DPL - Library Linx

Library Linx

What is Library Linx?
Library Linx is a partnership between Deschutes County schools and Deschutes Public Library (DPL). It provides the opportunity for students and faculty to place holds on DPL materials and have the materials delivered to their school. The materials are then checked out in the school’s media center by the media manager, using one of DPL’s “self check” stations. It creates library users out of students who might not otherwise be able to visit a public library.

Which schools have Library Linx?
The Bend La Pine schools are Bear Creek Elementary, Buckingham Elementary, Ensworth Elementary, Jewell Elementary, Juniper Elementary, Miller Elementary, Pine Ridge Elementary, Cascade Middle, High Desert Middle, Pilot Butte Middle, Sky View Middle, REALMS, and Bend High. The Redmond schools are Terrebonne and Tumalo Community Schools.

Who paid for this project?
The initial funding of the project was provided by DPL and included the purchasing of computers, licensing and software fees, library cards, printing of library card applications, and courier crates. DPL continues to purchase the computers, and grant funds are used for the remaining costs.

Will more schools be added?
Yes. The plan is to phase in schools, approximately 10 at a time, as funding becomes available through grants and donations. The school districts determine which schools will join at which time.

How did Library Linx begin?
In 2002 the Library board identified working closely with schools as a high priority. This was due to several reasons: a) a lack of financial support available to school media centers was resulting in severely outdated collections and minimal staffing; b) many new neighborhoods with large populations were being developed in areas without close proximity to a public library; and c) limited availability of public transportation. Library Linx was tested in 3 schools, beginning in 2005. In 2007 an interagency committee was created, comprised comprised of representatives from each of the school districts, appointed by their superintendent, and DPL staff. They identified the cooperative procedures necessary in order for this project to work in three school districts and, eventually, over 40 schools.

Are there any restrictions on what a student can put on hold and check out?
All Deschutes Public Library cards, including Library Linx cards, allow access to the entire collection. When a parent signs the Linx Library Card Application, he/she agrees to the following: “By signing this form, you give permission for your child to use the library freely.” The Library provides a collection for all ages and interests, and encourages parents to guide his/her own child on making selections that are appropriate for their family.

Other than receiving and checking out the books, what are the responsibilities of the schools? In order to become a Library Linx school the principal and media manager/specialist must comply with established requirements, including:

Provide a regularly scheduled and paid Media manager/specialist for each school site
Spend at least half the national median expenditure for books, periodicals, AV, software and web-based products per pupil ($10 for elementary, $8.50 for middle and high)Note: This requirement was suspended during the 2009-2010 school year due to budget restrictions.
Allow time for the media manager/specialist to attend DPL’s regional conference
Arrange for DPL staff to speak to students and teachers for a total of 4 times per school year

Other than pulling holds and delivering to the designated sites, what are the responsibilities of DPL?

Provide technical support to Library Linx computers and the check-out system software
Process approximately 6000 library card applications
Provide library liaisons to visit the schools and support Library Linx
Replace library cards and hardware, as needed
Keep track of all requirements and statistics, in order to evaluate the success of Library Linx