State Library Services
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
v: 651-582-8791 f: 651-582-8752
Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us
REGIONAL LIBRARY BASIC SYSTEM SUPPORT
REPORT OF RESULTS AND EXPENDITURES
FY 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013)
The below named recipient hereby provides this report under provisions of
Minnesota Rules, Chap. 3530.
Name and address of recipient:
Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)
1619 Dayton Avenue, Suite 314
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Name, title, phone, fax, and e-mail address of regional public library system
administrator:
Chris D. Olson, Executive Director
651-645-5731 x 105
651-649-3169 (Fax)
chris@melsa.org
Population served by Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS)
funding:
2,842,966
We, the undersigned, certify that the data and information contained in this
report are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief:
Date: September 19, 2013
Signature:
Name: Mr. Gayle Degler
Chair, Governing Board
Date: September 19, 2013
Signature:
Name: Mr. Chris D. Olson
Regional Public Library System Administrator
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Report of Accomplishments
Please complete this section for each FY 2013 Service Program that recevied support from
RLBSS funds.
Regional Public Library System:
MELSA
Service Program:
Operations & Library Support
1. Project summary: Provide a clear and concise description of this Service
Program.
a) MELSA’s staff provides the human resources necessary to achieve its goals and manage
the day-to-day activities of a regional library.
b) RLBSS funds were used to maintain the office needs of the regional public library plus the
management of member library teams and interest groups.
c) MELSA sponsors a series of cooperative training programs for the metro public libraries.
•
MELSA provides continuing education on a variety of topics for member libraries’ staff,
Friends, and trustees.
d) MELSA continues to provide regional technology services that assist member libraries,
provide opportunities for cooperation, and enable cost-effective programs.
•
Centralized telecommunications fund, E-rate applications and contracting
•
Phase Automation Funding
2. Operating results accomplished: Describe the quantifiable and/or qualitative
results of this service program. Compare this year’s results to goals identified in
your system’s strategic plan.
a) MELSA’s staffing levels did not change in FY2013. In partnership with the Legacy funds,
MELSA continued to dedicate a full-time project manager position (paid with RLBSS funds) to
coordinate this project as well as the Jobs and Small Business imitative. In addition, the
Administrative Assistant’s position (30 hours per week) used Legacy dollars for ten hours of
support. RLBSS funds are being used to cover the increased costs for benefits to this position.
MELSA staff members continue to work in team relationships to build stronger program and
project support. The MELSA Strategic Plan Goal #1 (Support innovative and collaborative
services that are responsive to the needs of our member libraries.) has led to greater focus by
the staff. Public policy advocacy remains an important strategy for the organization as is
reflected in both the Strategic Plan and Marketing Plan.
b) General expenditures for office support in terms of rent, supplies, printing, postage,
equipment and software, and telephone are included in this category. MELSA continues to
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have a cooperative arrangement for office space with the local multitype library organization
(Metronet).
Each of the MELSA office staff members serve as liaisons to the teams and working groups
cpmprised of library staff members from each participating system. The work of the existing
MELSA groups not only provides working capital for MELSA projects, but also serves as a
unique networking experience for each participant. One example, the “Jobs and Small
Business Task Force” charge is to survey workforce and small business programs in place at
MELSA libraries; share resources and expertise; examine best practice in the field; determine
core collections, services, resources and community partnerships; and report recommendations
to MELSA’s Advisory Board of Library Directors.
Attachment A provides information on each of the system’s groups.
c) MELSA hosted a vareity of workshops during the FY2013 time frame. Several of the
workshops were focused for all staff members while others had focus for specialized groups
including outreach planning, technology, technical services and specific database training. In
several cases, Trustees and Friends of the Library were invited to participate in the workshops.
Some of the highlighted workshops for the year included:

The e Resource Team offered two workshops during May for MELSA library staff. Peter
Janczewski from ALLDATA, automotive repair information for US and most imported cars and
trucks, demonstrated the navigational skills used to efficiently move around in the this database,
making information more easily located. Janczewski also offered an insight into the automotive
service and repair industry. There are many reasons why patrons would want to research
automotive repair information. The Maplewood Library hosted 25 staff in the morning and the
Wescott Library hosted 26 staff in the afternoon.

