Iowa Library Services Reorganization
Introduction
The library reorganization bill creates a streamlined model of state-funded support services for libraries, by combining the Library Service Areas and State Library into one agency, called Iowa Library Services. The new agency preserves the close-to-home services that Iowa libraries depend on, while ensuring the consistent availability of services across the state. One of the main purposes of the new agency is to work with Iowa libraries of all types and all sizes to make library service in Iowa the best it can be. An Advisory Panel was established to help accomplish this purpose.
The library services reorganization legislation was initially passed by the Senate on a 46-3 vote, and a slightly different version was passed by the House on an 88-9 vote. The final version of the legislation was included in HF645, the education appropriations bill, and passed by the House and Senate on June 29, 2011. The governor signed the bill on July 27, 2011 and the reorganization became effective immediately.
For background, see the Iowa Library Services Reorganization Report submitted to the Legislature by the Iowa Library Association.
Below is a history of messages sent to the Iowa library community during the legislative process.
Update 8/11/2011
The legislation reorganizing the delivery of services to Iowa libraries became effective on July 27. The State Library and Library Service Areas have now combined into one new agency, and it is our goal to make this transition as seamless as possible.
Although we have reorganized, you can continue to turn to your district office for support and answers to questions. Help for you is still close at hand. Our six district offices are located in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Algona, Ankeny, Waterloo and Coralville. Each office has a district librarian consultant and a library resources technician. Seven of the district staff members previously worked in the Library Service Area offices, and will be familiar to you. The new employees all have experience working in Iowa libraries and schools. All the district office staff members are knowledgeable, talented, and looking forward to working with you.
Northwest District Office, Sioux City: 866-642-7920 or 800-352-4982
- Bonnie McKewon, District Consultant
- Janie Beaulieu, Library Resources Technician
Southwest District Office, Council Bluffs: 866-642-7922 or 800-358-8807
- Karen Burns, District Consultant
- Susan Gruber, Library Resources Technician
North Central District Office, Algona: 866-642-7918
- Jet Kofoot, District Consultant
- Trisha Hicks, Library Resources Technician
Central District Office, Ankeny: 866-642-7917
- Maryann Mori, District Consultant (starting September 6)
- Doreen Buls, Library Resources Technician
Northeast District Office, Waterloo: 866-642-7919
- Eunice Riesberg, District Consultant
- Kelli Bremer, Library Resources Technician (starting September 6)
Southeast District Office, Coralville: 866-642-7921
- Becky Heil, District Consultant (starting August 15)
- Debbie Crane, Library Resources Technician (starting August 15)
We'll send additional information about the district office staff, to help you get to know them better, in a follow-up message the week of August 15.
Please refer to the map showing the boundaries of the six districts. The boundaries have been adjusted, to ensure that Iowa libraries have equitable access to the district staff. In the past, the number of public libraries served by an area ranged from 69 to 121. With the new district boundaries, the range is 87 to 96. The new boundaries balance the number of libraries served with the driving distance within the district. We hope you understand the reason for the boundary changes, and ask for your patience and goodwill during the transition.
If you work in a library affected by the district boundary changes, expect to hear from your new district staff very soon! The district consultants want to visit your library and meet you in person.
The most important thing to remember right now is that everyone working on the transition has the best interests of Iowa libraries as their highest priority. Support services to libraries will continue, and job #1 for all of us is to insure that we all continue to provide great library services to Iowans.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
800-248-4483
515-281-4105
mary.wegner@lib.state.ia.us
Update 8/2/2011
On July 27, Governor Branstad signed HF645, which reorganized the delivery of services to Iowa libraries, and the bill became effective immediately. The Library Service Areas and the State Library are now combined into one agency called Iowa Library Services. Consulting, continuing education and other support services are still available for Iowa libraries, and are delivered through the new agency.
Iowa Library Services will have six district offices in addition to the Des Moines office. The six districts are Northwest, Southwest, North Central, Central, Northeast, and Southeast.
I am very pleased to announce that nine of the twelve district office positions have been filled.
