By Michelle Brooks
The Moniteau County Library will see improvements to its technology and web presence in the coming year.
The library board at its regular meeting Dec. 20 approved a budget that includes a new website and a new automation system.
The new automation system will be easier for patron and staff to use, plus will be more efficient for public library use than the old system, which was designed for public schools. The initial cost will be $4,770 to Atrium and then $695 for maintenance in following years.
With the former website host no longer available, the library reviewed a proposal from Verocity Interactive to design a more interactive website and also host the site for $8,713 the first year and $1,148 for annual maintenance afterward.
The board approved the budget for a website replacement, but requested staff to seek additional bids for comparison.
"I'd love for the library to have a better quality base to our technology," Director Connie Walker said.
While seeking the website reiteration, the board also will seek bids for a library logo to help establish a consistent, professional image.
In other business, the library board:
Learned 142 individuals attended the recent Grinchmas party, including 13 families without library cards. A Valentine's-themed party is being planned for February.
The Winter Check-Out Challenge will begin Jan. 2 and end with a drawing March 1 for gift baskets from local businesses. Previous years have been limited to book checkout, but this year all library users are eligible.
Noted that the TumbleBooks program continues to grow in use by rural schools, including Jamestown.