Field Services

The Field Services Division provides support to public libraries to better provide library service to the citizens of Kentucky. Through consultation, technical assistance, and financial aid, this Division supports the development of all aspects of public library services as mandated by KRS 171.140. It provides direct state aid to local public libraries as provided in KRS 171.201. In addition, reading materials and services are provided to Kentucky's blind and physically disabled population and to its institutionalized population as required in KRS 171.145 and KRS 171.150.

How many bookmobiles does it take to make a parade? On February 11, the Kentucky Public Library Association, with assistance from the Department for Libraries and Archives, staged “Bookmobile Day” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kentucky’s bookmobile program.

The morning began with a display of eight vehicles parked between the Capitol and annex, including Kenton County’s “Racing to Read” bookmobile and Grayson County’s “Cybermobile,” which boasts Internet access. First Lady Glenna Fletcher visited the vehicles with Mardi Montgomery, deputy secretary of the Education Cabinet. Approximately 350 library supporters met with their legislators and encouraged them to tour the bookmobiles.

At noon a caravan of 62 bookmobiles, with police escort, paraded to the Capitol from KDLA. Even though they were not in alphabetical order, it was an impressive sight to see enough bookmobiles to completely encircle the capitol. Most of the bookmobiles were the traditional blue-and-white converted step vans provided by KDLA; but the parade also included a variety of more colorful vehicles, ranging from a small hatchback, to station wagons and vans, to converted buses. Many of the vehicles sported colorful decorations, including banners, flags, and “50” written with balloons or lights. One legislator even hitched a ride on his county’s van before joining other legislators in honoring the bookmobile program.

The afternoon ended when the bookmobile librarians were recognized on the floor of the House and each was given a citation for “…insuring that all Kentucky citizens have access to public library materials and services...” Mrs. Helen Rayburn, age 95, received special recognition as the oldest (former) bookmobile librarian in Kentucky. The Senate also recognized the state’s bookmobile program for “its excellence in providing service and its impressive success and longevity.”

The purpose of Bookmobile and Outreach Services is to provide library services and resources to all Kentuckians, especially those who are unable to travel to the library because of age, disability, poverty or lack of transportation. The program dates back to 1887, when a local literary club from Louisville started the Traveling Book Project. From 1934-1943, rural residents of Eastern Kentucky were served by Packhorse Librarians, who traveled 50-80 miles a week on horseback to provide reading materials to those who did not have access to them. At its peak, 30 traveling libraries served more than 10,000 Kentuckians.

The modern Bookmobile program began on September 16, 1954, in a display similar to the 50th anniversary parade. A mile of bookmobiles circled the old State Fairgrounds in Louisville, and 100 vehicles were presented to recipient counties by the Friends of Kentucky Libraries. Kentucky still maintains a fleet of more than 100 bookmobiles and outreach vehicles—more than any other state. These vehicles are the most efficient and least expensive way to provide library services to those who otherwise would not be able to access them.

The bookmobiles serve all ages in urban, suburban and rural communities with scheduled stops at day care centers, schools, after school programs, senior citizen centers, and nursing homes. While 70 bookmobiles make quite an impressive display, it only takes one to make an impact on someone’s life.

“Three years ago, before I took this job, I told people I was having a mid-life crisis and was either going back to school or buying a Corvette. Today, I’m working on my MLS through Florida State and driving a more imposing vehicle, and loving every minute of it.”— KY bookmobile librarian  read patron quotes about bookmobile services...

The Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) serves those Kentuckians who are unable to read traditional printed materials because of visual or physical disabilities. KTBL celebrated its 35th anniversary of service this fall, and marked the occasion with a public reception on Tuesday, September 14, at KDLA's Clark-Cooper Building in Frankfort.

About 75 people attended, including Education Cabinet Secretary Virginia Fox, authors David and Lalie Dick, and National Library Service Consultant Deborah Toomey. There were also representatives from several organizations who serve the visually impaired, such as the Charles W. McDowell Center and the Low Vision Services of Kentucky. Most importantly, it gave patrons the chance to meet KTBL staff and volunteer narrators face to face.

