections, multi-type library funding formulas were appreciated. A related concept is to look for collective and cooperative purchasing power. Participants liked FirstSearch but wanted expanded data bases. Finding ways to continue the linkage and networking of all libraries is a priority for many. The idea of equalized funding so that similar quality and quantities of services could be delivered statewide was popular in several groups. One person said, "Fully support the entire state as a single huge LLSAP with everyone using the equipment delivery, rules and ability to share resources."

163

Communication and feedback was a potent message of most groups. They often said, "Know who WE are, town meetings perhaps by systems or in third for big systems." Several regions wanted an institute for the education of library trustees.

The area of certification arose in some areas. Insist that school media programs statewide have certified full-time librarians.

Also in this section was the expression for more recruitment of minorities.

QUESTION #6. Is there anything else you would like the Illinois State Library to know (regarding LSTA in Illinois) that you have not already expressed?

The remarks here affirmed many previous sentiments, such as "continue FirstSearch, use video conferencing more, don't forget school librarians, make the LSTA forms easy and fund technology innovation projects." Significant numbers of participants said they appreciate what the state library does for libraries.

Some new expressions also were heard. Some of these relate to insuring that this project of getting statewide library input continues. They want to be sure they get the results back from these focus groups. They want to see a long-term plan developed and communicated to them as a result of this effort. Participants want to be "kept informed and continually asked what we think."

Funding and grants proved popular in many areas. "Thanks for the school per capita grants" was mentioned. Many liked the "canned" grants and Ally Grants method for moving some of the LSTA money to libraries. The canned grants could be a more equitable distribution method because of their simplicity.

Image and funding were linked by several participants. As one said, "Libraries should be seen as a window to the world, not dusty depositories." A related thought was to be careful of linking libraries to museums as repositories of old historical information. "Libraries should be seen as vital and contemporary providers of services, information and maybe even recreation."

Participants want library leaders to think "out of the box." No more of the "just because it was done that way" before kind of thinking. They want things to be constantly improved.

EMERGING IDEAS

FROM ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ASKED AT TWO LONGER MEETINGS WITH LSCA TITLE I AND III COMMITTEES AND THE ILLINOIS LIBRARY SYSTEM PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS.

QUESTION I. What do you think will be the most critical Information/library needs of Illinois residents in the year 2001?

Summary: Personal financial management; Help through morass of information; Managing multiplicity of sources of information; Community information; Information on legislation-family issues; Filtering information "appropriate age, what's valuable, readable"; Privacy;

Age-related health care information; Business information, fast; Employment/job needs; Back to baby boomers, retrain, recreation, large print; Support of formal/informal education; convenient, instant; Advice on connectivity; May be hard to find traditional literature and Business-global/other cultures information multi-lingual.

One participant said:

"To address providing information in ways that can be directly used to answer questions or solve problems, rather than in today's form of 'articles' or books." Another stated:

"Assurance as to the reliability of the information they receive. Rationale: much of the information available electronically is undocumented."

QUESTION II. What's "impossible" to do today, but if it could be done would revolutionize library service in Illinois?

Summary: Every family in the state has a computer; Provide adequate money for all libraries to meet its mission; Total electronic connectivity, libraries and community health care information; Connection of all types of libraries and all schools and homes etc. with a seamless system; Adequate salaries for librarians throughout the state; All state documents in electronic format; 100% literacy (information, computer); Universal library card (like SS card); See holdings of all libraries, circulation status and be able to request and have delivered in format needed; Return loans anywhere, the receiving library "keeps it" until it is requested again somewhere in the state; Digitized information-making unavailable information available, such as, genealogy, from Newberry, map collections, museum libraries, art, etc.; Personal information bank in each home tailored to individual's need; Eliminate distinctions between public and private institutions; Video/visual linking workstation video conference; Well trained support staff committed to library's mission; and Interfacing with clients wherever they are (not tied to location).

164

Some other comments from participants:

"A machine that reads for me and will read anything." "Universal service through state funding." "Have an appropriate and adequate and fair representation of ethnic minority librarians in place in Illinois libraries. That may change the face of service in Illinois libraries."

"Getting a legislator to sponsor a bill mandating library service."

"Detach library service from property tax." "Develop an Internet policy that will satisfy all liberals and conservatives and not be a PR nightmare." "Send information from an online product directly to an Individual's e-mail."

"Set your own loan period on materials needed." "Have materials/information delivered to home or business."

QUESTION III. Is there some external event that if it happened would require a radical response from the library community?

Summary: Extreme elimination of library money; A challenge to democracy; Publishing only on demand for money; National disaster, war, loss of dollar; Total, commercialization of federal government information; Major flood damage to large library collection, how to replace?; Rise of the right wing, elected President; Support of library funding by referendum all the time; Public schools eliminated, only home schools; Cheap home personal database; All library schools closed; Earthquake; All moms worked and all kids in daycare; Plague; Magnet erases all databases.

Some additional comments made by participants:

"Censors get control" and "Mandated library service without tax money through existing facilities."

QUESTION IV. HEADLINE...2001...USA TODAY... Illinois Libraries Lead the Rest of the Nation in Cutting-Edge Library Services... (what's the "rest of the story?")

Summary: Seamless; Wireless; All resources; All locations; Delivery Assures; Integration; Home page; People as resources; Domino Pizza delivers ILDS; Universal; Timely; and Personal librarian.

Some individual participant responses:

"A parent and child can work through their local (school/public) library or from a home computer via a library gateway to obtain research materials from U of I, a genealogy collection in Rockford, a local labor history archive in Chicago and other digital/text/print sources to prepare a report on history-science-etc. with the local assistance, Intermediation of local librarian."

"Illinois citizens no longer have to drive or take the bus or walk to their library to get library services. The Illinois State Library has opened library services so any citizen can get a core collection of books, magazines, videos and other images (historic photograph, maps) from their school, home, office or at their public library, if they want to actually go to the building. This core collection or electronic materials serves as the basis for a statewide program of information literacy, which starts in preschool and is extended to all citizens in Illinois. The lesson plan of any Illinois teacher at any level dips into this core collection with every teacher having a home page for his/her class with links to the core collection. Local and regional collections are also available in paper to supplement..."

"Every resident has easy access to library service at home, at work, at the mall using a universal library card and the virtual library with quick delivery of information assured."

"Programming schedule for library produced information texts and culture series now listed in weekly TV Guide."

"Libraries and schools partner to teach new technologies."

"Citizens in Illinois can now access major full-text information databases from their homes and offices. As a result of a statewide commitment to fund access to basic or core information resources, hundreds of journal and newspaper articles as well as up-to-date economic, health, legislative and sports is available at their fingertips."

"Personal librarians e-mail your personal information with a two-hour response with actual information. Also available in CU-C ME (computer video technology.)

"Today the state unveiled a program that allows all libraries throughout Illinois connectivity to a seamless, virtual database. Collections, full-text specialized journals, government documents are available from your local library. Retrieval of the information is instantaneous, and cost is free based solely on the support of the Corporate donors and telecommunication providers in Illinois.

"Due to innovative funding, this will be continued for years to come. Illinois has not worked for the short term, but has effectively planned for their future."

* Sharon B. Wiesman, Training and Development Consultant, Arlington Heights.

165