Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New library director outlines service cuts to online tools, plans for "library of things"
Summary
Amanda Brewer, new library director, told council federal funding changes force reductions in interlibrary delivery frequency and elimination of Brainfuse and OCLC; the library plans a "library of things" and rolled out grant-funded tablets.
Amanda Brewer, Nevada—s new library director, updated the council on service changes tied to state and federal funding and described early plans to expand the library—s offerings.
Brewer said, because of federal funding reductions passed through to the state, the interlibrary loan delivery schedule will decrease from biweekly to weekly. She also said the library is discontinuing Brainfuse/HelpNow (an online tutoring/test-prep service) and will no longer use OCLC for cataloging due to statewide funding changes.
"We're also having to get rid of Brainfuse and HelpNow, which was a really great online program for tutoring and test prep... So we are switching over. The state has a new program that they're gonna try to roll out that'll help try to fill that gap at a less expense," Brewer said. She added the state—s replacement may not fully replace the existing services.
Brewer described local initiatives she hopes to launch, including a "library of things" that would let patrons check out practical items such as tools or recreational equipment (she said the library will not stock items that are difficult to maintain, such as baking pans). Brewer reported the library received tablets from a grant coordinated with the Ames library and those were deployed to patrons the previous Tuesday.
Brewer said staff are updating patron computers and undertaking team-building after an extended vacancy in the director role. She asked the council for patience while staffing changes and technology upgrades proceed.
No formal action was required or taken; the item was informational. Brewer invited councilors and community members to contact the library with questions and noted staff will continue to report monthly.
