"We wanted the page to provide basic information of interest to staff, trustees and the public," said Mr. Keaschuk.

 Of particular interest will be the highlighted catalogue that will be operational by early October. The catalogue will list the holdings of regional libraries with books in the Chinook Regional Library system highlighted to make it easy for patrons to determine what is available where.

 "This is another way we can increase access for our patrons," said Mr. Keaschuk. "In the comfort of their own homes, they can check on the status of particular material or just browse to see what may be available.

 Patrons will also be able to E-mail headquarters staff with questions and comments.

TREASURES ABOUNDED AT THE LIBRARY   Treasures abounded at the Library as Morgan Wrishko of Leader discovered when he took part in the Chinook Regional Library's Summer Reading Program. The successful program included registration of 554 (not including Swift Current Branch); performing tour attendance of 519; activities/program attendance of 1,120 and 7,205 books were read (not including Swift Current Branch).  Summer Reading Program Log draw winners were:  Stephanie Ulm, Ponteix (age 9), Sarah Corman, Leader (age 8) and Terrim Rushka, Swift Current, (age 7).

That was the date she became Librarian at the Swift Current Branch, a post that has been vacant for more than eight years.

 "We have a lot of catching up to do," she said with a smile. "Right now I'm still sorting out the office."

 She added that the staff at the branch and headquarters had been most helpful in getting her settled.

A recent graduate of the University of Alberta, where she earned a Masters degree in Library Science, Ms Meegan also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from the University   of   Saskatchewan. Originally from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, her family has lived in Moose Jaw for many years.

 A recent graduate of the University of Alberta, where she earned a Masters degree in Library Science, Ms Meegan also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from the University   of   Saskatchewan. Originally from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, her family has lived in Moose Jaw for many years.

 What attracted Ms Meegan to Library Sciences was an interest in working with people and an enjoyment of research.

 What attracted her to the job at the Swift Current Branch was the breadth of the responsibilities in the job.

 "In larger centres library jobs often have a narrow focus. Here I'll have the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of activities."

 Supporting and assisting branch staff  is  high  on  her  list  of responsibilities.

 "We have many staff issues and concerns that need to be sorted out. Staff training is also important, especially with all the changes in technology that have occurred recently."

 Ms Meegan's expertise with computers will be put to good use.

 "For one thing, I'm going to create a webpage for the branch," she said. This webpage will be linked to the City of Swift Current webpage.

 She was pleasantly surprised to see that the branch had Internet access and used the Dynix System. "I've used Dynix before so I am familiar with it."

 Some of her other plans include working with the Friends of the Library and increase the profile of the Swift Current Branch.

 "We need to let people know that we have lots of good resources here."

 These   include   children's programming, excellent reference staff, audio books, interlibrary loans and more. A fax machine for public use has also just been added.

 "I think my plate will be full for a long time!"

 Opened in November 1971,  the  branch  was completely renovated early this year. Changes included a new ceiling and flooring, fresh paint on the walls, some new shelving and a proper circulation desk.

 "Everything has been totally redone," said the obviously pleased Librarian, Adele Hanson.

 "Before the renovation we checked out books at a large table with no drawers, which meant everything was always on the table," she said.

 "Now I can't believe how we managed to work with all that stuff in the way."

 Ms Hanson is also pleased with the improved display area to show off new books.

 The renovations took about six weeks to complete, starting late in December 1997 and finishing in February 1998.

 Preparing for the renovations involved a lot of work for Ms Hanson and her assistant.

 "We had to pack up absolutely everything," she said. "We started out with good intentions to carefully label everything, but by the end were starting to tuck things here and there."

 The Grade 12 Grad Committee were hired to move the boxes out of the library and then back in to help raise money for their grad festivities.

 "My assistant and I then unpacked and reshelved everything."

 While reshelving the more than 11,000 books in the collection, they also took time to ensure that each book was properly carded.

 "Since we had to handle them anyway it seemed like a good time to check them all," she said. "We don't often have time to do them all at once."

 Patrons have been very impressed with the changes and are enjoying the new look.

 "When people came in for the first time after the renovations they were amazed at the difference and pleased with the result."

 While the look has changed, the special service available to patrons in a smaller library is still there.

 Ms Hanson has worked in the library off and on for several years before becoming the Librarian in 1996.

 "I've gotten to know people and what they like," she said.

 "I have books on my desk with people's names on them. They haven't requested them, but I know they will want to see them."

 "That kind of personalized service is a special feature that smaller libraries can offer that larger libraries can't."
 

Hodgeville Branch Celebrates   On March 17, 1998, Hodgeville Mayor LeeAnn Sabasch and Reeve Dwayne Deobald cut the ribbon in the newly renovated Hodgeville Branch of the Chinook Regional Library.