The second e-Resource workshop in May allowed library staff an overview of the Transparent
Language service from the patron’s prospective. Craig Mears and Brad Gray shared
instructions on how to best utilize Transparent Language from start to finish, including an
overview of available languages, how to access the lessons available to those languages, and
how to take advantage of the various reading, writing, and speaking exercises. In addition, the
training covered frequently asked questions, technical requirements, available apps, and tech
support. Transparent Language has over 90 language options available, including English for
foreign language speakers. The Roseville Library hosted 31 staff in the morning and the
Wescott Library hosted 20 staff in the afternoon.

Staff members from all the MELSA member libraries attended a workshop, “Assistive
Technology, Libraries and the Minnesota STAR Program,” at Hennepin County Library Minneapolis Central in mid-June. The program, presented by Jennie Delisi of the STAR
Program, provided practical advice for libraries of any size/budget on how to “increase, maintain
or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” More than 60 library staff
members participated.

MELSA sponsored the registration fee and other expenses for member library staff to participate
in the Lean Library Management workshop,provided in part through the Council of Regional
Public Library Systems Administrators, in St. Cloud in September 2012. Huber’s background,
with that of J. Huber & Assoc., the mgmt. firm he founded, is in helping organizations improve
their customer service through improved process performance.
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
The MELSA Tech Team used tech training funds for a half day workshop on mobilizing library
websites and creating simple library apps presented by Jason Clark, Head of Digital Access and
Web Services at Montana State University and the author of a volume in ALA’s 2012 Tech Set,
Building Mobile Library Applications. Clark discussed mobile design trends and metrics for
analyzing usage, provided development tips, and guided the participants through a template for
creating a simple prototype mobile website for their library systems.

MELSA sponsored a “Delivery Summit” at the Roseville Library in November 2012. Kathy
Drozd, an Assistant Director at Minitex discussed her involvement in a national standards
committee which discussed delivery and best practices. In addition, Chris Olson discussed the
results of the recent MELSA delivery study and audience members shared their best practices.
The Library Directors, Circulation Team, ILL Interest Group and delivery staff were invited to
attend this summit.

MELSA tech training funds were used for the Tech Team and other library staff to attend the
Minnesota Government IT Symposium held in Saint Paul.
In addition to staff training, MELSA and Metronet continue to produce a bi-weekly electronic
newsletter for metro area staff. “MetroBriefs” has proven to be a strong communications tool for
sharing library information to a wide audience of library staff members.
MELSA committed funds to allow member library systems to each have $11,000 for
professional development of their choosing. In part, these dollars allowed numerous staff
members to attend professional association conferences and other continuing education events.
d) Centralized telecommunications fund, E-rate applications and contracting continue to be an
activity sponsored by the regional library system. MELSA gathers the data for E-rate
applications and then contracts with a consultant who files the applications and provides followup services for member libraries. MELSA receives and administers RLTA funds to provide highspeed telecommunications lines connecting its member libraries to the Internet and for
maintenance contracts for the routers associated with these lines. MELSA assists member
libraries in the RFP and contract process for telecommunications providers.
Technology funding remained an important component for MELSA and its member libraries.
The Phase Program provides $500,000 per year for member libraries to use for a variety of local
technology needs. Members are eligible to request their funds twice per year (January and
July) and may carry over their balances from year-to-year. In FY2013, the Board also provided
an additional $550,000 from Equalization funds generated through the RLBSS grant for
distribution into the Phase account.
3. Strategic Plan Results: Describe how this program addressed the goal areas
identified in your strategic plan and progress made toward achieving the plan’s
overarching goals. Please describe any significant challenges that impacted your
ability to achieve the results and/or any unanticipated results.
MELSA’s mission statement is: MELSA makes great metro public libraries better.
a & b) The structure of the regional library staff is essential in all of the goals areas of the 2011
– 2014 plan. Fundamental needs for the collaborative and cooperative efforts described in the
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plan are supported through a professional staff who are well-trained, technologically savvy, and
communicate well their peers.
c) Communications and continuing education opportunities are supported under Goal 4
(Improve MELSA’s internal operations) with the objective of having staff and trustees educated
and informed on effective ways to select, review and advocate for library resources.
d) The ability to enhance the library’s technology and provide funding for basic
telecommunications is reflected in Goal 2 (Leverage MELSA’s size in order to strengthen
collaborative purchasing power and the ability to seek out new funding opportunities.) within the
plan.
