2025 Plan of Service and Tentative Budget
Table of Contents
Definitions, Statutory and Regulatory Authority; Statutory Goals
Definitions
Plan Year: the period starting next January 1 and ending December 31 of the same calendar year.
Current Year: the calendar year in which this annual plan is submitted.
Previous Year: the calendar year preceding the year in which this annual plan is submitted
Plan Submission Deadline
Friday preceding Memorial Day of the current year
Statutory and Regulatory Authority of the State Library of Kansas Board
K.S.A. 75-2546(e): The board shall:
- Advocate for statewide library services and resources, encouraging cooperation among libraries and promoting and encouraging innovative library services;
- advise and counsel the state librarian on policies and management and the state library strategic plan;
- review and approve the annual plans of regional systems of cooperating libraries;
- perform such other duties and functions as provided by law; and
- recommend statewide priorities for interlibrary cooperation and resource
K.S.A. 75-2552: The state board shall adopt rules and regulations establishing standards for…(2) review and amendment of regional system plans…
K.A.R. 54-1-5: Regional systems of cooperating libraries shall submit annually to the state library advisory commission for review and amendment a program of services and tentative budget of the regional system of cooperating libraries. Forms for said program of services shall be supplied by the state librarian.
Statutory and Regulatory Goals of the Regional Systems of Cooperating Libraries and the State Library
K.S.A. 75-2547: The purpose of this act is for the state in cooperation with local libraries to provide adequate library services to all citizens of the state through the regional systems of cooperating libraries herein provided, by use of joint planning and financing of library services to improve existing service, to utilize such federal aid funds as may be available and to extend library service to persons not having the same at this time.
Regional System of Cooperating Libraries Name:
North Central Kansas Library System (NCKLS)
Current Year Plan Alterations
- NCKLS will adopt the new format with enhanced descriptions of
- NCKLS will begin migrating to a new integrated library system (ILS) platform and create a new consortium with a goal of automating all public libraries in the NCKLS region and an emphasis on patron service to the residents of the region. Hiring a coordinator to manage this project is planned.
- Shared positions will be eliminated after the planned split with the major service
- NCKLS will relocate after the planned split with the major service
Plan Year System Staffing & Consulting
Which types of libraries are generally eligible for consulting and support services?
All libraries are eligible for consulting services. Libraries must be within the NCKLS boundary regardless of library type or the taxing status of the county.
Libraries within taxing counties: Legally established public libraries are eligible for website hosting, grants, rotating books.
Contracting libraries: Legally established public libraries are eligible for website hosting, continuing education grants, rotating books at a nominal fee
Outlet libraries in taxing counties: Rotating book service is extended to these locations at no charge.
Provide the full-time equivalent total for all staff positions funded in the plan year. (FTE calculations should be based on a forty-hour work week: 1.00 FTE = 40 hours of work per week,
0.50 FTE = 20 hours of work per week, 0.10 FTE = 4 hours of work per week, etc.)
| Position | Staff | FTE |
| Director | Sandy Wilkerson | 1.0 |
| Business Manager | Deanna Defoor | 1.0 |
| General Consultant | Jan Johnson | 1.0 |
| Technology Consultant | Duane Mayer | 1.0 |
| Assistant Technology Consultant | Kim Scaler | 1.0 |
| Technology Trainer | LaDonna Clark | 1.0 |
| Catalog Coordinator | TBD | 1.0 |
| Acquisitions Assistant | Krystal Cooper | 1.0 |
| Rotating Books Collection Coordinator | Denise Coon | 1.0 |
| Rotating Books Delivery Driver | Clint Castor | 0.5 |
| Total staff | Â | 9.50 FTE |
For the plan year, provide the amount of staff time (in FTE) anticipated for each of the following roles.
