LIBRARY OF CALIFORNIA SUPPLEMENTAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT GRANT APPLICATION
MEMBER RECRUITMENT
Granted with change in title. Notified by phone March 3,2000.
Regional Planning Group: Region VII Gold Coast Library Network______________________
Contact Person (name and title): David Dowell, President, Total Interlibrary Exchange
Address: __________4882 McGrath Street, Suite 230_____________________________
___________________Ventura, CA 93003-7721___________________________________
Phone: (805) 650-7733_____ FAX: (805) 642-9095________________
Email: [email protected]________________________________________________________
Authorized Agent of the Regional Planning Group:
Name and Title: ______Judith Segel, System Director_________________________________
Signature of Agent:______________________________________________________________
Address: __________4882 McGrath Street, Suite 230_____________________________
___________________Ventura, CA 93003-7721___________________________________
Phone: (805) 650-7733_____ FAX: (805) 642-9095________________
Email: [email protected]______________________________________________
(Submit separate application for EACH project for which funds are requested)
1. Description of the Developmental Project or Program the planning region would like to be funded through supplemental Library of California funds.
Describe the proposed program or service in sufficient detail to explain what it is, describe what it does and what it can do for regional development, and provide any detail which is necessary to clarify and explain the program or project. Detail must be sufficient to support your budgeting and funding request.
Funds are being requested to plan, create and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications program for the newly established Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII of the Library of California. These funds will be used to develop communications materials and marketing tools so the region can inform, educate, recruit, and promote its formation and services to the citizens of California within the jurisdiction of the Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII of the Library of California.
Marketing and promotion of the region and its activities will be crucial for the successful migration to this new way of doing business. With professional informational materials the newly formed network can more effectively project and communicate a positive image for the region and solidify the reality that the region is here to stay and succeed.
This proposal will unify the identity and communications within the region, and project a confident image that the region is strong. With a comprehensive approach, members and potential members will have access to information that is relevant for their institutions. It will help to unite libraries with a common goal and build support and buy-in for the Library of California initiative.
Funds will be used for the following:
Local Website Development for all Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII, Library of California Libraries. One of the most critical needs is to ensure that all libraries can participate in the regional activities. Recognizing that many of the smaller libraries do not have sufficient technical support or expertise, it will be necessary to find ways for them to participate with a minimal amount of effort.
Using an Oracle database program already in use at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, libraries will be able to create their own local websites, regardless of their technical ability or html expertise. This program will provide libraries with a template that allows them to design and customize a website for their libraries. They will have various choices using pull down menus and/or fill-in-the-blanks, thereby allowing each library to place as much or as little information on the site as they choose.
Any library can use this template, although it is especially designed with the smaller, less technically ready libraries in mind. With this program, anyone with web access and anyone who can type can create and maintain a website.
The advantage to this is that libraries that do not currently have a website can easily create and manage one using this program. The benefits of this portion of the proposal will be to level the playing field within the region and assist libraries in development of sites and services that are on par with others in the region and help them to see immediate benefits from the Library of California initiative.
This system will reduce the barriers that smaller or understaffed libraries might have since it is so easy to learn and use. By simply logging on to the regional website, library staff can fill out a web-based form that will be created to capture information on their library. Once the information is entered and sent, the directory is immediately updated (in real time) and ready for viewing by others. This means that this online directory can remain fluid and current, with very little technical skill or resources, and each library can participate and manage the information presented.
The Online Directory of Members will be made available in three formats for the convenience of the entire membership. The primary distribution mechanism will be via the WWW, however a CD-ROM version and a print version will be made available upon request.
This database will provide library constituents with access to information on libraries within the region and beyond. It will help to promote library services, collections and activities in order to increase awareness of regional library resources locally and throughout the State.
Marketing: Funds will be used to create a visual identity and both print and web-based materials for the region. This identity will be critical to bringing awareness of the region and its activities to the membership. It will help to establish an identity for the region, and provide a mechanism for uniform promotion and communication of regional events and activities. The communications plan and materials will provide an ongoing method of keeping membership informed and up-to-date with regional activities, meetings and events.
The marketing plan includes six components:
1. Development of a logo and graphic design (for stationery, newsletters, website, etc.)
2. Web Upgrades and Enhancements will be necessary to keep the regional website up to date and responsive to changes and new developments especially during the initial year of transition. Funds will be used to enhance the site to remain attentive to member needs, and also link to other regions of the Library of California. Upgrades to this site will continue to provide a mechanism for keeping members informed through postings of upcoming meetings, agendas, meeting notes, news items and announcements. Links to the Online Directory of Member Libraries will be added so institutions can begin networking with each other. Likewise, links to individual library sites as they are developed will need to be created and maintained. The site will also include relevant hotlinks to other region sites, the Library of California site, and other links that can benefit the membership and keep them up to date on region news.
