Kenney, B. (2009). Mamma mia: Tough times present unprecedented opportunities. School Library Journal. 55(3), p. 11.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Don't Give Up On Me
Brian Kennedy, editor-in-chief of School Library Journal, discusses the point that even though public and school libraries are going through tough times, there are many great things going on in libraries today. His first point lies in the fact that libraries have received more press in the last six months than they have in decades. The articles range from how libraries are busier than ever to showing the wealth of technology and collections that many libraries offer. He also goes on to argue that it is a great time for libraries due to the fact that many collections are transforming and forming more connections with electronic sources. These digital and print brooks, audio books, and graphic novels are interacting with each other more than ever before and are changing the face of library collections. Librarians have a greater opportunity than ever before to engage and connect with the community. We need to take the economic disadvantages that plague our profession and use them to bring more patrons to the library.
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It's a very common complaint that the media only focuses on the negative. Most libraries have many great programs in place, but due to lack of funding and lack of coverage the only place we hear about them is often within the library itself. Without any positive marketing, we often miss exciting new programs and collection that our local libraries may have invested in.
ReplyDeleteI have worked in Birmingham for over 3 years, but I only just recently decided to get a Birmingham Library card. I probably would not have seen the need if I was not browsing on the BPL website where I noticed a certain language learning program which was available for free to library patrons. What a great service!
I don't believe that all libraries should do a media blitz whenever a new product becomes available, but it does certainly increase patronage (and hopefully donations) when people are aware of all the great things that their local libraries have to offer.