5.7 LIBSR 07-23-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY - Exolore. Learn. Connect. I/i '! R .11! To: Elk River Library Board CC: Robbie Schake, LSC From: Brandi Canter, Lead Patron Services Supervisor Date: July 11, 2019 GRRL Efforts to Retain and Increase Borrowers GRRL's administrative Leadership Support Team (LST) has been talking a lot lately about the recommendations made by the Borrower Workgroup. We are expanding our social media presence and evaluating use of press releases and other media outreach as well as potential advertising venues. We've been working on removing barriers by building accessibility through written materials — both printed and online. We're in the process of securing translations for many of our primary handouts and information materials for patrons as well as working on accessibility for our website. The Collection Development and Patron Services Departments have been working together to find ways to help patrons find new bestsellers and other high-value items on the shelves in their library. One idea is to have a limited number of items purchased through local funds that would not be eligible for requests from other branches. We're planning to pilot this idea in a couple of libraries to learn how it might work. Our Communications and Development Department has begun sending out welcome emails to new card holders — four emails over five weeks to those who opt -in to receive information from us. These emails have an average 'open rate' over 40%, which is excellent. Recipients learn about regional programs, services, and how to do things like place holds for items. Of course, the new move to fines -free for juvenile and young adult items is all about removing barriers and making it easier for families to enjoy the library. Finally, LST is in the process of updating GRRL's Library Development Plan, and through that we are discussing ways we can reach out to and add alternative services for some of our 'in between' communities. Marcile Carlson Gift to Elk River At the May Elk River Library Board meeting you also asked for more information about the planned gift for GRRL— Elk River. We do have permission to disclose the donor's name: Marcile Carlson. Ms. Carlson left GRRL the gift with the intention that it be spread over 20 years, therefore through the annuitization of the funds Elk River library will receive approximately $12,000 per year. The GRRL Communications & Development and Accounting departments are in the process of finalizing the paperwork. We'll be working with local and regional staff to make the most of these funds, with plans to spend the dollars in areas of collection, programs and promotion. GREAT MM RE('dON& LIBRARY