- Northwest: Bonnie McKewon, district consultant and Janie Beaulieu, library resources technician
- Southwest: Karen Burns, district consultant and Sue Gruber, library resources technician
- North Central: Jet Kofoot, district consultant and Trisha Hicks, library resources technician
- Central: Maryann Mori, district consultant and Doreen Buls, library resources technician
- Northeast: Eunice Riesberg, district consultant, and Kelli Bremer, library resources technician
- Southeast: Becky Heil, district consultant, and Deb Crane, library resources technician
We are busy re-establishing the district offices, and in some cases, identifying new offices. The Northwest, Southwest, Central and Northeast offices continue to operate in their previous locations, and you can reach staff there by phone and email. If your library is located in the North Central or East Central/Southeast area, or if you have difficulty reaching staff in one of the other offices, please contact the Des Moines office (800-248-4483) for assistance. We will provide updated contact information within the next week.
I am proud and excited to begin working with these talented, experienced people! Iowa libraries - you have a wonderful team at your service.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
800-248-4483
515-281-4105
mary.wegner@lib.state.ia.us
Update 7/28/2011
Governor Branstad has signed the education appropriations bill (HF645), which includes the legislation that reorganizes the delivery of services to Iowa libraries by combining the Library Service Areas and the State Library into one agency called Iowa Library Services. The bill was effective upon enactment.
Consulting and other support services continue to be available to Iowa libraries. These services will be offered from six district offices as well as from the Des Moines office. We are all committed to working with you to insure that Iowans receive the best possible library services.
You may be wondering who to contact with your questions during this transition period. The Northwest, Southwest, Central and Northeast service area offices continue to operate, and you can reach staff there by phone and email. If your library is located in the North Central or East Central/Southeast service area, or if you have difficulty reaching staff in one of the other area offices, please contact the State Library (800-248-4483) for assistance.
Within the next few days, Iowa Library Services will officially bring district office staff on board. We will continue to keep you updated, and will let you know as soon as offices in the north central and southeast district have opened.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
800-248-4483
515-281-4105
mary.wegner@lib.state.ia.us
Update 7/5/2011 Library Reorganization Update
Last week, the Iowa legislature gave final approval to the legislation that reorganizes the delivery of services to Iowa libraries by combining the Library Service Areas and the State Library into one agency.
The legislation will become final when the governor signs the bill, which will happen in the next few weeks.
As we wait for the governor's signature, we are working closely with the Library Service Areas on the transition. Our goal is to ensure that excellent support services for Iowa libraries continue to be available, during the transition period and beyond.
You may be wondering who to contact with your questions during this transition period. The Northwest, Southwest, Central and Northeast service area offices continue to operate, and you can reach staff there by phone and email.
If your library is located in the North Central or East Central/Southeast service area, please contact the State Library (800-248-4483) if you need assistance.
If you have questions about NEIBORS, contact Eunice Reisberg at reisberg@neilsa.org or 319.233.1200. If you have technical questions about WILBOR, contact Karen Burns at kburns@swilsa.lib.ia.us or 712.328.9218; for billing questions about WILBOR, contact Jet Kofoot at jet@cilsa.lib.ia.us or 515-963-1943.
After the governor signs the bill, we will be able to officially bring district office staff on board, and we'll do that as quickly as possible. We will continue to keep you updated.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
800-248-4483
515-281-4105
mary.wegner@lib.state.ia.us
Update 6/30/2011 Legislature approves reorganization of library services and passes FY12 budget
The Iowa General Assembly has just adjourned. Before they went home, they approved the reorganization of Iowa library services as part of the education appropriations bill. For the text of the bill, go to the legislative website and search for Senate amendment 3379 to House file 645.
The reorganization model will go into effect after the governor signs the bill. The State Library is already working closely with Library Service Area staff to assure as smooth a transition as possible. Reorganization updates will be sent to iowalib and also posted on this page.
One of the main purposes of the new agency is to work with Iowa libraries of all types and all sizes to make library service in Iowa the best it can be.