3. Creation of a promotional brochure that can be distributed to all member libraries. This brochure will provide summary information on what the Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII, Library of California is, what it does for its member libraries and regional constituents, how to join, and contact information. This brochure will be extremely helpful in the development stage of the network, as it will be used as a direct mail piece to members and potential members to help increase awareness and benefits of the Library of California system.
4. Orientation meetings, for regional members and potential members, will be coordinated with marketing funds. These special orientation meetings will provide participants with information about the newly developed region, roles and responsibilities of libraries, description of goals and objectives of the Library of California, etc. These sessions will also serve to engage libraries in the region to become involved in activities, and begin a dialog on how the region can work together to be successful in fulfilling the mission of the Library of California.
5. Press materials will be developed to share with local press and media. This information will be used to help to launch the new Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII, Library of California, and create an awareness of the Library of California initiative. A press conference for local media and press in each major jurisdiction within the region will be planned to inform and educate the public at large on the work being done to improve information access for the citizens of California.
6. An assessment survey of the membership will be developed and conducted at the end of the first year following the formation of the Gold Coast Library Network/Region VII, Library of California. This survey will be used to evaluate the impact and progress the new network has had, and to further identify member needs and future areas of need.
2. What process did the Regional Planning Group follow to develop funding requests? What data, condition and/or needs assessment supports this request?
Discussion began during small group meetings held on October 8, 1999. Informal discussion among participants continued, and on December 16, 1999, members of the Core Planning group brainstormed and shared ideas at their monthly meeting. At that meeting a project development team was formed to research and develop this project. The project team drafted this application, which will be reviewed and edited by the Core Planning Group at its regular meeting on January 27, 2000.
Although the region has a strong Core Planning group, as well as a number of libraries on an “information only” list, there are many libraries lacking understanding of and information regarding the Library of California and its potential services and benefits. The Library of California is vague and unclear in the minds of many Region VII librarians, library staff and administrators. Further, many prospective member libraries are not well informed as to the work already taking place and our need for their assistance in the planning stage. In addition, members of the public have little, if any, information about Library of California.
3. Libraries to participate in the proposed program or project
Specify the libraries and/or type of libraries to participate in this grant. If all libraries in the planning region will be participants or potential participants, specify that fact. Provide a brief rationale for why these libraries are and should be the proposed participants.
It is anticipated that all libraries that are members of the Core Planning group will participate in the project to be funded by this grant. These libraries have demonstrated an interest in planning and developing the network, and many have faithfully sent representatives to monthly meetings, as well as participating in small group discussions and projects. They are the libraries most interested in planning, creating and implementing the marketing and communications program to be funded by this grant. Additional libraries may participate by joining the Core Planning Group. Present members of the Core Planning group and their library type are listed below.
Allan Hancock College, Academic
Ballard School District, School
Black Gold Cooperative Library System, Public (Other)
Blanchard Community Library, Public
Buena High School, School
California Institute of the Arts, Academic
California Polytechnic State Univ, Academic
California Polytecnic State University, Academic
Calif. State Univ Channel Islands, Academic
Carpinteria High School, School
Carpinteria Middle School, School
Cate School, School
Coast Union High School, School
College of the Canyons, Academic
College of the Canyons, Academic
Cornerstone Christian School, School
Cuesta College Library, Academic
Cuyama Valley School District,
Cypress Elementary School, School
Dos Pueblos High School, School
Ernest Righetti High School, School
Fillmore Middle School, School
Krotona Library, Special
Lompoc Public Library, Public
Lucia Mar Unified School District, School
Manzanita Elementary School, School
Matilija Junior High School, School
Mesa Union School District, School
Mesa Verde Middle School, School
Mesa Verde Middle School, School
Naval Facilities Eng. Service Center, Special
Nordhoff High School, School
Norman R. Brekke Elementary School, School
Oxnard College, Academic
Oxnard Public Library, Public
Pacifica Graduate Institute, Special - Academic
Pleasant Valley School District, School
San Luis Obispo City/County Library, Public
San Marcos High School, School
Santa Barbara City College, Academic
SB Museum of Natural History Library, Special
Santa Barbara Public Library, Public
Santa Margarita Elementary School, School
Santa Maria Bonita School District, School
Sta Maria Jnt. Union High School Dist., School
Santa Maria Public Library, Public
Santa Paula Elementary School District, School
Santa Susana High School, School
St. Johns Regional Medical Library, Special
UC Santa Barbara, Academic
University Elementary, School
Ventura College, Academic
Ventura County Law Library, Special
Ventura County Library, Public
Ventura High School Library, School
Westmont College, Academic
Wildwood Elementary School, School
4. Impact of the proposed program or project on the development of the Regional Library Network
Describe how implementation of the proposed program or project enhances network development. What specifically does it add to the development of the network? Who does it serve? How does it encourage increased participation/membership? Should this program be funded, what are the requirements for keeping it going or delivering the service once this funding ceases? Include any further details on impacts that will assist in analyzing your application.