“It’s rare for Kentucky state government to have a program that appeals to Kentuckians age 2 to 106. This extraordinary broad base support guarantees that 35 years from now Kentuckians will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of this most worthwhile program. I salute KDLA and its volunteers for its success,” said Education Cabinet Secretary Virginia G. Fox. She then unveiled the governor’s proclamation declaring September 12-18 to be Talking Book Library Week.

The heart of KTBL’s services lies in its sending out books and magazines in Braille and on cassette tape, as well as special cassette players used for playback. This service is free and materials are delivered to patrons’ homes via the US Postal Service. The program is part of a nationwide network of cooperative libraries headed by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which is a division of the Library of Congress that was established in 1931.

“For those of us who browse the catalog and stacks of our local library, or the bustling isles of our local bookstore, it’s difficult to understand a world where that is not possible,” says State Librarian Jim Nelson, “but for those who have lost their vision, this is a daily reality. One patron I remember well was Ed Prichard (…brilliant law student at Harvard, clerked for Justice Felix Frankfurter, close personal friend of Katherine Graham and a man many said might have eventually become President of the United States). Anyway “Prich” was a voracious reader who lost his vision late in life due to severe diabetes. He came to us to fill that void in his life that reading had fulfilled and became a major fan of our services….so, from one of my wife’s elementary school students to the now deceased historic figure of Ed Prichard, our Talking Book service has touched and continues to touch many lives. This is a wonderful service that doesn’t often get the recognition it deserves."

Kentucky’s own Talking Book library began in 1968 when Governor Louie B. Nunn appropriated funds to establish what was first known as the Kentucky Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Prior to that, Kentuckians received service from the Cincinnati Regional Library. Patrons appreciated the service, but it took 3-4 weeks to get recorded books. The library opened on April 1, 1969 with a collection of 4,000 books on record for 1,700 readers throughout the state.

Changes and additions were made over the years to improve this service:

• In 1974 the library acquired a toll-free telephone number so patrons could call at no charge.
• In the 1970’s, the National Library Service made the decision to concentrate on cassette books, instead of records.
• Two recording booths were installed in 1977 so the library could record books about Kentucky or by Kentucky authors.
• The Louisville Subregional Library was opened in 1977 to serve the high percentage of patrons in Jefferson County.
• The Northern Kentucky Subregional library opened in Covington in 1981 to serve patrons in Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and Pendleton counties.
• Staff moved the library to its current location in the Department for Libraries and Archives in 1982.
• A computer automation system designed especially for Talking Book libraries was installed in 1985.
• A Descriptive Video collection was begun in the mid 1990’s to provide VHS videos that have additional narration for the visually impaired.

Today the Kentucky Talking Book Library and its two Subregional libraries have gone from serving 1,700 Kentuckians to roughly 5,000; from only 4,000 titles to over 50,000. Future plans include the introduction of a new, digital format for talking books. Whatever the future holds, KTBL looks forward to continuing, expanding, and improving its service.

"Our family would like to take the occasion of the Ky Talking Book Library anniversary to offer a special thanks...." read a patron letter about KTBL's services...

Images: Poster art from the 2004 KY Summer Reading Program

The 2004 statewide summer reading program was “A World of Readers.” Public libraries celebrated the richness of various cultural heritages represented in their communities and around the world. Exciting book-based programs featuring traditions of many nationalities and ethnic groups encouraged young readers to maintain their reading skills while on vacation. This theme included a separate teen focus called “Read the World”. The entire program reinforced the fact that reading helps everyone understand their world and the ties common to all who love books.

More than 100,000 kids can’t be wrong. For the second year in a row, more than 100,000 readers took part; this year set a new record with 104,861. Participants earned prizes by logging the number of books read or the time spent reading. They also came to the library to engage in programs involving crafts, storytelling, games and more. Children and teens weren’t the only ones involved—whole families came to their local library for the fun. An additional 6,557 adults took part in summer reading programs developed just for them.

"I had two girls from previous summer reading programs that still use the library today. They’re in middle school and high school now, and I still get praises from them. The mother of the high school girl said she really believes that the summer reading program helped her daughter. The daughter loves to read and wants to be a journalist; that makes me happy to be a librarian." more quotes for about the KY Summer Reading Program...

