Ellen Miller Group

Clients

Clients

There are many layers to the library cake. Ellen Miller has worked with most of them. Her firm's list of clients includes statewide systems, small-town libraries as well as large multi-location libraries.

  • Kansas City Library Consortium
  • Friends of Rolling Hills Consolidated Library, Missouri
  • Topeka-Shawnee Couny, Kan., Public Library
  • Texas Library Association
  • Goshen College's Harold and Wilma Good Library, Indiana
  • Missouri State Library
  • Urban Libraries Council
  • Southwest Kansas Library System, serving 21 counties
  • Villanova University's Falvey Library
  • Basehor, Kansas, Community Library
  • INCOLSA (Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority, serving 750+ libraries)
  • Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Public Library
  • Northeast Kansas Library System, serving 17 counties
  • Olathe, Kansas, Public Library

One sign of Ellen Miller Group's experience in the library field is the firm's list of clients (at left) and some of the publications contributed to journals by Ellen Miller herself (below).

Case study: Library board training

Background. Since the mid-1990s, Ellen Miller had looked for an organization that might undertake practical, national training for trustees and boards. However, the time wasn't right.

Situation. While writing The Library Board Strategic Guide with co-author Patricia H. Fisher, Miller interviewed WebJunction Executive Director Marilyn Gell Mason. Mason's vision included outreach to boards and trustees. What was needed? Content.

Outcome No. 1. WebJunction launched webinars aimed at rural and small library boards. The webinars, created by Miller, Fisher and colleague Jim Connor, include "Board Challenges and Successes" and "Motivating Your Board: Money, Lawsuits and Facilities." Format? A guest director or trustee discusses a case history and gives advice.

Outcome No. 2. WebJunction launched a new monthly blog, "Trustee Tips'n'Topics." Miller, Fisher and Connor address "Cooks in the kitchen: Director-board division of labor," "Serving your community: If you don't measure it, you can't grade it!" and more.

Case study: Location issues in Kansas

Background. The Olathe, Kansas, Public Library was in the midst of facilities strategic planning. However, changing demographic data and forecasts didn't permit clear-cut recommendations.

Situation. An ad hoc task force including two trustees and the library director interviewed civic leaders about their constituents' needs for library facilities. City, Chamber of Commerce, planning, school, business and homeschool representatives gave their views at brown-bag lunch meetings. Of special concern? Addressing civic goals such as City Council's 2004 Strategic Planning Report and downtown renovation.

Outcome. The ad hoc task force recommended to the full board a "3+1" package of locations. The package addressed civic goals, growth patterns, costs and the library's current facilities. The package proposed (1) rebuilding downtown's Main Library, (2) doubling the one branch to 12,000 square feet and (3) building a new facility on 11 city-owned acres in a fast-growth area. It also urged discussions with developers about use of library-owned vacant land in an area projected for major growth.

Case study: Strategic Planning by Friends Group

Background. Friends of the Johnson County (Kansas) Library won a FolUSA award. However, they didn't want to rest on their laurels.

Situation. New leadership sought a long-term plan that would provide more financial support for the library, increase membership and heighten visibility. Ellen Miller facilitated an intensive one-day session that prioritized major issues and sketched desired outcomes and strategies. The board finished up the plan, stretching dollars.

Outcome. Action steps include updating the Friends Web site, sponsoring several community events celebrating the library's 50th anniversary and growing to more than 900 members and an annual budgeting topping $200,000.