Director's Blog

LBPH Advisory and Outreach Center (AOC) - an MCB Proposal
Published on April 23, 2012 - 6:30pm — lansdale

Q.  What is an AOC?
A:  This is a new model for LBPH service.  The National Library Service

Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)
Published on April 10, 2012 - 6:53pm — lansdale

Q: What is Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)?
A:  The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is a part of a nationwide network that provides recorded books for the blind.  These services are completely free to registered participants.  The (Michigan) Regional LBPH is headquartered within the state government in Lansing.  The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) hosts the Grand Traverse Area LBPH sub-regional component at its Woodmere facility located at 610 Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City.

Express Checkout and Materials Handling Technology - An Investment to Control Operating Costs
Published on April 6, 2012 - 10:47am — lansdale

TADL, like libraries everywhere, is experiencing nearly unprecedented growth in demand while property tax revenues (used to pay routine expenses) continually decline. To address these challenges, the TADL Board has approved the implementation of technology that will enable patron self-service and improve efficiencies in materials handling. (updated April 23, 2012)

line up at circ desk
Parallel Safety Priorities
Published on July 15, 2011 - 11:37am — lansdale

I received a posting from a Mr. Wilson who expressed disappointment that my concern for the safety and well-being of library employees seemed placed higher than my concern for library patrons.  In the aftermath of an incident in which police officers were injured while attempting to interview a suspect in the library, Library visitors may have been just as affected as the employees . 

Can we get a digital clock outside the computer lab to tell time?
Published on May 26, 2011 - 12:27pm — lansdale

Sure - what a great suggestion!  With the new print and time management system, visitors who are on a wait list now know when a computer will be available for them to use.

Am I too old for Summer Reading Club?
Published on May 26, 2011 - 12:17pm — lansdale

No, you are not too old for summer reading club!  I can say that comfortably, without even knowing how old you are.  Although many participants are elementary school age, some come back year after year.  Kids even in middle school and high school love to come in and talk to the librarians and volunteers in the Youth Department on Woodmere about the great books they read on their

Can we get a cat?
Published on May 26, 2011 - 12:11pm — lansdale

Can we get a library cat like Dewey or a dog, maybe?  Many libraries over the years have adopted pets, often cats.  They are fun for the kids, they entertain the staff and help control the critter problems

Suggestion Box
Published on May 7, 2011 - 11:15am — lansdale

We enjoy going through the suggestion box content at each weekly key staff meeting. I thought I would share some with you:

MeLCat – When Will TADL Join?
Published on May 5, 2011 - 11:36am — lansdale

I have been asked why TADL  has not yet joined MeLCat. Excellent Question!  Here is the long and short of it...

UPDATE April 18, 2012: I am happy to report we have notified the State Librarian that TADL is ready to participate in MeLCat.  We are at the very beginning of the process. We don't have a timeline yet but we are hoping to be in MeLCat sometime this summer. MeLCat is something our patrons have been asking for for a long time. It is coming and we will keep the community and employees updated when the timetable emerges. Thank you.

Circulation Policy Changes - Results!
Published on March 31, 2010 - 12:11pm — lansdale

By and large, responses to the new circulation policy have been favorable.  People love the fact they can now get a 3-day advance warning when their materials on loan are coming due.  Most people are happy that the rental fees have been abolished.  It appears, however, to be a mixed blessing that the featured collections ("hot" and "new") are now flying off the shelves.  Results so far: