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2016 GCPL Annual Report Flipbook PDF
2016 GCPL Annual Report
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ANNUAL REPORT
2016
2016 ANNUAL REPORT GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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FUTURE OF GCPL GCPL Executive Director Discusses the Future and Direction of Gwinnett County Public Library staff from routine clerical tasks and from many of the headaches associated with cash handling. Large centralized service desks are no longer used in our facilities. Instead we have created small, stand up, mobile kiosks from which staff operate. As part of this change we have also implemented a roving model which allows staff to interact with customers at the point of need. The last remaining old school service desks were removed by the end of September 2016. Going forward, the primary focus of the library will be education and lifelong learning. Our youth specialists will continue to emphasize early childhood literacy and reading readiness. With the help of a generous grant from the Strickland family we have launched Career Online High School. These adult education scholarships provide an opportunity, through the library, for individuals to finish their high school education and graduate from an accredited high school as an alternative to getting a GED.
GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace
We will continue to offer Gale Online Courses as a way for adults to better themselves and gain proficiency with a wide variety of software applications and other important skills. In the future, the library will expand its online resources even further by offering additional databases such as Lynda.com and Tutor.com.
Limited budgets, as well as economic and demographic changes, mean that the Library has to change the way it operates if it wishes to remain a vital part of the Gwinnett County community for decades to come.
The library will also build on its existing partnerships with Gwinnett Technical College and Georgia Gwinnett College to offer other programs and services that may be of benefit to the community.
GCPL upgraded its RFID infrastructure in 2016, a change made necessary because the previous gates and self-check units were at or beyond the end of their design life. After investigating the advances in technology that have been made over the past few years it quickly became clear that there was an opportunity to do more than just upgrade technology. Therefore we decided to use these technological enhancements to create a whole new service model for GCPL.
We have achieved the goal of increasing access to our collections and resources without adding any additional staff, a remarkable accomplishment for any library system.
Through our upgrade wwe have shown that it is possible to operate each of our library facilities for more hours with the same number of staff. Library staff have been freed up to do additional programming and outreach. All of our branches are now open from 10 am to 8 pm Monday-Thursday, an additional 7 service hours per week at each location or 105 extra hours per week across the system as a whole. The new self-service model allows us to automate many functions which previously required staff intermediation. For example, fine and fee payment are now handled through self-check kiosks. Print and copy management are also handled via self-service and we have switched to a new print and copy management system for this purpose. Automation of these functions frees up
The GCPL of the future is going to play a much more active role in the community than it has in the past. One way to achieve this goal is by building partnerships with other groups and community organizations to strengthen and expand the Library’s footprint across Gwinnett County. In the near future we will be expanding our outreach to the various ethnic groups that make up the diverse tapestry of Gwinnett County. We will also be working hard to serve the needs of a growing population of seniors. These efforts will increasingly take us outside of the library walls and out into the community. Our primary focus will be to take the library with us and to serve the citizens of Gwinnett County where they need us, whether that is in one of our physical buildings, virtually, or through outreach and community events.
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THE YEAR IN NUMBERS 5,083,935 1,097,555 2,756,019 Materials Checked Out
Requests Placed
Customer Visits
1,653,214
687,485
1,600,365
Website Visits
Wireless Sessions
Computer Sessions
461,855
373,999
22,606
Total Active Library Cards
Program Attendance
Adult & Teen Volunteer Hours
2016 ANNUAL REPORT GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE SIGNALS NEW ERA New Self-Checkout Machines, Customer Service Model and Branding are Introduced Customers will notice significant technology upgrades when they walk through the branch doors as new self-checkout kiosks with bright touchscreen monitors greet them. Staff will also be roaming the branch floors with iPads and mobile computing stations to provide customer service throughout the branch, eliminating the need for customers to find their way to the help desk. GCPL Director of Customer Experience Michael Casey sees the potential in the upgrades. “Our new Bibliotheca self-checkout kiosks will be capable of much more than checking out a book,” says Casey. “Customers will be able to pay for their copies, print jobs and late fees, and purchase items like tote bags and flash drives directly on the machines. With updates to the software, the kiosks will also make recommendations based on the user’s browsing history.” The new logo, featuring bright, vibrant colors and an assortment of media icons, replaced the navy blue book stack logo. “As part of our strategic plan developed last year, we’re introducing a new logo and branding that truly represents what our library system offers and the direction we are heading in,” says Library Executive Director Charles Pace. “The logo represents the different forms of media and programming we offer, and supports our vision for the future of GCPL as a place to connect, learn, and grow. All of these changes, including the technology upgrades, hours, and logo, are being implemented to best support the needs of the entire Gwinnett community.” The new GCPL branding was provided by Primerica, headquartered in Duluth, through their Communications and Community and Foundation Relations Departments, as an in-kind donation to the library system. Primerica Senior Designer and Illustrator Don Bolt created the logo. Also, customers no longer need to memorize two sets of hours. Earlier in the year, GCPL announced standardized hours for all 15 library branches.
