[Answerland] New Answerland partner library agreements due next week!

[Tamara Ottum]

Hello Answerlanders,

I sent out the below emails to the Answerland liaisons, but have heard back from less than half of the Answerland libraries. So in order to make sure I'm reaching everyone, I'm sending this to the Answerland listserv.

The new agreements need to be returned to me by next Tuesday, January 31.

-Tamara

From: Tamara Ottum
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 8:37 AM
Subject: Reminder: New Answerland partner library agreements due Jan 31

Hello all,
Just a reminder that the new agreements are due to the State Library by Tuesday, January 31.
-Tamara

From: Tamara Ottum
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 1:01 PM
Subject: Need your response: New Answerland partner library agreements

Hello Answerland liaisons,

The Answerland Advisory Committee has created new partner library agreements<https://answerland.org/get-involved/become-a-partner-library/>, and now we are asking your library to reaffirm its commitment to Answerland.

Why are we doing this?
The original agreements ("L-net Statement of Understanding") became invalid when Answerland transitioned from Multnomah County Library to the State Library. This, in combination with a general staffing shortage due to the long transition period, signified that it is time to refresh and renew the partner library relationship.

What has changed from the old agreement?
*           There are now two types of partnerships: Full Partners, which help staff the statewide chat in return for local chat service at their library; and Referral Partners, which answer questions sent to them via email and may serve as subject matter experts.
*           In order to use the QuestionPoint software, a library has to be a Full Partner. They must give credit to Answerland for helping to provide their local virtual reference service.
*           A full partner library's level of participation (number of hours per week they contribute to chat) will be worked out between the Coordinator and the library, taking into consideration the library's patron population size and the number of reference librarians they have on staff. The Coordinator will consider alternative arrangements if needed (ex: analytical projects, developing marketing materials, committee work, mentoring, etc.).
*           Full partners must help staff the QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference Cooperative queues.
*           All partners must use the statewide survey tool.

Why should I remain a partner library?
Answerland relies on partner libraries - like you - working together to provide service to Oregonians across the state. Without sufficient staffing through library partnerships, this collaborative service cannot function.

Also, partner libraries reap additional benefits in return for their contributions to the service:
*           As a Full Partner, you can enhance your library's reference service through access to the QuestionPoint software for local service, as well as save time and money through shared staffing, purchasing, marketing, and training.
*           As a Referral Partner, you can help serve the citizens of Oregon by contributing subject matter expertise, and communicate easily with reference librarians statewide.

More details can be found at Become an Answerland Partner Library<https://answerland.org/get-involved/become-a-partner-library/>.

What are the steps for signing the new agreements?
1.                Decide if your library wants to become a Full Partner Library or Referral Partner Library.
2.                If you would like to become Full Partner Library, contact me to discuss your participation arrangement.
3.                Fill out, sign, and submit the appropriate Letter of Agreement found at Become an Answerland Partner Library<https://answerland.org/get-involved/become-a-partner-library/>.

When are the new agreements due?
They must be sent to the State Library by January 31, 2017.

How long will the agreements be good for?
At this time we are asking for commitment until June 2018, at which time we'll have sufficient data to assess the service and determine if changes are needed.

What if my library no longer wants to be a partner?
Please contact me to let me know if this is the case. If your library is using the QuestionPoint software for local virtual reference service, you will have until June 30, 2017 to transition off the software, at which time your library's QuestionPoint account will be disabled.

What if I have questions or concerns?
Please contact me at tamara.ottum at state.or.us<mailto:tamara.ottum at state.or.us> or 503-378-6506.

I look forward to hearing from you all!
-Tamara


Tamara Ottum
Answerland Coordinator
Oregon State Library
503-378-6506
tamara.ottum at state.or.us<mailto:tamara.ottum at state.or.us>
answerland.org<https://answerland.org/>

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