2005 Annual Report
The Public Library Division has had ongoing discussions at Fall Conference 2004 and Spring Fling 2005 concerning the following topics:
- Library
Salaries - the division has decided to set up a committee that will
investigate wage and salary levels among all library institutions and its
relationship to the national average.
It has been noted that the current salary scale has is several
decades old and has been removed from
- Promotion & Advocacy - The division has created two committees to discuss various levels of promotion and advocacy not only for the division, but also to encourage staff to join WVLA. The division discussed ways to jump start themselves to be a more contributive organization to public library employees in the state, including possible educational opportunities.
- Spring Fling Committee - As division chair, I have carried on the preceding chair Crystal Hamick's vision of a committee that would coordinate Spring Fling. This committee is made up of past chair for the PLD, current chair for the PLD, the Academic Division chair, and the School Libraries Division Chair. This will be presented before the Executive Board.
The Public Library Division has also discussed several key topics that effect library service, which we would like to see addressed either through conference programs, PLD programs, or WVLC training. These topics include:
- Homelessness - Many public libraries are facing an increase in homeless usage. These libraries are experiencing a negative effect on the library environment as well as an increase of mentally challenged customers. The Division is looking for a way for staff to be trained to deal with these patrons as well as to attract back customers that may have left because of the negative environment.
- Funding - Various methods of increasing public library funding were discussed. Although the Division could agree upon the need for increased local support, many methods had been tried and failed on the past or met with little enthusiasm. The divisions agreed that it will take unanimous statewide support to involve local agencies in funding public libraries.
Erika Reed - Chair
Public Library Division
WVLA
