Marigold Newsletter
May 2018
Thanks for Another Great Workshop!
This year's Member Libraries' Workshop, with the theme "Fearlessly Facing the Future," was held on Wednesday, May 16 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre in Calgary. One hundred and seventy-two participants arrived to hear from our keynote speaker, Todd Hirsch, and to learn through engaging sessions on programming, board development, leadership, and more. 
 
Thanks to everyone for making this year's Member Libraries' Workshop a huge success!
 
We Appreciate Your Feedback!
"Excellent sessions and speakers - I loved the three I went to and the keynote, well, what can I say. I’m ordering three of his books for family members."
 
"Loved having the option of purchasing library merchandise."
 
"Excellent facility. Easy to navigate. Food was good and plentiful."
 
"I enjoyed the broader range of topics that this year's conference had and I hope next year's will be similar."
 
"Loved the online registration! Made it a lot easier!"
 
"I just want to say I think you all did a fabulous job this year. I was super impressed with the conference and every session I attended was excellent. Was not expecting such a tasty spread and the whole conference had a relaxed and comfortable vibe."
 
~Comments from Workshop Participants
 
 
If you haven't had a chance to offer your feedback yet,
please take a moment to fill out our Workshop survey here
and let us know how we can continue to improve! 
 
Michelle Toombs on Adapting to Change
Each year, Marigold's CEO, Michelle Toombs, kicks off the Member Libraries' Workshop with an inspiring message. This year, the focus of her speech was on adapting to change in the library world. Below is an abridged version of her speech. 
 
The theme of this year’s Marigold Member Libraries' Workshop is "Fearlessly Facing the Future: Learning How to Thrive in New Environments." We can agree that change is endless, but also, change is key to our survival. How do we lasso change to make it work in our best interests? 
 