* Maple Creek came on line in the spring.
* Leader was up and running during the summer.
* Shaunavon was computerized by the end of September.
* Herbert is next in line and should be completed by the end of the year.

 Automation will proceed as required until all those branches that can make good use of computers have them.

 "There are definitely more centres to come," said Mr. Keaschuk, Regional Librarian. "We will continue to plan for more communities to be automated over the next year or two."

 The more branches that become automated the more efficient the system becomes.

HANDY FOR PATRONS

 Both staff and patrons are catching on to the value of computers in their libraries.

 Patrons  find  it  easy  and convenient to determine what material is available within the region and their own branch. They can quickly see whether it is checked out or still on the shelf.

 They can browse with ease and check material by topic, title, or author - all from the comfort of a chair. In the future, via the Internet, they will be able to visit their library collection without leaving the comfort of their home!

FASTER FOR STAFF

 Quick holds can be easily transacted between automated branches, which makes the staff's job easier and faster.

 The system is more accurate, helping staff know exactly where material in their collection is at any given time. Books can be found more quickly and material can be tracked more easily.

 Overdue problems are dealt with automatically, which also lightens the load for staff in the branches and at headquarters.

TRAINING HELPFUL

 It does take a while for staff and patrons to become comfortable with the new technology and the new way of doing things. However, with a little patience, a little training and a little practice, computers are becoming an invaluable tool in our public libraries.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

Nov.21 - Library Trustees Workshop, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

 Nov.21 - Fall Board Meeting, 12:30 p.m.

October 19-25 - Saskatchewan Library Week.
 Theme - Saskatchewan Reads: Another Healthy Activity

 The Annual Meeting on April 4th was attended by 41 delegates representing 47 of the 98 municipalities.

 Dorothy Saunderson encouraged all trustees to read the revised Trustees' Handbook that has been distributed to the branch libraries.

 A presentation was made to SaskTel regarding the size of local exchanges, classification of libraries as "commercial" for phone service, and the possibility of an improved rate for Internet access.

 The SLTA received a small grant from the CLA for trustee training in 1997 and applied for the grant again in 1998.

 SLTA, represented by Dorothy Saunderson, met with Hon. Bernie Wiens to discuss maintaining high quality telecommunications services at affordable rates for rural and northern residents. The SLA and SLIA are combining their efforts to prepare a presentation on this topic. Dorothy advised  all  municipalities  and organizations to write to the minister pointing out the negative impact of costly telecommunications to rural Saskatchewan residents.

 Joylene Campbell, Director of Public Library and Client Services at Provincial Library, touched on the multitype library legislation based on cooperation among various types of libraries.

 A one-year Technology Grant Program has been announced to enable every public library in the province to connect to the Internet by the year 2000 and ensure equitable public access to library resources. The grant will provide matching funding to 50%. Chinook Regional Library is eligible for $40,000.

 The  province-wide  database licensing proposal should be on-line May 1st. Provincial Library phased out reference service in December 1997. Reference information can be accessed on the PLEIS site on the Internet - http://www.lib.sk.ca/pleis/

 Provincial Library, Regional Libraries and Saskatchewan Library Association are working to create seamless access so users can search all the catalogues in the province at one time.

 Grants for libraries have been increased by $74,000 and a new formula will not be in effect until the year 2000.
 
Ms Campbell congratulated Chinook for coming on stream with Dynix, opening Corner Libraries,  and responding positively to the proposed cut in provincial funding by increasing levies.

 Five municipalities have not signed the agreement and three have not paid the first installment of the 1998 levy. For the time being, Provincial Library has advised against taking legal action regarding overdue levies and unsigned agreements.

 When discussing computerizing branches, Mr. Keaschuk reiterated that the hardware, line connection and ongoing costs were the responsibility of the community. The Regional Library will cover the cost of licensing the Dynix software. In the U.S. and larger centres, costs of Internet time have become cheaper over time, with unlimited hours at a monthly rate.
 

 A $1 per capita increase in levies for all municipalities, with the exception of the City of Swift Current, was approved in the 1998 Operating Budget. The significant deficit must still be managed and eliminated.

 Several major changes occurred in library service in 1997. The Swift Current Branch became the first automated library,  bookmobile service was discontinued, the Chinook Reader Request Line was initiated to provide 24-hour service to all region, patrons, and nine corner libraries were established in communities with fewer than 100 residents.

 Changes to the library software were implemented, with headquarters and the Swift Current Branch becoming remote-site users of Dynix off the Provincial Library computer via the Internet.

 Mr. Keaschuk stressed that the Regional Library is committed to providing affordable and responsible service for rural and urban residents.

