Our Mission

I. To provide a forum for discussion of issues and ideas.

1. Policies (YA privileges, video and internet use, etc.)

• Arena for airing issues of concern to individual members and group.

• Debate pros and cons of policies undergoing development at individual member libraries.

• Consider establishment of common policies across valley libraries.

2. Practices/Procedures (aux circ., closing dates, summer reading programs)

• Share/compare how things are done by members.

• "Other's eyes" tours at invitation of member libraries to critique elements such as signage, floor plan, effectiveness of work flow, etc.

3. Hot topics and issues of concern to members (e.g.:CIPA, internet filtering, etc.)

II. To provide a mechanism for collaborative cost reductions.

1. Grant writing—shared grant proposals to benefit member libraries; pooled grant funds for mutual benefit (multiple members would apply for same grant and then use funds for one large program).

2. Fundraising (organizational or community wide).

3. Block bookings—programs.

4. Co-operative purchase arrangements.

III. To provide opportunities for sharing resources.

1. Equipment

• Purchased by member library but use allowed by rest at reduced fee (e.g.: color copies at cost at Plumb for members—$.25 each)

• Purchased by member and free use allowed by others in trade for free use of equipment owned by them (e.g.: overhead projector)

• Consider shared purchase of item by contributors from all members (laminator, video check equipment, etc.)

Copyright 2006 United Valley Libraries.