Â
| FTE | Position |
| 1.0 | Administrative staff associated with internal operations of the system office |
| 1.0 | Rotating Collections Staff |
| 0 | Marketing and Outreach |
| 0.50 | Human Resources Consulting |
| 3.00 | Technology Consulting, Support, Training |
| 0.50 | Collection Development Consulting |
| 1.30 | Cataloging and Technical Services Consulting and Support |
| 0.50 | Automation Systems Coordinator |
| 0 | Talking Books Outreach* |
| 0.40 | Interlibrary Loan and Courier Consulting |
| 0.50 | Children & Youth Services Consulting |
| 0.80 | Continuing Education Consulting and Training |
| 0 | Other (please specify) |
| 9.50 | total |
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*NCKLS consultants are familiar with Kansas Talking Books Services and can advise member library staff on how to assist patrons with accessing these services.
Plan Year System Projects
Which types of libraries are generally eligible to participate in system projects?
Legally established public libraries located within a taxing county within the NCKLS boundaries are eligible to participate in system projects.
Legally established public libraries located within a contracting county within the NCKLS boundaries are eligible for a limited number of system projects and services.
What requirements need to be met by a library to be generally eligible to participate in system projects? Eligibility requirements unique to specific projects should be provided in individual project descriptions.
Membership in NCKLS establishes eligibility. See individual projects for eligibility requirements.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Collection Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $125,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 44%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to improve local collections and extend resource sharing in the region with physical materials.
Detailed examples:
Fund amounts are based on library service levels stated in the Kansas Public Library Standards due to service population. Population numbers are taken from the Public Library Survey from the previous year.
Schedule: Funds are available on January 1 of the current year
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS library survey due in the next year.
Reduction or increase in funding: occurs with service population growth or decline.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Per Capita Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $33,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 12%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet the Kansas Public Library Standards in locally defined areas of emphasis. The local library board may determine the project for these funds. Population totals are taken from the Kansas Public Library Survey from the previous year.
Detailed examples:
| Library Service Level | Grant Amount Per Capita |
| Gateway | $1.25 |
| Linking | $1.00 |
| Service Center I | $0.75 |
| Service Center II | $0.50 |
| Major Service Center II | $0.10 |
Schedule: Funds are distributed by May of the current year.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS library survey due in the next year.
Reduction or increase in funding: occurs with service population growth or decline.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Programming Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $6,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 2%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to help libraries provide engaging and enriching programs to their communities.
Detailed examples:
An application form can be found on the NCKLS website. This grant can be applied for after the event. This grant can include speakers, performers, space rental, supplies, food. Schedule: Libraries may apply for this grant anytime, grant closes on November 15 of the current year.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS library survey due in the next year.
Reduction in funding: occurs if taxing libraries do not advertise services to all residents in the region.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Continuing Education Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to any legally established public library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $4,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 1%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet Kansas Public Library Standards for development and training of library staff and board members.
Detailed examples: A maximum of $500 per library is allowed to cover the cost of attending a conference, workshop, or webinar. An application form can be found on the NCKLS website.
Schedule: Libraries may apply for this grant anytime, grant closes on November 15 of the current year.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting requirements are identified on the NCKLS website and must be completed one month after completion of training.
Reduction in funding: occurs if library staff or board members do not attend the event. Unspent funds must be returned to NCKLS.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Service Improvement Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $22,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 8%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet Kanas Public Library Standards for marketing, community outreach, facility improvements, and staffing.
Detailed examples:
These grants are for one-time projects, designed to kick-start the library into improvement to meet state standards. An application form can be found on the NCKLS website.
Schedule: Libraries may apply for this grant anytime, grant closes on November 15 of the current year.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalty to those that do not apply.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Technology Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $32,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 11%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet Kanas Public Library Standards for automation and technology.
Detailed examples:
Funds may be used to update software and hardware to support or improve access, to online resources and state-wide collections, automation, cabling, wiring and expansion of Internet services. Technology Grants may also be used for start-up platforms.
Schedule: Libraries may apply for this grant anytime, grant closes on November 15 of the current year.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by December 15 of the current year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalty to those that do not apply.
·       Library Service Improvement-System Grant-in-Aid
Project Name: Competitive Grant
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $60,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 22%
Project Description:
The purpose of this grant fund is to fully distribute budgeted grant dollars to qualifying NCKLS libraries, to enhance library services, tackle issues with aging infrastructure and increase innovation across the region.
