Himmel and Wilson Steering Committee and Task Forces

The Himmel and Wilson Steering Committee and Task Forces were formed in the spring, 2006 and charged to consider all of the recommendations. The Task Forces included members of the Virginia Public Library Directors Association, Virginia Library Association, various interested community members such as library employees, Friends, Trustees, local government officials and Library of Virginia Staff liaisons and the Chair of the Public Library Development Committee of the Library of Virginia Board as an Ex–officio member. All Taskforces considered the JLARC recommendations in light of the Himmel and Wilson study. Each task force approached their charge in disparate ways. The Advocacy Task Force met twice. The Standards Task Force used technology to create a wiki to share various chapters and comments.  The Funding and Equity Task Force met regularly and thoroughly examined many funding issues. The taskforce charges:

PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVOCACY TASKFORCE

• Recommendations
  • 14.) Develop an “ Ohio Library Council” model for advocacy.
  • 15.) Organize and prepare library trustees and members of library Friends organizations to be advocates for libraries.
  • 16.) The Library of Virginia and the Virginia Public Library Directors’ Association should work together to develop a more synergistic relationship.
  • 17.) The Library of Virginia should work with the public library community to seek support from private foundations to develop and implement a major public awareness campaign on behalf of public libraries.
• Members of the Advocacy Task Force
• Working Documents

PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING AND EQUITY TASKFORCE

• Executive Summary
• Recommendations
  • 2.) Review and seek the strengthening of Code of Virginia and administrative rules regarding the certification of public library directors.
  • 3.) Develop a comprehensive curriculum for all library workers based on recognized skills and competencies and implement a coordinated program of continuing education.
  • 5.) Support and pursue legislative action on a slightly modified version of the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’ s (JLARC) recommendations.
  • 6.) Support JLARC’ s suggestion that “ add on” (additional funding) to the State Aid formula be instituted to address the ability, or lack of ability, of certain areas to support public library services adequately.
  • 7.) Shift the funding for Find It Virginia from Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) monies to State revenues.
  • 8.) Retain the three factors – population, square miles, and local expenditures – as the basis for calculating State Aid.
  • 9.) Remove the population cap that is applicable under the current formula.
  • 10.) Adjust, and then index the revenue cap and revisit the cap every five years for possible readjustment.
  • 11.) Seek restoration of funding for the Infopowering the Commonwealth program including Find It Virginia as well as grants for computers and network equipment.
  • 12.) Seek a separate construction bonding program to promote new public library building and expansion of current facilities.
  • 13.) A significant portion of Federal LSTA funds liberated through a shifting of the Find It Virginia program should be used to support pilot projects and innovative approaches to offering service.
• Priorities Recommended by Funding/Equity Task Force
• Members of the Funding/Equity Task Force
• Working Documents

PUBLIC LIBRARY QUALITY AND STANDARDS TASKFORCE

• Recommendations
  • 1.) Review, revise, and strengthen public library standards.
  • 2.) Review and seek the strengthening of Code of Virginia and administrative rules regarding the certification of public library directors.
  • 3.) Develop a comprehensive curriculum for all library workers based on recognized skills and competencies and implement a coordinated program of continuing education.
  • 4.) Encourage the Virginia Library Association to develop an annual awards program to recognize libraries that meet or exceed standards.
• Members of the Funding/Equity Task Force
• Working Documents

Final Himmell and Wilson Report

Himmell and Wilson Steering Committee and Task Forces

Presentation to the Library Board (ppt)

Article "Public Library Study Announced"