Rural Libraries Unite! How to Feel Less Alone in a Very Small (<5K) or Small (<15K) Rural Library
Presented at the Illinois Library Association Conference 2016, Reaching Forward South 2017, RSA Day 2019, and RSA Day 2023
Are you new to your small rural library? Do you feel isolated and out of step with your bigger library neighbors? Do you wonder if you can find a mentor who understands the issues you face? You are not alone--Illinois has many small and very small rural libraries and we are blessed with a sharing community! Join us at this session to: meet other staff members of small rural libraries, ask questions unique to small rural libraries, and identify groups and mentors.
Presenters:
Beth Duttlinger (bethd@lmelibrary.org), Lillie M. Evans Library District
Michael Baumann (director.toulonpld@gmail.com), Toulon Public Library District
2020 Statistical Comparisons:
|
| |
LME_Library PLD
|
Toulon PLD
|
|
Population
|
4,007
|
2,588
|
|
Total registered users
|
1,462
|
560
|
|
Collection Size
|
26,920
|
19,105
|
|
Total S.F.
|
12,618
|
7,200
|
|
Total Circulation (Physical & Electronic)
|
29,909
|
32,873
|
| Other e-content Circulation |
34,072 |
0 |
|
Library Visitors
|
19,386
|
15,473
|
| Web Visits |
51,682 |
628 |
|
Children’s Program Attendance
|
1,911
|
486
|
|
Hours open/weekly
|
53
|
49
|
|
Staff Expenditures
|
$220,521
|
$145,078
|
| Total Collection Expenditures |
$39,648 |
$14,607 |
|
Total Expenditures
|
$408,854
|
$204,622
|
Statistics from: https://www.imls.gov/search-compare
Free Selection Tools:
Current Issues: 
2023
Illinois Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act
Administrative & Trustees Tools:
Staff Training Tools:
Grants
Stretching Resources in a small library:
Other Information Sources:
Here are some great ways to stay up-to-date in IL:
Directory of Special Interest Groups in RAILS
Central Illinois Regional Children's Librarians (CIRCL)
Chicago Area Solo Librarians (open to all solos in RAILS region) (CASL)
Heart of Illinois Library Marketing Group
Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries (IACRL)
Long Distance Libraries (LDL)
Peoria Area Librarians (PALS)
Reader's Advisory (offshoot of Renegade Reference group)
Renegade Reference of Central Illinois
Rural Directors
Third Thursday Reference Roundtable
Tri-County Directors
How to access:
Go to www.railslibraries.info
Click on:
- Members »
- Networking »
- Networking Groups Directory
Free Technology Resources:
Comments? Questions?
If you don't find the answer to your question, want more or advanced information on a topic, need further clarification of a concept, would like to see another topic covered, or have any other comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me at:
Beth Duttlinger
Lillie M. Evans Library District
Princeville, IL
bethd@lmelibrary.org
FY16 Statistical Comparisons:
|
|
|
|
Heyworth
PLD
|
LME Library PLD
|
Odell
|
Toulon
PLD
|
IPLAR Line
|
|
Population
|
|
4,007
|
|
|
1.23a
|
|
Total registered users
|
|
2,381
|
|
|
16.3
|
|
Collection Size
|
|
30,314
|
|
|
RSA report
|
|
Total S.F.
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
6.1a
|
|
Circulation
|
|
40,471
|
|
|
18.3
|
|
Library Visitors
|
|
28,884
|
|
|
14.3
|
|
Children’s Program Attendance
|
|
4,137
|
|
|
15.2
|
|
Hours open/weekly
|
|
50
|
|
|
14.1a/52
|
|
FTE-Total Staff
|
|
5.66
|
|
|
13.26
|
|
Levy
|
|
$280,243
|
|
|
8.1
|
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