Detailed examples:
Applicants will be scored by a subcommittee including NCKLS staff and member library representatives that will not be applying (if available) using a standard rubric. Libraries should customize their applications based on the criteria listed in the rubric and be prepared to put their best effort into their applications since they will be competing with other NCKLS libraries of various size and service area. NCKLS wants to ensure libraries have access to some funding beyond smaller grants that have a maximum of $1,000. The system wants to increase the ability of our libraries to make infrastructure enhancements, be innovative and add new services.
Schedule: Grant opens July 15, Grant applications close Sept 15. Grants are awarded Nov 1.
Member Responsibilities: Funds must be spent or encumbered by April 15 of the next year.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalty to those that do not apply.
·       Library Service Improvement-Professional Development
Project Name: Applied Public Library Education Service (APPLE)
Eligible Libraries: This grant is open to any legally established public library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $2,000.00 ($400 per attendee and mileage to/from events)
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 6%
Project Description:
This grant provides training for new library directors in the NCKLS region.
Detailed examples:
On or around one year of service to the public library, new library directors are invited to join the statewide APPLE training. This training is taught or facilitated by consultants and directors of the seven regional systems. Library directors are the only staff eligible to attend.
Schedule: Training takes place in one year from April to April.
Member Responsibilities: NCKLS expects a commitment from the local library board to allow the new director to actively participate and attend all training events.
Report/evaluation: Survey of APPLE participants included in program materials.
Reduction in funding: occurs if library staff do not attend the APPLE training events.
·       Library Service Improvement-Professional Development
Project Name: Library Consulting Services
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $10,500.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 31%
Project Description:
NCKLS provides expert consulting services and makes this shared knowledge available to all libraries in the region regardless of library type, size, budget or staffing. Library staff and library boards may call on our consultants for assistance in the areas of technologies, programming, library governance, administration, operations and more.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS maintains and delivers information about available system services and topics of interest. We host regular director’s meetings where staff share information and provide feedback for library staff. NCKLS provides on-demand consulting with public library board members using the Kansas Library Trustee Manual as a key resource, including an orientation to NCKLS services. This supports the Kansas Public Library Standard’s recommendation that all new library trustees participate in an orientation upon appointment to the library board. Staff regularly visit libraries to help address specific issues and maintain community relationships. Staff advocates for libraries within the system and state by staying abreast of developments that could affect legislation and Kansas libraries. We continuously educate consultants by allowing them to regularly attend training and education events to inform their consulting practice and to provide current and future trend related information back to system libraries. NCKLS aids library
boards in adopting and making available written by-laws and policies in key operational areas as advocated in the Kansas Public Library Standards.
Schedule: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles and all consultants are issued system cell phones. Consulting services can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Member Responsibilities: available to library staff and library trustees Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalty to those that do not use this service.
    Library Service Improvement-Professional Development
Project Name: Technology Consulting Services (IT)
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $14,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 42%
Project Description:
Robust technologies are a necessity for public libraries to bridge the digital divide, to maintain secure systems and to enhance resource sharing. For libraries with minimal staffing or lack of such specialized expertise, our technology consultants provide support for vital computer and telecommunication systems to ensure library productivity and continuity of public services. Our technology trainer keeps library staff updated on existing and new technology applications and software to ensure local library staff can effectively serve their communities.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS staff assists in the development and maintenance of technology plans to meet the Kansas Public Library Standard. This includes guidance in annual equipment purchases and aid in spending system technology grants to meet the goals of each library board.
NCKLS supports the maintenance and evaluation of various library technologies, including capturing technology specific data on our libraries to support annual reporting at the state and federal level. NCKLS provides small group and one-on-one technology training on library and productivity applications. System staff provides support for purchasing and installation of technology equipment and security software to ensure libraries are maintaining standard network security. Staff will research, purchase and maintain Internet filtering software for public libraries to be CIPA compliant.
