The Library
Board of Trustees requests approval for Library Director Maria Del Rosso
to attend the Public Library Association (PLA) Bi-Annual Conference in
Seattle, Washington from February 25-28, 2004. The total cost is
estimated to be roughly $1,300. Funds for this expense were approved in
the library’s FY ’04 operating budget.
In November
2003, the Library Board of Trustees adopted a 5-year master plan and an
accompanying balanced scorecard that addresses management, resource, and
service objectives for the Fauquier County Public Library. Foremost
among Board priorities is the need to understand and manage the demands
of an expanding library system within county fiscal guidelines.
The PLA
conference, long recognized as the “best conference for public
librarians,” includes programs offered by national public library
leaders on better use of facilities, management, partnerships, staffing,
technology, and youth services. (See attached program.) Additionally,
nearly 800 vendors will be represented, providing an opportunity to view
first-hand new and developing services and products for public
libraries.
The Board has
encouraged Mrs. Del Rosso to explore methods and means used by other
libraries to meet the demands for library service in the twenty-first
century. The PLA conference in Seattle offers an ideal forum to explore
emerging trends. The Board hopes the County Administrator will approve
its request.