Annual Report 1997
INTRODUCTION
Public libraries are established and designed to
provide a wide variety of informational, educational, and recreational resources to the
public at large. These public library resources combined with the professional assistance
of trained librarians allow citizens the opportunity to find and use information of all
kinds, and for an unlimited number of purposes.
The Logan Library was first founded on April 18, 1916. George Thomas, E. R. Owen and
H. E. Hatch appeared before the Logan City Board of Commissioners with a petition asking
the Board to establish and maintain a public library. Commissioner John Quayle moved the
petition be granted. Roll was called upon the adoption of the motion. Mayor P. A. Thatcher
voted yes. Commissioner James Larsen voted yes. Commissioner John Quayle voted yes.
MISSION STATEMENT
It has been the mission of the Logan Library, since its original founding in 1916, to
provide a wide variety of resources in a setting that allowed the public access to and
assistance with finding needed information. In 1988 the library board wrote the following
mission statement to reflect the purpose and direction that this library should follow.
"The Logan Library provides a variety of informational, educational, and
recreational resources to all the people residing in Logan City in an atmosphere that
encourages individual usage and inspires personal and community enlightenment. The Logan
Library cooperates with other libraries and service organizations in providing and
promoting programs and other activities that reflect the needs and interests of the
community to enhance the quality of life."
Throughout 1997 the library has continued to follow the intent of this mission
statement though perhaps in ways that had not been dreamed of by the board who wrote this
statement nor by any of their predecessors.
DEVELOPMENT OF RESOURCES
When the first library board met in 1916 they were
mainly concerned with developing a book collection and as funds permitted a few magazines
and newspapers, and a place to house the library. As the years passed the library
continued to develop these important print resources. In more recent times resources
became available in a variety of formats including such things as phonograph records,
audio cassette tape recordings, filmstrips, and movies, which in turn were followed by
videos, compact discs, CD-ROMs, and on-line databases. These new formats for providing
resources have been extremely popular with the public. They have
made it possible for people to read, and see, and hear and interact with
information in ways that just a short time ago was not possible. This dramatic change in
the format in which information is carried has also made a significant impact on the
management, operation, cost, and effectiveness of the library. Information that was not
feasible for the library to provide to the public due to cost, availability, space or any
number of other limiting factors can now be provided in an efficient, cost-effective
manner.
UPGRADES IN SERVICES DURING 1997
Computer automation is proving to be an important resource for information in the
library and has quickly become an integral part of the operation of the library. During
1997 the 
library upgraded its automated library management system through the addition
of version 32.1o of Data Research Associates Inlex software. This upgrade allowed the
addition of laser guns and receipt printers at the circulation desk. This greatly enhanced
the speed and accuracy of checking materials in and out to the public as well as providing
the public a list by title with the due date of the materials they were borrowing.
This change in service also laid the groundwork needed for converting the library from
a DOS based computer environment to a Windows based environment. The library has been
using the DRA Inlex software since 1985. It has met most of the library's needs, but the
computing environment has changed dramatically since 1985. The demand for networked
services and databases is making it necessary to upgrade from the DOS environment to a
Windows based operating environment. The library is making this conversion between 1997
and 1999. This change will allow the library to completely integrate its on-line resources
and databases making them available both in the library as well as in the homes of the
public. The library developed and has maintained a home page on the internet for over two
years. We provide a variety of in house databases with local statistical and historical
information as well as a significant list of quality links to databases from around the
world. During 1998 the library will add its on line catalog to the home page, making it
possible for individuals to search our resources from any location.
POLICY CHANGES
The library board plays an essential role in an effective library program. Through the
recommendations and suggestions received from library board members the library staff is
able to make adjustments and changes that keep the library in tune with the needs and
desires of the general public. The library board reviews and changes library policies to
reflect the changing needs of the citizens of the city. During 1997, the board approved
changes in the Computer Use policy, which governs the access and use of the library's
computer resources. These changes included removing the age restriction on access to the
on-line reference room. The board also developed and approved a new public relations
policy that governs the development and purposes of the library's public relations
program. In addition the board reviewed the policies dealing with fines, fees and other
charges, but recommended that no changes be made at this time.
BRIDGERLAND LITERACY
The Library continues to support and promote Bridgerland Literacy. This program is
designed to teach adults how to read who for whatever reason did not learn how to read or
whose reading skills were limited. The Literacy program celebrated its tenth anniversary
during 1997. During the past ten years more than one thousand
adults have learned how to read or have greatly improved their reading skills
thus making them a more productive part of this community. To make this happen hundreds of
volunteers have donated thousands of hours to this cause. In addition, tens of thousands
of dollars have been contributed by the private sector to help support this program. A
special salute is in order for the employees of Bridgerland Literacy, the volunteer
tutors, the financial supporters, and everyone else who volunteered or who assisted in
making this program successful.
OTHER ISSUES
During 1997 it was proposed to move the funding of the library from the General Fund
of the City to a dedicated tax for library service. Following much discussion and
evaluation the change was recommended, with final approval by the City Council on
September 3rd. The city administration and the library board believe that this
is a positive change for the library for the long term.
The public continued to use the library heavily during 1997 with the total circulation
exceeding 550,000 items. The collections have continued to grow at a fairly steady rate
thus ensuring the quantity and the quality of the collections. As was true with the
library board in 1916 space to house the collections and space for public use of those
collections is a major concern of the present library board. The board is supportive of
the proposal made to the City Council during 1997 for expanded space for the library and
would encourage continued action on this issue.
SUMMARY
During National Library Week in 1997 the library used the theme, "Shape Your
Future - Read". A review, of the statistical record of the library for 1997, shows
that the citizens did continue to use the resources of the library to shape their future.
The library is committed to preparing the resources, the library staff, and the facilities
so that we will have what the citizens need at the time it is needed to continue to shape
their individual futures and the future of the community at large.