The impact that this proposal can have on the formation of the region is enormous. Providing funding to create a communications and marketing program will benefit the members of the network, as well as the entire Library of California program. In addition, professionally developed informational materials will project a positive image for the region, and solidify the reality that the region is here to stay and succeed.
With a comprehensive plan to market and promote the newly formed region, information about the region, the benefits to members, the roles and responsibilities of participants, can all be detailed and explained. In order to launch this new approach to networking, it will take a consistent and uniform approach, which is well thought out, planned and most importantly, geared to the types of libraries and their needs.
Benefits of funding this proposal include:
· Creation of a presence and identity for the region that can help member libraries better understand the impact of regional participation and benefit for their constituents.
· Provide a tool to educate, inform and interact with member libraries.
· Help to communicate in a uniform, consistent and organized manner to the membership.
· Provide a mechanism to involve, engage and recruit member library participation and buy-in.
· Raise the public awareness of the positive impact the Library of California can have on the citizens within the region, and throughout the state of California.
5. Provide a timeline for the implementation of the project or program once funding is available.
Assuming funding is released by July 1, 2000:
July 1 – September 1 Develop graphic image/identity for region
Present image ideas to board
Approval of final design
July 1 – September 30 Plan for early September press conferences formally announce to all local media and press to the formation of the Gold Coast Library Network and what it will mean to the citizens of the region
July 1- June 30, 2001 Work on regional website upgrades and enhancements
(ongoing) to keep site reliable and vibrant
Work with board to identify directory requirements
Develop templates and database structure
Input data
Develop instructional materials for member
libraries to input, edit or modify information on site
Provide regional training sessions as needed
July 1 – December 1 Begin work on development of the Local Library Website
template/database
Work with board to identify website requirements
Develop templates and database structure
Input data
Develop instructional materials for member libraries to
input, edit or modify information on site
Provide regional training sessions as needed
August 1 – January 1, 2001 Begin development of press information and other
marketing materials
Work with board to brainstorm regarding graphic images
and logo ideas
Work with board to finalize design ideas
January 2001, begin regional orientation meetings to
present members with information on the region
May 2001 – September 2001 Begin to develop assessment survey instrument to determine how Region VII is doing on meeting member needs: discuss survey content, design and methodology
Approval of survey design and methodology
Distribute to membership
Analyze data
Report to members on survey results
Contract services must be included under Operations. Any administrative costs, such as fiscal fees, must be detailed and included under Operations. Equipment under $5,000 must be included in Operations; equipment over $5,000 per item must be included in Equipment.
|
Budget Summary |
LoC |
Other funds |
In-Kind |
Total |
|
a. Salaries & Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
b. Operations |
$75,000 |
|
$1,000 |
$76,000 |
|
c. Equipment |
|
|
$14,000 |
$14,000 |
|
d. Total |
$75,000 |
|
$15,000 |
$90,000 |
Narrative detail:
a. Salaries & Benefits:
n/a
b. Operations:
Funds will provide contract personnel:
· Release time and/or costs to hire graphic designer $8,000
· Release time for web designer to create
Online member directory $15,000
Local website template $15,000
Website $7,500
Funds will provide equipment, printing, hosting:
· Purchase of Unix server to house the network website, the
Online Directory of Member Libraries and
the local libraries Website information $4,000
§ Printing of limited copies of the print and CD-ROM
versions of the Directory of Member Libraries $1,000
· Printing costs for brochures, training materials, invitations
to orientation sessions $20,000
· Orientations sessions, hosting three sessions & travel costs
if needed, for speakers $1,000
Funds will cover fiscal agent services
· Auditing and accounting costs $3,500
In-kind funding will provide:
· Cost of conducting regional training sessions includes
trainer’s time and travel $1,000
c. Equipment
In-kind contributions include:
· Use of Oracle software (as a Cal Poly sponsored project) $14,000
d. Total: Project total $90,000 $90,000
Return applications no later than 4 PM, Friday, January 21, 2000, to:
Diana Paque
California State Library
Library of California
P.O. Box 942837
Sacramento, CA 94237-0001