Annual Report

2003 was a year of waiting, elections, holding our breath, pleasant surprises, fun programming and good work: Libraries adapted to our new home in the Ministry of Learning. Special thanks go out to Dr. Dotson, Deputy Minister of Learning for ensuring that the libraries got the same three percent increase to their operating budget as our other partners in the Department of Learning. This is the first grant increase that we have seen since 1996. In fact, the Palliser Regional Operating Grant has been going in the reverse direction since the year 2000. This increase enabled us to rehire our back-up courier driver, meet expenses and put more money into collections – an area sorely under stress due to the previous cutbacks.

As part of our lobby efforts within the Ministry of Learning we hosted several visits by high-ranking staff. 5 members of the policy committee came down and visited Headquarters, Moose Jaw and Holdfast. They were particularly impressed by the dedication of the Holdfast board whose 9 of 21 members showed up for the mid-afternoon meet and greet. Rural issues were a definite eye-opener for the group.

Assistant Deputy Minister Gillian McCreary and Provincial Librarian Joy Campbell came down and visited Assiniboia, Mossbank, Moose Jaw and Headquarters on July 10th. As a region we were trying to emphasize the library as a hub of the community that works in partnership with other groups and organizations in the community. Arnold Cornea acted as host while Jan Smith and Carolyn Graham drove. Assiniboia arranged a tour of the Prince of Wales Complex. Public and school combination libraries according to the Tisdale model were a topic of hot discussion at the Ministry. The tour of Assiniboia was beneficial for, as Joy Campbell put it, it was fascinating to see and realize that a library does work very well in a vibrant community complex without a school attached. Lunch was brought in and the Assiniboia board and Arnold Cornea were given the opportunity to bend the provincial representatives’ ear about the issues, successes and challenges which are currently being faced by the system. To top off the day, the tour stopped in Mossbank where the summer reading program was in full swing, the Leader Snake Lady was visiting and the library was standing room only with 75 children and 39 adults listening to her talk. While the Mossbank Board and the Deputy Minister were discussing grants applied for to run a summer reading program and other rural issues on the front steps of the library, Conexus Credit Union dropped off a $200.00 check towards the summer reading program. Unsolicited, very welcome, but talk about timing!

In February of 2003 we received a $2,000 grant for Staff and Board Aboriginal Awareness and Issues training. Clayton Desjarlais of Mawandonan Consulting of Regina gave a dynamic and thought-provoking Aboriginal Awareness Workshop. It was held on September 11 of 2003 and was attended by 21 staff and board members. The grant money was used to help fund the costs of advertising programs given by Elder Betty McKenna at the Moose Jaw Public Library. It was also used to bring in Poetess Marie Annharte Baker to Assiniboia for an eye-opening, well-received poetry reading. July 2003 we received notice that we received some additional funds for aboriginal services. Due to the short time line, most of this money was funneled into materials. This meant that by the end of the year, we had $98,000 to spend on books and videos instead of $77,000 as was in our original 2003 budget.

In our constant search for funding opportunities, Palliser was involved in the formation of SPAN - the Saskatchewan Public Access Network, the provincial lobby group designed to ensure that funding for the good work being carried on by the Community Access Program (CAP) continue as a federal priority. By the end of December the staff of Provincial Library negotiated a new Community Access Program grant ($3,800.) on behalf of the 19 library CAP sites in the region.

The end of 2003 saw us holding our breath again as we lobbied for the continuance of the library book rate. Palliser initiated a "Mr. Minister – Keep the Library Book Rate" postcard campaign. The Executive Committee would like to offer our thanks to the boards which wrote letters in support of the Library Book Rate which is so integral to the management of interlibrary loans. In 2003 we lent 5200 books out of region and borrowed another 2,600 titles. Thanks to access to the Provincial Government's courier system and the presence of courier systems in 4 other regions, we only spent $2,200 on mail for interlibrary loan. It costs us on average $0.90 per book, return postage included. If we had to pay the parcel rate, even one way, it would have cost us in the neighborhood of $56,000. You can see why we needed your help and you came through with your letters to Shelia Copps, the then Federal Minister of Heritage.

Regional Highlights

Happy 30th Birthday, Palliser! Parties were held across the region. A sign was purchased and used by several branches in summer parades, and at fund raisers and other functions.

DYNIX Server Upgraded: On February 28th the new Dynix server was installed at Headquarters. The server runs the circulation system for the entire region. Prior to the arrival of the new "box" we were having many problems with failing hardware. We have been very pleased with the next box as it has speeded up processing both in the branches and at Headquarters.

