Director outlines state standards, digitization pilot and workforce programs

At the White House Library Board meeting the director reviewed the state library standards checklist and described how the board should read the report's columns comparing the library to similarly sized libraries and state averages. The director noted the library largely met the standards but called out comparatively low local appropriation for library materials and encouraged board review of the color-coded checklist.

Staff described a pilot digitization program: three regional offices will operate scanning equipment so local historical societies and community groups can digitize materials for free and have them hosted in the state-managed Digital TN repository. Caitlin called the pilot "very early" and said it aims to expand access to local historical materials through a state-hosted digital repository.

The director also highlighted a regional workforce initiative tied to the Blue Oval project in West Tennessee, saying libraries there will host programs to help local residents gain job skills and prepare for employment in related industries; Hatcher River Regional Library will be a focal site.

Other operational updates included introduction of musical instruments to the circulating collection (an initial small set, the director estimated "at least 10" items), CPR certification for all full-time staff, a plan to tag the library onto the city website to reduce costs (unique library URL under the city domain), and installation of in-stall sanitary dispensers. The director warned of building needs: emergency lights are out after a recent electrical event and a server-room HVAC problem may require re-prioritizing CIP funds to address urgent repairs.

Next steps: the board requested members review the standards checklist and the executive/operations staff will provide follow-up information about the digitization pilot, the Blue Oval collaboration and costs for server-room/HVAC repairs.