Kentucky has public library services in 118 counties. The resources and abilities of these libraries vary greatly, so KDLA provides a support network of Regional Library consultants, located in offices throughout the state. When public libraries are confronted with a difficult question or problem, they can turn to their regional consultant for guidance on topics such as personnel, budget, public relations, planning, and legislation. They also serve as liaisons between libraries, their boards of trustees, local government and KDLA.

Eight regional consultants made 104,573 contacts and 934 site visits this year, traveling 126,031 miles. They organized 259 meetings dealing with construction, long-range planning, library cooperatives and other topics.

The regional offices helped support continuing education efforts by organizing 73 sessions which drew 1,270 participants. They used LSTA funds to reimburse library staff for registration fees and tuition incurred by continuing education events. The regional consultants also held 65 library trustee orientations this year to familiarize new library board members with their responsibilities.

More than half of Kentucky’s public library buildings are over 30 years old. This means their infrastructure cannot support 21st century technology needs nor meet the needs of disabled patrons. It also creates problems due to lack of space for collections and programs. KDLA helps libraries address these problems by providing a state-wide facilities specialist to help them make the best use of their building, or to guide them though renovation or construction projects. This consultant traveled over 20,000 miles to meet with libraries about facilities evaluation, space planning, security, maintenance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, site and architect selection, building codes, and to monitor construction and renovation projects.

KDLA library consultants produce several publications designed to help public libraries better serve their communities. All, except The Listening Post, are available online at http://www.kdla.ky.gov/libsupport.htm.

• The Kentucky Public Library Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication sent to 1,400 librarians to keep them up-to-date on library issues throughout the state.
• T-3—Trustee Training Tips is issued quarterly to over 700 trustees as an aid in library governance.
• SelectioNotes is issued online every quarter to assist small and medium-sized libraries in their material selection process.
• The Kentucky Library News Digest is a collection of articles from newspapers and other sources pertaining to Kentucky libraries and topics of interest to the library community. It is emailed daily to 166 recipients.
• The Listening Post is periodically sent to all patrons of the Kentucky Talking Book Library to keep them up-to-date on issues related to their service and to inform them about organizations, events and products that may be of interest to those who are visually impaired.

Throughout the year KDLA plans, organizes and conducts a variety of training activities to facilitate Kentucky’s public library staff and trustees in performing their duties. This training also helps them earn or renew their state library certification. Highlights for 2002-2003 are:

Widening Circles Vll: Stories and Laughter was a conference for Kentucky’s public librarians who serve children and young adults. It was held September 22-24 at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton. A total of 183 library staff took part in presentations that centered on folklore and storytelling. Sessions included “Dialogic Reading: When a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”, “Something Funny Happened at the Library: Creating Humorous Library Programs for the Preschool and Elementary School Age Crowds”, and “Playing with Story: Take-Home Tales.”

Image: Public librarians peruse materials on display at the Widening Circles conference.

Attendees could browse exhibits from both the Talking Book Library and the Audiovisual section of the State Library, as well as book exhibits. They could purchase copies of books written by the presenters, and even get them signed by the authors. A series of Round Table discussions were held on a variety of topics to give librarians the chance to share both their problems and successes.

Since 1994 conferees have enjoyed staying up late to attend Krik Krak, an informal storytelling session in which participants share stories, jokes, and songs in a relaxed, spontaneous setting. This year marked the first ever Krik Krak Pajama Party—complete with a pajama beauty pageant. (It was a mixed affair, so no negligees were allowed.) The occasion was not only fun, but it gave participants the opportunity to try out some of the techniques they had learned during the sessions.

"This conference ALWAYS seems to give me new energy to work with children. Going back with all these new ideas is wonderful for the children." read more comments about the conference...

In August, KDLA sponsored the Library Managers’ Institute to provide current and potential public library managers with information on topics such as governance, funding, recruitment and hiring of staff, and managing changes in services during these challenging times. Fifty-seven individuals from 32 library systems across the state attended. They included long-time directors, branch managers, and new directors. They represented communities from Ashland to Mayfield; Newport to Cumberland. Their libraries serve populations ranging from 7,000 to 700,000.