CommunityNet: The last of the 11 CommunityNet branches came up in late August 2003. While there have been the inevitable "birthing pains", high speed Internet service is now available in 8 communities not originally on the SaskTel plan. This expansion of service was made possible thanks to the Infrastructure grant obtained by the Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association in conjunction with the Provincial Government, SaskTel and Industry Canada. The Director of Palliser Regional Libray is also sitting on the LSCAC (Learning Sector CommunityNet Advisory) Committee and the Security and Infrastructure sub-committees. This has allowed us to bring our regions concerns to the provincial table and to be included in preliminary benchmark testing programs in an attempt to correct the speed issues currently being faced by Moose Jaw Public Library.

New Interlibrary Loans System up and Running: We were the first region who had all of our branches trained in use of the new RSS Interlibrary loan software. Community Net's implementation of high speed access at 11 branches was completed by August 31, 2003. Additional funding was obtained from Provincial Library and Heritage Canada which allowed us to extended Marcus Leja's contract from early March to the end of August 2003. This funding enabled him to complete the first draft of the RSS training manual and to complete the CommunityNet Installations. The RSS manual has undergone several revisions in the past year thanks to the hard work of Melissa Frank and Carolyn Graham.

Assiniboia and Craik: Co-Winners of Branch of the Year

Assiniboia and District Public Library: A new library, a new name! The Branch of the Year Award was Palliser's method of acknowledging the years of hard work have finally paid off for Lorelei Rogers, the staff and board of the Assiniboia and District Public Library with the official opening of the new library and the dedication of the programming room to former chair Kaye Cristo. The party was held on March 30th and was attended by over 200 guests, including the first public appearance of Miss Anastasia Cornea, the 3-week old daughter of Executive Committee Board Chair Arnold Cornea and his wife Nicole.

The Craik Staff and Public Library Board was also acknowledge for their initiatives undertaken which resulted in an increase in circulation of the branch (17.3% in 2002) for the 3rd year running – no other branch can make that claim! Branch Librarian Jo McAlpine has been responsible for extensively training her general public on use of the catalogue through the Internet. This, as well as innovative programming and fund-raising, has brought up the circulation. Craik is also to be congratulated for their initiative in bringing the extensive Provincial Library automotive repair collection to their branch, and adding the holdings to the system.

Rural Branch Inventory Completed! 84,306 books were inventoried this summer. See everyone again in 3 years!

Moose Jaw Inventory Started!

5-year Strategic Planning: Palliser, with the assistance of Shauna Pensock of SaskTel has begun a strategic planning initiative so that we can in the future be proactive for our communities rather than merely being reactive. Our first session was held with the Moose Jaw Public Library Board in September 30th. More area workshops are to be scheduled for 2004 and we would like to invite everyone's participation.

Programming News

CAMP OUT AT YOUR LIBRARY Summer Reading Program

The libraries of the Palliser System "Camped Out At Your Library" and by all accounts, the staff and the young people participating had a great time. Participation was up. Shelley Harms, Holdfast librarian and originator of this year's theme, stepped into the breech caused by the departure of the Moose Jaw Children's librarian and organized the program for Moose Jaw Public Library. It was a beneficial experience for both parties. This year's entertainers, DAVE and TC were a hit wherever they entertained. Our thanks to the staff, volunteers and the following sponsors who helped make this year's summer reading program a success - The Toronto Dominion Bank Financial Group, SaskTel, Saskatchewan Culture, Saskatchewan Library Association, Saskatchewan Writers Guild, Saskatchewan Lotteries and local library system.

"Everything From A to Z @ your library" - Sasktachewan Library Week

Despite October being such a busy month, 18 out of 20 branch libraries participated and offered an energetic variety of programming designed to promote services and attract users to the library. Programs reflected the theme and included everything from used book sales, contests, open houses, school class visits and programming on digital cameras and Hallowe'en makeup. A highlight of the Week was author Gail Bowen's visit to five rural branches where she read from her very popular mystery novels. We would like to thank both our provincial and local sponsors: Sask Energy, Supreme BASICS, Printwest, Saskatchewan Writers Guild, Saskatchewan Library Association, Sask Culture, Sask Lotteries, 540 CBC Radio One and the Regional and Municipal Libraries of Saskatchewan.

And Our Hard Work

Courier Service and Other Statistics

30, 601 holds were placed and 27, 019 books, CDs or videos were delivered to and then returned from Palliser patrons via the courier service in 2003. An additional 5,143 books were either lent or borrowed through interlibrary loan. Circulation statistics were down by 4.1% to 470,008 items. 2,303 new patrons were added to the database. 24,333 books, CDs, magazines, videos and audio books were also added to the collection in 2003.

Executive Committee Activities

April 17th, 2003 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

• The meeting was originally scheduled for April 3rd but was postponed until the 17th due to a blizzard.
• The 2002 budget was discussed and final approval was given.
• The Bylaw Policy's definition of quorum was amended to the number of representatives from at least 1/3 of the eligible municipalities to the actual number of representatives who are attending the Palliser Regional Library Annual or Fall meetings constitutes a quorum.