Schedule: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles and all consultants are issued system cell phones. Consulting services can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Member Responsibilities: available to library staff and library trustees Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Professional Development
Project Name: Workshops and Meetings Service
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $7,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 20%
Project Description:
Support the educational needs of library staff and trustees to meet the Kansas Public Library Standards related to the necessity for continuing education.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS will offer educational opportunities to groups of library staff and stakeholders in a variety of formats to meet individual and library needs. The Kansas Public Library Standards indicate the need for library personnel to pursue an ongoing program of continuing education activities, including technology training. In addition, the standards indicate that board members should participate in at least one continuing education activity annually. NCKLS will schedule a robust annual continuing education program based on feedback from system members that includes a variety of training formats including in-person and online offerings. Staff will curate key online content for library staff and board members to take advantage of free continuing education opportunities offered.
Schedule: On Demand online content, monthly director meetings, quarterly large events
Member Responsibilities: Register and attend
Report/evaluation: Survey evaluations at time of event
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalty to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Collections and Resources
Project Name: Rotating Books Collection Service
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to all libraries in a NCKLS taxing county. This service is available as a subsidy to libraries in NCKLS contracting counties.
Total Funding: $67,500.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 95%
Project Description:
NCKLS offers access to a collection of popular reading material in various print formats, reading and interest levels to expand resources available in local communities.
Detailed examples:
Materials provided by NCKLS are intended to supplement the collections of the participating libraries. These materials are not to be a substitute for the participating library purchasing and maintaining a primary collection of library materials that meets
the needs of the community. Each library is responsible to provide a secure location for the collection including an indoor humidity controlled environment, shelving for library books separate from the local collection and the ability to access this location with the NCKLS book van and transportation equipment. Regular hours must be established to allow access for the community to use the collection. A volunteer must be identified who is responsible for checking out books to community members, providing a point of contact for NCKLS staff and is available for the scheduled deliveries. NCKLS selects, sorts and packs the delivery.
| Collection type | Interest level |
| Popular fiction | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Popular Non-fiction | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Spanish Language | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Large Print | Adult, Young Adult, School-age Children |
| Braille | Adult, Children |
| Graphic Novels | Young Adult, Juvenile |
| Beginning Readers | Children |
Schedule: An individually curated collection of 350-400 books is delivered to a participating library six times a year.
Member Responsibilities: Each library provides NCKLS staff with a profile of interests and needs from their community.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction or removal of service will happen if all requirements are not met.
·       Library Service Improvement-Collections and Resources
Project Name: Professional Resources Collection Service
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $2,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 3%
Project Description:
NCKLS maintains a current collection of books that relate to libraries and librarianship for loan by library staff and board members across the region. This collection includes review journals for book selection that circulate between NCKLS staff and library directors regularly.
·        Detailed examples:
NCKLS staff refers member libraries to the professional resource collection to address issues that arise in their communities.
Schedule: On Demand: NCKLS participates in the Kansas Library Express to deliver resources to member libraries.
Member Responsibilities: requests can be made by email or using the ShareIT system
Report/evaluation: Not Applicable
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Collections and Resources
Project Name: Programming Kits Service
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $1,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 1%
Project Description:
NCKLS develops and maintains programming kits for all ages to save library staff time and effort in creating programming materials.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS consulting staff continually updates and showcases the programming kits to library staff to encourage use of materials to enhance library programming in the communities we serve. NCKLS Storytime kits contain books, songs, fingerplays and craft ideas for creating 2-3 storytime programs around a central theme. 21 Storytime kits are available for use. NCKLS’s Maker Kits contain projects and books that provide libraries with the opportunity to experiment with the Maker Space movement. The included materials create four or five different projects for an experience-based program where teens and tweens learn how different things work and can try their hands at something new. Six MakerSpace kits are available for use.
Schedule: On-Demand: NCKLS participates in the Kansas Library Express to deliver resources to member libraries.
