Comments on: AADL To Hire Communications Consultant

By: DrData

DrData — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:15:05 +0000

#22: That’s why I think the $28,000 is being used to hire services from this consulting organization rather than an AADL employee. The only thing that surprises me is that the fee wasn’t $50,000, but perhaps that expenditure requires more daylight.

Too bad the AADL is going this route. I am a supporter of a public library and have been a heavy user – not so much without kids.

By: Libby Hunter

Libby Hunter — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:40:21 +0000

The website for the Columbus consulting firm the AADL is hiring is worth a look...not well-written, and looks like a politically oriented group, ie, one that assists in getting bonds passed. Their newest product is a customized mobile app. [link]

By: Jack Eaton

Jack Eaton — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:37:54 +0000

I would like to clarify one point. It is my understanding that when Library Board Member Nancy Kaplan brought up the topic of the consultant’s contract, she was not endorsing that contract. She was bringing up a subject that would not have otherwise been discussed. Because the contract was for an amount, $28,000, that did not require Board approval, it did not require Board discussion. Ms. Kaplan thought the subject deserved public attention.

As noted in the article, Ms. Kaplan previously offered a resolution to televise Board meetings. Her efforts appear to be a consistent effort to help the public gain access to what the Library does. I would encourage others to support her in this endeavor.

By: Lyn Davidge

Lyn Davidge — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:51:56 +0000

I’m concerned that various Board comments noted above reflect a lack of understanding of the fundamentals of communication. It’s two-way, folks!

President Rosenthal thinks that the community doesn’t “know what we do or how we do it?” I talked to a lot of voters during my unsuccessful campaign for Board last Fall. I did not find anyone who didn’t know what the AADL does, or how well they do many things. I did find those who did not like some what the library does and did not feel it reflects the needs and interests of the library district.

Trustee Head is noted twice as saying that the library needs to “push out information.” A strategic plan goal is quoted by Trustee Kaplan which emphasizes getting the message out about what the library does but does not mention more effective gathering of input from users. Trustee Leary speaks of the communications audit now contracted to Allerton Hill as a means to “effectively inform and engage” the public — an ambiguous phrase at best.

Chronicle readers, the AADL Board needs to hear from you! At this point, they aren’t asking what you think, so you need to take that initiative. Call / write members individually or collectively. Come to the next meeting on Monday, April 15 at 7 PM and put your ideas and opinions on record! Most of us believe we have a great library and we deserve to have a say in developing better services and a 21st century vision for this beloved institution. We need to remind the Board and Administration of that.

By: JPelissier

JPelissier — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:04:24 +0000

$28,000 for a Communications Consultant? REALLY!? Make your meetings public like many other libraries already do, Nancy Kaplan, and there is no need for the communication consultant. Being an ex-employee, I say save the $28,000 and hire adequate staff at all facilities so supervisors don’t instruct workers to leave desks empty when an employee take a dinner break! Yes, this happens. Also, it is obvious some board members think the residents of Ann Arbor are ignorant. It is time for these board members to be replaced by new members that will more adequately reflect the wants and needs of the citizens of Ann Arbor.

By: Steve Bean

Steve Bean — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:28:28 +0000

@17: Unless you wanted to read the work at the park, or on the bus, during a blackout, or….

By: Eric J

Eric J — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:31:59 +0000

It isn’t a matter of love, its just that it costs a fair piece of money and its purpose is vanishing.

Now that spring has come someone asked what literary work starts with “April is the cruellest month” (not about income tax). One person remembered then we Googled. After typing in April is the rest was autofinished in the suggested search list and there were several listings of the complete work, biography of the writer, criticism, whatever else you wanted concerning this work.

No need to go to a library, no need for Bartlett’s quotations, no need for anthologies.

By: Vivienne Armentrout

Vivienne Armentrout — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:59:08 +0000

I think everyone commenting here and probably everyone reading this (with the possible exception of Eric J.) loves our Ann Arbor District Library and appreciates its many services and advances, notably in archiving local historical documents and in customer service. I just picked up a book today.

It makes me sad that our first reaction to this news is suspicion. But it makes me sadder to share that.

By: DrData

DrData — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:16:05 +0000

The dollar amount strikes me as a contract for services rather than hiring an employee. Otherwise, the library won’t be getting much of a communications consultant for $28,000. That is a low-level, needs lots of guidance salary.

Is this supposed to be a full-year/full-time position – and the person isn’t off working on other “ballot issues” in neighboring communities?

Good detective work.

By: Dave Cahill

Dave Cahill — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:51:32 +0000

When I saw the stuff about the communication consultant, I thought that the Library was ramping up for a new campaign. The great research in the comments here confirms that.

What is and is not a “campaign expense” depends on what the County Clerk will say, if asked. Timing is everything, I expect.

My guess is that the Library is looking at November, 2014 for another bond question.