State Library Used ICN Heavily in FY08

The State Library recently sent in its annual report about ICN use.  The State Library relies heavily on the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) for video, data and voice services.  The ICN is the backbone for the State Library’s Web sites, including http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org, http://www.healthinfoiowa.org, http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org, http://www.iowadatacenter.org and http://publications.iowa.gov.

The State Library logged 135.25 hours (1,177 billable hours) on the ICN for workshops, training and meetings.  There were 1,412 participants in 51 sessions at 870 sites.  State Library staff and those who participate in state-sponsored events continue to save tremendously in time and travel costs.  Many Iowans, especially those in rural areas, would not be able to participate in these events if extended travel was required. 

The State Library realized $181,603 in savings in FY08 using the ICN.  This includes productivity costs and assumes sessions would be held by having participants coming to Des Moines for the service.  System charges from the ICN totaled $8,842 and individual room charges totaled $4,285.  Total charges for ICN video use, room use and satellite costs in FY08 were $13,127.  

Specific Examples of ICN video room use by the State Library of Iowa

• The State Library invited the Iowa library community to participate in a small-group planning conversation to gather ideas on how the State Library could most effectively promote excellence in library service and facilitate statewide access to information for all Iowans.  The input was used in developing the State Library’s strategic plan. 

• Public Library Management 1 and 2 courses, required for public librarian certification, were offered five times during the year.  102 students participated. 

• Library Trustee Training:  "Fair Pay for Library Directors" was attended by 73 and held at 29 sites; "Governing the Library" was attended by 90 and held at 33 sites. 

• The Center for the Book, http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/, used the ICN to offer an evening program designed to help library staff, trustees and community discussion leaders plan a discussion of the 2008 All Iowa Reads book selection.  The 2008 title was Digging to America by Anne Tyler.  There were 103 participants at 50 sites.  The Center for the Book also used the ICN for planning sessions and developing the Letters for Literature program. 

• Downlinks - ICN capabilities make it possible for the State Library to easily take advantage of satellite downlinks provided by the College of DuPage.  With assistance from Bibliographical Center for Research, the State Library was able to offer all of the College of DuPage satellite downlink teleconferences: "Library Spaces:  Future Needs;" "Finding the Trends that Matter: Get Your Environmental Scan On;" "Library Transformation:  Making It Happen;" "People Watching With a Purpose: Meeting Needs Before They Need It;" "Tools of Engagement: Attracting and Engaging Library Users;" "Trends, Fads or Folly: Spotting the Library Trends That Really Matter."   A total of 281 participants attended the sessions.