Current economic conditions and a series of budget cuts at the Department of Libraries have resulted in reductions to our general operating budget and in the elimination of four full-time positions. The positions were taken from: (1) Law/Reference at the State Library, (2) The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, (3) Midstate Regional Library, and the (4) Northeast Regional Library.
To cope with these position cuts, and the resulting staff shortages, I have made these changes in the operation of the two regional libraries:
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin
Traditionally, Midstate Regional Library has been open to the public and to school and public libraries for long-term borrowing and interlibrary loan service.
Midstate Regional Library ended all direct service to individuals on May 1, 2009. Individuals are now being referred to their local public libraries for materials and interlibrary loan service.
Currently, school and public libraries may borrow directly from the Midstate Library. This service will end on June 26, 2009. In addition, home-schooling families that are registered with the State of Vermont are permitted to borrow directly from Midstate Library. This service will also end on June 26, 2009. (At present we provide interlibrary loan for homeschoolers only for materials housed at other Department of Library locations. This service will end on June 26, 2009.)
Midstate Library will remain open to school and public libraries and registered homeschooling families through June 26 only on these days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call Midstate to make an appointment so the staff know that you plan to stop by (802-828-2302).
Returns may be deposited in the outdoor book drop at times the library is closed.
All libraries will continue (now and after June 26) to have access to materials at Midstate Regional Library via interlibrary loan (ILL). Procedures for borrowing via ILL remain the same as in the past.
We are currently reviewing the Midstate book collection and making decisions about the future of these materials. We are also in the midst of transitioning remaining Midstate Library staff to new work assignments within the Department. We will be in this “transition mode†for some months and ask for your patience and understanding.
Questions about Midstate service should be directed to Jeremiah Kellogg, Regional Librarian at: jeremiah.kellogg@mail.dol.state.vt.us (802-828-2302).
Reminder: Interlibrary loan requests for materials housed at the Midstate Regional Library will continue to be processed in a timely manner. Libraries should not hesitate to request materials from Midstate Library.
Northeast Regional Library
Traditionally, Northeast Regional Library has been open to the public and to school and public libraries for long-term borrowing and interlibrary loan service.
Northeast Regional Library no longer provides interlibrary loan service to individuals and will end direct service to individuals on June 5, 2009. Individuals will be referred to their local public libraries for materials and interlibrary loan service.
Currently, school and public libraries may borrow directly from the Northeast Regional Library. In addition, home-schooling families that are registered with the State of Vermont are permitted to borrow directly from Northeast Regional Library. (Northeast Regional Library provides interlibrary loan for homeschoolers who visit the library only for materials housed at other Department of Library locations.)
Direct service for public and school libraries and registered homeschoolers who visit the Northeast Regional Library will continue on a limited schedule for the foreseeable future.
Beginning on June 8, 2009 Northeast Regional Library will be open to school and public libraries and registered home-schooling families only on these days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Call Northeast Regional Library to make an appointment so the staff know that you plan to stop by (802-748-3428).
And call the morning of the day you plan to visit the library to make sure the library is open! A voice mail message (expected to be installed the week of June 8) will provide updates on the hours of operation.
It is important to note that we may have to close Northeast Regional Library on days when we have no staff available (due to sickness, vacation, etc. ) We regret any inconvenience but recognize that this will happen. Please call the morning you plan to visit the library to make sure the library is open.
All libraries will continue (now and after June 5) to have access to materials at Northeast Regional Library via interlibrary loan (ILL). Procedures for borrowing via ILL remain the same as in the past.
Our focus for the coming months will be on the book collections at Midstate Library and the State Library in Montpelier. No decision about the future of the Northeast Library will be made during this time and we are pleased to be able to continue service (though at a reduced level) at Northeast Regional Library. We will be in this “transition mode†for some months and ask for your patience and understanding.
Questions about Northeast Library service should be directed to Michael Roche, Regional Librarian at: michael.roche@mail.dol.state.vt.us (802-748-3428).
Reminder: Interlibrary loan requests for materials housed at the Northeast Regional Library will continue to be processed in a timely manner. Libraries should not hesitate to request materials from Northeast Regional Library.
_____________________________
Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
Tel: (802) 828-3265
Fax: (802) 828-2199
martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us