 All branches are eligible for a 50/50 cost sharing grant to put computers into their libraries. This grant may be used towards the purchase of hardware and software to enable Internet connection. Minimum hardware standards have been established for branch libraries. Mrs. Saunderson indicated that Industry Canada still has funds available under the CAP grant.

On May 25th a librarian Workshop was held with 19 branch librarians, 10 assistants, 2 volunteers (Richmound Corner Library) and one local board chairperson in attendance.

The program included: This, That & The Other (an open forum for discussion) and Dynix, Interlend, and lnfotrac, with information provided by the Provincial Library staff.

 Cadillac opened the first Corner Library in its community hall on October 20.1997. Since then 14 other communities have opened Corner Libraries in a variety of locations.

 All but one community have populations of fewer than 100 people.

 The  15th  Corner  Library, established in Richmound on March 26,1998, is the first Corner Library in a community with a population of more the 100 residents.

 "We have had a more positive response from our Corner Libraries Project than from any other project that I can remember," said Regional Librarian Michael Keaschuk.

 "The success of the project has ranged from fair in some communities to exceptional in others."

 "The coffee shop is a great place for our Corner Library," said Susan Wiens, of the Bracken Corner Library. "People enjoy it!"

 "Our Corner Library is working out beautifully," said Terry Koch of the Richmound Library. "Many people have told me they really like it."

 Ease of access, increased hours of service and the feeling of community ownership have helped make Corner Libraries a success  in  many communities.

 "People walk in our community and most stop into the library while they are out and about," said Ms Koch. "Being right beside the store makes it so convenient for patrons."

 Circulation figures clearly indicate how Corner Libraries are doing. Nine corner libraries have seen their circulation figures increase since the demise of the Bookmobile and six have had their circulation figures decline.

 "However, overall we've seen a 10% increase in circulation between comparable months last year with the Bookmobile and this year with Corner Libraries," said Mr. Keaschuk.

 "Some communities have seen outstanding increases," he said. "Richmound has had a 200% increase in circulation."

 Because Corner Libraries are an ongoing part of the community, they are starting to develop and adapt to match their own community's needs.

 Originally designed as a source of recreational reading materials, some libraries are starting to go beyond just being a deposit of paperbacks.

 The Richmound Corner Library has started a Children's Reading Club.

 "We started the program to get students involved with the Library and interested in reading," said Terry Koch, from Richmound. "It's been very successful. We have children who are reading 15 books every two weeks!"

 Children earn stickers and certificates in the program.

 The Richmound Corner Library is also developing a "Children Reading to Children" program.

 "We hope to have older children read aloud to younger ones, which will be good for both of them."

 These added programs would not have been possible when the Bookmobile only visited a community for a couple of hours a month.

 "Corner Libraries have all kinds of potential," said Mr. Keaschuk.

 Patrons have also started to donate books to their own Corner Library.
 "This generosity is adding to the material the library can offer its patrons," Mr Keaschuk said.

 The Regional Library provides between 500 and 700 paperback books per Corner Library and the collection is exchanged throughout the year.

 Corner Libraries may be adding even more services in the future.

 "Three Corner Libraries will have public Internet access by the end of the year," said Mr. Keaschuk. An Industry Canada program will assist libraries to purchase the necessary hardware.

MAGICIAN ENTERTAINS  Paul Gillespie entertained children at the Swift Current Branch as part of the Summer Reading Program.

25 Years Ago (1973)

• -Headquarters processed (catalogued, stamped, pocketed and covered) about 1,000 books per month, to set up branch collections.
• - Mechanical problems with the bookmobile, purchased from the Regina Public Library for $1,000, necessitated the use of the provincial library's bookmobile for part of the year. The Library petitioned the government for funds to purchase a new bookmobile.

• -With funding assistance from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and Canada Council, Chinook Regional Library was able to hold their public reading program. Guest authors included: Ken Mitchell, Rudy Wiebe, Fenton Vance, and Rosemary Allison.
• - The Regional Library added 9,825 books, 487 records, 614 tapes and 5,076 paperbacks to its collection this year.

• - January 27 - New 1983 Ford Econoline delivery van was purchased.
• - February 8 - CKSW Radio did an on-location broadcast to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tompkins Branch Library.

• - January 29 - The Task Force on Library Services for People with Disabilities met with Chinook librarians and the board executive to discuss improving library service for disabled persons in small communities.
• - April 30 - Leola Moore retired after 18 years as a trustee for the Chinook Regional Library.

• - April 20 - A retirement tea was held at Headquarters in honour of Fran Myhr for her 21 years of service to the Chinook Regional Library.
• -October 17 - Swift Current Branch celebrated its 75th anniversary with a tea and the presentation of a painting of the R.C. Dahl Centre by Eric Uglem. Mr. R.C. Dahl attended the festivities.

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