Service Program:
Customer Services
1. Project summary: Provide a clear and concise description of this Service Program.
MELSA sponsors a series of cooperative programs for the metro public libraries.
a)
Electronic Databases and Other E-Resources
 MELSA subscribes to electronic databases on its members’ behalf.
 MELSA provides metro-wide access to a downloadable audiobook service.
 MELSA provides a subscription to an online foreign language learning tool.
 MELSA provides access to an e-magazine subscription service.
b)

Inter-Library Loan
MELSA supports member libraries’ ability to share resources with other libraries
in the region, state and nation.

Homework Help
MELSA provides resources to assist member libraries with their goal of providing
resources to school-age children.
c)
d)

e)

f)

Discovery Tool Project
MELSA enhances local libraries’ catalog interfaces through enhanced search
content, federated searching, electronic calendars and more to provide a
seamless interface for users.
Mobile Application
MELSA coordinates a region-wide purchase of Boopsie to provide another
access point for member libraries’ services and electronic content.
Summer Library Program
MELSA coordinates summer performers, a teen program with incentives, and
other activities necessary for a successful summer reading program in its
member libraries.
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g)

Jobs and Small Business Initiative
MELSA is coordinating an effort to focus a baseline library service for jobseekers and for persons interested in starting a small business. (Budget
information for this initiative is reported in the Other section.)
2. Operating results accomplished: Describe the quantifiable and/or
qualitative results of this service program. Compare this year’s results
to goals identified in your system’s strategic plan.
a) The provision of electronic databases for member libraries remains one of the most valued
services MELSA provides. Consistently rated as the top priority for MELSA funds, member
libraries hope to see this valuable service continue to grow. Quarterly examinations of
MELSA’s databases are conducted by the MELSA E-Resources Team.
Databases and E-Resources funded by RLBSS in FY 2013 were:
ALLDATA (in library access only)
Automotive repair information for US and most imported cars and trucks.
Ancestry Library Edition (in library access only)
From ProQuest, this comprehensive online source of information for conducting genealogical
and local history research includes the digitized images of the U.S. Federal Census from
1790 to 1930, the American Genealogical Biographical Index, extensive indexed passenger
lists, and much more.
Biography in Context (available off site)
The Biography Resource Center is a comprehensive database of approximately 250,000
biographies on more than one million people from throughout history, around the world, and
across all disciplines and subject areas.
Business Insights Esentails (available off site)
Business, company, and industry information including news articles, profiles, rankings,
histories, reports, and industry overviews.
Historical New York Times (available off site)
From ProQuest, the Historical New York Times offers full-text and full-image articles from 1851
– 2005. Every issue of each title includes the complete paper-cover to cover, with full-page
and article images in downloadable PDF format. Search 21 different article types to find
what you are looking for including news, editorials, letters to the Editor, obituaries, birth and
marriage announcements, stock photos and advertisements.
Literature Resource Center (available off site)
Literature reference database that combines biographical, bibliographical, and contextual
information to deliver a resource package on authors and their works (fiction, nonfiction,
poetry, drama, history, and journalism). It includes information from the following works:
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Contemporary Authors, Dictionary of Literary Biography, Contemporary Literary Criticism,
Classical and Medieval Literature, Criticism, Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism,
Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism, Shakespeare Criticism, Drama Criticism, Poetry
Criticism, Short Story Criticism, and Literature Criticism 1400-1800
Minnesota Newspapers (in-library access only)
From NewsBank, this database provides full-text content of local and regional news from the
Duluth News-Tribune (1995-present), Rochester Post-Bulletin (2007 – Present), St. Paul
Pioneer Press (1988-present), and Star Tribune (1986-present).
Morningstar Investment Research Center (available off site)
Provides recommendations and analyst reports on stocks and mutual funds; and ratings, reports
and returns on EFTs (exchange traded funds). Other investment tools include industry
reports, portfolio analysis and more.
NoveList Plus (available off site)
NoveList Plus contains detailed information on more than 200,000 adult, young adult and kid's
fiction and nonfiction titles including over 9000 popular series. Additional features include
Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks and Recommended Reads.
Readers, book clubs and writers will find this product very useful.
NoveList K-8 Plus (available off site)
NoveList K-8 Plus is the leading electronic reading resource for fiction and nonfiction. With
NoveList K-8 Plus, you will be able to more effectively integrate the world of reading in your
school's curriculum.