Member Responsibilities: requests made by email
Report/evaluation: Survey included with each programming kit.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Collections and Resources
Project Name: BookPage Service
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $700.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: >1%
Project Description:
NCKLS maintains an annual subscription to the Book Page and distributes copies of the resource to member libraries to be distributed in their local communities.
Schedule: Monthly distribution of the physical resource
Member Responsibilities: None
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Interlibrary Cooperation-Shared Collections
Project Name: Digital Resources Service
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services. Total Funding: $91,750
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to ensure that all libraries within the NCKLS region have access to lend popular digital materials and to increase adoption of digital materials in rural areas of the region.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS pays the service provider directly for the service in a library within a taxing county. NCKLS plays the service provider directly for the service in a contracting county and libraries are charged for the annual Sunflower e-library fee on their annual contract. NCKLS maintains an agreement with NWKLS to administer the consortium and pays any annual fees for all libraries in the group. Libraries surrender any purchasing credits to NCKLS. NCKLS will manage purchasing credits and establish an Advantage collection for NCKLS patrons. NCKLS staff monitors holds lists to reduce waiting for NCKLS patrons.
Schedule: NCKLS supports the Sunflower elibrary and statewide Cloud Library collections by purchasing materials monthly.
Member Responsibilities: Member libraries submit purchase requests to meet local patrons needs.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding occurs if contracting libraries fail to uphold contract obligations. Reduction in funding will occur if taxing libraries do not advertise services to all residents in the region.
·       Interlibrary Cooperation-Interlibrary Loan
Project Name: Postage Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county that are not subscribers to the Kansas Library Express.
Total Funding: $1,000
Project Description:
This project facilitates interlibrary loan and resources sharing in libraries that do not subscribe to the Kansas Library Express courier service. Reimbursement rates are the USPS media mail rate up to 2 pounds per item.
Schedule: Checks are sent when SLK releases the public library survey data.
Member Responsibilities: Annual loans are self-reported on the annual Public Library Survey submitted to the State Library of Kansas.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction or increase in funding: Libraries must loan a minimum of 10 items. Maximum subsidy is $500 annually.
·       Interlibrary Cooperation-Interlibrary Loan
Project Name: Courier Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within an NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $46,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 92%
Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to facilitate interlibrary loan and resource sharing in the region and across the state. NCKLS pays 80% of the courier fees directly to the service provider.
Schedule: The service provider bills the library for the remainder of the cost in January of the current year
Member Responsibilities: The library is expected to submit monthly use statistics and actively participate in statewide interlibrary loan.
Report/evaluation: submit monthly usage numbers to KLE website
Reduction in funding will occur if reporting statistics are not up to date.
·       Interlibrary Cooperation-Interlibrary Loan
Project Name: Interlibrary Loan Services
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $3,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 6%
Project Description:
Interlibrary Loan is sharing resources with others across the region and state. NCKLS provides a staff member to train member library staff to use the ShareIT platform to share resources within Kansas. NCKLS staff sit on the Kansas Interlibrary Loan Taskforce
(KILT) and share information with member library staff. NCKLS staff requests items for Gateway libraries that need extra assistance.
Schedule: On Demand
Member Responsibilities: follow standard practices for ILL borrowing/lending. Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the Kansas Public Library Survey Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Other
Project Name: Website Hosting Services and WordPress Services
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to all libraries in a NCKLS taxing county. This service is available as a subsidy to libraries in NCKLS contracting counties.
Total Funding: $3,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 7%
Project Description:
NCKLS supports the Kansas Public Library Standard that every library has a webpage that contains current information about library services and programs by purchasing server space and offering technology support for WordPress.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS employs a Technology Trainer that works with member library staff to create and maintain local library websites. The Technology Trainer will maintain websites for Gateway libraries that need extra assistance.
