First Meeting of Brainstorming

The first meeting of the Committee of 11, on June 8, 2010, was a brainstorming session, where participants came up with a series of “essential library services”.  These were then grouped into larger themes, which would need to be included in a final model.  Sentences on these five main topics were created based upon points created during round robin discussion groups and large group discussion:

• Communication: Using technology, encourage open, two-way communication to facilitate collaboration and preserve input from all library arenas - public, school, academic and special.
• Consulting: Iowa libraries shall receive high quality continuing educaton and consulting services delivered locally.
• Governance: A new governance model with authority for decision-making (such as hiring, financing, staffing, evaluation) needs to be formed.
• Relationships: Build relationships among individual libraries, those providing services to libraries and their creative staffs, to foster sustainable, responsive services.
• Technology:  Use technology to enhance services and communications. Provide technology support to local libraries.

During the early stages of this process, a small group was convened to create and send out surveys of the library community, to get feedback on “essential services” and other reorganization matters.  That feedback was remarkably consistent, often agreeing on the most essential services provided by the LSAs, the State Library, etc.  In addition, a number of respondents expressed a desire to move forward from the bitter division that was experienced early in 2010 over the original reorganization plans.