One Click Downloadable Audiobooks (available off site)
Downloadable audiobooks offers a wide variety of free electronic audiobooks that can be
downloaded to your portable digital media player.
ReferenceUSA (available off site)
Database containing directory information for US public and private companies and now
includes the Canadian Businesses database. Companies may be searched by size,
location, type of business, etc. A typical entry includes the company address, phone
number, annual sales, number of employees, chief executive, and line of business. Maps
can be generated showing individual company locations. Also includes the Residential
database which contains information on 135 million U.S. residents compiled from more than
3,900 White Page telephone directories.
Transparent Languages (available off site)
This database is a powerful and personalized language-learning system. It locks foreign
language words and phrases into your memory so that you can recall them perfectly and
remember them forever. Available in over 74 languages. Previously known as Byki.
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Zinio (available off site)
Electronic magazines create a magazine page-for-page, including full-color pictures, while
taking the reading experience even further through intuitive navigation, keyword article
search and interactive rich media elements such as audio and video.
b) In previous years, interlibrary loan support was recognized by MELSA through the formula
distribution funds. While this support continued in FY2013, MELSA also supported this
library service through the maintenance of the NCIP software for each of the member
libraries. This software has proven to serve as a significant savings of staff time in ILL
processing.
c) Homework Rescue Online Tutoring is one-to-one live, free, homework help from online tutors
for students in grades 3-12. The program runs from 1:00 pm - 11:00 p.m. daily and is
available in English and Spanish. Library users can connect in any metro public library or
from any other computer with a library card.
d) MELSA continued to support components of the discovery tool project for the library
systems in 2012 and through March 2013. In November 2011, MELSA hosted a facilitated
discussion with system directors and technology staff to evaluate this three year project.
The group concluded that a region-wide project did not meet the needs of individual systems
so exploration of discovery tool options occurred at the local level in 2012. Other MELSAwide collaborations in identifying and purchasing additional components to enhance the
library user experience took place in 2012.
An example of one of these components is an events and room reservations calendar from
Evanced for each of the library systems. Included in the purchase is an aggregate calendar
for the MELSA website that will allow metro public library users the option of searching
events throughout the region.
e) MELSA purchased an upgrade to the mobile app, called Boopsie, originally purchased in
2010 and implemented by most of the systems in 2011. New features for mobile device
users include access to E-books from Overdrive, integration with publisher reviews, and the
option to scan a book’s ISBN to check availability in the library system’s collection.
f)
2012 was the second year for the regional summer reading program brand, Bookawocky: A
Celebration of Summer Reading. Sponsors included the Minnesota State Fair, which
continued its support of summer reading by donating over 20,000 passes, and Macy’s,
Century Link, Minnesota Twins, Star Tribune, Minnesota Parent, Radio Disney, and KARE11. Eighty-nine thousand children and 15,500 teens participated in the 2012 program.
In October 2012 LSTA grant funding began for development of the 2013 summer reading
website. The site launched in June 2013. Goals are to improve access and engagement in
the program.
g) The MELSA task force for a Jobs and Small Business Initiative continued with representation
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from all member library systems. The service philosophy of this group aims to provide a
seamless entry system to information and resources for metro area job seekers and
entrepreneurs. The group reported to the Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees its
action plan to continue Jobs and Small Business service as a MELSA and library system
priority. The group’s plan includes: public and library staff training, identification of web
resources, community relations partnerships, promotion, and advocacy. The task force
implemented basic technology skills classes for building job skills and business start-up with
the Science Museum of Minnesota Computer Training Center and Women Venture. In
addition, JobNow!, a real-time résumé and interview online coaching/career advice
resource, was available for a second year through the metro public libraries.
