Learn More About the Department

Public Library - FY 24

Assumed Outcomes

  • To provide high quality services
  • To serve the information and reading needs of the people of Orono 
  • To provide the collection and programming free of charge to Orono residents of all ages
  • To provide information and resources in the latest formats and current trends in technology and library service
  • To engage in and provide personnel assistance with Town initiated community events

Mandates:

  • There are no state or federal mandates for library operations at this time.
  • As a participating library in the Minerva consortium, there are a number of expectations that are outlined by Maine Infonet.  Minerva is the statewide integrated library system that provides the structure, systems and support for member libraries to enhance services to library patrons through collaboration.  These systems include: circulation; cataloging; public access catalog; acquisitions and serials functions.  As members, each participating library is expected to:
    1. Maintain a commitment to local collection development.
    2. Participate in committees and monthly meetings where standards, policies and procedures are discussed and decided.
    3. Maintain systems data in an accurate and timely manner.
    4. Participate in training.
    5. Pay an annual membership fee.
    6. Participate in Statewide Delivery Service at a minimum of two delivery days per week. 
    7. Respond to interlibrary loan requests in accordance with Minerva guidelines and procedures.
  • The Director is required to file the Public Library Annual Report each spring with the Maine State Library.  This data is then reported to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) which uses the information to identify national needs and trends. Using data from Maine and other states, they measure and report on the services’ impact and effectiveness, identify best practices, and develop plans to improve them.  
  • We strive to sustain a high level of service as mandated by our community and in accordance with current professional standards.
  • The library plays a role in collaborative efforts with the Parks and Recreation Department as well as the Community Development Department to deliver community services. 

Current Methods:

  • 6000 square foot facility open 44 hours/week
    1. A center for reading, writing, study, and community meetings
    2. Materials and services that  support the educational, informational, and recreational interests of all community members

 

  • Connection to State Library services
    • Interlibrary Loan: Minerva is a shared library system that brings together nearly 60 libraries of all types from across the state.
    • Van Delivery: Statewide Interlibrary Loan Van Delivery Service is a voluntary service where participating libraries use a courier to deliver library books and materials to facilitate interlibrary lending and borrowing throughout the State of Maine. This program is administered by the Maine State Library and partially funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
    • Online Databases: Maine's Virtual Library, provides every resident of Maine with free access to a collection of full text and abstracts from magazines, newspapers and reference books that are credible, reputable resources.
    • Downloadable Audio and Ebooks: The Maine InfoNet Download Library provides online access to downloadable audio books through OverDrive. Patrons from member libraries are able to check out ebooks and downloadable digital audiobooks for free, 24/7, from a shared collection.  In addition to the shared collection, OPPL has purchased titles for a proprietary collection.  While these titles are still shared, Orono Public patrons are allowed first rights of access. 

 

  • Access to materials
    • 30,842 Print collection
    • 5,654 AV collection 
    • 27,685 downloadable ebook and audio books Cloud Library - shared collection through Maine Infonet
    •  46 eBooks and downloadable audio books - OPL proprietary collection
    • Libby offers multiple video streaming services including: IndieFlix; Qello Concerts & Music documentaries; and The Great Courses Library Collection. 
    • Movie Streaming Kanopy: access to over 30,000 documentaries, classics and Indie films.
    • Online Ebooks: TumbleBooks: curated database of children’s ebooks including animated titles, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, books in Spanish and French and graphic novels. This annual subscription is shared with the Asa Adams library. Libby provides 48 classic ebooks.
    • 50 Magazine & newspaper subscriptions
    • Bookpage: a “take away” monthly book review publication
    • After hours access for material pick up through outdoor locker system, bluetooth locks and Acuity scheduling software.

 

  • Access to technology
    • 24 hour wireless
    • Public access Chromebooks
    • Multi function public access color photocopier/Fax/email/scanner
    • Princh, a cloud-based printing solution that allows users to print and pay from their mobile devices, laptops and desktop PCs.
    • Online access to library catalog
    • 2 Self Check Stations
    • Digitized Penobscot Times: 1888-present
    • Incomprehensive digital archive of OHS yearbooks: 1949-2010
    • In library access to Ancestry.com

 

  • Literacy and informational programs for all ages
    • Weekly, monthly and special programming for children, teens and adults.
    • Community (UM) partnered programming.
  • Outreach
    • Children’s Museum Passes
    • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Pass
    • Penobscot Theater Company Passes
    • Maynard Jordan Planetarium Passes
    • 2 Maine State Park Passes
    • Book  discussion group at Dirigo Pines coordinated by Circulation Manager
    • Monthly Storytimes at the Sharing Place Daycare provided by Youth Services Librarian
    • Outreach to those unable to visit the library facility.   Material Delivery by Library volunteers.
    • Free tax service with CA$H Maine

 

Current Resources

 

         Personnel: 4.5 FTE

  • Director (1.0)
  • Youth Services Librarian (1.0)
  • Youth Services Desk Clerk (0.7)
  • Circulation/Adult Services (1.0)
  • Circulation Clerk (0.4)
  • Circulation Clerk (0.4)
  • Substitute Clerks (per diem)