First, I would like to share some of the notable changes in public library service delivery at Marigold. I chose to focus on 2009 because that was the year that I began as CEO. However, there was plenty of change before that. To help me with this list, I asked Marigold HQ staff for their ideas of what changes impacted our libraries the most:
  1. Van deliveries
    • The picture below shows Marigold in 1981 with a red car parked in front. This car transported materials for delivery to the school board office, and the school boards exchanged our materials with a service called SCARC.
    • A limited delivery system to 15 locations that were not served by SCARC, with one driver and one van, was started in December 2006. Some of those locations included High River, Canmore, Okotoks, and Rumsey. 
    • In 2009, Laura Taylor organized system-wide van deliveries to every library except Consort after SCARC ceased operations.
    • Today, there are up to four Marigold delivery vans on the road every weekday delivering books, DVDs, new materials, supplies, mail, program kits, and more.
    • Over 1 million items were sorted and exchanged in 2017 between Marigold libraries. Our delivery vans drove over 204,000 km. Altogether, our fleet of 6 vehicles drove over 276,000 km which is the equivalent of 31 trips to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and back. 
  2. Catalogue and online services
    • Take a look at what our card catalogue looked like in the early 1980s! Can you believe it? 3 shoe boxes?
    • Now we have the Polaris integrated library system catalogue with 3.3 million items, including holdings at 180 TRAC libraries and 4 library system headquarters. TRAC is an outstanding model for resource sharing.
    • Placing requests online and dashing into the library to pick up holds has become a familiar habit for patrons. Patrons love TRAC!
  1. Computers
    • In 2009, there were 3 servers; now we have 25.
    • In 2005, when SuperNet was installed in Alberta’s libraries, it changed our world. Public libraries strive to keep up with the public’s expectations for content and response time.
    • Richard Kenig, Marigold’s IT Manager, identified many technology changes that he implemented since 2009, including:
      • Centralized management of all the computers on Marigold’s network, so IT staff can push out updates without visiting all 36 libraries in person.
      • Computer security, managed centrally.
      • Computer replacement strategy. This is supported with a comprehensive IT inventory and advice to all of our members supplied by Marigold’s IT team.
      • Since 2015, remote lockers were installed in Airdrie and Hussar. 
      • Videoconferencing, which was used over 200 times last year, thus saving countless hours of travel and lost productivity. Marigold IT staff manage the central bridging of videoconferences for 83 libraries in Alberta.
      • Website hosting for all member libraries. Only 10 libraries in Marigold had a website in 2009. Now, we have been through one generation of websites, and we are well on our way to implementing a new website platform, having hired a company in Norway.
      • Better software, including Office 365, DeepFreeze Cloud for managing public computing, and GoToAssist for remote access and troubleshooting.
      • Mobile laptop labs: 18 laptops to use for training and programs.
      • IT HelpDesk and ticketing system.
      • Centralized file sharing and backups. 
      • WiFi at every library in Marigold, managed centrally. WiFi was used 243,000 times in the first 4 months of 2018.
  1. Online resources, also called eResources, digital resources, or subscription databases
    • In 2009, we just had citation lists for magazine articles.
    • Now we have popular content, including movies; TV shows; comics; resources for young children; downloadable music and music videos; training and curriculum support for students, teachers, and the public; and resources to help us make smart financial decisions. Marigold spends about $350,000 every year on online subscription services.
    • Marigold has six platforms for eBooks and eAudiobooks, and a collection of about 50,000 electronic titles.
  2. Training
    • Marigold has a trainer, Caleigh Haworth, who does a fabulous job of providing training for staff and the public. She also prepares instruction handouts to promote and explain how to use our online resources.
    • Have you subscribed to her online newsletter, Professional Development Resources for Library Staff & Board Members? She has over 500 subscribers from all over the world.
  1. Bibliographic services:
    • In 2009, 14,000 new books and DVDs were ordered by Marigold. In 2017 Marigold ordered over 42,000 new books and DVDs.
    • New formats include: video games, 4K Ultra High Definition Blu-ray films, digital items (like eBooks), board games, lawn games, power tools, garden tools, beach toys, yoga accessories, snowshoes, crampons, walking poles, sewing machines, knitting supplies, bicycles and more!
    • Online selection tools like Booknet Canada have replaced hardcopy catalogues.
    • New and conversion material has almost zero turnaround time, in part because of outsourced shelf-ready cataloguing and processing and also because of RUSH vendor accounts and Amazon Prime.
  2. Purchasing program
    • In 2009, we didn’t offer a purchasing program for computers or supplies for our member libraries. We didn’t offer a $1,000 spending credit each year to replace or add to the computers and peripherals, which we do now.
    • Marigold’s purchasing program use increased 155% for supplies and 42% for computer equipment since its inception in 2014.
  3. Programs
    • In 2009, we didn’t have any program kits, laptop labs, giant games, prize wheels, and so on. Summer Reading program support was very limited.
    • Now, we have two dedicated Minecraft Servers. One of our summer students, Grant Stewart, provides training in Minecraft and coding.  He presents programs and tournaments at our member libraries.
    • Last summer, our two summer students delivered 69 programs at member libraries with attendance exceeding 500 people.
  4. Communications
    • In 2009, we didn’t have a social media presence. Now Marigold is visible on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (pictured), and Pinterest.
    • Have you noticed that Marigold has a new logo and a new tagline: Empower Your Future?
  5. Marigold’s service population and boundaries have expanded
    • Since 2009, we’ve added 100,000 people to our service population.
    • Large municipalities such as Airdrie, Cochrane, Rocky View County and Banff joined Marigold and we have a service population exceeding 315,000 residents in 44 municipalities.
    • Marigold is the third largest library system in Alberta after Calgary and Edmonton, based on service population.
    • And, we are directly serving Indigenous people on Siksika and Stoney Nakoda reserves; Rose Reid has done a great job developing positive relationships and extending public library service to the residents of Stoney Nakoda. Marigold hires two students from Siksika and provides weekly summer programming on the reserve.
Three changes are on the horizon:
  1. New HQ building project (see ReNews publication on the Marigold website).
  2. New websites are coming soon (perhaps this fall).
  3. More integration of our catalogue records with the Internet. Our Polaris system will be undergoing some fundamental changes in a couple of years. Many libraries are already using only LEAP, the browser version of our integrated library system, to do all of their staff functions.
 
Even with all these changes and a concerted effort to engage Albertans in guiding community-led public library service, we still battle library stereotypes of yesteryear. Those with fond memories of the library that they used when they were growing up, hang on to those nostalgic views. Too many people think that the library is either dead or on life support. We strive to change that mindset because we know that libraries are very busy people places. We know that our future depends on our ability to adapt and utilize change.
 