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GCPL & GCPS INCREASE ACCESS Branch Out! Partnership Allows Parents to Sign-up Students for a Library Card During Registration On May 5, leaders of Gwinnett County Public Schools and the Gwinnett County Public Library came together at Dacula Middle School to announce an exciting new partnership that will open up the resources of the public library system to students. Branch Out! is a new initiative that allows parents to opt in during back-to-school registration to the opportunity for their child(ren) to be issued full access to library services. Once a family has opted in, the school system will provide information about the student to the library that will allow the library to provide an account for the student using his/her student identification number and a PIN.
“We are pleased to be able to work with the library system on this initiative,” says Dr. Jonathan Patterson, GCPS associate superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Support. “We have great media centers in our schools; however, the public library’s print and digital resources will extend what we are able to provide students. And while many Gwinnett families already are patrons of the library, this partnership will make the public library accessible to many students who did not have access previously. It is a win for our students and teachers, as well as for the greater Gwinnett community.” “The Gwinnett County Public Library is thrilled to be a part of this new partnership
2016 ANNUAL REPORT GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
99,346 Number of students signed up for a library card through Branch Out! in 2016 with GCPS,” says Charles Pace, GCPL Executive Director. “We are looking forward to providing expanded access to our many online and physical resources to the school children of Gwinnett County. Our programs, databases, and digital resources will continue to help students supplement their studies and discover new interests. Our goal at GCPL is to create a community of lifelong learners and this partnership is an important step towards this goal.” Mary Barbee, GCPS director of Media Services, applauds the partnership and is hopeful that parents will take advantage of this opportunity for their children. “The wide range of resources—especially digital resources—available through the public library will be extremely beneficial to students,” she says. “Through the Branch Out initiative, students will be able to branch out in terms of the types of resources they access for school work. They will have access to numerous new resources not currently available to them through our media centers and schools... and because of the rich digital options, many of them can be accessed from home at any time of the day.”
Manager Elissa Checov Awarded National I Love My Librarian! Award Checov’s focus on library instruction and user experience led to the creation of a learning commons–style environment at Gwinnett Technical College’s new Alpharetta-North Fulton campus. She created active, welcoming spaces for students and repurposed old offices into hands-on learning areas. Gwinnett County Public Library provides library staff and services for Gwinnett Technical College.
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CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL LAUNCHES COHS Gives Adult Learners the Opportunity to Earn a High School Diploma Through the Library Gwinnett County Public Library is offering qualified community members the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School, a program brought to public libraries by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning. Part of the world’s first accredited, private online school district, Career Online High School is specifically designed to re-engage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. “Earning a high school diploma is a life-changing achievement,” said GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace. “With Career Online High School, we’re empowering our residents to seek new opportunities and transform their lives. We’re excited to be the first library in Georgia, and one of the first in the Southeast, to offer this program to our community.” “We’re delighted to partner with Gwinnett County Public Library to offer Career Online High School and give residents access to education and the potential to change their lives,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager for Gale. GCPL will award scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers. Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight highgrowth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from child care and education to certified transportation), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Residents can learn more about Career Online High School and take an online self-assessment by visiting www.careeronlinehs.gale.com/gcpl.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
GCPL Foundation Help Support Life-changing Programs and Services Libraries have never been just about books. They’ve been about access to information, inspiration, and amazement. They’re a gateway to a better futurenot just for the individual, but for us all. The GCPL Foundation’s mission is to encourage private support in order to enhance funding for the following four key strategic program and capital areas: Early Childhood Literacy, Engaging Spaces, Technology & Collection Enhancement, and Lifelong Learning & Community Enrichment. Your support helps fund important programs like Career Online High School, making a positive impact on the lives of others. Visit gwinnettpl.org/foundation to learn more and support Gwinnett County Public Library.
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NEW LILBURN BRANCH LIBRARY OPENS Public-Public Partnership Welcomes the Opening of the New Lilburn City Hall and Library This past October, nearly 200 local residents joined Gwinnett County Public Library at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lilburn Branch Library. Doubling the size of the old Lilburn Branch at 18,864 square feet, the facility was made possible through a public-public partnership between Gwinnett County and City of Lilburn officials. The building also houses the new Lilburn City Hall. “The opening of a new library is an important event in the life of community,” said Library Board Chairman Dick Goodman. “The library is where we come together as Americans and share who we are and what we know. And here, today, in Lilburn, this new city hall and library cements together knowledge and
community in one place. That makes it even more important and more special.” County and city officials came to an agreement to plan the building in 2011 and construction began in June of 2015. The Lilburn Branch features dedicated children’s and teen areas along with multifunctional furniture that can transform spaces to meet the needs of the community. A dedicated Learning Lab also houses a 3D printer, film and music editing software, a green screen, and other creative technology. The Lilburn Branch also houses a meeting room space which can be reserved by community groups.