The Institute was held at the Thomas & King Leadership and Conference Center at Georgetown College. Speakers included Patrick Losinski, Executive Director of the Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library System; Dr. Charlaine Ezell, president of a library consulting firm; and Cecelia Wooden, a partner in a firm that provides strategic communications services to the arts and education. Two of KDLA’s own Regional Consultants also were presenters. Just as important as the formal presentations was the opportunity for library managers to network among each other to share experiences and ideas.

Each year KDLA organizes Trustee Institutes to aid public library trustees in their responsibilities on the library board. This year they were held in 4 different locations across the state during the month of July: Somerset, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, and Erlanger. At each session a panel reviewed the origin of the voluntary Kentucky Public Library Standards and discussed how they had been used by several libraries. They also answered questions and facilitated a discussion on what the standards can do for Kentucky’s libraries. A total of 128 trustees attended the sessions.

“Really enjoyed…not only the topic, but the social atmosphere!”

“This institute has helped me to obtain a new vision for our community library.”

“Learned a lot! We are planning to build a new library and this was an eye opener.”

This is a program that consists of two week-long sessions of intensive training for public library staff that have little or no formal education in library science. The first week took place in Bowling Green in April 14-18, 2003. The second and final week took place in Lexington on September 8-12. Thirty-five people from all parts of the state completed the institute. Topics covered were: history and philosophy, customer service, intellectual freedom, collection development, outreach services, marketing and community relations, management, technical services, adult services, and services for children and youth. Included in the training were field trips to several libraries, two book jobbers, and KDLA.

"…It was a very profitable week and I had the opportunity to share all the highlights with our library staff…”

“…the presenters were excellent and everyone had fun while learning. That is the ultimate in training. Thank you.”

To support service to all Kentuckians, even if they are unable to travel to the library, KDLA organized the Kentucky Bookmobile and Outreach Services Conference in August 2003. Sessions covered safety and technology on the bookmobile, adult and children’s bookmobile programming, marketing library services to seniors, and services available from KDLA and other state agencies. The 99 librarians who attended also had the opportunity to network with their peers to gain ideas and support.

"Great networking; great morale booster."

"The Marketing segment was great! I now have several ideas for advertising the Bookmobile service."

"Marketing & safety were great! I learned a lot and wrote down many ideas to take back to my library."

Belinda Boon, editor of The CREW Method, a nationally-recognized tool for intelligent de-selection in library collections, presented a weeding workshop at the Adair County Public Library in Columbia in June 2004. Thirty-four persons attended the session, which included a hands-on weeding exercise in the host library’s collection. Because there was so much interest in the topic, another session was scheduled later in the year in Western Kentucky. “Absolutely one of the best workshops I’ve ever attended, and I’ve been to many!”

Miriam Kahn, a consultant and trainer from Ohio, presented two hands-on workshops for repairing library materials. The sessions were held in August 2004 at both the Rowan County and Hardin County Public Libraries. A total of 43 library staff learned and practice a number of book repairs on discarded books brought from their own libraries.

“Being able to watch the repair, followed by doing the same repair myself…was great.”

Dr. Michael McCoy, formerly of the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium, presented an all-day session at KDLA on April 20, 2004. Dr. McCoy and the 34 attendees explored a wide range of sources for supplemental funding and possible partners in their communities. “It gave (us) a ‘bigger’ view of where and how to fund-raise.”

KDLA continued its cooperation in sponsoring the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium’s Support Staff Symposium. The event alternates location between the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the river; this year it was held at The Grove in Springfield Township (in the Cincinnati metropolitan area) on August 5, 2004. The day included the following sessions: “How to Get Control of Your Life and Time”, “Easy Self-Defense: a Course in Courage”, and “How to Create Order in Your E-World”. There were 32 attendees from Kentucky public libraries, and 14 from KDLA.

Pursuant to KRS 171.230-300, public librarians in Kentucky must fulfill requirements to earn a Public Librarian Certificate by attending local, regional, or statewide training events. Library staff must increase their skills and knowledge through continuing education in order to keep abreast of developments in the information age. This enriches the individual librarian, and in turn, promotes quality library service throughout the state and enhances the library profession as a whole.

KDLA works with the State Certification Board to administer the process. This year 227 library staff members earned or renewed their 5-year certificate by attending various continuing education events. Kentucky now has a total of 878 certified professional librarians, paraprofessionals, and other staff who have appropriate levels of education and experience.