Education

Libraries Programs - Multicounty Multitype

Statewide Outcome(s):

Multicounty Multitype supports the following statewide outcome(s).

A thriving economy that encourages business growth and employment opportunities.

Minnesotans have the education and skills needed to achieve their goals.

Context:

The multicounty multitype library cooperation systems promote the sharing of library-related resources including opportunities for continuing education for library staff, supporting long-range planning for cooperative programs, and increasing communication across all types of libraries. The multicounty multitype library cooperation systems have a critical role for school libraries by encouraging the expansion of 21^st century skills for school media specialists/school librarians and teachers to support student achievement through programs such as the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative (MILI).

Operating grant funding is established in M.R. 3530.2500, which allocates 60 percent of the state appropriation ($1.3 million) equally among the systems, 20 percent in an equal amount per capita, and 20 percent in an equal amount per square mile. The multicounty multitype library cooperation systems do not receive other funds except through grants and cost-recovery fees for attendance at workshops and other continuing education activities.

Strategies:

State aid improves library services through seven multicounty, multitype library cooperation systems serving school, public, academic, non-profit special and agency libraries within defined multiple county regions. This activity benefits Minnesotans by focusing primarily on services for school and special libraries in the state of Minnesota through the multicounty, multitype library cooperation systems. Currently, approximately 1,900 members with almost 2,200 library outlets of all types in Minnesota work together through their multitype systems. The multicounty, multitype library cooperation systems are in M.S. 134.351-354 and M.R. 3530.2200-2600.

This program provides support to improve library services through;

·         developing and implementing strategic plans that address the needs of the region with available library and information resources;

·         providing communication systems among participating libraries;

·         operating and improving delivery services to facilitate resource sharing among participating libraries;

·         assisting with training on and development of electronic resources; and,

·         helping with the organization and promotion of opportunities for continued staff development and expertise in new technologies and other services for the public.

Results:

The multicounty multitype library cooperation systems collaborate and share best practices for programs providing professional development opportunities in order to enhance student learning. These include:

·         Minnesota History Days with the Minnesota Historical Society;

·         Camp Read-A-Lot with regional public library systems and teacher-librarians from local school districts;

·         Metronet’s Metro Information Literacy Initiative (MILI).

For example, the joint Southwest Area Multicounty Multitype Interlibrary Exchange (SAMME) – Plum Creek Library System’s Camp Read-A-Lot was held in Marshall in August 2012, and had 90+ public and school librarians and teachers registered. The joint Metronet - Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) Camp Read-A-Lot had 228 registrations in FY 2011.

The Metronet MILI program expanded in FY 2011 with the addition of a “MILI, Jr.” program for teachers and school librarians in Grades K-5. Participation in the MILI training program requires a school district to have a licensed school media specialist/school librarian. See the curriculum piloted in the Spring Lake Park School District: http://metronetmili.pbworks.com/w/page/42238164/11-12%20MILI%20Junior%20home for the MILI, Jr. program.

Performance Measures Notes:

Previous: FY 2010 / Current: FY 2011-2012