The document summarizes an orientation presentation for new hires at the Jackson-George Regional Library System. It introduces the library system's mission to provide high quality resources and programming to the community, the director and regional board of trustees, the eight branch locations, and the wide variety of materials and services offered beyond traditional books. It also answers common questions about the library's funding sources, collection development policies, staff roles, and governance structure.

1. New Hire Orientation Presented by Yvonne Parton Staff Development and Computer Training staffdev@jgrls.org

2. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 2 Welcome You're Gonna Love It Here!

3. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 3 Our Mission To provide high quality and relevant customer-oriented library and information services, collections of resources and programming that serves to expand and enrich the lives of our citizens.

4. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 4 Meet Our Director Carol Hewlett Native of Jackson County Director since August 2007 30 Years in Librarianship Photo courtesy of www.jgrls.org

5. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 5 The Regional Board of Trustees Chairman, Bruce Grimes (top-left), the appointed representatives from each of our two counties and our Board Attorney. The Board is the governing body of the library system. Photo courtesy of www.jgrls.org

6. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 6 Our Libraries – an 8 Branch Team Headquarters/Pascagoula Photo courtesy of www.jgrls.org

7. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 7 Our Libraries East Central Moss Point Photos courtesy of www.jgrls.org

8. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 8 Our Libraries Gautier Vancleave Photos courtesy of www.jgrls.org

9. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 9 Our Libraries Ocean Springs St. Martin Photos courtesy of www.jgrls.org

10. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 10 Our Libraries Lucedale/George County Photo courtesy of www.jgrls.org

11. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 11 JGRLS-Not Yo’Mama’s Library Our libraries today provide so much more than in years past Magazines Video games: Xbox®, Playstation 3® and Wii ® formats Mini laptop computers Leapsters® Computer classes Books: regular, large print, paperback, CD, even Portable Audio Players in MP3 format DVDs: automatic subscriptions for major releases and Disney titles

12. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 12 Questions thus far?

13. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 13 5 Library Secrets Revealed Excerpts from an article (with a few adaptations) published in the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), October 19, 2008.

14. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 14 Why do we need libraries when everyone has the Internet? Libraries provide access to cultural, educational, as well as recreational information delivered with privacy in mind and in a friendly environment. We are a community gathering place, a place for individuals and families. There are programs for all ages at the library as well as expert help. The staff is a font of information with advice on the next book to read, how to find health information, or even how to use the Internet more effectively.

15. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 15 Who pays for the library? You do!. In Mississippi, public libraries are supported by city and county taxes as well as from state appropriations. In addition, libraries submit applications for federal as well as private grants.

16. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 16 With so many wonderful books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and other items available, how do librarians decide what to buy? All libraries have a policy outlining the focus for their purchases referred to as a Collection Development Policy. We strive to choose the quality and type of materials that are representative of community interests. Purchases are made from reviews or based on request from our patrons.

17. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 17 Are all the people who work in the library called librarians? Technically, no. Only people who have earned a master's degree in Libraries and Information Science (MLIS) are librarians. Lots of others with related and supporting skills also play an important role in the work at the library. However, our customers think that everyone who works in a library is a librarian. (That’s ok- we’re all a team!)

18. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 18 Who really makes the decisions about the library? For example, who decides if the library is open on Sunday? A representative from each of the voting districts in Jackson County is appointed to serve as public library trustees. In addition, one is also appointed from George County and the City of Lucedale. These are the folks who make the policies that govern what we do, including when the library will be open.

19. 1/9/2011 Jackson-George Regional Library System 19 Any Additional Questions? Best of Luck in what we are sure will be a long career!