Making a Difference Awards 2018
This year, Marigold's Advocacy Committee received 11 entries for the 8th Annual Making a Difference Awards! Winners were chosen from a small, medium, and large library, and they received a commemorative plaque and a cheque for $500. We congratulate and thank everyone who submitted an application, and encourage all libraries (including past winners or libraries that submitted this year) to send in applications next year!
  
Category: Large Library
 
 
Winner: Cochrane Public Library for Community Benefit
 
 
Pictured: Cochrane Public Library's Community and Outreach Program Librarian, Andrea Johnston; Director, Jeri Maitland; and Nicole Talsma
 
 
 
 
Category: Medium Library
 
 
Winner: Banff Public Library for Community Benefit
 
 
Pictured: Banff Public Library's Acting Library Director, Susanne Repstock; Assistant Library Director, Monique Fiedler; and Kristine den Boon
 
 
 
 
 
Category: Small Library
 
 
Winner: Carbon Public Library for Future Focus
 
 
Pictured: Carbon Public Library's Board Chair, Holly Laffin, and Library Manager, Jay-Lynn Boutin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long Service Awards
Congratulations to the Marigold member library managers who celebrated their anniversaries this year!
 
Debbi Weber (far left) of the Chestermere Public Library and Rachel Dick-Hughes (second from the right) of the Strathmore Municipal Library celebrated 5 years as managers in Marigold member libraries, while Leah Hunter (far right) of the Delia Municipal Library celebrated 25 years!
 
Lorea Anderson of the Crossfield Municipal Library and Denise Stief of the Cereal Municipal Library, who were unable to attend the Workshop, were also recognized for their years of service: 5 and 10 years respectively. 
 
Happy Retirement!
This year, we had the privilege of congratulating Norma Dawson of the Millarville Community Library on her retirement after 28 years of service. We wish you many happy days ahead!
 
Marigold News
Welcome Marigold's Summer Students!
Kaytlynn Fowler
 My name is Kaytlynn Fowler, and this is my first year as the Summer Program Support Assistant for Marigold. I am originally from Canmore but have lived on a farm in the Strathmore area for 13 years and am a currently a student at SAIT in the Library Technician Program. I am a huge bookworm and love to read, particularly anything by Jane Austen and Sarah J. Maas. I am also passionate about art, swimming, and building my Chai tea collection. I am very excited to be here this summer and am looking forward to creating fun activities and getting to meet many new people over the next few months. 
Grant Stewart
 My name is Grant Stewart and I just completed my third year at the University of Lethbridge. I am a marketing major at the university and hope to graduate in spring 2019. This is my third summer with Marigold and I am excited to be back again! I am the Summer Programmer for Marigold and I run Minecraft and Coding programs for member libraries. I have an amazing girlfriend named Alyssa, my favourite book series is Harry Potter, and my favourite movie is the original Star Wars. I look forward to meeting everyone that I have met in previous years again and returning to all of the amazing libraries in our system! I hope that I am able to make it to everyone’s library!
Crafting Fun at the Carbon Library
String Art
The Village of Carbon Library recently hosted a string art event, reintroducing a medium that was once loved by our grandparents and is surprisingly still popular. There were 13 people in attendance and many others showed interest in attending similar events in the future. The artist, Hailey, came prepared with five sample boards (out of the 12 the library could choose from). It was a success as many beautiful boards were strung to perfection!
 

 
Easter Egg Extravaganza
The Carbon School once again participated in the library's annual Easter egg colouring contest this past April. This year the library received 59 submissions from a variety of age categories, making if very hard to judge! With the chilly weather over the Easter weekend, the library held the Easter egg hunt inside for kids under 10 years of age. Those who were older participated in the hunt outdoors. Crafts were available for the kids, including egg people and fluffy creatures. Forty kids attended this event and they all had a blast! 
 
~Submitted by Holly Laffin, Board Chair
Village of Carbon Library
 
The Adventure Bus Makes a Stop in Morrin
 
On Sunday, May 28, the Morrin Library teamed up with Golden Prairie Parent Link, and Starland Regional FCSS to host a fun-filled afternoon. The Adventure Bus came from Edmonton and parked outside the Morrin Hall. Indoors we had snacks, a few borrowed life-sized games from Marigold, and the green screen as well. The pictures with all the great backgrounds were a huge hit with all the families! We had 21 kids come through,  along with 14 adults and 4 volunteers from the library and community. It was a fun, successful day and we hope to partner up for future events!
 
