It is a pleasure to share with you this annual update and summary of what has been happening in the Library. Fiscal year 2006-2007 brought several important "service enhancements" including a 30% increase in funds for purchasing new and replacement books and other materials, and a new staff person for additional programs and assistance in the Teen Zone and Children's area. The Library's web pages were updated and reformatted in conjunction with the new City website launched in September. The Mobile Library Service and Training Center completed their first year of operation with great success. Wireless internet was made available throughout the building as part of the Google citywide wireless network.
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PARTNERSHIPS
The Library fulfills its mission of "Linking the Community" through a variety of programs and partnerships. This year the Library participated in "Mountain View Reads Together" by hosting community events and presenting programs for adults, teens and children. The Library's own annual "Reading Day" in November drew more than 3,000 visitors to the Library and, for the first time, had readers sharing stories and literature in English and other languages including: Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi and Farsi. The Library partnered with the Mountain View Los Altos Adult Education program to provide space and support for their "Introduction to the PC" computer classes. The Mid-Peninsula Chapter of the California Council for Adult Education presented the Library with an "Excellence in Collaboration Award".
ADULT SERVICES
A variety of computer classes for customers to learn how to use Library resources and the Internet were offered throughout the year in English and Spanish. Programs for adults included the "Book Views" reading group and various speakers on health and legal topics. New databases of auto repair manuals, eldercare resources, and the World Book Online Encyclopedia were added this year and are accessible both in the Library and remotely.
CHILDREN'S AND TEEN SERVICES
More programs for children were offered including drop-in story times. In partnership with Vision Literacy the Library hosted "Primetime" providing an introduction to the Library for low-income school age children and families. Children's Services staff oriented all kindergarten through grade 5 teachers in the Mountain View-Whisman School District to the Library and introduced them to library resources. The annual Summer Reading Program attracted more than 3,100 people who signed up to read all summer and this year almost 300 teens participated in the teen summer reading program. Teens also enjoyed special activities such as a Manga drawing class and "duct tape crafts."
SUPPORT SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
Support Services and technology staff do all of the "behind-the-scenes" work that makes the Library run. This year they were especially busy ordering and processing new materials purchased with the additional materials budget. New technology features helped streamline functions such as invoicing. A new server and updated software for the library's catalog and automation system provide faster searching and will allow future functionality and enhancements. The Library "blog" was launched in April and can be accessed on the web page.
LIBRARY SERVICES BY THE NUMBERS
75% of Mountain View residents have a Library card
10,716 new and updated library cards were issued
810,589 customers visited the Library
Customers borrowed more than 1.4 million items
Volunteers gave 4,829 hours of service
36,693 children listened to stories and participated in children's programs
105,870 reference and information questions were answered
27,342 new books and media items were added to the collection
RFID IMPLEMENTATION AND CAPITAL PROJECTS
The Library began converting the materials collection from barcode technology to RFID (radio frequency identification) technology as part of the capital projects which will be implemented during FY 2007-08. When this conversion is complete and the materials handling system is installed, check in of returned materials will be faster and customers will be able to get a receipt. The Library will also have more self-check out stations.
SUPPORT GROUPS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Library enjoys great community support including the leadership of the Library Board of Trustees and supplemental funding from the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation. We also receive many positive comments from our customers and suggestions for improvements. To the extent possible, we respond to suggestions and carefully consider customer requests. Find out what's happening and give us your comments at library@mountainview.gov.
Thanks for your support!
Karen E. Burnett
Library Services Director |  |
Rev 09/19 /07