Schedule: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles and all consultants are issued system cell phones. Consulting services can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Member Responsibilities: communicate changes needed to NCKLS Technology Trainer
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Other
Project Name: Technical Services (Acquisitions, Processing, Cataloging and Supplies) Eligible Libraries: This service is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county. Supplies are sold to any library in the NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $32,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 71%
Project Description:
NCKLS provides efficient, low-cost technical services for ordering, cataloging and processing materials to encourage libraries to share resources and maintain accurate
holdings. We maximize volume discounts for materials and supplies used for the physical collection.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS offers processing, circulation and mending supplies to member libraries at a substantial discount. Member libraries can order books using Baker & Taylor’s Title Source 360 portal which offers generous discounts for materials as well as the opportunity to track purchases. NCKLS subscribes to a variety of selection journals that circulate between system staff and library directors to improve collection development. Cataloging and classification assistance from NCKLS staff is available for library materials purchased through Baker & Taylor or from other vendors. Books or materials received as gifts or already owned by member libraries may also be sent to system headquarters for cataloging and processing. Records for all materials cataloged through NCKLS are automatically added to the Kansas Library Catalog. OCLC costs are include for all libraries. Gateway libraries may choose to have book covers, cards, pockets, and labels added to books as needed. This allows our smallest libraries to receive materials in shelf-ready format.
Schedule: On Demand
Member Responsibilities: Not Applicable
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use these services.
·       Library Service Improvement-Other
Project Name: Erate consulting service
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services. Total Funding: $10,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 22%
Project Description:
NCKLS contracts with eRate Solutions to file for discounts for our member libraries for internet service and internal connections.
Detailed examples:
| Â | Library in Taxing county | Contracting library |
| Internet service | NCKLS pays up to $250 of yearly fee | NCKLS pays up to $150 of yearly fee |
| Category 2 expenses | Charged to the library | Charged to the library |
Schedule: filing window Dec-Mar; service dates July 1-June 30 Member Responsibilities: meet deadlines for application and contracts Report/evaluation: Not Applicable
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Interlibrary Cooperation-Shared Catalog/ILS
Project Name: ILS support
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services. Total Funding: $10,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description:
Support for 23 public libraries participating in a shared regional ILS catalog.
Detailed examples:
NCKLS will provide a dedicated staff member to assist libraries with ILS issues. This staff member will troubleshoot, train and improve the ILS for the staff and patrons of the libraries that participate.
Schedule: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles and all consultants are issued system cell phones. Consulting services can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Member Responsibilities: available to library staff and patrons of participating libraries
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year. Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
·       Library Service Improvement-Programming
Project Name: Movie License Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $4,000.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 83%
Project Description:
The movie license subsidy encourages libraries to provide movie programming to their communities. NCKLS covers 50% of the movie licensing cost for each library in the NCKLS region.
Schedule: license runs July to July.
Member Responsibilities: Libraries must show movies within the library physical structure. Libraries must show movies from a vendor approved list on the SWANK website.
Report/evaluation: Reporting takes place on the NCKLS survey due in the next year.
Reduction in funding: failure to use vendor approved list may result in legal issues.
·       Library Service Improvement-Programming
Project Name: Summer Library Program Planning
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $800.00
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 17%
Project Description:
NCKLS will empower library staff and stakeholders with resources and assistance needed to support all communities in the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Detailed examples:
Directly support summer reading programs for children, teens and adults by providing comprehensive summer reading program materials and gathering statistics to support the impact and future of summer reading. Provide training specific to the annual summer reading materials and themes, including hosting dynamic sharing events amongst library staff. Including program support to ensure that children and teens maintain their learning throughout the months away from formal schooling while also keeping adults engaged in reading related services and events.
Schedule: October-May planning events for summer events
Member Responsibilities: Order materials in statewide group to take advantage of group pricing, follow CSLP material rules.
