Bette Dillehay, Director of Mathews Memorial Library in Mathews, Virginia, presented on engaging local government managers as library partners. She provided background on Mathews County, which has a population of 9,200 and is known as a popular retirement destination. Her presentation discussed how local government managers can use libraries to achieve community priorities through joint strategic planning and ensuring library missions align with community goals. She also outlined various governance models, library assets, service roles, and steps libraries can take to become more engaged in their communities.

1. Bette DillehayDirectorMathews Memorial LibraryMathews, VirginiaLibrary as Community CenterEngaging Local Government Managers as Library Partners

2. 8,400 Square Feet

3. 4,112 Linear Feet Shelving

4. 39,522 ItemsWhere the Mobjack Bay meets the Chesapeake Bay

5. About Mathews CountySquare Miles, 84Miles of Shoreline, 210Population, 9,200Lighthouses, 2Bridges, 3Traffic Lights, 0

6. About Mathews CountyResidents of Mathews have historicallybeen connected to the surrounding waters - harvesting fish, oysters, clams and crabs for a livelihood.

7. About Mathews County“A Popular Retirement Destination”

8. ICMA’S Local Government and Public LibraryPartners for a Better CommunityLocal government managers can strategically use libraries to achieve community priorities.Libraries can realize full potential through joint strategic planning.

9. ICMA’S Local Government and Public LibraryPartners for a Better CommunityHow well do libraries perform in aligning librarymission with local government goals and communityneeds?

10. ICMA’sLocal Government and Public Libraries Partners for a Better CommunityExplore The role of city and county managers as advocates for libraries –The relationship of libraries to quality of life and community sustainability.

11. ICMA Project GoalSupport a dialog which could increase awarenessamong managers and other local government officialsof the value of public libraries in the community.

12. Libraries – At the Heart of CommunitiesLooking beyond current information models.Seeking ways of enriching and enhancing community environments.

13. Talking About the FuturePlanning the Direction of Your CommunityMCSEEDMathews Memorial Library

14. Governance Models County/City AgencySeparate Authority/BoardRegional EntityContract Services

15. Library AssetsInformation/KnowledgeCulture ConnectionsTechnology ResourcesCommunity SpaceLocal Economy ConnectionsCommunity Ownership

16. Service Roles Knowledge Gateway Universal ServiceNeutral Haven Cultural Center

17. Local Government Role In Supporting LibrariesEnsure that the library has a mission and programs that are consistent with community and local government mission and values.Facilitate aligning the library’s efforts with broader community needs.Include the library director on the management team.Include libraries in master planning and strategic planning.Ensure that libraries are fairly and objectively considered during the budget process and allocation of resources.Look for ways to integrate library staff with other municipal and county staff.Facilitate a dialogue and shared understanding on what is excellence for the library.Keep libraries in mind!

18. Steps Toward An Engaged LibraryEnsure that library mission is consistent with that of local government.Get outside the doors.Be creative about what the library can contribute. Discover and contribute to the unique capacities and conditions of the community.Support local businesses and institutions.Make the library building a community center.Create a community-minded culture among library staff and volunteers.

19. Emerging Role of Libraries as E-Government ProvidersE-Government Act of 2002.

20. Access and the Digital Divide.

21. Resources and Burden Shifting: an unfunded mandatehttp://www.ii.fsu.edu

22. Public Libraries As E-Government Partners“For an e-government service provision partnershipbetween government agencies and public libraries tobe successful and of continuing benefit to clients inthe future, cooperative funding strategies foradditional technology, as well as staff training, mustbecome a high priority issue in communities across thecountry.”Robert Davidsson, ManagerGovernment Research Service SectionLibrary System, Palm Beach County Florida

23. Making Good Things Happen“Equal effort is required on the part of localgovernment and library in improving the quality ofcitizens’ lives and increasing opportunities for all.”Pete Giacoma, DirectorDavis County Library, Utah

24. The Future“The very existence of libraries affords us the bestevidence that we may yet have hope for the future ofcivilization.”T. S. Eliot

25. The Engaged LibraryURBAN LIBRARIES COUNCIL2005

26. The Engaged LibraryURBAN LIBRARIES COUNCIL2005

27. The Engaged LibraryURBAN LIBRARIES COUNCIL2005