3. Strategic Plan Results: Describe how this program addressed the
goal areas identified in your strategic plan and progress made toward
achieving the plan’s overarching goals. Please describe any significant
challenges that impacted your ability to achieve the results and/or any
unanticipated results.
a) The cooperative purchases of databases are considered one of MELSA’s most important
efforts and is reflected in Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan (Leverage MELSA’s size in order to
strengthen collaboraratie purchasing power.) The purchase of the e-audiobook collection
and online foreign language tool is also reflected in the goals of participating in joint
purchases to enhance buying power of member libraries. Many of the learning services
focused in Goal 1 (Lifelong Learning and Student Success) are reflected in the cooperative
purchase of these electronic resources.
b, c, d, e & g) The NCIP purchase, as well as the homework help, mobile app and discovery
tool projects were all outcomes from the RLBSS dollars provided by the State Legislature in
FY2013. Each of these projects was implemented after extensive needs discussions with
local library staff, library directors and Board of Trustees. The cooperative purchases meet
the objective of Goal 2..
f) The Youth/Summer Programs are identified as one of MELSA’s core programs. Goal 1 once
again measures MELSA’s ability to provide services for the needs of its member libraries in
addition to concentrating on the learning services for student success and read to read
components.
Service Program:
Delivery of Materials
1. Project summary: Provide a clear and concise description of this Service
Program.
MELSA provides 24-hour sort and delivery between the eight central libraries in the region.
In FY2013, MELSA continued its contract with Alliance Couriers. In the Spring 2013, a
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Request for Proposals (FRP) process was released by the MELSA Board of Trustees for
gathering information on other potential delivery vendors in the area.
2. Operating results accomplished: Describe the quantifiable and/or
qualitative results of this service program. Compare this year’s results to goals
identified in your system’s strategic plan.
MELSA supports its member libraries needs to move materials quickly and efficiently
throughout the region. Many of the Inter-Library Loan (ILL) materials sent to and received
from the other parts of the State are folded into the mix and delivered in an expeditious
manner. As determined in a study of delivery use with each of the member library systems
in 2012, more than 6900 items each week are moved from system to system in the metro
region.
After receiving and reviewing four submissions to the RFP process, the MELSA Board of
Trustees accepted a staff recommendation to continue a contract for delivery services with
Alliance Couriers, for a one-year period, renewable up to three years.
3. Strategic Plan Results: Describe how this program addressed the goal
areas identified in your strategic plan and progress made toward achieving
the plan’s overarching goals. Please describe any significant challenges that
impacted your ability to achieve the results and/or any unanticipated results.
Three of the Strategic Plan’s goals are used when working with the delivery of materials for
the member libraries. Goal 1 supports the identified need of proving a quick and efficient
process of moving library materials from one library to another. Goal 2 demonstrates the
collaborative purchasing power of providing this service on a regional basis, rather than
through individual library systems. Goal 4 highlights the need for MELSA programs to be
periodically evaluated.
Service Program:
Other
1. Project summary: Provide a clear and concise description of this
Service Program.
a) Joint Promotions and Community Relations Activities
MELSA coordinates joint event participation, seeks region-wide community partners to
maximize impact while reducing costs, and works with the local media to highlight regionwide library activities.
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b) RLBSS funds secured the services of an auditing firm that conducted our annual audit. The
audit report has previously been filed with State Library Services.
c) Reimbursements to member libraries for:
i. Reference and circulation intra-system crossover.
ii. Interlibrary loan and local delivery.
d) Other Contractual Services and Cooperative Initiatives
2. Operating results accomplished: Describe the quantifiable and/or
qualitative results of this service program. Compare this year’s results to goals
identified in your system’s strategic plan.
a) Collaborative promotional programs during the year include:
• MELSA continued its successful contract with with MyTalk 107.1 (an all-talk station in the
Hubbard Broadcasting family). This year we significantly increased the web partnership with
MyTalk, as they became the official radio sponsor of dateBOOK. One of the most
successful elements has been the MyTalk prize closet, where we provide trivia questions
that require participants to visit the MELSA website and try out various resources
(Homework Rescue, JobNow, etc.); over 6,000 people spent upwards of 5 minutes on our
site in order to answer the questions and qualify for MyTalk prizes.
•
MELSA continued a contract with Clear Channel Outdoor to run ads on 11 electronic
billboards around the 7-county metro. This contract ran through September of 2012, and
was very successful. 18 different messages rotated on these billboards (and are highlighted
on MELSA’s Facebook page and website, as well as some of the library websites and
Facebook pages). The messages (bold and simple, including things like, “Get Carded,”
“Check Us Out,” “Oh, Know!”) ran every other week until September 2012, and were echoed
in a wide range of print ads and website banners (including StarTribune.com). These are
part of the “Make Your Next Stop the Library” campaign; that tag line is featured on all of the
billboards and ads.