Report/evaluation: Report statistics on the end of summer survey
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
2025 Budget Revenue
| Â | 2023 | Â | 2024 | 2025 |
| Â | ACTUALS | Â | BUDGET | PROPOSED |
| Â | Â | Â | Â | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â BUDGET |
BEGINNING BALANCE | $1,065,227 | Â | $1,111,009 | $1,074,609 |
| REVENUE | Â | Â | Â | Â |
| General Account – Tax Fund | $1,082,284 | Â | $1,293,536 | $1,366,500 |
| Employee Benefit – Tax Fund | $210,404 | Â | $237,600 | $316,600 |
| Interest | $41,013 | Â | $8,000 | $35,000 |
| Contracting Library Fees | $14,500 | Â | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| State Aid and Grants | $50,227 | Â | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $500 | Â | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $0 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $0 |
| TOTAL REVENUE | $1,398,928 | Â | $1,609,136 | $1,788,100 |
2025 Budget Expenses
| EXPENSES | Â | Â | Â |
| Personnel | Â | Â | Â |
| Salaries | $520,703 | $600,000 | $600,000 |
| Employee Benefits | $184,898 | $300,000 | $352,600 |
| Services | Â | Â | Â |
| Catalog & Processing | $32,530 | $31,000 | $25,000 |
| Member Travel Reimbursement | $4,678 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Miscellaneous Shared | $7,993 | $12,000 | $5,000 |
| Rotating Book Van | $9,465 | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Technology Support | $8,981 | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| ILS Consortium | $0 | $0 | $15,000 |
| Workshops/Meetings | $7,404 | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| Telecommunications | $5,199 | $13,000 | $15,000 |
| Consulting Travel | $6,322 | $8,500 | $8,000 |
| Grants | Â | Â | Â |
| ARSL Grant | $7,087 | $0 | $0 |
| Collections Grant | $114,812 | $125,000 | $125,000 |
| Continuing Education Grant | $3,224 | $8,000 | $6,000 |
| Courier/Postage Grant | $26,703 | $28,000 | $47,000 |
| Service Improvement Grant | $18,704 | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Programming Grant | $5,004 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Extended Service Grant Per Capita | $32,938 | $33,000 | $33,000 |
| Technology Grant | $28,396 | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Digital Resourses Grant | $25,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Competitive Grant | $79,600 | $80,000 | $60,000 |
| Materials | Â | Â | Â |
| Youth Literacy Kits | $409 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Large Print Books | $20,002 | $24,000 | $25,000 |
| Rotating Book Collection | $31,289 | $36,000 | $38,000 |
| Downloadables | $54,298 | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Operations | Â | Â | Â |
| Audit & Legal | $10,003 | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| Furniture | $0 | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $4,525 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Utilities/Maintenance | $0 | $0 | $17,500 |
| Membership Fees | $450 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Office Supplies | $3,462 | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| Postage/Courier | $3,928 | $7,000 | $16,500 |
| Copier | $0 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Staff Development | $5,458 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Technology Equip. & Maint. | $16,860 | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Marketing/Communications | $2,043 | $8,000 | $5,000 |
| Space Allocation | $46,124 | $67,000 | $0 |
| Rent Expense | $0 | $26,036 | $90,000 |
| Capital Improvement Expenses | $24,655 | $0 | $0 |
| Transfer to Capital Improvement | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $0 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $50,000 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $50,000 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | Â $1,353,147 | $1,645,536 | $1,794,100 |
Appendix A: System Description
Taxing Counties
Taxing counties levy a system tax on areas that are not already served by a legally established public library. NCKLS includes eight taxing counties with 31 legally established public libraries and six outlets (designated with *). Outlet locations provide basic library service points in communities that are generally too small to support a public library.