~Submitted by Michelle Jensen, Library Manager
Morrin Municipal Library
 
From the Library Community
Upcoming Board Basics Workshops
PLSB is currently undergoing staff changes and, consequently, consulting capacity is temporarily reduced.  As a result, the Board Basics schedule for 2018 has been scaled back. They are planning two Board Basics Workshops for 2018:
  • June 2, 2018: Cochrane (registration form)
  • Fall 2018: Central-Northern Alberta (Location TBA)
The deadline to register for the Board Basics Workshop in Cochrane is May 25 at 4:30 pm. The PLSB hopes to increase the number of Board Basics Workshops offered in 2019.
 
Board Basics Workshops are open to all library trustees, library managers, and library system staff. They are designed to help participants understand the structure of public library service in Alberta, and how to support the delivery of effective public library service in their communities and regions. In particular, participants will understand:
  • Libraries Act and Libraries Regulation and other relevant legislation.
  • The Alberta Public Library Network.
  • Library board roles, responsibilities, and relationships.
  • Other important issues such as finances and board effectiveness. 
Marigold Library System also provides Board Orientations for Local Boards. Please contact your Library Services Consultant or Laura Taylor for more information. 
 
Get Your Summer Read On!
 
What is it?
Get Your Summer Read On (GYSRO) Day is the registration kickoff for the 2018 TD Summer Reading Club (TD SRC) across Canada. As in past years, we’re asking all libraries to join in promoting the TD SRC with fun activities.
 
When is it?
To make it easier for more libraries to participate in this nationwide registration drive, this year libraries are encouraged to host their activities on a day of their choice between Saturday June 16 and Saturday June 23, 2018.
 
Why are we doing this?
GYSRO Day unites all participating TD SRC libraries together in a focused effort. We really want to convey the message that the TD SRC is a national club. The main objective of the day is to encourage registrations while raising overall awareness about the club.
 
For more information on GYSRO Day click here.
 
EDI Community Profiles
In 2016, the Early Development Instrument (EDI) was used to collect data on Albertan children's level of development in their pre-school years. In March 2018, the results were released in the form of Community Profile Reports (CR). These reports provide local policymakers and key stakeholders with local-level information on children’s developmental outcomes in five key areas - physical well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language, and communication - during the kindergarten year. The CR provides information on children’s development by community and can be used with other information to explore possible factors contributing to the observed outcomes in children. 
 
We encourage you to review the Community Profile Report for your area to discover what ways your library can most meaningfully contribute to the development of children in your community!
 
SpaceFinder Alberta
Looking for a way to advertise your library's rental space? SpaceFinder Alberta is a free matchmaking tool for renters looking for creative space, and spaces looking to promote their rentals. Several libraries across Alberta are already taking advantage of this service, including Okotoks, Calgary, and Edmonton. List your space here or find out more information about SpaceFinder here. 
 
 
Keeping Relevant in the Digital Age
The theme of this year's Member Libraries' Workshop was "Fearlessly Facing the Future: Learning How to Thrive in New Environments." One aspect of change for libraries in recent years has been entering the digital age. CNN correspondent, Andrea Lo addresses how libraries are dealing with this change in her article "How Beautiful Design is Keeping Libraries Relevant in the Digital Era." Check out the article for some awe-inspiring photos of libraries that have reinvented themselves for the modern age. 
 
Final Thoughts
"Much more than an accumulation of books, the best libraries are hotspots and organs of civilization; magical places in which students, scholars, curators, philanthropists, artists, pranksters, and flirts come together and make something marvelous."
 
~Stuart Kells, The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
 
 
 
Share with Us!
What's happening in your library? We'd love to hear from you:
  • News or updates about your library
  • Programs or events you'd like to share
  • Pictures of your library or events at your library
Email your Consultant with any newsletter submissions you'd like to share with the Marigold Community.
 
Marigold Library System
710 - 2nd Street
Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K4
403-934-5334
www.marigold.ab.ca