FALL REGIONAL BOARD MEETING - November 6th, 2003

The main order of business for the Fall Regional Board Meeting was the proposal of the 2004 operating budget. It was adopted as proposed, but subject to 2 conditions:

1. That at the time of the passage of the Moose Jaw Library's budget by the City, the budget be adjusted to reflect the actual figures;
2. that the budget be adjusted to reflect the actual income/salaries which have resulted from funds raised for additional branch hours.

LIBRARY LEVY INCREASE FOR 2004

The library levy rate for towns and villages with a library was set at $10.55 per person. The library levy rate for all other towns, villages and RMs was set at $7.03 per person.

The Seven-Year Honour Roll

We would like to recognize the following people and thank them for serving their communities so diligently over the last 7 years as local board members:

We hope to see you back soon, if not next year.

Our thanks for all your help and support. It is not mandatory to serve on any board for 7 consecutive years. Each board is re-appointed by council every year. To let one's name stand for 2, let alone 3, 5 or even 7 consecutive years is a feat to be lauded.

Staff Notes from 2003

Staff Education

• Spring Workshop: Was a very lively session held at Moose Jaw Public Library and dealt with administrative and library issues (Dynix) facing the Branch Librarians. Many good ideas were exchanged and live demonstrations given.
• Canadian Health Network put on a presentation for the librarians in the Moose Jaw area. It was well attended by headquarters and Moose Jaw staff as well as librarians from the school divisions and SIAST. The Health Network will be making a return visit in March 2004 and they will be offering additional training to our rural branches.
• Micromedia Inc. offered several free sessions on searching the InfoTrac databases in Moose Jaw and Regina. These sessions were attended by several branch staff members.
• Canadian Library Association/American Library Association International MegaConference was held in Toronto in late June. It was attended by Jan Smith, Director and Anne Warriner, Head Librarian - Moose Jaw. It was wild. It was huge! And we learned a lot.
• The fall session was postponed as it was anticipated that we would be developing a CAP workshop. Due to the delay in funding, this workshop was rescheduled for March 2004.
• The Aboriginal Workshop was held on September 11th and those attending found it beneficial.

Staffing News

• Moose Jaw Public Library in September hired a new Children's Librarian, Mary Saso. Valerie Fulford left at the end of March 2003.
• Gina Sudom, Avonlea Br. Lib, has accepted a job at the Bank in Avonlea. Dell Ann Perkin accepted the job of Br. Librarian in Avonlea.
• Eleanor Anderson retired after 29 years of service to Briercrest. IT was quite the party. She was succeeded by Lisa Nestman.
• Della Bartzen of Riverhurst returned to work after a year's leave of absence.
• Jeff Harms of Holdfast worked as our summer student. We were also fortunate to have with us this summer Marie Anne Charbonneau, as our exchange student. Between the 2 students, they guided us through the inventory of 8 branches. Faith Kroeker assisted Shelley Harms with the Moose Jaw Summer Reading Program.
• Marcus Leja, new graduate of the Dalhousie Library and Information Science Masters program, joined us until the end of August as our Young Canada Works in Science and technology intern.
• Marjorie Kroeker joined us as Clerk One, back-up courier drive and Interlibrary Loan Lend clerk.

Late Breaking (2004) News:

It is with deep regret that we must announce the sudden departures of former Assiniboia Branch Librarian Jeanne Sadlemyer and former Willow Bunch Branch Librarian Christine (Chris) Lemieux. Jeanne was killed January in an RV-semi accident in Mexico. Chris died in a roll-over on February 20th, 2004. Our heart-felt sympathies go out to their families and friends. They will be sorely missed.

A Big Thank-you...

• To the Board of SLTA - Thank You! for coordinating the CommunityNet initiative on our behalf! The staff and the Boards of the Palliser Regional Library System would like to extended their thanks and appreciation to President Kathy Evans, Palliser SLTA Representative Karen Basky, and Advisor Merrilee Rasmussen who worked so diligently in creating and then presenting the brief to the Minister and for their follow through.
• To the Branch staff and their boards for all the extras that you have put into making the library services in your community the best service possible.
• To the Branch staff and their boards for raising their library's local profile while fund-raising. In spite of setbacks due to the restructured budget, you have made library service in your community a positive force.
• To the community for its inspirational support and assistance.
• To the staff of the Provincial Library for their vital services provided and fearless guidance through the Government Online (a.k.a. Interlibrary Loans Project), the Gateway and other projects.
• To the Executive Committee of the Palliser Regional Library Board for all their tireless board and committee work.
• And finally, to the Headquarters staff whose tireless work enabled us to redesign and optimize workflow. Their capacity for embracing new ideas has proven to be enormous.

Arnold Cornea, Chair
Jan Smith, Director

General Statistics

Numbers include trade, but not mass market paperbacks.

¹In 2003 branch magazines that were more than 3 years old were taken off of the system. Exceptions: eg. National Geographic.

2003 Staff List

Municipalities within the Palliser Regional System - 2003

Total Population: 55,609

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