Tag Archives: public libraries

General, Public, Special

Circulating neck ties?

186HSome public libraries check out art, playground equipment, even hot spots, but have you ever heard about a necktie collection?

This article describes the new initiative of the Paschalville Branch Library, where their “tiebrary” features a display of ties available to borrow three weeks at a time, for no cost.

Libraries are increasingly being used for more than just checking out books. They are spaces where community members can use resources, especially when they are trying to find a job. People come to use the computers to fill out job applications or work on resumes. Now they can return to the Paschalville Library to help get outfitted for their job interviews!

Image credit: http://gratisography.com/ (Ryan McGuire), licensed under CC0 1.0

 

Public

Action Guide to re-envision your public library

AspenlogoAccording to the Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries (DPL) “Public libraries have the DNA needed to thrive in this new information-rich, knowledge-based society.”

In 2014, their important work was documented in the report, Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries. A new action guide has been created with resources for “convening a community dialogue”. Libraries can use this as a tool to help them work with their communities to set a new vision for their public library.

The Action Guide for Re-Envisioning Your Public Library

 

Public, School Media Specialist

Libraries at the crossroads

pew-research-centerIn a new survey from Pew Research Center, the dichotomy of public interest in additional library services and the numbers of Americans visiting libraries edging downward over the past three years, would make anyone’s head spin. It seems people want more from their library, but once again, the numbers indicate that fewer of them are using the library. This continues to be somewhat of a conundrum, one that librarians should all think about. What can be done?

There are many aspects of this report worthy of thought, and we encourage you to peruse the full report, while we ponder the following report kernel here…

Of note, in the survey, “85% of Americans say that libraries should “definitely” coordinate with schools in providing resources for children.” This kind of collaboration sounds good, but what does it mean from a practical standpoint? Are K-12 curriculum directors (if there are any) interested in working with public librarians who are trying to provide useful childrens resources? Are public libraries funded adequately to ensure each child has a public library card? Probably not!  But parents could get involved in a big way. It already takes a parent’s permission to give the child a card, so maybe a promotion to parents by the schools could move this work forward. In the CMLE region, we just did a needs assessment so we can share the following data in this area:

  • 90% of CMLE survey respondents live within 10 miles of their public library. Only 20% of CMLE membership filled out the survey, but it is still a great start!
  • The online resources of the public library are accessible almost anywhere as long as students have a library card and an internet connection. Idea: handout for parents during parent-teacher conferences promoting a library card! If the bulk of cards were secured through parents, the flow of work for the public libraries in possibly more manageable.
  • And yes, there is always room for growth. Of our 2015 CMLE respondents, 52% had a working relationship with their public library, which is also a great start. CMLE staff are pondering whether an event where schools and public libraries could begin or grow a relationship might be of interest. If you want to help our staff plan such an event, send email to admin@cmle.org
  • We also learned that 49% of K-12 survey takers didn’t know if their students checked out eBooks from the public library. School media staff need to ask this question…it could help the public libraries as they further develop their eBook collections and would inform the buying decisions of schools too.
  • There appears to be room for growth and continued collaboration between schools and public libraries and CMLE stands ready to support and assist. Our strength lies in creating space and opportunity for such events to take place.

Read the full report now.

General, Public

Public Libraries offering online accredited high school diplomas

Color pictureEveryone deserves a second chance. Especially when it comes to education. That’s the premise behind a new program with the Public Libraries, Gale, and Career Online High School.

The new program gives adult learners the opportunity to earn their high school diploma at a public library. The partners: Career Online High School, Gale, and Public Libraries all help with pieces of the program.

The Career Online High School‘s “nontraditional academic format reengages dropouts” and helps them when “returning to a traditional high school is not an option for most of our students.”

“Gale, which had been offering courses on its own for those seeking a high school diploma, decided to shape its program for the public library” and work with Career Online High School to deliver it to Public Libraries.

“Public libraries… are still very much about education, about supplying materials to people who want educational and informational materials. There’s a lot more emphasis on programming versus just content acquisition.”

Together the three are helping those who need it get a second chance.

Read the entire article now!

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/n36d8lx, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
General, Public

Future of the public library: Millennials?!

Merrion SquareDid you know that 50% of millennials confirm having used a public library in the last year? How about the fact that millennials “are the most likely demographic to read books for pleasure, school, or work, and to utilize the library as a research source.” These are surprising facts about a generation that is stereotypically pictured holding their smart phone, texting.

Gretchen Kaser of Public Libraries Online thinks public libraries should be doing more to reach this demographic. “The more we attract millennials,” she says, “the more likely they will be to remain life-long library users and eventually instill this interest in their children.”

Looking for ideas? Kaser suggests a generation-specific book club or interesting lecture. She concludes wondering: “this age group may be the future of the public library.”

Where do you see millennials at your library? Are you focusing content, services, or programming on their generation? Why or why not?

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/k882v2j, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0