•
Member libraries offered the Winter Jackets adult reading program for the fourth year. The
program took place for six weeks (second half of January through February), and featured
author readings under the Winter Jackets banner. MELSA also developed a program
website. Adults participating in the program submitted reviews (either via a printed form or
online) of what they were reading. This year MELSA furnished Winter Jackets brand spiral
banner pens to participants, and some of the library systems provided prizes awarded to
adults submitting book reviews (via drawings). Approximately 20,000 adults participated
metro-wide. The program is particularly popular with homebound library users and with the
correctional facilities.
•
The popular Museum Adventure Pass (MAP) program finished its sixth and final year in
September 2012. Macy’s Foundation continued its sponsorship of the program. KARE-11,
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the Star Tribune, Clear Channel Outdoor, and MN Parent monthly magazine continued as
media sponsors. Several hundred thousand library users continued to check out Museum
Adventure Passes each year, many of them visiting various Twin Cities cultural destinations
for the first time, opening up a world of new experiences for their families. The program
website (www.melsa.org/museumadventurepass) featured some great testimonials from
library users. The website also featured a promotional video, which was also used in a 30second version in PSAs on KARE-11. We heard from lots of Museum Adventure Pass
users and library staff who were very sad to see the program end, and we will explore ways
to partner with the cultural organizations and the sponsors in the future.
We held a reception at the American Swedish Institute in October to recognize the participating
organizations and celebrate the program’s six years of success. The Vice President of
Macy’s Foundation traveled to Minneapolis from Ohio to attend the event and to thank the
participants personally.
• MELSA also continued its partnership with the Minnesota Twins through Reading All-Stars,
and continued a new partnership with Century Link (which took over Qwest). Century Link’s
Foundation donated $10,000 worth of books to be given to summer reading program
participants and attendees at TC Bear appearances at three public libraries TC Bear
appeared at three area libraries (Woodbury, Eden Prairie, Northtown. This year the Twins
and Major League Baseball very generously upped their ticket donation to 2,000 tickets,
enabling us to provide lots of family 4-packs to the libraries to award through drawings
(designated as Reading All-Stars tickets).
•
MELSA became the sole sponsor of the College of St. Catherine’s “Booked for the Evening”
continuing education opportunity for teachers and librarians. The MELSA/Metro Public
Libraries logo was featured on take-home tote bags given to all attendees, the evening’s
program, PowerPoint slides, St. Kate’s website for the event, and other advertising. We
also received 10 free admissions to the event, which were distributed to each system.
•
MELSA partnered with Metronet again in 2012-13 to offer Camp Read-A-Lot, a continuing
education opportunity for educators. Teachers and media specialists read all summer,
posted book reviews on a social network, Ning, and came together on August 1 to discuss
their books and listen to speakers. Over 100 educators participated and enjoyed keynote
speaker author r Katherine Paterson.
•
2013 was the third year for the regional summer reading program brand, Bookawocky: A
Celebration of Summer Reading. An LSTA grant, received in late-2012, allowed for the
development of a website to incorporate the program. This additional format provided
greater access and engagement in the program. Sponsors included the Minnesota State
Fair, which continued its support of summer reading by donating over 20,000 passes, and
Macy’s, Century Link, Minnesota Twins, Star Tribune, Minnesota Parent, Radio Disney, and
KARE-11. Eighty-nine thousand children and 15,500 teens participated in the 2013
program.
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•
MELSA hosted a one-day event at the Minnesota State Fair in Carousel Park on
Wednesday, August 29, 2012. On Read & Ride Day Fair attends receive a discount on
admission if they show their library card at the gate. The event included stage performances
featuring: The Okie Dokie Brothers, The Great Brodini, Kenny Ahern and Six Appeal.
Curious George from TPT Kids made appearances every hour. Under the tent, activities
included a Read &Walk featuring giant storybook pages throughout the park, games, and a
State Fair postcard craft for kids and more. Minitex, TPT Kids, Minnesota Book Awards,
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, and Minnesota Parent were our partners under the tent.
In support of learning during out of school time MELSA cosponsored the Alphabet Forest at
the Minnesota State Fair. Libraries distributed the vocabulary game cards during August,
and MELSA staff provided onsite support. MELSA’s $2,000 sponsorship went to printing
costs and the metro public libraries logo appeared on print pieces and event signage.