The most important thing to remember right now is that everyone working on the transition has the best interests of Iowa libraries as their highest priority. Support services to libraries will continue, and job #1 for all of us is to insure that we all continue to provide great library services to Iowans.
The legislature also implemented funding cuts that will affect Iowa libraries. Funding for Iowa Library Services (the new agency) was cut 8.7% ($211,217), and funding for the Enrich Iowa programs was cut 25.5% ($571,854.) As we work with Iowa libraries to implement the reorganization in the coming year, we will also need to work together to tell the story of Iowa libraries to our legislators, and to explain the impact of funding cuts on our library customers.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
800-248-4483
515-281-4105
mary.wegner@lib.state.ia.us
Update 5/20/11 (General)
The library services reorganization bill passed the full Senate on a 46-3 vote, and a slightly different version of the bill passed the full House on an 88-9 vote. While we await the completion of the final legislative action on the bill and the governor’s signature, I want to let the library community know about transition steps that are already in process in anticipation of the new organization model to be created by the bill.
What Does the Library Services Reorganization Bill Do?
The bill creates a streamlined model of state-funded support services for libraries, by combining the Library Service Areas and State Library into one agency, called Iowa Library Services. The new agency preserves the close-to-home services that Iowa libraries depend on, while ensuring the consistent availability of services across the state. One of the main purposes of the new agency is to work with Iowa libraries of all types and all sizes to make library service in Iowa the best it can be.
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
We expect the bill to go into effect on July 1, 2011.
How Will Services Be Delivered to Libraries / Who Do I call for Help?
The new agency will have six district offices around the state, each with a librarian consultant and a project coordinator, in addition to an Iowa Library Services/State Library office in Des Moines. The district librarian and project coordinator will provide consulting and assistance directly to libraries in their district, and will be the first point of contact when you need assistance. Additional help will also be available from the rest of the Iowa Library Services staff. Phone numbers and office locations will be shared with you as soon as they are finalized.
What Transition Steps Are Already in Process?
- Job descriptions for the district librarians and project coordinators have been written and will be posted on Job List when the application period opens. (Current Library Service Area administrators will be hired as district consultants, if they choose to apply. As many current LSA office employees will be hired as possible, also. )
- An Advisory Panel of librarians will be named before July 1. This group will, in accordance with the bill, “advise and recommend …evidence-based best practices, to assist the commission and division to determine service priorities and launch programs, articulate the needs and interests of Iowa librarians, and share research and professional development information.” An application form for service on the Advisory Panel will be sent to the e-mail lists in the next few days. The legislation establishes that the executive board of the Iowa Library Association appoints a simple majority of the members of the Advisory Panel, and the state librarian appoints the remaining members. I welcome all Iowa librarians who are interested to apply for the Advisory Panel. We need a broad representation of libraries, by size, by type, and by location, on the Panel to assist the new agency as we move forward in providing the best possible service to Iowa’s libraries.
- An internal transition team will be created consisting of current State Library staff and LSA staff who are interested in transitioning to the new agency.
- The ILA Reorganization Committee met on April 28 to identify transition questions and issues.
- Library Service Area staff and State Library staff have created a shared document for listing transition questions and identifying steps to be taken.
- The State Library is working with the LSA offices and the Chief Financial Officer of the state Department of Education and his staff on the financial steps that are necessary for closing the Library Service Area offices. The State Auditor’s office and the State Accounting Enterprise office have also provided advice.
- A small team from the State Library, headed by Sandy Dixon, has scheduled visits to each Library Service Area office for face-to-face discussion of the transition. The first visit has taken place, and the remaining five will be held over the next two weeks.
Next Steps
Information about the reorganization and transition process will be shared regularly, and posted here. If you have questions, please contact Mary Wegner, State Librarian. There are still many unanswered questions at this point, but we will do our best to keep the Iowa library community informed as the process continues.
The most important thing to remember is that everyone working on the transition has the best interests of Iowa libraries as their highest priority. Support services to libraries will continue, and job #1 for all of us is to insure that we all continue to provide great library services to Iowans.
Mary Wegner, State Librarian