18,864 Total square footage of the new Lilburn Branch.
Congressman John Lewis Book Signing Event
Cubelets Robotics Program
2016 ANNUAL REPORT GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
GCPL AWARDED $19,009 SPARKS! IGNITION GRANT Grant Will Help the Library Launch a System-wide Community Gardening Initiative Gwinnett County Public Library was awarded a $19,009 Sparks! Ignition Grant for Libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS). Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. With the award, GCPL will develop “Homegrown Gwinnett,” a community gardening initiative. The library will experiment with the use of space saving aeroponic Tower Gardens across all 15 branches. The project has the dual benefits of providing STEM learning opportunities for library patrons as well as providing fresh produce for area food banks, leveraging local partnerships and reinforcing the library’s role as a community anchor organization. “Gwinnett County Public Library is pleased to be awarded this IMLS grant which will strengthen and enhance our educational initiatives and outreach,” says GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace. “Local children will be able to learn about how food is grown as well as sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, we plan on donating any surplus generated to local food pantries as part of a strategy to increase food security in our community.” Installation and staff training took place during the fall and programming will be planned around the Tower Gardens. Visit your local GCPL branch to learn more about the initiative and see the Tower Gardens in person!
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OPEN+ GRANTS SELF-SERVICE ACCESS TO LIBRARY Norcross-based Technology Company Bibliotheca Installed the System at the Lawrenceville Branch Gwinnett County Public Library is the first library system in North America to introduce Open+, a service which grants customers self-service access to the library outside of normal operating hours. The service is available at the Lawrenceville Branch as a pilot program. Registered customers will have access to the branch Monday to Friday from 8 to 10 am, Saturdays from 8 to 10 am and Sundays from 8 am to noon. Open+, a system developed by Norcross-based technology supplier Bibliotheca, is a complete solution that automatically controls and monitors building access, self-service kiosks, public access computers, lighting, alarms, public announcements and patron safety. Security cameras will monitor the use of the facility.
The system has been used for several years in countries including Denmark and the U.K. “The Gwinnett County Public Library is happy to partner with Bibliotheca to offer this unique service to our customers,” says GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace. “Our number one goal is to increase community access to the resources and collections of the library for our citizens. Open+ will allow us to go beyond what libraries have traditionally offered in terms of service to our community.” Customers who are 18 years of age or older and hold a library card in good standing may register for Open+ at any of GCPL’s 15 branches for a $5 fee. Upon arrival, customers will insert their own library card into a reader at the entrance, enter a pin, and gain access to library resources.
Naturalization Oath Ceremony
Doggie Tales Program
Weaving Loom Instruction
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Locations Buford-Sugar Hill Branch
Five Forks Branch
Mountain Park Branch
Centerville Branch
Grayson Branch
Norcross Branch
Collins Hill Branch
Hamilton Mill Branch
Peachtree Corners Branch
Dacula Branch
Lawrenceville Branch
Snellville Branch
Duluth Branch
Lilburn Branch
Suwanee Branch
2100 Buford Hwy Buford, GA 30518
3025 Bethany Church Road Snellville, GA 30039
455 Camp Perrin Road Lawrenceville, GA 30043
265 Dacula Road Dacula, GA 30019
3480 Duluth Park Lane Duluth, GA 30096
2780 Five Forks Trickum Road Lawrenceville, GA 30044
700 Grayson Parkway Grayson, GA 30017
3690 Braselton Highway Dacula, GA 30019
1001 Lawrenceville Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30046
4817 Church Street Lilburn, GA 30047
1210 Pounds Road SW Lilburn, GA 30047
6025 Buford Highway Norcross, GA 30071
5570 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
2740 Lenora Church Road Snellville, GA 30078
361 Main Street Suwanee, GA 30024
Hours Monday to Thursday 10 am - 8 pm Friday & Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
Visit us online at www.gwinnettpl.org and follow us @gwinnettlibrary.
Library Board of Trustees Dick Goodman, Chair Betty Atkinson, Vice-Chair Suzanne Skeen, Treasurer Deborah Oscarson, Secretary Kelly Byrd
Headquarters 1001 Lawrenceville Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-978-5154 gwinnettpl.org