•
MELSA sponsored the Children’s Pavilion at the Twin Cities Festival of the Book for the third
year on October 13, 2012. This provided the opportunity to promote library resources to
young people and their families. The event moved to the State Fairgrounds in 2012. More
than 300 participants stopped by the event. Two thirds of the 73 survey respondents stated
that the Children’s Pavilion played a role in their decision to attend the Book Festival.
• MELSA encourages participation with other public and school libraries around the state in
the Maud Hart Lovelace Readers Choice Book Awards (3rd–8th graders). 2012 was the
ninth year MELSA member libraries supported the Maud Hart Lovelace Readers Choice
Book Awards through signage and nominee trackers.
b) The Board of Trustees reviewed the 2012 MELSA financial audit at its May 2013 meeting.
c) By providing reimbursements to its members to help offset the costs for provision of service
to end-users outside of the local geographic service area, MELSA removes the barriers
related to local concerns regarding funding of services for members of other governmental
units.
Portions of the RLBSS funds are distributed directly to the member libraries through a
regionally developed funding formula. In 2012, MELSA distributed $1,101,975 to member
systems to help fund local cooperative efforts.
A factor in the state’s RLBSS fund distribution is called “Equalization,” which allows county
and cities to earn a portion of the grant dollars due to their net tax capacity. This factor is
the most volatile in the state funding formula; in some years MELSA earns no dollars in this
category. In recent years, the amount allocated has grown for the metro area system.
Because of uncertainty of this revenue from year to year, the MELSA Board of Trustees has
assigned the dollars for one-time projects and allocations. In FY2013, the dollars were
assigned in the following categories: 10% to earning agencies; 65% for distribution to
member libraries through the Phase program; and 25% for one-time collaborative projects.
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The MELSA Foundation continued to serve as a support organization for the regional
system. Foundation Board members met and approved the following positions: Robert
Rohlf (retired Hennepin County Library Director) to serve as President, Janet Williams
(retired Scott County Library Director) to serve as Secretary/Treasurer, William Asp (retired
Dakota County Library Director) and Melissa Brechon (retired Carver County Director) t
serve as a Members-at-Large. Chris Olson, as MELSA’s Executive Director, is a non-voting,
ex officio of the Foundation Board and will serve as staff liaison. The Board has agreed to
serve as the 501 c3 agency for several MELSA grant proposals.
d) MELSA has maintained a contract with TIES for technical support of office computer
equipment and servers. A consultant is used to apply and implement E-Rate and RLTA
reimbursements. Additional funding for maintenance of the local website (beyond the
marketing funding) has been used in contractual services.
MELSA’s website continues to be improved through the joint efforts of MELSA’s community
services manager, the office support position and a web-design consultant.
After hearing a presentation about the 3M Cloud Library (e-books) and its initiative at the
Saint Paul Public Library earlier this year, the Advisory Board decided to explore the
possibility of working with 3M to develop an interlibrary lending software product.
In September 2012 the Board of Trustees made a commitment to the project by assigning
$240,000 from the Fund Balance account to provide access to each member system during
the next three years. In addition, the Trustees agreed to budget $500,000 in the 2013
budget to purchase e-book content for the collaborative project.
The Northstar Digital Literacy Project defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on
computers and online. The ability of adults to perform these tasks can be assessed through
online, self-guided modules. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and
modules in six main areas: Basic Computer Use, Internet, Windows Operating System, Mac
OS, Email, and Word Processing (Word). Through funding provided by MELSA, each of the
member library systems are identified as sponsoring sites for this initiative.
Other collaborative projects are currently in planning stages with the Advisory Board and
Board of Trustees.
During the later-part of FY2012, the Boards began working on an e-book project Funds for
this program have not currently been assigned.
3. Strategic Plan Results: Describe how this program addressed the goal
areas identified in your strategic plan and progress made toward achieving
the plan’s overarching goals. Please describe any significant challenges that
impacted your ability to achieve the results and/or any unanticipated results.
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a) Promotional activities have been identified in Goal 3 (Create a greater understanding among
stakeholders of the value of member libraries’ services). Concentrations of the MELSA
marking efforts have aligned with the learning services listed in the strategic plan. .
b) Within Goal 4 (Improving MELSA’s internal operations), the financial operations of the
organization will be continuously managed.
c) The funding component in Goal 3 directs the organization to seek out new funding
opportunities.
d) Under Goal 1, it states that MELSA will support services which are responsive to local library
needs.
