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Chinook Regional Library |
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Chinook Regional Library |
REGIONAL LIBRARIAN'S 1999 REPORT
When the Chinook Regional Library was formed in 1971, the challenges it faced were not too dissimilar to those it faces in 1999. A need for more books and more branch opening hours still heads the list. The regional board and staff continue to be committed to a vision of excellent public library service to the residents of Southwest Saskatchewan.
We continue to concentrate much of our energy on getting books to people, either through our branch and corner libraries or through a vital interlibrary loan structure. But access to information is changing, and in recent years technology has created a variety of information formats and methods of delivery. Therefore, the public library system must also focus on working with governments, communities, and other library jurisdictions to insure that new technologies can be harnessed and that our delivery systems continue to provide the best in timely and relevant information.
Internet, e-mail, library catalogues and online databases
Rather than fret over the potential miseries of Y2K, Chinook Regional Library closed out the year with thirty-one branch libraries and two corner libraries connected to the Internet. Thirty-one computers and twenty-three printers were placed at no local expense into our communities through the assistance of provincial and federal grants. With assistance from Industry Canada and their Youth Employment program, we were able to accomplish the task of tormatting and installing computers and training staff and the public. Young and old can now access e-mail, surf the Internet, search library catalogues, and seek a myriad of answers from numerous electronic databases right from their local library.
Websites and Dynix
The Chinook Regional Library website continues to be a work in progress. We are attempting to provide system information that is useful to our communities, library trustees, and library staff. The website also provides links to a limited number of sites that should assist most Internet visitors.
During the year, two branch library websites were developed. City librarian Aidan Meegan mounted a Swift Current Branch site on the city server in February and branch librarian Joy Handwork created a site for Cabri Branch in June.
Three more libraries were introduced to the benefits of providing an automated circulation service. Staffs at Herbert, Gull Lake, and Gravelbourg have received training on Dynix software and their libraries are now operational.
It has been a busy year, with new responsibilities, many challenges, and rewards. Training has touched all staff members and I would like to thank them all for their patience and diligence. Finally, we are indebted to our library trustees and officials at all levels of government for their continued cooperation and support.
Respectfully submitted
Michael J. Keaschuk
BRANCH SUPERVISOR'S 1999 REPORT
The beginning of 1999 brought computers to 31 branches and 2 corner libraries. Industry Canada made it possible for all of these libraries to become connected and also made it possible to employ Monique Reimer and Dana Petersen to make the 'connection'. They worked hard to install computers and train librarians and others to become comfortable with these machines, which have become an essential part of our profession. Three more branches became fully automated. We were pleased to add Herbert, Gull Lake and Gravelbourg to the list of Dynix libraries, making a total of eight service points.
Summer Reading Program
'Summer Magic' generated a lot of work for the 22 libraries involved
in the program, and consequently a lot of excitement for the 523 children
participating in special programs. Magic themes ranged from bubbles to
birds and other magical events. Mr.Z, our touring performer, visited ten
branch libraries and thrilled a total of 644 people with his juggling acts
and balloon animals. Making our libraries become alive and full of fun
is obviously quite a commitment by our library staff.
Branch Library Improvements
Thanks to some very active library board members and hard working library
staff many of our branches are becoming very inviting, aftractive places
to visit and enjoy. The Gull Lake branch celebrated all the hard work of
building a brand new library by hosting a Grand Opening in May. Burstall
celebrated the move to their new location (former Credit Union) during
Saskatchewan Library Week. The rejuvenation committee at Shaunavon continues
to work on the appearance of their library. This year saw the building
of steps in the children's corner and a coffee table for the seating area.
Cabri staff also worked on the rejuvenation of their library, the result
being a very attractive library.
Authors
Saskatchewan Library Week (October 17-23) was the incentive for one
ot our best author tours. Local authors Anne Slade and Doris Bircham presented
their Prairie Women II program at Maple Creek, Ponteix, Climax, Swift Current
and Tompkins libraries. Other visiting authors were Bill Barry at Swift
Current, Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet at Leader and Thelma Poirier at Shaunavon.
Staft Changes
During the year there were few branch staff changes. Tompkins branch
bid farewell to Robyn Corfield and appointed Lynne Baumann as their new
librarian, and at Val Marie Janine Perrault replaced Mildred Harbor after
twelve years of dedicated service.
Respectfully submitted,
Myra Leyshon
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