| County | Population | Library name |
| Chase | 2,548 | Burnley Memorial Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Clay | 8,043 | Clay Center Carnegie Library |
| Â | Â | Clifton Public Library |
| Â | Â | Frank Dieter Memorial Library, Longford * |
| Â | Â | Julie Thomas Memorial Library, Morganville* |
| Â | Â | Wakefield Public Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Dickinson | 18,430 | Abilene Public Library |
| Â | Â | Chapman Public Library |
| Â | Â | Enterprise Public Library |
| Â | Â | Herington Public Library |
| Â | Â | Hope Community Library |
| Â | Â | Solomon Public Library |
| Â | Â | Talmage/Buckeye Township Public Library* |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Marion | 11,868 | Burns Public Library |
| Â | Â | Florence Public Library |
| Â | Â | Goessel Public Library |
| Â | Â | Hillsboro Public Library |
| Â | Â | Marion City Library |
| Â | Â | Peabody Township Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Marshall | 9,982 | Axtell Public Library |
| Â | Â | Beattie Public Library* |
| Â | Â | Blue Rapids Public Library |
| Â | Â | Frankfort City Library |
| Â | Â | Marysville Public Library |
| Â | Â | Vermillion Public Library |
| Â | Â | Waterville Public Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Morris | 5,349 | Council Grove Public Library |
| Â | Â | Dwight Public Library |
| Â | Â | Elm Creek Township Library |
| Â | Â | White City Public Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Riley | 71,108 | Leonardville Public Library |
| Â | Â | Manhattan Public Library |
| Â | Â | Ogden City Library* |
| Â | Â | Riley City Library |
| Â | Â | Â |
| Washington | 5,501 | Greenleaf Public Library* |
| Â | Â | Hanover Public Library |
| Â | Â | Washington Public Library |
Population source:Â https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022_Kansas_Certified_Population_7-1-23.pdf
Contracting Libraries
Contracting libraries are in four counties that do not levy a system tax. Contract fees and services are reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and approved by the System Board. There are seven contracting libraries in the following non-taxing counties:
| County | Population | Library name |
| Geary | 35,691 | Dorothy Bramlage Public Library-serving the county population |
| Lyon | 31,898 | Americus Township Library |
| Â | Â | Elmendaro Township Library |
| Â | Â | Emporia Public Library |
| Â | Â | Lyon County Library District #1 |
| Pottawatomie | 26,273 | Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Libraries (PWRL)-a single entity in two counties |
| Â | Â | Wamego-not a part of PWRL serves 4,879 population and contracts with NCKLS independently. |
| Wabaunsee | 7019 | PWRL-serving county population |
Population source:Â https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022_Kansas_Certified_Population_7-1-23.pdf
Affiliate Members
Affiliate members are other types of libraries including school, academic or special libraries within the 12 counties that make up NCKLS. They share services and use of system resources including consulting, continuing education, and interlibrary loan services. The operational, funding, governance, and services of the affiliates are not included in the program budgeting of the system.
Appendix B: System Governance
NCKLS System Board and Executive Committee
The System Board is the governing body of the North Central Kansas Library System by authority of K.S.A. 75-2550.
The System Board meets annually and is made up of:
- One library representative from each member library
- Eight county appointees representing the areas outside the district of any participating library, but within the taxing counties.
Each library has voting rights depending on their type of system membership:
- Representatives from libraries in taxing counties can vote annually on the System Plan of Service, the budget and the executive committee leadership
- County appointees can vote annually on the System Plan of Service, the budget and the executive committee leadership
- Representatives from contracting libraries can vote annually on the System Plan of Service and the executive committee leadership
- Service outlets and affiliate members can vote annually on the System Plan of Service
All representatives are appointed by the trustees or governing authority of each participating library or taxing county.
The authority of the Executive Committee is granted in K.S.S. 75-2550a. The Executive Committee includes 14 elected members and is made up of:
- One member elected by the System Board from each of the 12 counties in the region
- Two elected from the county appointees that are appointed by the boards of county commissions in the 8 taxing counties
The Executive Committee meets at least 6 times a year and oversees the Director and financial operations. They annually review and approve a proposed budget, a proposed plan of service, and annually form a nominating committee to put forward candidates for officer election to the Executive Committee. Annually, the System Board votes on the President, Vice President and Treasurer positions on the Executive Committee. This committee also updates the NCKLS Bylaws periodically and proposes such changes to the System Board. NCKLS’s current bylaws are available at http://lib.nckls.org/about/by-laws/.
System plan for 2025 in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 79-2552
Submitted by the North Central Kansas Library System on May 16, 2024
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By: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Director Sandra Wilkerson
By: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Board President Wendy Moulton
(To be completed by State Library of Kansas Board)
Date Approved: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
By: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Chairperson State Library of Kansas Board