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Expenditures of FY 2013 RLBSS Aid: Please use attached expenditure
reporting form to report expenditures by subcategory. A document with
definitions of expenditure categories is included for your reference.
Report of Results FY 2013 - Regional Library Basic System Support
Regional System:
RLBSS
Notes
Operations & Library Support
Personnel
Staff Development
Meetings/Travel
Telecommunications
Automation System
Equipment & Furniture
Supplies
Space/Facilities
Insurance
Professional Fees
Subtotal
$593,149.00
$124,887.00
$9,508.00
$2,205.00
$1,050,000.00
$10,003.00
$7,427.00
$55,609.00
$11,245.00
$20,845.00
$1,884,878.00
Customer Services
Library Materials
Interlibrary Loan
Database Licenses
Other Online Resources
Public Programs
Bookmobile
Mail-A-Book
Special Project Allocations
$20,000.00
$930,747.00
$685,912.25
$58,662.00
Subtotal
$1,695,321.25
Vehicles
Deliveries to Branch/Member Libraries
Deliveries to Others
Contracts for Delivery Services
Subtotal
$46,768.00
$46,768.00
Delivery of Materials
Other
Other
Consultants
Contracts
Subtotal
$1,690,214.00
$12,160.00
$5,324.00
$1,707,698.00
Total Expenditures Reported $5,334,665.25
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Attachment A:
MELSA Teams, Interest Groups, and Task Forces
Promotion Team
The Promotions Team focuses on ensuring promotion of MELSA-wide
programs/resources/campaigns throughout the eight library systems, as well as
developing ideas for how to best promote metro-wide programming and events
and reviewing proposals that MELSA receives from a variety of local media for
advertising partnerships.
E-Resources Team
MELSA's E-Resources Team oversees the selection of metro-wide purchases of
electronic databases and tools for the member library systems. They also
arrange for staff training for the use of these databases; provide reviews to each
other about databases their systems are using; and are responsible for the
survey of annual reference statistics.
Technology Team
The MELSA Technology Team, with representation from each of the systems,
meets periodically to collaborate on library technology issues including the state
and federal telecommunications discount programs (RLTA and E-rate), staff
training, hardware and applications topics and to discuss current trends in the
library technology field, such as social networking tools, RFID, open source
software, assistive technology, etc.
Circulation Team
The Circulation Team examines issues related to the circulation of materials
within and between the MELSA libraries. The group discusses issues related to
materials moving through the MELSA delivery service, cross system circulation,
and cross system returns.
Youth Services Team
Youth Services advocates for services to children and teens through
Programming and literacy activities. Staff training and connections to the
summer reading program coordination also are major functions of this group.
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Adult Program Interest Group
The Adult Program Interest Group focuses on developing and reviewing metrowide programming, resources and events targeted toward adult library users.
Volunteer Interest Group
The Volunteer Interest Group discusses a variety of concerns related to how to
recruit, recognize, and best use volunteers in the libraries. Participants compare
required intake documents, volunteer task lists, training plans, and other key
elements involved in developing appropriate opportunities for volunteers.
Teen Services Interest Group
The Teen Services Interest Group focuses on reading programs and issues for
teens throughout the year for MELSA member libraries.
Museum Adventure Pass Task Force
This group sunsetted in the Fall of 2012 after the completion of the project within
the regional system. The group worked with MELSA staff to maintain the
Museum Adventure Pass program which initially launched in September 2006.
Homework Help Task Force
The Homework Help Task Force reviews the product, discusses any
concerns and issues for the MELSA member libraries.
Legacy Fund Task Force
The task force, with representatives from each MELSA member library system,
meets as needed to coordinate programs funded by Minnesota's Legacy
Amendment. MELSA and its member libraries plan and implement free public
programs and projects in the arts, cultural heritage, literary arts and Minensota
history as designated in Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Jobs and Small Business Task Force
The charge by MELSA's member library directors to this task force is to survey
workforce and small business programs in place at MELSA libraries; share
resources and expertise; examine best practice in the field; determine core
collections, services, resourcesand community partnerships; and report
recommendations to MELSA's Advisory Board of Library Directors. In June
2013, the Task Force sunsetted after reaching its initial charge. The group will
now become an Interest group and will meet several times a year to discuss
library services in this topic area.
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