APPLS County Library System Best Practices Promotion

In 2006, the Association of Pennsylvania Public Library Systems (APPLS) collaborated with the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) to develop a series of brief flyers and news articles that promote outstanding programs and services from small, medium and large size county library systems throughout Pennsylvania.

These promotional materials were used to promote the effectiveness of county library funding to elected officials and community leaders.

Background: Nineteen submissions were received in three categories:

  1. Community & Economic Development
  2. Innovative Infrastructure: Buildings & Technology
  3. Quality of Life

All submissions were divided into three service size categories. Library Systems were classified as:

  1. Small (population less than 150,00);
  2. Medium (population between 150,000-400,000); or
  3. Large (population greater than 500,000).

Using the following criteria, one program was recognized from each size category in each category area as a “Best Practice”:

  1. Appeal to Pennsylvania County Commissioners’ goals and interests;
  2. Public relations appeal;
  3. Ease of duplication by other library systems in Pennsylvania;
  4. Demonstrates benefits of county planning or library system coordination; and
  5. Results or success of program.

PaLA and APPLS would like to thank Jim Hollinger and staff at Commonwealth Libraries for their assistance in evaluating the applications.

Bits, Bytes & Bricks: Innovative Infrastructure

  • Small Counties
    • 1st Place: Adams County Library System - "Mobile Training Lab/Wireless Access"
  • Medium Counties
    • 1st Place: Cumberland County Library System - "Library System and County Web Site Services"
  • Large Counties
    • 1st Place -- Delaware County Library System - "Next Reads: Adapted for Local Collections"

Community & Economic Development

  • Small Counties
    • 1st Place: Clarion County Library System - "Township Supervisors Day/Senior Expo"
  • Medium Counties
    • 1st Place: York County Library System - "Cooperation for Better Management of Public Resources"
  • Large Counties
    • 1st Place -- Chester County Library System - "Small Business @ Your Library"

Creating Quality of Life

  • Small Counties
    • 1st Place: "Centre County Info.org"
  • Medium Counties
    • 1st Place: Beaver County Library System - "Race to Read"
  • Large Counties
    • 1st Place -- Library System of Lancaster County - "Family Museum Pass"